COLLINS

COLLEGE
DICTIONARY
 BANK^/ENGLISH
This dictionary has been compiled by referring to the Bank of English, a
unique database of the English language with examples of over 200
million words enabling Collins lexicographers to analyse how English
is actually used today and how it is changing. This is the evidence on
which the changes in this dictionary are based.

The Bank of English was set up as a joint initiative by HarperCollins

Publishers and Birmingham University to be a resource for language
research and lexicography. It contains a very wide range of material
from books, newspapers, radio, TV, magazines, letters, and talks
reflecting the whole spectrum of English today. Its size and range make
it an unequalled resource and the purpose-built software for its analysis
is unique to Collins Dictionaries.

This ensures that Collins Dictionaries accurately reflect English as it is

used today in a way that is most helpful to the dictionary user as well
as including the full range of rarer and historical words and meanings.
COLLINS
COLLEGE
DICTIONARY

HarperCollinsTWVzsAers
 First Published 1995
© HarperCollins Publishers 1995
ISBN 0 00 470901-2

All rights reserved.

Corpus Acknowledgments
We would like to thank those authors and publishers who
kindly gave permission for copyright material to be used in the
Bank of English. We would also like to thank Times Newspapers
Ltd and the BBC World Service for providing valuable data.

A catalogue record for this book is

available from the British Library.

Entered words that we have reason to believe

constitute trademarks have been designated as such.
However, neither the presence nor absence of
such designation should be regarded as affecting the
legal status of any trademark.

Typeset by Barbers Ltd.,

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 CONTENTS

Foreword vii

Features of the Dictionary viii

Abbreviations Used in the Dictionary x

DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1

Guide to Grammar 978

Guide to Spelling Forms 981

 EDITORIAL STAFF
Managing Editor
Marian Makins

Chief Lexicographer
Diana Adams

Lexicagraph ers
Alice Grandison
Sheila Ferguson Andrew Holmes Danielle McGinley
Tom Shearer Elspeth Summers
Michael Murphy (c o bu il d )

Assistant Lexicographers
Ian Brookes Alison Foy
Mary O’Neill

Computing
Colette Clenaghan
Robert McMillan

Pronunciation Editor
Judith Scott

Usage Editor
Ronald G Hardie

Australian Advisers
G A Wilkes
Challis Professor of English
University of Sydney

W A Krebs
Associate Professor in Literature and Communications
Bond University, Queensland

Canadian Adviser
Patrick Drysdale
Editor, A Dictionary af Canadianisms an Historical Principles

New Zealand Adviser

Professor Emeritus Ian A Gordon
University of Wellington

South African Adviser

Geoffrey Hughes
Professor of English
University of the Witwatersrand
 FOREWORD
The Collins College Dictionary is a completely new text. It is practical,
up to date, easy to use, and easy to understand. Every word defined is
given as a main entry in a single alphabetical sequence. Every
definition is presented in concise straightforward English. Where a
word has more than one sense, the one given first is the normal
everyday meaning in today’s language. Other senses of a word - for
example, historical and technical senses - are explained after the main
present-day meaning. Each sense is separately numbered, so that it is
easy to see how many different senses a word has and to find the one
required.
The entries show not only the spelling and meaning of each word, but
also its grammatical class. Simple pronunciations are given for words
that may be unfamiliar. Guidance is given on appropriate levels of
usage: for example, some uses are appropriate only in informal
contexts, others in extremely formal contexts. These are clearly marked
as such. Words and meanings that have gone out of use are marked as
obsolete or archaic: they are included in the dictionary if they are
common in the literature of the past. Handy hints on tricky points of
correct English are given after many entries. On pages viii and ix you
will find a typical page from the dictionary that shows the different
kinds of information the entries give. At the end of the dictionary text,
there are helpful notes on grammar and spelling rules.
Although this is a relatively small dictionary, the compilers have been
able to draw on an unprecedented range of data as raw material. In the
first place, the dictionary is based on the Collins English Dictionary
databank, which has been painstakingly constructed over the years by
Collins lexicographers and their expert advisers in many different fields
of knowledge. The work of collecting new words and senses for this
databank continues unabated and has provided a number of new words
and senses recorded here.
Computer technology has, in addition, provided other kinds of
evidence not previously available. The compilers were able to consult
the Bank of English, a unique computer-based collection of over 200
million words of written and spoken English. Analysis of this data has
enabled the compilers to give the user of this dictionary the most up-to-
date information about how English is written and spoken today, Doth
in the definitions of words and in the thousands of new examples that
illustrate meaning. All of the examples of use given in this dictionary
are based on an examination of the uses recorded in the Bank of
English.
The Collins College Dictionary has thus used the latest techniques to
provide a practical and clear guide to-today’s language for today’s users.

vii
 FEATURES OF THE DICTIONARY
a particular occupation or type of work: a
school career punctuated with exams. —vb
3 to rush in an uncontrolled way. -adj 4
having chosen to dedicate his or her life to a
Tips on
particular occupation: a career soldier.
Correct English
► Do not confuse career “rush" with careen
“tat”.
careerist n a person who seeks to advance
his or her career by any means possible,
careerism n
carefree adj without worry or responsibil-
ity.
careful adj 1 cautious in attitude or action. 2
very exact and thorough, carefully adv
carefulness n
careless adj 1 done or acting with insuffi-
cient attention. 2 unconcerned in attitude or
action, carelessly adv carelessness n
carer n a person who looks after someone
who is ill or old, often a relative: the group
offers support for the carers of those with
dementia.
Parts of speech ■caress-mi a gentle affectionate touch or
embrace, —vb 2 to touch gently and affec-
tionately.
caret (kar-ret) n a symbol (1) indicating a
place in written or printed matter where
something is to be inserted.
caretaker n 1 a person employed to look
after a place or thing, -adj 2 performing — Example phrases
the duties of an office temporarily: a fare- show how words are
taker administration. actually used
careworn adj showing signs of stress or
worry. _____________
Spelling help with
changes in form of cargo n, pl -goes or esp US -gos goods car-
entry words ried by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
Carib n 1 (pl -lbs or -ib) a member of a group
of American Indian peoples of NE South
America and the S West Indies. 2 any of the
languages of these peoples.
Caribbean adj of the Caribbean Sea, bound-
ed by Central America, South America, and
the West Indies, or the surrounding coun-
tries and islands.
caribou n, pl -bous or -bou a large North
Numbered definitions ^^Can r<^d<T . ....
help find the sense y0U^arfcatwejU_adrawing or description of a
want person whiclieXaggeEales characteristic
featih^s for comic effect. 2 a description or
explanation of something that is so exag-
gerated or ovQr-simplified that it is difficult
to take serioustjothe caricature of Scotland
found on postcards and shortbread tins,
—vb -turing, -tured 3 to make a caricature
of.
caries (care-reez) n tooth decay.
carillon (kar-rill-yon) n 1 a set of bells hung
in a tower and played either from a key-
board or mechanically. 2 a tune played on
such bells.
caring adj 1 feeling or showing care and Modern usage of an
compassion for other people. 2 of or relat- established word
ing to professional social or medical care:
the caring professions.
viii
Modern vocabulary------- .
carjack vb to attack (a driver in a car) in
order to rob the driver or to steal the car for
another crime.
Carmelite n 1 a Christian friar or nun be-
longing to the order of Our Lady of Carmel.
—adj 2 of this order.
carminative adj 1 able to relieve flatulence.
—n 2 a carminative drug.
carmine adj vivid red.
carnage n extensive slaughter of people,
carnal adj of a sexual or sensual nature:
carnal knowledge, carnality n
carnation n a cultivated plant with clove-
scented white, pink, or red flowers.
carnelian n a reddish-yellow variety of
chalcedony, used as a gemstone.
for all words that carnet (kar-nay) n a customs licence permit-
could cause ting motorists to take their cars across cer-
confusion, with the tain frontiers.
stressed syllable in carnival n 1 a festive period with
bold type processions, music, and dancing in the
street. 2 a travelling funfair.
carnivore (car-niv-vore) n a meat-eating
animal, carnivorous (car-niv-or-uss) adj
carob n the pod of a Mediterranean tree,
used as a chocolate substitute.
carol n 1 a joyful religious song sung at
Christmas, —vb -oiling, -oiled or US -oling,
-oled 2 to sing carols. 3 to sing joyfully.______
— Restrictive labels
Carotene n Biochem any of four orange-red show context of use
hydrocarbons, found in many plants, con-
verted to vitamin A in the liver.
carotid (kar-rot-id) n 1 either of the two ar-
teries that supply blood to the head and
neck, —adj 2 of either of these arteries,
carousal n a merry drinking party.
carouse vb -rousing, -roused to have a
merry drinking party.
carousel (kar-roo-sell) n 1 a revolving con-
veyor for luggage at an airport or for slides — Coverage of
for a projector. 2 US & Canad a merry-go- World English
nuniuiiyiii iiumuers ---- FOUnd.
distinguish entry words'^carp1 n, pl carp or carps a large freshwater
with identical spelling root! fish.
but different meanings carp2 vb to complain or find fault, carping
adj, n
carpal n a wrist bone.
car park n an area or building reserved for
parking cars.
carpel n the female reproductive organ of a
flowering plant.
carpenter n a person who makes or repairs
wooden structures.
carpentry n the skill or work of a carpenter,
carpet n 1 a heavy fabric for covering
floors. 2 a covering like a carpet: a carpet of
leaves. 3 on the carpet Informal being or Common phrases
about to be, reprimanded. 4 sweep some-
thing under the carpet to conceal or keep
silent about something that one does not
want to be discovered, -vb -peting, -peted
5 to cover with a carpet or a covering like a
carpet.
 ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE DICTIONARY

adj adjective Meteorol Meteorology

adv adverb(ial) Mil Military
Anat Anatomy Myth Mythology
Anthropol Anthropology n noun
Archaeol Archaeology N North(ern)
Archit Architecture Naut Nautical
Astrol Astrology NE Northeast(ern)
Astron Astronomy NW Northwest(ern)
Austral Australian NZ New Zealand
Bacteriol Bacteriology orig. originally
Biochem Biochemistry Ornithol Ornithology
Biol Biology Pathol Pathology
Bot Botany Pharmacol Pharmacology
Brit British Photog Photography
C Celsius Physiol Physiology
Canad Canadian Pl plural
cap capital PP past participle
Chem Chemistry prep preposition
conj conjunction pron pronoun
Crystallog Crystallography Psychoanal Psychoanalysis
E East(ern) Psychol Psychology
Econ Economics Pt past tense
esp. especially BC Roman Catholic
etc. et cetera S South(ern)
F Fahrenheit Scot Scots, Scottish
fem feminine SE Southeast(ern)
foil. followed sing singular
Geog Geography SIV Southwest(ern)
Geol Geology Theol Theology
Geom Geometry US United States
interj interjection vb verb
masc masculine W Western}
Maths Mathematics Zool Zoology
Med Medicine

X
 A
a or A n, pl a’s, A’s, or As 1 the first letter of abbacy n, pl -cies the office or jurisdiction
the English alphabet. 2 from A to B from of an abbot or abbess.
one place to another: I Just want a car that abbe (ab-bay) n a French abbot or other
takes me from A to B. 3 from A to Z from clergyman.
start to finish. abbess n the nun in charge of a convent,
a adj (indefinite article) 1 used preceding a abbey n 1 a church associated with a com-
singular count noun that has not been men- munity of monks or nuns. 2 a community of
tioned before: a book; a great shame. 2 used monks or nuns. 3 a building inhabited by
preceding a noun or adjective of quantity: a monks or nuns.
litre of wine; a great amount has been writ- abbot n the head of an abbey of monks.
ten; I swim a lot and walk much more. 3
each or every; per: I saw him once a week abbreviate vb -ating, -ated 1 to shorten a
for six weeks. word by leaving out some letters. 2 to cut
short, abbreviation n
A 1 Music the sixth note of the scale of C
major. 2 ampere(s). 3 atomic: an A-bomb. ABC n 1 the alphabet. 2 an alphabetical
guide. 3 the basics of something.
A angstrom unit.
abdicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to give up the
a- or before a vowel an- prefix not or with- throne formally. 2 to give up one's respon-
out: atonal; asocial; anaphrodisiac. sibilities. abdication n
A1, A-1, or A-one adj Informal first-class, abdomen n the part of the body that con-
excellent. tains the stomach and intestines, abdomi-
A4 n a standard paper size, 297 X 210 mm. nal adj
AA 1 Alcoholics Anonymous. 2 (in Britain) abduct vb to remove/ (a person) by force;
Automobile Association. kidnap, abduction n abductor n
AAA Brit Amateur Athletic Association. abeam adv, adj at right angles to the length
A & R artists and repertoire. of a ship or aircraft.
aardvark n an African mammal with long Aberdeen Angus n a black hornless breed
ears and snout. of beef cattle originating in Scotland.
AB 1 able-bodied seaman. 2 Alberta. aberrant adj not normal, accurate, or cor-
ab- prefix away from or opposite to: abnor- rect: aberrant behaviour.
mal. aberration n 1 a sudden change from what is
aback adv taken aback startled or discon- normal, accurate, or correct. 2 a brief lapse
certed. in control of one’s thoughts or feelings: he
abacus (ab-a-cuss) n a counting device con- suddenly had a mental aberration.
sisting of a frame holding beads on metal abet vb abetting, abetted to help or en-
rods. courage in wrongdoing.
abaft adv, adj Naut closer to the stern of a abeyance n in abeyance put aside tempo-
ship. rarily.
abalone (ab-a-lone-ee) n an edible sea crea- abhor vb -horring, -horred to detest utterly,
ture with a shell lined with mother-of-pearl, abhorrent adj hateful or disgusting, abhor-
abandon vb 1 to desert or leave: he had al- rence n
ready abandoned his first wife. 2 to give up abide vb 1 to tolerate: I can’t abide stupid
completely: did you abandon all attempts at people. 2 to last or exist for a long time:
contact with the boy? 3 to give oneself over these instincts, while subdued in the indi-
completely to an emotion. ~n 4 with aban- vidual, may abide in the race. 3 abide by to
don uninhibitedly and without restraint, act in accordance with: he must abide by
abandonment n the findings of the report. 4 Archaic to live.
abandoned adj 1 no longer used or occu- abiding adj lasting for ever: an abiding in-
pied: four people were found dead in an terest in history.
abandoned vehicle. 2 wild and uninhibited: ability n, pl -ties 1 possession of the neces-
she made his aunt laugh, that fluffy aban- sary skill or power to do something. 2 great
doned laugh he so liked to hear. skill or competence: his ability as a speaker
abase vb abasing, abased abase oneself was legendary.
to make oneself humble, abasement n abject adj 1 utterly miserable: one Mexican
abashed adj embarrassed and ashamed. in five lives in abject poverty. 2 lacking all
abate vb abating, abated to make or be- self-respect, abjectly adv
come less strong: the tension has abated in abjure vb -juring, -jured to renounce or
recent months, abatement n deny under oath, abjuration n
abattoir (ab-a-twahr) n a slaughterhouse. ablation n 1 the surgical removal of an
ablaze 2 abrogate
organ or part. 2 the wearing away of a rock of a mission or project. 4 Informal some-
or glacier. 3 the melting of a part, such as thing that is grotesque, abortionist n
the heat shield of a space re-entry vehicle. abortive adj failing to achieve its purpose,
ablaze adj 1 on fire. 2 brightly illuminated: abound vb 1 to exist in large numbers. 2
the sky was ablaze with the stars shining abound in to have a large number of.
bright. 3 emotionally aroused: his eyes were about prep 1 relating to or concerning. 2
ablaze with anger. near to. 3 carried on: I haven’t any money
able adj 1 having the necessary power, skill, about me. 4 on every side of. —adv 5 near
or opportunity to do something. 2 capable in number, time, or degree; approximately.
or talented. 6 nearby. 7 here and there: there were some
-able suffix forming adjectives able to be fifteen other people scattered about on the
acted upon as specified: washable, -ably first floor. 8 all around; on every side. 9 in
suffix forming adverbs -ability suffix or to the opposite direction. 10 in rotation:
forming nouns turn and turn about. 11 used to indicate
able-bodied adj strong and healthy, understatement: it’s about time somebody
able-bodied seaman or able seaman n a told the truth on that subject. 12 about to
seaman who is trained in certain skills. on the point of; intending to: she was about
to get in the car. 13 not about to deter-
able rating n a seaman of the lowest rank in mined not to: we’re not about to help her
a navy. out. —adj 14 active: he was off the prem-
ablutions pl n the act of washing: after the ises well before anyone was up and about.
nightly ablutions, I settled down to read. about-turn or US about-face n 1 a complete
ably adv competently or skilfully. change of opinion or direction. 2 a reversal
ABM antiballistic missile. of the direction in which one is facing.
abnegation n the act of giving something above prep 1 higher than; over. 2 greater
up. than in quantity or degree: above average. 3
abnormal adj differing from the usual or superior to or higher than in quality, rank,
typical, abnormality n abnormally adv or ability. 4 too high-minded for: he consid-
aboard adv, adj, prep on, in, onto, or into (a ered himself above the task of working. 5
ship, plane, or train). too respected for; beyond: his fleet was
abode n one’s home. above suspicion.^ too difficult to be under-
stood by: a discussion that was way above
abolish vb to do away with (laws, regula- my head. 7 louder or higher than (other
tions, or customs). noise). 8 in preference to. 9 above all most
abolition n 1 the act of doing away with of all; especially, -adv 10 in or to a higher
something: the abolition of slavery. 2 Abo- place: the hills above. 11 in a previous place
lition the ending of slavery, abolitionist (in something written or printed). 12 higher
n, adj in rank or position. ~n 13 the above some-
A-bomb n short for atom bomb. thing previously mentioned, —adj 14 ap-
abominable adj very bad or unpleasant: pearing in a previous place (in something
what is being done here is utterly abomi- written or printed): for a copy of the free
nable. abominably adv brochure write to the above address.
abominable snowman n a large creature, above board adj completely honest and
like a man or an ape, that is said to live in open.
the Himalayas. abracadabra n a word used in magic spells,
abominate vb -nating, -nated to dislike in- which is supposed to possess magic powers.
tensely. abomination n abrasion n 1 a scraped area on the skin;
aboriginal adj existing in a place from the graze. 2 Geog the erosion of rock by rock
earliest known period. fragments scratching and scraping it.
Aboriginal adj 1 of the Aborigines of Aus- abrasive adj 1 rude and unpleasant in man-
tralia. ~n 2 an Aborigine. ner. 2 tending to rub or scrape; rough. ~n 3
aborigine (ab-or-rij-in-ee) n an original in- a substance used for cleaning, smoothing, or
habitant of a country or region. polishing.
Aborigine n a member of a dark-skinned abreast adj 1 alongside each other and fac-
people who were already living in Australia ing in the same direction: the two cars were
when European settlers arrived. abreast. 2 abreast of up to date with.
abort vb 1 (of a pregnancy) to end before abridge vb abridging, abridged to shorten
the fetus is viable. 2 to perform an abortion a written work by taking out parts,
on a pregnant woman. 3 to end a plan or abridgment or abridgement n
process before completion. abroad adv 1 to or in a foreign country. 2
abortion n 1 an operation to end pregnancy. generally known or felt: there is a new spir-
2 the premature ending of a pregnancy it abroad.
when a fetus is expelled from the womb be- abrogate vb-gating, -gated to cancel (a law
fore it can live independently. 3 the failure or an agreement) formally, abrogation n
abrupt 3 abusive
abrupt adj 1 sudden or unexpected: an ab- absolve vb -solving, -solved to declare to be
rupt departure. 2 rather rude in speech or free from blame or sin.
manner, abruptly adv abruptness n absorb vb 1 to soak up a liquid. 2 to engage
abscess (ab-sess) n 1 a swelling containing the interest of someone. 3 to receive the
pus as a result of inflammation. ~vb 2 to force of an impact. 4 Physics to take in ra-
form a swelling containing pus. abscessed diant energy and retain it. 5 to take in or in-
adj corporate: this country has absorbed al-
abscissa n, pl -scissas or -scissae Maths (in most one million refugees, absorbent adj
a two-dimensional system of Cartesian co- absorbing adj
ordinates) the distance from the vertical absorption n 1 the process of absorbing
axis measured parallel to the horizontal something or the state of being absorbed. 2
axis. Physiol the process by which nutrients
abscond vb to run away unexpectedly, enter the tissues of an animal or a plant,
abseil (ab-sale) vb 1 to go down a steep drop absorptive adj
by a rope fastened at the top and tied abstain vb 1 to choose not to do something:
around one’s body. ~n 2 an instance of you will be asked to abstain from food prior
abseiling. to your general anaesthetic. 2 to choose not
absence n 1 the state of being away. 2 the to vote, abstainer n
time during which a person or thing is abstemious (ab-steem-ee-uss) adj taking
away. 3 the fact of being without some- very little alcohol or food, abstemiously
thing. adv abstemiousness n
absent adj 1 not present in a place or situa- abstention n 1 the formal act of not voting.
tion. 2 lacking. 3 not paying attention. ~vb 2 the act of abstaining from something,
4 absent oneself to stay away, absently such as drinking alcohol.
adv abstinence n the practice of choosing not to
absentee n a person who should be present do something one would like, abstinent adj
but is not. abstract adj 1 referring to ideas or qualities
absenteeism n persistent absence from rather than material objects: an abstract
work or school. noun. 2 not applied or practical; theoretical:
absent-minded adj inattentive or forgetful, he was frustrated by the highly abstract
absent-mindedly adv mathematics being taught. 3 of art in which
absinthe n a strong, green, alcoholic drink, the subject is represented by shapes and
originally containing wormwood. patterns rather than by a realistic likeness.
~n 4 a summary. 5 an abstract painting or
absolute adj 1 total and complete: he or- sculpture. 6 an abstract word or idea. 7 in
dered an immediate and absolute ceasefire. the abstract without referring to specific
2 with unrestricted power and authority: circumstances. ~vb 8 to summarize. 9 to
she has absolute control with fifty per cent remove or extract.
of the shares. 3 undoubted or certain: I was
telling the absolute truth. 4 not dependent abstracted adj lost in thought; preoccupied,
on or relative to anything else. 5 pure; un- abstractedly adv
mixed: absolute alcohol. ~n 6 a principle or abstraction n 1 a general idea rather than a
rule believed to be unfailingly correct. 7 the specific example: these absurd philosophi-
Absolute Philosophy that which is totally cal abstractions continued to bother him. 2
unconditioned, perfect, or complete. the quality of being abstract or abstracted.
absolutely adv 1 completely or perfectly. abstruse adj not easy to understand,
-interj 2 yes indeed, certainly. absurd adj obviously senseless or illogical;
absolute majority n a number of votes total- ridiculous, absurdity n absurdly adv
ling over 50 per cent, such as the total num- abundance n 1 a great amount. 2 degree of
ber of votes that beats the combined oppo- plentifulness. 3 in abundance in great
sition. amounts: they had fish and fruit in abun-
absolute pitch n the ability to identify the dance. abundant adj
pitch of a note, or to sing a given note, abundantly adv 1 very: he made his dis-
without reference to one previously sound- agreement with the prime minister abun-
ed. dantly clear. 2 plentifully; in abundance.
absolute zero n Physics the lowest tem- abuse n 1 prolonged ill-treatment of or vio-
perature theoretically possible, at which lence towards someone: child abuse. 2 in-
the particles that make up matter would be sulting comments. 3 improper use: an abuse
at rest: equivalent to —273.15°C or of power. ~vb abusing, abused 4 to take
—459.67°F. - advantage of dishonestly: these two minis-
absolution n Christianity a formal forgive- ters had abused their position for financial
ness of sin pronounced by a priest. gain. 5 to ill-treat violently: he had been
absolutism n a political system in which a sexually abused as a child. 6 to speak in-
monarch or dictator has unrestricted sultingly or cruelly to. abuser n
power. abusive adj rude or insulting: he was alleged
abut 4 acclimatize
to have used abusive language towards accentuate vb -ating, -ated to stress or em-
spectators, abusively adv phasize. accentuation n
abut vb abutting, abutted to be next to or accept vb 1 to take or receive something of-
touching. fered. 2 to agree to. 3 to consider something
abutment n a construction that supports the as true. 4 to tolerate or resign oneself to. 5
end of a bridge. to take on the responsibilities of: he asked if
abysmal adj Informal extremely bad. I would become his assistant and I accepted
abysmally adv that position. 6 to receive someone into a
abyss n 1 a very deep hole in the ground. 2 a community or group. 7 to receive something
frightening or threatening situation: the as adequate or valid.
abyss of revolution and war ahead. acceptable adj 1 able to be endured; toler-
Ac Chem actinium. able: in war killing is acceptable. 2 good
enough; adequate: he found the article ac-
AC 1 alternating current. 2 athletic club, ceptable. acceptability n acceptably adv
a/c 1 account. 2 account current.
acceptance n 1 the act of accepting some-
acacia (a-kay-sha) n a shrub or tree with thing. 2 favourable reception. 3 belief or
small yellow or white flowers. agreement.
academic adj 1 relating to a college or uni- accepted adj commonly approved or recog-
versity. 2 (of pupils) having an aptitude for nized: the accepted wisdom about old age.
study. 3 relating to studies such as lan-
guages and pure science rather than techni- access n 1 a means of approaching or enter-
cal or professional studies. 4 of theoretical ing a place. 2 the condition of allowing
interest only: the argument is academic. entry, for example entry to a building by
~n 5 a member of the teaching or research wheelchairs or prams. 3 the right or oppor-
staff of a college or university, academ- tunity to use something or enter a place: the
ically adv bourgeoisie gained access to political
power. ~vb 4 to obtain information from a
academy n, pl -mies 1 a society for the ad- computer.
vancement of literature, art, or science. 2 a
school for training in a particular skill: six- accessible adj 1 easy to approach, enter, or
teen hundred students would also spend use. 2 easy to understand: the most acces-
their first year at the military academy. 3 sible opera by Wagner, accessibility n
(in Scotland) a secondary school. accession n the act of taking up an office or
acanthus n 1 a plant with large spiny leaves position: the 40th anniversary of her acces-
and spikes of white or purplish flowers. 2 a sion to the throne.
carved ornament based on the leaves of the accessory n, pl -ries 1 a supplementary
acanthus plant. part or object. 2 a small item, such as a bag
ACAS (in Britain) Advisory Conciliation and or belt, worn or carried by someone to com-
Arbitration Service. plete his or her outfit. 3 a person who is in-
acc. 1 Grammar accusative. 2 account.
volved in a crime but who was not present
when it took place.
accede vb -ceding, -ceded accede to 1 to
agree to. 2 to take up (an office or position): access road n a road providing a way to a
he acceded to the throne after his Irish particular place or on to a motorway.
exile. access time n the time required to retrieve
accelerando adv Music with increasing a piece of stored information from a com-
speed. puter.
accelerate vb -ating, -ated 1 to move or accident n 1 an unpleasant event that
cause to move more quickly. 2 to cause to causes damage, injury, or death. 2 an un-
happen sooner than expected. foreseen event or one without apparent
cause: they had met in town by accident.
acceleration n 1 the act of increasing speed.
2 the rate of increase of speed or the rate of accidental adj 1 occurring by chance or un-
change of velocity. intentionally. ~n 2 Music a symbol denot-
ing a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a
accelerator n 1 a pedal in a motor vehicle part of the key signature, accidentally adv
that is pressed to increase speed. 2 Physics
a machine for increasing the speed and en- accident-prone adj (of a person) often in-
ergy of charged particles. volved in accidents.
accent n 1 the distinctive style of pronun- acclaim vb 1 to applaud or praise: the high-
ciation of a person or group from a particu- ly acclaimed children’s TV series. 2 to ac-
lar area, country, or social background. 2 a knowledge publicly: he was immediately
mark used in writing to indicate the promi- acclaimed the new prime minister. ~n 3 an
nence of a syllable or the way a vowel is enthusiastic expression of approval.
pronounced. 3 particular emphasis: there acclamation n 1 an enthusiastic reception or
will be an accent on sport and many will display of approval. 2 Canad an instance of
enjoy rowing. 4 the stress on a syllable or being elected without opposition. 3 by ac-
musical note. ~vb 5 to lay particular em- clamation by a majority without a ballot.
phasis on. acclimatize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or
accolade 5 accuracy
-tising, -tised to adapt to a new climate or accordingly adv 1 in an appropriate man-
environment, acclimatization or -tisation ner. 2 consequently.
n accordion n a box-shaped musical instru-
accolade n 1 an award, praise, or honour. 2 ment played by moving the two sides apart
a touch on the shoulder with a sword con- and together, and pressing a keyboard or
ferring knighthood. buttons to produce the notes, accordionist
accommodate vb -dating, -dated 1 to pro- n
vide with lodgings. 2 to have room for. 3 to accost vb to approach, stop, and speak to.
do a favour for. 4 to get used to (some- account n 1 a report or description. 2 a per-
thing). son’s money held in a bank. 3 a statement of
► Note the double “c” and double “m”. This financial transactions with the resulting
word is very commonly misspelled. balance. 4 part or behalf: I am sorry that
accommodating adj willing to help; oblig- you suffered on my account. 5 call some-
ing. one to account to demand an explanation
accommodation n a place in which to sleep, from someone. 6 give a good or bad ac-
live, or work. count of oneself to perform well or fail to
accommodation address n an address on perform well. 7 of no account of little im-
letters to a person who cannot or does not portance or value. 8 on account of because
wish to receive mail at a permanent ad- of. 9 take account of or take into account
dress. to take into consideration; allow for. ~vb
10 to consider as: the evening was account-
accompaniment n 1 something that accom- ed a major step forward.
panies something else. 2 Music a supporting
part for an instrument, a band, or an or- accountable adj responsible to someone or
chestra. for some action, accountability n
accompanist n a person who plays a musi- accountant n a person who maintains and
cal accompaniment. audits business accounts, accountancy n
accompany vb -nies, -nying, -nied 1 to go account for vb 1 to give reasons for. 2 to
with (someone). 2 to happen or exist at the explain or count up what has been spent.
same time as. 3 to provide a musical accom- accounting n the skill or practice of main-
paniment for. taining and auditing business accounts.
accomplice n a person who helps someone accoutrements (ak-koo-tra-ments) or US
else commit a crime. accouterments (ak-koo-ter-ments) pl n
accomplish vb 1 to manage to do; achieve: clothing and equipment for a particular ac-
most infants accomplish it immediately. 2 tivity.
to complete. accredit vb 1 to give official recognition to.
► The usual pronunciation of the syllable 2 to send (a diplomat) with official creden-
“com” in British English sounds like “kum”, tials to a particular country. 3 to certify as
but the sound “kom” is increasingly used. meeting required standards. 4 to attribute
accomplished adj 1 expert or proficient; an (a quality or an action) to (a person). 5 NZ
accomplished liar. 2 successfully complet- to pass (a candidate for university en-
ed. trance) on school recommendation, without
external examination, accreditation n
accomplishment n 1 the successful comple-
tion of something. 2 something successfully accretion (ak-kree-shun) n 1 a gradual in-
completed. 3 accomplishments personal crease in size, through growth or addition. 2
abilities or skills. something added, such as an extra layer.
accord n 1 agreement or harmony. 2 a for- accrue vb -cruing, -crued 1 (of money or in-
mal agreement between groups or nations: terest) to increase gradually over a period
the Paris peace accords. 3 of one’s own ac- of time. 2 accrue to to fall naturally to:
cord voluntarily or willingly. 4 with one some advantage must accrue to the weaker
accord unanimously. ~vb 5 to grant: she party.
was at last accorded her true status. 6 ac- accumulate vb -lating, -lated to gather to-
cord with to fit in with or be consistent gether in an increasing quantity; collect,
with. accumulative adj
► Do not confuse of one’s own accord with accumulation n 1 something that has been
on one’s own account “for one’s own ben- collected. 2 the collecting together of
efit”. things.
accordance n in accordance with conform- accumulator n 1 a rechargeable device for
ing to or according to: food is prepared in storing electrical energy. 2 Brit horse racing
accordance with Jewish laws. -a collective bet on successive races, with
according adv 1 according to a as stated both stake and winnings being carried for-
by: according to her, they were once en- ward to accumulate progressively.
gaged. b in conformity with: work hours accuracy n faithful representation of the
varied according to the tides. 2 according truth: care is taken to ensure the accuracy
as depending on whether. of the content.
accurate 6 acquaint
accurate adj faithfully representing the Achilles tendon n the fibrous cord that
truth: all the information was accurate, ac- connects the muscles of the calf to the heel
curately adv bone.
accursed (a-curse-id) adj 1 under a curse. 2 achromatic adj 1 without colour. 2 refract-
hateful or detestable. ing light without breaking it up into its
accusation n 1 an allegation that a person is component colours. 3 Music involving no
guilty of some wrongdoing. 2 a formal char- sharps or flats, achromatically adv
ge brought against a person, accusatory acid n 1 Chem one of a class of compounds,
adj corrosive and sour when dissolved in water,
accusative n Grammar a grammatical case that combine with a base to form a salt. 2
in some languages that identifies the direct Slang LSD. 3 a sour-tasting substance, -adj
object of a verb. 4 Chem of, from, or containing acid. 5 sharp
accuse vb -cusing, -cused to charge a per- or sour in taste. 6 sharp in speech or man-
son with wrongdoing, accuser n accusing ner. acidly adv
adj accusingly adv Acid House or Acid n a type of funk-based,
accused n the accused Law the defendant electronically edited disco music of the late
appearing on a criminal charge. 1980s, which has hypnotic sound effects
accustom vb accustom oneself to to be- and which is associated with hippy culture
come familiar with or used to. and the use of the drug ecstasy.
accustomed adj 1 usual or customary: he acidic adj containing acid.
parked his motorcycle in its accustomed acidify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to convert into
place. 2 accustomed to a used to. b in the acid.
habit of. acidity n 1 the quality of being acid. 2 the
ace n 1 a playing card with one symbol on it. amount of acid in a solution.
2 Informal an expert: an American stock car acid rain n rain containing pollutants re-
ace. 3 Tennis a winning serve that the op- leased into the atmosphere by burning coal
ponent fails to reach. 4 a fighter pilot who or oil.
has destroyed several enemy aircraft, -adj acid test n a rigorous and conclusive test of
5 Informal superb or excellent: an ace ten- worth or value.
nis player.
acerbic (ass-sir-bik) adj harsh or bitter: an acknowledge vb -edging, -edged 1 to rec-
acerbic critic. ognize or admit the truth of a statement. 2
to show recognition of a person by a greet-
acerbity n, pl -ties 1 bitter speech or tem- ing or glance. 3 to make known that a letter
per. 2 bitterness of taste. or message has been received. 4 to express
acetaldehyde (ass-it-tal-dee-hide) n Chem a gratitude for (a favour or compliment).
colourless volatile liquid, used as a solvent. acknowledgment or acknowledgement n 1
acetate (ass-it-tate) n 1 Chem any salt or the act of acknowledging something or
ester of acetic acid. 2 Also: acetate rayon a someone. 2 something done or given as an
synthetic textile fibre made from cellulose expression of gratitude.
acetate. ► The alternative spellings with or without
acetic (ass-see-tik) adj Chem of, containing, an “e” between “g” and “m” are equally ac-
or producing acetic acid or vinegar. ceptable.
acetic acid n Chem a strong-smelling colour- acme (ak-mee) n the highest point of
less liquid used to make vinegar. achievement or excellence.
acetone (ass-it-tone) n Chem a strong- acne (ak-nee) n a skin disease in which pus-
smelling colourless liquid used as a solvent filled spots form on the face.
for paints and lacquers.
acolyte n 1 a follower or attendant. 2 Chris-
acetylene (ass-set-ill-een) n Chem a colour- tianity a person who assists a priest.
less soluble flammable gas used in welding
metals. aconite n 1 a poisonous plant with hoodlike
ache vb aching, ached 1 to feel or be the
flowers. 2 dried aconite root, used as a nar-
source of a continuous dull pain. 2 to suffer cotic.
mental anguish. ~n 3 a continuous dull acorn n the fruit of the oak tree, consisting
pain. of a smooth nut in a cuplike base.
achieve vb achieving, achieved to gain by acoustic adj 1 of sound, hearing, or acous-
hard work or effort, achiever n tics. 2 (of a musical instrument) without
► Note the “ie”. This word is very commonly electronic amplification. 3 designed to ab-
misspelled. sorb sound: acoustic tiles, acoustically adv
achievement n 1 something that has been acoustics n 1 the scientific study of sound.
accomplished by hard work, ability, or -pl n 2 the characteristics of a room or
heroism. 2 the successful completion of auditorium determining how well sound can
something. be heard within it.
Achilles heel (ak-kill-eez) n a small but acquaint vb acquaint with to make (some-
fatal weakness. one) familiar with.
acquaintance 7 activate
► The idiom is acquaint someone with some- acrylic adj 1 made of acrylic. ~n 2 a man-
thing. made fibre used for clothes and blankets. 3
acquaintance n 1 a person whom one knows a kind of paint made from acrylic acid.
slightly. 2 slight knowledge of a person or acrylic acid n Chem a strong-smelling col-
subject. 3 make the acquaintance of to ourless corrosive liquid.
come into social contact with. 4 the people acrylic fibre n a man-made fibre used for
one knows: an actress of my acquaintance. clothes and blankets.
acquainted adj 1 on terms of familiarity but
not intimacy. 2 acquainted with familiar acrylic resin n Chem any of a group of
with: she became acquainted with the clas- polymers of acrylic acid, used as synthetic
sics of Chinese literature. rubbers, in paints, and as plastics.
acquiesce (ak-wee-ess) vb -escing, -esced act n 1 something done. 2 a formal decision
to agree to what someone wants, acquies- reached or law passed by a law-making
cence n acquiescent adj body: an act of parliament. 3 a major divi-
► The idiom is acquiesce in something, sion of a play or opera. 4 a short perfor-
acquire vb -quiring, -quired to get or devel- mance, such as a sketch or dance. 5 a pre-
op (something such as an object, trait, or tended attitude: she appeared calm but it
ability), acquirement n was just an act. 6 get in on the act Infor-
mal to become involved in something in
acquired taste n 1 a liking for something at order to share the benefit. 7 get one’s act
first considered unpleasant. 2 the thing together Informal to organize oneself. ~vb
liked. 8 to do something. 9 to perform (a part or
acquisition n 1 something acquired, often to role) in a play, film, or broadcast. 10 to
add to a collection. 2 the act of acquiring present (a play) on stage. 11 act for to be a
something. substitute for: Mr Lewis was acting for the
acquisitive adj eager to gain material pos- head of the department. 12 act as to serve
sessions. acquisitively adv acquisitive- the function of: she is acting as my body-
ness n guard. 13 to behave: she acts as though she
acquit vb -quitting, -quitted 1 to pronounce really hates you. 14 to behave in an unnatu-
someone not guilty: he’s been acquitted of ral way. -See also act up.
negligence. 2 to behave in a particular way: acting n 1 the art of an actor. ~adj 2 tem-
she acquitted herself well in the meeting. porarily performing the duties of: the act-
acquittal n ing president has declared a state of emer-
acre n 1 a unit of area equal to 4840 square gency.
yards (4046.86 square metres). 2 acres In- actinide series n Chem a series of 15 radio-
formal a large amount: acres of skin. active elements with increasing atomic
acreage (ake-er-rij) n land area in acres, numbers from actinium to lawrencium.
acrid (ak-rid) adj 1 unpleasantly strong- actinium n Chem a radioactive element of
smelling. 2 sharp in speech or manner, the actinide series, occurring as a decay
acridity n acridly adv
product of uranium. Symbol: Ac
acrimony n bitterness and resentment felt
about something, acrimonious adj action n 1 doing something for a particular
acrobat n an entertainer who performs
purpose. 2 something done on a particular
occasion. 3 a lawsuit. 4 movement during
gymnastic feats requiring skill, agility, and some physical activity. 5 the operating
balance, acrobatic adj acrobatically adv mechanism in a gun or machine. 6 the way
acrobatics pl n the skills or feats of an ac- in which something operates or works. 7
robat. Slang the main activity in a place. 8 the
acronym n a word made from the initial let- events that form the plot of a story or play.
ters of other words, for example UNESCO 9 activity, force, or energy. 10 a minor bat-
for the United Nations Educational, Scien- tle. 11 actions behaviour. 12 out of action
tific, and Cultural Organization. not functioning.
acrophobia n abnormal fear of being at a actionable adj Law giving grounds for legal
great height. action.
acropolis (a-crop-pol-liss) n the citadel of
action painting n an art form in which paint
an ancient Greek city. is thrown, smeared, dripped, or spattered
across prep 1 from one side to the other side on the canvas.
of. 2 on or at the other side of. ~adv 3 from
one side to the other. 4 on or to the other action replay n the rerunning of a small sec-
side. tion of a television tape, for example of a
across-the-board adj affecting everyone in -sporting event.
a particular group or place equally: across- action stations pl n the positions taken up
the-board tax cuts. by individuals in preparation for battle or
acrostic n a number of lines of writing, such for some other activity.
as a poem, in which the first or last letters activate vb -vating, -vated 1 to make some-
form a word or proverb. thing active. 2 Physics to make something
active 8 additive
radioactive. 3 Chem to increase the rate of a ad n Informal an advertisement.
reaction, activation n A.D. or AD (indicating years numbered from
active adj 1 busy and energetic. 2 energeti- the supposed year of the birth of Christ) in
cally involved in or working hard for: ac- the year of the Lord.
tive in the peace movement. 3 happening ad- prefix 1 to or towards: adverb. 2 near or
now and energetically: the plan is under ac- next to: adrenal.
tive discussion. 4 functioning or causing a Ada n a high-level computer programming
reaction: the active ingredient is held with- language, used esp. for military systems.
in the capsule. 5 (of a volcano) erupting pe-
riodically. 6 Grammar denoting a form of a adage (ad-ij) n a traditional saying that is
verb used to indicate that the subject is per- generally accepted as being true.
forming the action, for example kicked in adagietto Music —adv 1 slowly, but more
The boy kicked the football. —n 7 Grammar quickly than adagio. ~n, pl -tos 2 a move-
the active form of a verb, actively adv ment or piece to be performed fairly slowly.
active list n Mil a list of officers available adagio (ad-dahj-yo) Music -adv 1 slowly.
for full duty. ~n, pl -gios 2 a movement or piece to be
active service n military duty in an opera- performed slowly.
tional area. Adam n not know someone from Adam to
activist n a person who works energetically not know someone at all.
to achieve political or social goals, activ- adamant adj unshakable in determination or
ism n purpose, adamantly adv
activity n 1 the state of being active. 2 lively Adam’s apple n the projecting lump of thy-
movement. 3 (pl -ties) any specific action or roid cartilage at the front of a person’s
pursuit: he was engaged in political activi- neck.
ties abroad. adapt vb 1 to adjust (something or oneself)
act of God n Law a sudden occurrence to different conditions. 2 to change some-
caused by natural forces, such as a flood. thing to suit a new purpose, adaptable adj
actor or fem actress n a person who acts in adaptability n
a play, film, or broadcast. adaptation n 1 something that is produced
actual adj existing in reality or as a matter by adapting something else: a TV adapta-
of fact. tion of a Victorian novel. 2 the act of adapt-
► Avoid using actual or actually when it ing.
adds nothing to the sense of the statement. adaptor or adapter n 1 a device used to
Compare: it’s an actual fact: it’s a fact. connect several electrical appliances to a
actuality n, pl -ties reality. single socket. 2 any device for connecting
actually adv as an actual fact; really, two parts of different sizes or types.
actuary n, pl -aries a person qualified to ADC aide-de-camp.
calculate commercial risks and probabilities add vb 1 to combine (numbers or quantities)
involving uncertain future events, esp. in so as to make a larger number or quantity. 2
such contexts as life assurance, actuarial to join something to something else so as to
adj increase its size, effect, or scope: these new
actuate vb -ating, -ated 1 to start up a me- rules will add an extra burden on already
chanical device. 2 to motivate someone. overworked officials. 3 to say or write
act up vb Informal to behave in a trouble- something further. 4 add in to include.
some way. ~See also add up.
acuity (ak-kew-it-ee) n keenness of vision or addendum n, pl -da something added on,
thought. esp. an appendix to a book or magazine.
acumen (ak-yew-men) n the ability to make adder n a small poisonous snake with a
good decisions. black zigzag pattern along the back.
acupuncture n a medical treatment involv- addict n 1 a person who is unable to stop
ing the insertion of needles at various parts taking narcotic drugs. 2 Informal a person
of the body to stimulate the nerve impulses, who is devoted to something: he’s a telly
acupuncturist n addict, addictive adj
acute adj 1 severe or intense: acute staff addicted adj 1 dependent on a narcotic
shortages. 2 penetrating in perception or drug. 2 Informal devoted to something: I’m
insight. 3 sensitive or keen: it was amazing a news freak and addicted to BBC Break-
how acute your hearing got in the bush. 4 fastNews. addiction n
(of a disease) sudden and severe. 5 Maths addition n 1 the act of adding. 2 a person or
(of an angle) of less than 90°. ~n 6 an thing that is added. 3 a mathematical op-
acute accent, acutely adv acuteness n eration in which the total of two or more
acute accent n the mark (-), used in numbers or quantities is calculated. 4 in
some languages to indicate that the vowel addition (to) besides; as well (as), addi-
over which it is placed is pronounced in a tional adj additionally adv
certain way. additive n any substance added to some-
addled 9 Admiralty
thing, such as food, to improve it or prevent adjective n a word that adds information
deterioration. about a noun or pronoun, adjectival adj
addled adj 1 confused or unable to think adjoin vb to be next to and joined onto, ad-
clearly. 2 (of eggs) rotten. joining adj
address n 1 the place at which someone adjourn vb 1 to close a court at the end of a
lives. 2 the conventional form by which the session. 2 to postpone or be postponed tem-
location of a building is described. 3 a for- porarily. 3 Informal to go elsewhere: can we
mal speech. 4 Computers a number giving adjourn to the dining room? adjournment
the location of a piece of stored informa- n
tion. —vb 5 to mark (a letter or parcel) adjudge vb -judging, -judged to declare
with an address. 6 to speak to. 7 to direct someone to be something specified: my wife
one’s attention to (a problem or an issue). 8 was adjudged to be the guilty party.
address oneself to a to speak or write to. b adjudicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to give a
to apply oneself to: we have got to address formal decision on a dispute. 2 to serve as a
ourselves properly to this problem. judge, for example in a competition, adju-
addressee n a person to whom a letter or dication n adjudicator n
parcel is addressed. adjunct n 1 something added that is not es-
adduce vb -during, -duced to mention some- sential. 2 a person who is subordinate to
thing as evidence. another.
add up vb 1 to calculate the total of (two or adjure vb -juring, -jured 1 to command
more numbers or quantities). 2 Informal to someone to do something. 2 to appeal ear-
make sense: there’s something about it that nestly to someone, adjuration n
doesn’t add up. 3 add up to to amount to. adjust vb 1 to adapt to a new environment. 2
adenoidal adj having a nasal voice or im- to alter slightly, so as to be accurate or
paired breathing because of enlarged ad- suitable. 3 Insurance to determine the
enoids. amount payable in settlement of a claim,
adenoids (ad-in-oidz) pl n a mass of tissue adjustable adj adjuster n
at the back of the throat. adjustment n 1 a slight alteration. 2 the act
adept adj 1 proficient in something requir- of adjusting.
ing skill. —n 2 a person skilled in some- adjutant (aj-oo-tant) n an officer in an army
thing. adeptness n who acts as administrative assistant to a
adequate adj just enough in amount or just superior.
good enough in quality, adequacy n ad- ad-lib vb -libbing, -libbed 1 to improvise a
equately adv speech or piece of music without prepara-
a deux (ah duh) adj, adv of or for two peo-
tion. -adj 2 improvised: ad-lib studio chat,
ple. —n 3 an improvised remark, —adv ad lib 4
spontaneously or freely.
adhere vb -hering, -hered 1 to stick to. 2 to Adm. Admiral.
act according to (a rule or agreement). 3 to
be a loyal supporter of (something). adman n, pl -men Informal a man who
works in advertising.
adherent n 1 a supporter or follower, —adj
2 sticking or attached, adherence n admin n Informal administration.
administer vb 1 to manage (an organization
adhesion n 1 the quality or condition of
sticking together. 2 Pathol the joining to- or estate). 2 to organize and put into prac-
gether of two structures or parts of the tice: anyone can learn to administer the test
body that are normally separate, for exam- procedure. 3 to give medicine to someone. 4
ple after surgery. to supervise the taking of (an oath).
administrate vb -trating, -trated to manage
adhesive n 1 a substance used for sticking an organization.
things together, —adj 2 able or designed to
stick to things. administration n 1 management of the af-
fairs of an organization. 2 the people who
ad hoc adj, adv for a particular purpose administer an organization. 3 a government:
only. the Clinton administration. 4 the act of ad-
adieu (a-dew) interj, n, pl adieux or adieus ministering something, such as medicine or
(a-dewz) goodbye. an oath, administrative adj
ad infinitum adv endlessly: we would not be administrator n a person who administers
able to sustain the currency ad infinitum. an organization or estate.
adipose adj of or containing fat; fatty: adi- admirable (ad-mer-a-bl) adj deserving or in-
pose tissue. spiring admiration: the boldness of the
adj. adjective. undertaking is admirable, admirably adv
adjacent adj 1 near or next: the schools admiral n 1 Also called: admiral of the fleet
were adjacent but there were separate a naval officer of the highest rank. 2 any of
doors. 2 Geom (of a side of a right-angled various brightly coloured butterflies.
triangle) lying between a specified angle Admiralty n the government department in
and the right angle. charge of the Royal Navy.
admire advantage
admire vb -miring, -mired to respect and sponse to stress. It increases heart rate,
approve of (a person or thing), admiration pulse rate, and blood pressure.
n admirer n admiring adj admiringly adv adrift adj, adv 1 drifting. 2 without a clear
admissible adj Law allowed to be brought purpose. 3 Informal off course, wrong: it
as evidence in court. was obvious that something had gone
admission n 1 permission or the right to adrift.
enter. 2 permission to join an organization. adroit adj quick and skilful in how one
3 the price charged for entrance. 4 a confes- behaves or thinks, adroitly adv adroit-
sion: she was, by her own admission, not ness n
educated. adsorb vb (of a gas or vapour) to condense
admit vb -mitting, -mitted 1 to confess or and form a thin film on a surface, adsor-
acknowledge (a crime or mistake). 2 to con- bent adj adsorption n
cede (the truth of something). 3 to allow ADT Atlantic Daylight Time,
(someone) to enter. 4 to take (someone) in
to a hospital for treatment: he was admitted adulation n uncritical admiration.
for tests. 5 admit to to allow someone to adult n 1 a mature fully grown person, ani-
participate in something. 6 admit of to mal, or plant, -adj 2 having reached ma-
allow for: these rules admit of no violation. turity; fully developed. 3 suitable for or
admittance n 1 the right to enter. 2 the act typical of adult people: she had very adult
of entering a place. features. 4 sexually explicit: adult films.
adulthood n
admittedly adv it must be agreed: my re-
search is admittedly incomplete. adulterate vb -ating, -ated to spoil some-
admixture n 1 a mixture. 2 an ingredient, thing by adding inferior material, adul-
teration n
admonish vb to reprimand sternly, admo-
nition n admonitory adj adulterer or fem adulteress n a person who
has committed adultery.
ad nauseam (ad naw-zee-am) adv to a bor-
ing or sickening extent: she went on and on adultery n, pl -teries sexual unfaithfulness
ad nauseam about her divorce. of a husband or wife, adulterous adj
ado n fuss: without further ado. adv. adverb.
adobe (ad-oh-bee) n 1 a sun-dried brick. 2 advance vb -vancing, -vanced 1 to go or
the claylike material from which such bring forward. 2 to make progress: this stu-
bricks are made. 3 a building made of such dent has advanced in reading and writing. 3
bricks. to further a cause: an association founded
adolescence n the period between puberty to advance the interests of ex-soldiers. 4
and adulthood. advance on to move towards someone in a
adolescent adj 1 of or relating to adoles-
threatening manner. 5 to present an idea
for consideration. 6 to lend a sum of money.
cence. 2 Informal (of behaviour) immature. —n 7 a forward movement. 8 improvement
—n 3 an adolescent person. or progress: the greatest advance in modern
Adonis n a handsome young man. medicine. 9 a loan of money. 10 a payment
adopt vb 1 Law to take someone else’s child made before it is legally due. 11 an increase
as one’s own. 2 to choose (a plan or meth- in price: any advance on fifty pounds? 12 in
od). 3 to choose (a country or name) to be advance beforehand: you have to pay in
one’s own. adoption n advance. 13 in advance of ahead of in time
adoptive adj 1 acquired or related by adop- or development, -adj 14 done or happen-
tion: an adoptive father. 2 of or relating to ing before an event: advance warning.
adoption. -See also advances.
adorable adj very attractive; lovable. advanced adj 1 at a late stage in develop-
adore vb adoring, adored 1 to love intense- ment. 2 not elementary: the advanced class
ly or deeply. 2 Informal to like very much: I in economics.
adore being in the country. 3 to worship a Advanced level n a formal name for A
god with religious rites, adoration n ador- level.
ing adj adoringly adv advancement n promotion in rank or status,
adorn vb to decorate; increase the beauty of. advances pl n approaches made to a person
adornment n with the hope of starting a romantic or sex-
ADP automatic data processing. ual relationship.
adrenal (ad-reen-al) adj Anat 1 on or near advantage n 1 a more favourable position
the kidneys. 2 of or relating to the adrenal or state. 2 benefit or profit: they could
glands. make this work to their advantage. 3 Tennis
adrenal glands pl n Anat two endocrine the point scored after deuce. 4 take advan-
glands covering the upper surface of the tage of a to use a person unfairly, b to use
kidneys. an opportunity. 5 to advantage to good ef-
adrenalin or adrenaline n Biochem a hor- fect: her hair was shaped to display to ad-
mone secreted by the adrenal gland in re- vantage her superb neck.
advantaged 11 aerosol
advantaged adj in a superior social or fi- advisedly (ad-vize-id-lee) adv deliberately;
nancial position. after careful consideration: I use the word
advantageous adj likely to bring benefits, advisedly.
advantageously adv advisory actable to offer advice.
advection n Physics the transferring of heat advocaat n a liqueur with a raw egg base,
in a horizontal stream of gas. advocacy n active support of a cause or
advent n an arrival: the advent of the per- course of action.
sonal computer. advocate vb -eating, -cated 1 to recommend
Advent n the season that includes the four a course of action publicly. ~n 2 a person
Sundays before Christmas. who upholds or defends a cause or course of
Adventist n a member of a Christian group action. 3 a person who speaks on behalf of
that believes in the imminent return of another in a court of law. 4 Scots Law a
Christ. barrister.
adventitious adj added or appearing acci- adze or US adz n a tool with a blade at right
dentally. angles to the handle, used for shaping tim-
adventure n 1 a risky undertaking, the end- ber.
ing of which is uncertain. 2 exciting or un- AEA Atomic Energy Authority.
expected events. AEC US Atomic Energy Commission.
adventure playground n Brit a playground AEEU Amalgamated Engineering and Elec-
for children that contains building materi- trical Union.
als and other equipment to build with or aegis (ee-jiss) n under the aegis of with the
climb on. sponsorship or protection of.
adventurer or fem adventuress n 1 a per- aeolian harp (ee-oh-lee-an) n a musical in-
son who seeks money or power by unscru- strument that produces sounds when the
pulous means. 2 a person who seeks adven- wind passes over its strings.
ture. aeon or US eon (ee-on) n 1 an immeasur-
adventurism n recklessness in politics or fi- ably long period of time. 2 the longest divi-
nance. sion of geological time.
adventurous adj daring or enterprising, aerate vb -ating, -ated to put gas into a liq-
adverb n a word that modifies a sentence, uid, for example when making a fizzy drink,
verb, adverb, or adjective, for example easi- aeration n
ly, very, and happily in They could easily aerial n 1 the metal pole or wire on a televi-
envy the very happily married couple, ad- sion or radio which transmits or receives
verbial adj signals, —adj 2 in, from, or operating in the
adversary (ad-verse-er-ree) n, pl -saries an air. 3 extending high into the air. 4 of or re-
opponent in a fight, disagreement, or sport- lating to aircraft.
ing contest. aero-, aeri-, or aer- combining form 1 relat-
adverse adj 1 unfavourable to one’s inter- ing to aircraft. 2 relating to air, atmos-
ests: adverse effects. 2 antagonistic or hos- phere, or gas.
tile. adversely adv aerobatics n spectacular manoeuvres, such
adversity n, pl -ties very difficult or hard as loops or rolls, performed by aircraft.
circumstances. aerobic adj designed for or relating to
advert n Informal an advertisement. aerobics: aerobic exercise.
advertise vb -tising, -tised 1 to present or aerobics n exercises to increase the amount
praise (goods or a service) to the public, in of oxygen in the blood and strengthen the
order to encourage sales. 2 to make (a va- heart and lungs.
cancy, an event, or an article for sale) pub- aerodrome n a small airport,
licly known, advertiser n advertising n aerodynamics n the study of how air flows
advertisement n any public announcement around moving objects, aerodynamic adj
designed to sell goods or publicize an event. aero engine n an engine for an aircraft,
► Note that the standard pronunciation of aerofoil n a part of an aircraft, such as the
advertisement differs from advertise. The wing, designed to give lift in flight.
main stress is on “ver”, while “tise” is pro- aerogram n an air-mail letter on a single
nounced “tiz”. sheet of light paper that seals to form an
advice n 1 recommendation as to an appro- envelope.
priate choice of action. 2 formal notifica- aeronautics n the study or practice of flight
tion of facts. through the air. aeronautical ac(/
advisable adj sensible and likely to achieve -aeroplane or US & Canad airplane n a
the desired result, advisability n heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle
advise vb -vising, -vised 1 to offer advice with fixed wings.
to. 2 to inform or notify, adviser or advi- aerosol n a small metal pressurized can
sor n from which a substance can be dispensed in
advised adj thought-out: ill-advised. a fine spray.
aerospace 12 afore
► Be careful not to confuse the spelling affiliate vb -ating, -ated 1 (of a group) to
“aer-” with “air-”. link up with a larger group. —n 2 a person
aerospace n 1 the earth’s atmosphere and or organization that is affiliated with an-
space beyond. —adj 2 of rockets or space other. affiliation n
vehicles: the aerospace industry. affiliation order n Law an order that the fa-
aesthete or US esthete (eess-theet) n a ther of an illegitimate child must contribute
person who has or who pretends to have a towards the child’s maintenance.
highly developed appreciation of beauty. affinity n, pl -ties 1 a feeling of closeness to
aesthetic or US esthetic (iss-thet-ik) adj re- and understanding of a person. 2 a close
lating to the appreciation of art and beauty, similarity in appearance, structure, or qual-
aesthetically or US esthetically adv aes- ity. 3 a chemical attraction.
theticism or US estheticism n affirm vb 1 to declare to be true. 2 to state
aesthetics or US esthetics n 1 the branch clearly one’s support for (an idea or belief),
of philosophy concerned with the study of affirmation n
the concepts of beauty and taste. 2 the affirmative adj 1 indicating agreement: an
study of the rules and principles of art. affirmative answer. —n 2 a word or phrase
aether n same as ether (senses 2, 3). indicating agreement, such as yes.
aetiology (ee-tee-ol-a-jee) n same as etiol- affix vb 1 to attach or fasten. ~n 2 a word
ogy. or syllable added to a word to produce a de-
a.f. audio frequency. rived or inflected form, such as -ment in es-
tablishment.
afar n from afar from or at a great distance,
afflict vb to cause someone suffering or un-
affable adj showing warmth and friendli- happiness.
ness. affability n affably adv affliction n 1 something that causes physical
affair n 1 an event or happening: the or mental suffering. 2 a condition of great
Irangate affair. 2 a sexual relationship out- distress or suffering.
side marriage. 3 a thing to be done or at- affluent adj having plenty of money, afflu-
tended to: my wife’s career is her own af- ence n
fair. 4 something previously specified:
lunch was a subdued affair. affluent society n a society in which the
affairs pl n 1 personal or business interests.
material benefits of prosperity are widely
2 matters of public interest: foreign affairs.
available.
afford vb 1 can afford to be able to do or
affect1 vb 1 to influence (someone or some- spare something without risking financial
thing): the very difficult conditions con- difficulties or undesirable consequences:
tinued to affect our performance. 2 (of pain she can’t afford to be choosy. 2 to give or
or disease) to attack: the virus can spread supply: afford me an opportunity to judge
to affect the heart muscle. 3 to move some- for myself, affordable adj
one emotionally: the experience has affect-
ed him deeply. afforest vb to plant trees on. afforestation
► Note the difference between the verbs af- n
fect meaning “influence” and effect mean- affray n a noisy fight in a public place,
ing “accomplish”. affront n 1 a deliberate insult. ~vb 2 to hurt
affect2 vb 1 to put on a show of: he affects a someone’s pride or dignity.
certain disinterest. 2 to wear or use by ► Affront is often followed by “to”: an af-
preference: he likes to be called captain front to my feelings.
John and affects a nautical cap. Afghan adj 1 of Afghanistan. —n 2 a person
affectation n an attitude or manner put on from Afghanistan. 3 the language of Af-
to impress others. ghanistan.
affected adj 1 behaving or speaking in a Afghan hound n a large slim dog with long
manner put on to impress others. 2 pre- silky hair.
tended: an affected indifference. aficionado (af-fish-yo-nah-do) n, pl -dos an
affecting adj arousing feelings of pity; mov- enthusiastic fan of a sport or interest.
ing. afield adv far afield far away: they used to
affection n 1 fondness or tenderness for a travel as far afield as Hungary.
person or thing. 2 affections feelings of aflame adv, adj 1 in flames. 2 deeply
love; emotions: I was angry with her for aroused: his face was aflame with self-
playing with their affections. contempt and embarrassment.
affectionate adj having or displaying ten- afloat adj, adv 1 floating. 2 free of debt: his
derness, affection, or warmth, affection- goal is to keep the company afloat. 3 aboard
ately adv ship; at sea.
affianced (af-fie-anst) adj Old-fashioned afoot adj, adv happening; in operation: I had
engaged to be married. no suspicion of what was afoot.
affidavit (af-fid-dave-it) n Law a written afore adv, prep, conj Old-fashioned or dia-
statement made under oath. lect before.
aforementioned 13 age
aforementioned adj mentioned before, afterglow n 1 the glow left after the source
aforesaid adj referred to previously, of a light has disappeared, for example
aforethought adj premeditated: malice after sunset. 2 a pleasant feeling remaining
aforethought. after an enjoyable experience.
a fortiori (eh for-tee-or-rye) adv for similar afterlife n life after death.
but more convincing reasons. aftermath n effects or results of an event
afraid adj 1 feeling fear or apprehension. 2 considered collectively: the aftermath of
regretful: I’m afraid I lost my temper. the weekend violence.
afresh adv once more. afternoon n the period between noon and
evening.
African adj 1 of Africa. ~n 2 a person from
Africa. afterpains pl n pains caused by contraction
of a woman’s womb after childbirth.
Africana n objects of cultural or historical
interest from Africa. afters n Brit informal the sweet course of a
meal.
African-American n 1 an American of Afri-
can descent, -adj 2 of African-Americans, aftershave n a scented lotion applied to a
their history, or their culture. man’s face after shaving.
aftershock n one of a series of minor trem-
Africander n a breed of humpbacked cattle ors occurring after the main shock of an
originally from southern Africa. earthquake.
African time n S African slang unpunctual- aftertaste n a taste that lingers on after eat-
ity. ing or drinking.
African violet n a flowering house plant afterthought n 1 something thought of after
with pink or purple flowers and hairy the opportunity to use it has passed. 2 an
leaves. addition to something already completed.
Afrikaans n one of the official languages of afterwards or afterward adv later.
South Africa, descended from Dutch.
Ag Chem silver.
Afrikaner n a White South African whose
native language is Afrikaans. again adv 1 another or a second time: I want
to look at that atlas again. 2 once more in a
Afro n, pl -ros a frizzy bushy hairstyle. previously experienced state or condition:
Afro- combining form indicating Africa or he pictured her again as she used to be. 3 in
African: Afro-Caribbean. addition to the original amount: twice as
Afro-American n, adj same as African- much again. 4 on the other hand. 5 more-
American. over or furthermore: she is beautiful and,
aft adv, adj at or towards the rear of a ship again, intelligent. 6 again and again con-
or aircraft. tinually or repeatedly.
after prep 1 following in time or place. 2 in against prep 1 standing or leaning beside: he
pursuit of: he was after my mother’s jewel- leaned against a tree. 2 opposed to or in
lery. 3 concerning: he asked after Laura. 4 disagreement with. 3 in contrast to: his
considering: you seem all right after what complexion was a sickly white against the
happened last night. 5 next in excellence or black stubble of his beard. 4 coming in con-
importance to. 6 in imitation of; in the man- tact with: rain rattled against the window.
ner of. 7 in accordance with: a man after his 5 having an unfavourable effect on: the
own heart. 8 the same name as: the street is system works against you when you don’t
named after the designer of the church. 9 have money. 6 as a protection from: a safe-
US past (the hour of): fifteen after twelve. guard against bacteria. 7 in exchange for or
10 after all a in spite of everything: I was, in return for: the dollar has gained very
after all, a suspect, b in spite of expecta- slightly against the yen. 8 as against as op-
tions or efforts. 11 after you please go be- posed to; as compared with.
fore me. -adv 12 at a later time; after- agape adj 1 (of the mouth) wide open. 2 (of
wards. —conj 13 at a time later than the a person) very surprised.
time when: she arrived after the reading agar (ayg-ar) or agar-agar n a jelly-like
had begun, -adj 14 Naut further aft: the substance obtained from seaweed and used
after cabin. as a thickener in food.
afterbirth n the placenta and fetal memb- agaric n any fungus with gills on the under-
ranes expelled from the mother’s womb side of the cap, such as a mushroom.
after childbirth. agate (ag-git) n a hard semiprecious form of
aftercare n 1 the help and support given to quartz with striped colouring.
a person discharged from a hospital or pris- agave (a-gave-vee) n a tropical American
on. 2 the regular care required to keep plant with tall flower stalks and thick
something in good condition. leaves.
afterdamp n a poisonous gas formed after age n 1 the length of time that a person or
the explosion of firedamp in a coal mine. thing has existed. 2 a period or state of
aftereffect n any result occurring some time human life. 3 the latter part of human life.
after its cause. 4 a period of history marked by some fea-
aged 14 agree
ture. 5 ages Informal a long time. 6 come of combined into a whole. 6 to amount to (a
age to become legally responsible for one’s particular number), aggregation n
actions (usually at 18 years). —vb ageing aggression n 1 violent and hostile behav-
or aging, aged 7 to become old. 8 to appear iour. 2 an unprovoked attack, aggressor n
or cause to appear older: the years had not aggressive adj 1 full of anger or hostility. 2
aged her in any way; skin type changes as forceful or determined: an aggressive
one ages. salesman, aggressively adv aggressive-
aged adj 1 (ay-jid) advanced in years; old. 2 ness n
(rhymes with raged) being at the age of: a aggrieved adj upset and angry,
girl aged thirteen is missing. aggro n Slang aggressive behaviour,
ageing or aging n 1 the fact or process of aghast adj overcome with amazement or
growing old. —adj 2 becoming or appearing horror.
older. agile adj 1 quick in movement; nimble. 2
► Both spellings, with or without an “e”, mentally quick or acute, agility n
are equally acceptable.
agin prep Dialect against or opposed to: he
ageless adj 1 apparently never growing old. gave the usual line of talk agin the govern-
2 seeming to have existed for ever; eternal: ment.
an ageless profession.
agitate vb -tating, -tated 1 to excite, dis-
agency n, pl -cies 1 an organization provid- turb, or trouble. 2 to shake or stir (a liquid).
ing a specific service: an advertising agen- 3 to attempt to stir up public opinion for or
cy. 2 the business or functions of an agent. against something, agitated adj agitated-
3 Old-fashioned action or power by which ly adv agitation n agitator n
something happens: the intervention of a
human agency in the sequence of events. agitprop n political agitation and propagan-
da.
agenda n a schedule or list of items to be at-
tended to, for example at a meeting. aglitter adj sparkling or glittering,
agent n 1 a person who arranges business aglow adj glowing.
for other people, esp. for actors or singers. aglu or agloo n Canad a breathing hole
2 a spy. 3 a substance which causes change made in ice by a seal.
in other substances: an emulsifying agent. 4 AGM annual general meeting.
someone or something which causes an ef- agnostic n 1 a person who believes that it is
fect: the agent of change. impossible to know whether God exists. 2 a
agent provocateur (azh-on prov-vok-at- person who claims that the answer to some
tur) n, pl agents provocateurs (azh-on specific question cannot be known with cer-
prov-vok-at-tur) a person employed by the tainty. —adj 3 of or relating to agnostics,
authorities to tempt people to commit il- agnosticism n
legal acts and so be discredited or punished, ago adv in the past: fifty years ago.
age-old adj very old; ancient. agog adj eager or curious: Marcia would be
agglomerate vb -ating, -ated 1 to form or agog to hear his news.
be formed into a mass. —n 2 a volcanic rock agonize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
consisting of fused angular fragments of -nising, -nised 1 to worry greatly. 2 to suf-
rock. fer agony, agonizing or -nising adj ago-
agglomeration n a confused mass or cluster, nizingly or -nisingly adv
agglutinate vb -nating, -nated to stick as if agony n, pl -nies acute physical or mental
with glue, agglutination n pain.
aggrandize or -dise vb -dizing, -dized or agony aunt n a person who replies to
-dising, -dised to make greater in size, readers’ letters in an agony column.
power, or rank. aggrandizement or agony column n a newspaper or magazine
-disement n feature offering advice on readers’ personal
aggravate vb -vating, -vated 1 to make (a problems.
disease, situation or problem) worse. 2 In- agoraphobia n an illogical fear of open
formal to annoy, aggravating adj aggra- spaces, agoraphobic adj, n
vation n AGR advanced gas-cooled reactor.
► The longer-established meaning is “make agrarian adj of or relating to land or agricul-
worse”. Some people regard the use of ag- ture. agrarianism n
gravate to mean “annoy” as poor usage but agree vb agreeing, agreed 1 to be of the
it is nevertheless widespread. same opinion. 2 to give assent; consent. 3 to
aggregate n 1 an amount or total formed reach a joint decision: the ministers agreed
from separate units. 2 Geol a rock, such as on a strategy. 4 to be consistent. 5 agree
granite, consisting of a mixture of minerals. with to be agreeable or suitable to (one’s
3 the sand and stone mixed with cement health or appearance): marriage and moth-
and water to make concrete, —adj 4 formed erhood must agree with you. 6 to concede:
of separate units collected into a whole. the unions have agreed that the results of
—vb -gating, -gated 5 to combine or be appraisal are relevant. 7 Grammar to be the
agreeable 15 air cushion
same in number, gender, and case as a con- ailing adj unwell or unsuccessful over a long
nected word. period: an ailing company.
► Agree is usually followed by a preposition. ailment n a slight illness.
Use agree on something; agree with some- aim vb 1 to point (a weapon or missile) or
one; agree to do something. direct (a blow or remark) at a particular
agreeable adj 1 pleasant and enjoyable. 2 person or object. 2 to propose or intend:
prepared to consent: I cannot say that she they aim to provide full and equal rights to
was agreeable to the project but she was re- all groups. ~n 3 the action of directing
signed. agreeably adv something at an object. 4 intention or pur-
agreement n 1 the act or state of agreeing. 2 pose. 5 take aim to point a weapon or mis-
a legally enforceable contract. sile at a person or object.
agriculture n the rearing of crops and live- ► The idiom is aim at something or aim to do
stock; farming, agricultural adj agricul- something.
turalist n aimless adj having no purpose or direction,
agrimony n a plant with small yellow flow- aimlessly adv
ers and bitter-tasting bristly fruits. ain’t Not standard am not, is not, are not,
agronomy (ag-ron-om-mee) n the science of have not, or has not: it ain’t fair.
land cultivation, soil management, and crop air n 1 the mixture of gases that forms the
production, agronomist n earth’s atmosphere. It consists chiefly of ni-
aground adv onto the bottom of shallow trogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide.
water: they felt a jolt as the ship ran 2 the space above and around the earth;
aground. sky. 3 a distinctive quality, appearance, or
ague (aig-yew) n 1 Old-fashioned malarial manner: I thought he had an air of elegance
fever with shivering. 2 a fit of shivering. and celebrity about him. 4 a simple tune. 5
transportation in aircraft: I went off to
ah interj an exclamation expressing pleas- Italy by air and train. 6 in the air in circu-
ure, pain, sympathy, etc. lation; current: a sense of expectation is in
aha interj an exclamation expressing tri- the air. 7 into thin air leaving no trace be-
umph, surprise, etc. hind. 8 on the air in the act of broadcasting
ahead adv 1 at or in the front; before. 2 on radio or television. 9 up in the air uncer-
forwards: go straight ahead. 3 get ahead to tain. —vb 10 to make known publicly: these
achieve success: I was young and hungry to issues will be aired at a ministerial meeting.
get ahead. ~adj 4 in a leading position: he 11 to expose to air to dry or ventilate. ~See
is ahead in the polls. also airs.
ahem interj a clearing of the throat, used to air base n a centre from which military air-
attract attention or express doubt. craft operate.
ahoy interj Naut a shout made to call a ship airborne adj 1 carried by air. 2 (of aircraft)
or to attract attention. flying; in the air.
Al 1 artificial insemination. 2 artificial intel- air brake n a brake in heavy vehicles that is
ligence. operated by compressed air.
aid n 1 money, equipment, or services pro- airbrick n Chiefly Brit a brick with holes in
vided for people in need; assistance. 2 a it, put into the wall of a building for venti-
person or device that helps or assists. —vb lation.
3 to help financially or in other ways. airbrush n an atomizer which sprays paint
Aid or -aid n combining form denoting a by means of compressed air.
charitable organization that raises money air chief marshal n a very senior officer in
for a particular cause: Band Aid. an air force.
AID formerly, artificial insemination by air commodore n a senior officer in an air
donor. force.
aide n an assistant: a senior aide to the air conditioning n a system for controlling
Prime Minister. the temperature and humidity of the air in
aide-de-camp (aid-de-kom) n, pl aides-de- a building, air-conditioned adj air condi-
camp (aid-de-kom) a military officer serv- tioner n
ing as personal assistant to a senior. aircraft n, pl -craft any machine capable of
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: flying, such as a glider or aeroplane.
a viral disease that destroys the body’s abil- aircraft carrier n a warship with a long flat
ity to fight infection. deck for the launching and landing of air-
AIH artificial insemination by husband. _ craft.
ail vb Literary 1 to trouble or afflict. 2 to aircraftman n, pl -men a serviceman of the
feel unwell. most junior rank in an air force, aircraft-
aileron (ale-er-on) n a hinged flap on the woman fem n
back of an aircraft wing which controls roll- air cushion n 1 an inflatable cushion. 2 the
ing. pocket of air that supports a hovercraft.
airfield alas
airfield n a place where aircraft can land airspeed n the speed of an aircraft relative
and take off. to the air in which it moves.
air force n the branch of a nation’s armed airstrip n a cleared area for the landing and
services that is responsible for air warfare. taking-off of aircraft.
air gun n a gun fired by means of com- air terminal n a building in a city from
pressed air. which air passengers are transported to an
airhead n Slang a person who is stupid or airport.
incapable of serious thought. airtight adj 1 sealed so that air cannot enter.
air hostess n a stewardess on an airliner. 2 having no weak points: your reasoning is
airily adv in a light-hearted and casual man- airtight and your evidence sound.
ner. airtime n the time allocated to a particular
airing n 1 exposure to air or warmth for dry- programme, topic, or type of material on
ing or ventilation. 2 exposure to public de- radio or television.
bate: both these notions got an airing during air vice-marshal n a senior officer in an air
the campaign. force.
airing cupboard n a heated cupboard in airwaves pl n Informal radio waves used in
which laundry is aired and kept dry. radio and television broadcasting.
airless adj lacking fresh air; stuffy. airway n an air route used regularly by air-
air letter n same as aerogram. craft.
airlift n 1 the transportation by air of troops airworthy adj (of an aircraft) safe to fly.
or cargo when other routes are blocked. airworthiness n
~vb 2 to transport by an airlift. airy adj airier, airiest 1 spacious and well
airline n an organization that provides ventilated. 2 light-hearted and casual. 3
scheduled flights for passengers or cargo. having little basis in reality; fanciful: airy
airliner n a large passenger aircraft. assurances.
airlock n 1 a bubble of air blocking the flow aisle (rhymes with mile) n a passageway
of liquid in a pipe. 2 an airtight chamber be- separating seating areas in a church, thea-
tween places that do not have the same air tre, or cinema, or separating rows of
pressure, such as in a spacecraft or subma- shelves in a supermarket.
rine. aitchbone n a cut of beef from the rump
air mail n 1 the system of sending mail by bone.
aircraft. 2 mail sent by aircraft. ajar adj, adv (of a door) slightly open.
airman or fem airwoman n, pl -men or AK Alaska.
-women a person serving in an air force. AK-47 n Trademark same as kalashnikov.
air marshal n 1 a senior Royal Air Force of- akimbo adv (with) arms akimbo with
ficer of equivalent rank to a vice admiral in hands on hips and elbows turned outwards.
the Royal Navy. 2 a Royal New Zealand Air
Force officer of the highest rank when chief akin adj akin to similar or very close to: the
of defence forces. technique is akin to impressionist painting.
airplane n US & Canad an aeroplane. Al Chem aluminium.
airplay n the broadcast performances of a AL Alabama.
record on radio. a la prep in the manner or style of: laced
air pocket n a small descending air current with gothic allusion a la David Lynch.
that causes an aircraft to lose height sud- alabaster n a kind of white stone used for
denly. making statues and vases.
airport n a landing and taking-off area for a la carte adj, adv (of a menu) having dishes
civil aircraft, with facilities for aircraft individually priced.
maintenance and passenger arrival and de- alacrity n speed or eagerness: I accepted the
parture. invitation with alacrity.
air pump n a device for pumping air into or a la mode adj fashionable.
out of something. alarm n 1 fear aroused by awareness of dan-
air raid n an attack by enemy aircraft in ger. 2 a noise warning of danger: there had
which bombs are dropped. been no time to put on life jackets or to
air rifle n a rifle fired by means of com- sound the alarm. 3 a device that transmits a
pressed air. warning. 4 short for alarm clock. ~vb 5 to
airs pl n manners put on to impress people: fill with fear. 6 to fit or activate a burglar
we’re poor and we never put on airs. alarm on (a house, car, etc.), alarming adj
airship n a lighter-than-air self-propelled alarm clock n a clock that sounds at a set
aircraft. time to wake a person up.
airsick adj' nauseated from travelling in an alarmist n 1 a person who alarms others
aircraft. needlessly. ~adj 2 causing needless alarm.
airspace n the atmosphere above a particu- alas adv 1 unfortunately or regrettably: the
lar country, regarded as its territory. answer, alas, is that they cannot get any for
alb 17 alimony
the moment. ~interj 2 Old-fashioned an taken for the General Certificate of Educa-
exclamation of grief or alarm. tion. 2 a pass in a subject at A level.
alb n a long white linen robe worn by a alfalfa n a plant widely used for feeding
Christian priest. farm animals.
albacore n a tuna found in warm seas which alfresco adj, adv in the open air.
is valued as a food fish. algae (al-jee) pl n, sing alga (al-ga) plants
Albanian adj 1 of Albania. —n 2 a person which grow in water or moist ground, and
from Albania. 3 the language of Albania. which have no true stems, roots, or leaves.
albatross n 1 a large sea bird with very long algebra n a branch of mathematics in which
wings. 2 Golf a score of three strokes under symbols are used to represent numbers, al-
par for a hole. gebraic adj
albeit cozy even though: these effects occur, ALGOL n a computer programming language
albeit to a lesser degree. designed for mathematical and scientific
albino n, pl -nos a person or animal with purposes.
white or almost white hair and skin and algorism n the Arabic or decimal system of
pinkish eyes, albinism n counting.
Albion n Poetic Britain or England. algorithm n a logical arithmetical or compu-
album n 1 a book with blank pages, for keep- tational procedure for solving problems.
ing photographs or stamps in. 2 a long- alias adv 1 also known as: Ken Barlow, alias
playing record. Bill Roache. —n, pl -ases 2 a false name.
albumen n 1 egg white. 2 Biochem same as alibi n, pl -bis 1 Law a plea of being some-
albumin. where else when a crime was committed. 2
albumin or albumen n Biochem a water- Informal an excuse. —vb -biing, -bied 3 to
soluble protein found in blood plasma, egg provide someone with an alibi.
white, milk, and muscle. Alice band n a band worn across the head to
alchemy n a medieval form of chemistry hold the hair back from the face.
concerned with trying to change base met- alien adj 1 foreign. 2 from another world. 3
als into gold and to find an elixir to prolong alien to repugnant or opposed to: these
life indefinitely, alchemist n methods are alien to the world of politics,
alcohol n 1 a colourless flammable liquid —n 4 a person who is a citizen of a country
present in intoxicating drinks. 2 intoxicat- other than the one in which he or she lives.
ing drinks generally. 5 a being from another world. 6 a person
alcohol-free adj (of beer or wine) containing who does not seem to fit in with his or her
only a trace of alcohol. environment.
alcoholic n 1 a person who is addicted to al- alienable adj Law able to be transferred to
cohol. —adj 2 of or relating to alcohol. another owner.
alcoholism n a condition in which depend- alienate vb -ating, -ated 1 to cause a friend
ence on alcohol harms a person’s health and to become unfriendly or hostile. 2 Law to
everyday life. transfer the ownership of property to an-
alcove n a recess in the wall of a room. other person, alienation n
aldehyde n Chem any organic compound alight1 vb alighting, alighted or alit 1 to
containing the group -CHO, derived from step out of a vehicle or off a horse: we
alcohol by oxidation. alighted on Vladivostok station. 2 to land:
alder n a tree with toothed leaves and we saw thirty goldfinches alighting on the
conelike fruits, often found in damp places. ledge.
aiderman n, pl -men 1 (formerly, in England alight2 adj, adv 1 on fire. 2 illuminated: the
and Wales) a senior member of a local coun- lamp on the desk was alight.
cil, elected by other councillors. 2 (in the US align (a-line) vb 1 to bring (a person or
and Canada) a member of the governing group) into agreement with the policy of
body of a city. another. 2 to place (two objects) in a par-
ale n 1 a beer that is made without hops. 2 ticular position in relation to each other,
Chiefly Brit any kind of beer. alignment n
alehouse n Old-fashioned a public house, alike adj 1 similar: they were thought to be
alembic n 1 an obsolete type of container very alike, —adv 2 in the same way: they
used for distillation. 2 anything that distils even dressed alike. 3 considered together:
or purifies things. players and spectators alike.
alert adj 1 watchful and attentive. 2 alert to alimentary adj of or relating to nutrition.
aware of. ~n 3 a warning or the period -alimentary canal n the tubular passage in
during which a warning remains in effect. 4 the body through which food is passed and
on the alert watchful. -vb 5 to warn of digested.
danger. 6 to make aware of a fact, alert- alimony n Law an allowance paid under a
ness n court order by one spouse to another after
A level n 1 the advanced level of a subject separation.
A-line 18 allopathy
A-line adj (of a skirt) slightly flared, allegretto Music -adv 1 fairly quickly or
aliphatic adj Chem (of an organic com- briskly. ~n, pl -tos 2 a piece or passage to
pound) having an open chain structure. be performed fairly quickly or briskly.
aliquant adj Maths denoting or belonging to allegro Music -adv 1 in a brisk lively man-
a number that is not an exact divisor of a ner. ~n, pl -gros 2 a piece or passage to be
given number. performed in a brisk lively manner.
aliquot adj Maths denoting or belonging to allele (al-leel) n any of two or more genes
an exact divisor of a number. that are responsible for alternative charac-
alive adj 1 living; having life. 2 in existence: teristics, such as smooth or wrinkled seeds
he said that he would keep the company in peas.
alive, no matter what. 3 lively. 4 alive to alleluia interj praise the Lord!
aware of. 5 alive with swarming with: the allergen (al-ler-jen) n a substance capable of
rocky shoreline was alive with birds. causing an allergic reaction, allergenic adj
alkali (alk-a-lie) n Chem a substance that allergic adj 1 having or caused by an aller-
combines with acid and neutralizes it to gy. 2 allergic to Informal having a strong
form a salt. dislike of: Father and son seemed to have
alkaline adj Chem having the properties of been allergic to each other from the start.
or containing an alkali, alkalinity n allergy n, pl -gies 1 extreme sensitivity to a
alkaloid n Chem any of a group of organic substance such as a food or pollen, which
compounds containing nitrogen. Many are causes the body to react to any contact with
poisonous and some are used as drugs. it. 2 Informal a strong dislike for something.
alkane n Chem any saturated hydrocarbon alleviate vb -ating, -ated to lessen (pain or
with the general formula CnH2n+2. suffering), alleviation n
alkene n Chem any unsaturated hydrocar- alley n 1 a narrow passage between or be-
bon with the general formula CnH2n. hind buildings. 2 a a building containing
all adj, adv 1 the whole quantity or number lanes for tenpin bowling, b a long narrow
(of): all the banks agree; we’re all to blame. wooden lane down which the ball is rolled
2 every one of a class: almost all animals in tenpin bowling. 3 a path in a garden,
sneeze. 3 the greatest possible: in all seri- often lined with trees.
ousness. 4 any whatever: I’m leaving out all alleyway n a narrow passage with buildings
question of motive for the time being. 5 all or walls on both sides.
along since the beginning. 6 all but nearly.
all found adv (of charges for accommoda-
7 all in all everything considered. 8 all
over a finished, b everywhere in or on: we tion) including meals, heating, and other
send them all over the world, c Informal living expenses.
typically: that’s him all over. 9 all the so Allhallows n same as All Saints’ Day.
much (more or less) than otherwise: the alliance n 1 the state of being allied. 2 a
need for new drugs is all the more impor- formal relationship between two or more
tant. 10 at all used for emphasis: my countries or political parties to work to-
throat’s no better at all. 11 be all for In- gether. 3 the countries or parties involved.
formal to be strongly in favour of. 12 for allied adj 1 united by a common aim or
all in spite of: for all his cynicism, he’s at common characteristics: the allied areas of
heart a closet idealist. 13 in all altogether: telepathy and clairvoyance. 2 Allied relat-
there were five in all. -adv 14 (in scores of ing to the countries that fought against
games) each: the score was two all. ~n 15 Germany and Japan in the Second World
give one’s all to make the greatest possible War: the Allied bombing of German cities.
effort. alligator n a large reptile of the southern US
Allah n the name of God in Islam, and China, similar to the crocodile but with
allay vb to reduce (fear or anger), a shorter broader snout.
all clear n a signal indicating that danger is all in adj 1 Informal exhausted. 2 (of wres-
over. tling) with no style forbidden, -adv 3 with
allegation n an unproved assertion or accu- all expenses included.
sation. alliteration n the use of the same sound at
allege vb -leging, -leged to state without the start of words occurring together, as in
proof. round the rugged rock the ragged rascal
alleged adj stated but not proved: the spot ran. alliterative adj
where the alleged crime took place, alleg- allocate vb -eating, -cated to assign to
edly (al-lej-id-lee) adv someone or for a particular purpose, allo-
allegiance n loyalty or dedication to a per- cation n
son, cause, or belief. allopathy (al-lop-ath-ee) n Med an orthodox
allegory n, pl -ries a story, poem, or picture method of treating disease, by using drugs
with an underlying meaning as well as the that produce an effect opposite to the effect
literal one. allegorical adj allegorize or of the disease being treated, as contrasted
-rise vb with homeopathy, allopathic adj
allot alpha
allot vb -lotting, -lotted to assign as a share mud, silt, and sand deposited by flowing
or for a particular purpose. water.
allotment n 1 Brit a small piece of land rent- ally n, pl -lies 1 a country, person, or group
ed by a person to grow vegetables on. 2 a with an agreement to support another. —vb
portion allotted. 3 distribution. -lies, -lying, -lied 2 ally oneself with to
allotrope n Chem any of two or more physi- agree to support another country, person,
cal forms in which an element can exist. or group.
allotropy n Chem the existence of an el- alma mater n the school, college, or univer-
ement in two or more physical forms, allo- sity that one attended.
tropic adj almanac n a yearly calendar with detailed
all-out adj Informal using one’s maximum information on matters like anniversaries
powers: an all-out attack on inflation. and phases of the moon.
allow vb 1 to permit someone to do some- almighty adj 1 having power over every-
thing. 2 to set aside: I allowed plenty of thing. 2 Informal very great: there was an
time. 3 to acknowledge (a point or claim). 4 almighty bang. ~n 3 the Almighty God.
allow for to take into account, allowable almond n an edible oval nut with a
adj yellowish-brown shell, which grows on a
allowance n 1 an amount of money given at small tree.
regular intervals. 2 (in Britain) an amount almoner n Brit a former name for a hospital
of a person’s income that is not subject to social worker.
income tax. 3 make allowances for a to almost adv very nearly.
treat or judge someone less severely be-
cause he or she has special problems, b to alms (ahmz) pl n Old-fashioned donations of
take into account in one’s plans. money or goods to the poor.
alloy n 1 a mixture of two or more metals. almshouse n Brit (formerly) a house, fi-
—vb 2 to mix metals in order to obtain a nanced by charity, which offered accom-
substance with a desired property. modation to the poor.
all-purpose adj useful for many purposes. aloe n 1 a plant with fleshy spiny leaves. 2
all right adj 1 acceptable or satisfactory: Is aloes a bitter drug made from aloe leaves.
everything all right? 2 unharmed; safe: I’m aloe vera n a plant producing a juice which
going to check if he’s all right. ~interj 3 an is used to treat skin and hair.
expression of approval or agreement, —adv aloft adv 1 in the air. 2 Naut in the rigging of
4 satisfactorily. 5 safely. 6 without doubt: a ship.
it was him all right. alone adj, adv 1 without anyone or anything
all-round adj 1 having many skills; versatile: else. 2 leave someone or something alone
an all-round player, 2 of broad scope; com- to refrain from annoying someone or inter-
prehensive: we cannot do without up-to- fering with something. 3 let alone not to
date and all-round training. mention: it looked inconceivable that he
all-rounder n a person with many skills and could run again, let alone be elected.
abilities. along prep 1 over part or all of the length of:
All Saints’ Day n a Christian festival cel- we were going along the railway tracks,
ebrated on November 1 to honour all the —adv 2 moving forward: they were roaring
saints. along at 40mph. 3 in company with another
All Souls’ Day n RC Church a day of prayer or others: let them go along for the ride. 4
(November 2) for the dead in purgatory. along with together with: I'm including the
allspice n a spice used in cooking, which good days along with the bad.
comes from the berries of a tropical Ameri- alongside prep 1 close beside, —adv 2 near
can tree. the side of something.
all-time adj Informal unsurpassed at a par- ► Avoid following alongside with of. Its use
ticular time: one of boxing’s all-time greats. is unnecessary.
allude vb -luding, -luded allude to to refer aloof adj distant or haughty in manner,
indirectly to. alopecia (al-loh-pee-sha) n loss of hair,
► Allude is followed by to. Be careful not to usually due to illness.
confuse this word with elude meaning “es- aloud adv in an audible voice.
cape”. alp n 1 a high mountain. 2 the Alps a high
allure n attractiveness or appeal, mountain range in S central Europe.
alluring adj extremely attractive, alpaca n 1 a South American mammal relat-
allusion n an indirect reference. ed to the llama, with dark shaggy hair. 2
► Be careful not to confuse allusion with il- 'wool or cloth made from this hair.
lusion meaning “fallacy" or “fantasy”. alpenstock n a strong stick with an iron tip
alluvial adj 1 of or relating to alluvium. —n used by hikers and mountain climbers.
2 same as alluvium. alpha n 1 the first letter in the Greek alpha-
alluvium n, pl -via a fertile soil consisting of bet (A, a). 2 Brit the highest grade in an ex-
alphabet 20 Am
amination or for a piece of academic work. lifestyle etc. that is less conventional or ma-
3 alpha and omega the first and last. terialistic than is usual, alternatively adv
alphabet n a set of letters in fixed conven- ► Although the strict meaning of alterna-
tional order, used in a writing system. tive, “a choice between two things”, is not
alphabetical adj in the conventional order usually observed nowadays, it is preferable
of the letters of an alphabet, alphabetical- to say there are three choices rather than
ly adv there are three alternatives.
alphabetize or -ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, alternative energy n a form of energy ob-
-ised to put in alphabetical order, alpha- tained from natural resources like waves
betization or -isation n and wind.
alternative medicine n the treatment of dis-
alphanumeric adj consisting of alphabetical
and numerical symbols. ease by unconventional methods like
homeopathy, and involving attention to the
alpha particle n Physics a positively patient’s emotional wellbeing.
charged particle, emitted during some alternator n an electrical machine that gen-
radioactive transformations. erates an alternating current.
alpha ray n Physics a stream of alpha parti- although conj in spite of the fact that,
cles.
altimeter (al-tim-it-er) n an instrument that
alpine adj 1 of high mountains. 2 Alpine of measures altitude.
the Alps. ~n 3 a plant grown on or native altitude n height, esp. above sea level.
to mountains.
alto n, pl -tos 1 short for contralto. 2 the
alpinist n a mountain climber. highest adult male voice. 3 a singer with an
already adv 1 before the present time. 2 be- alto voice. 4 a musical instrument, for in-
fore an implied or expected time. stance a saxophone, that is the second or
alright adj, interj, adv Not universally ac- third highest in its family, -adj 5 denoting
cepted same as all right. such an instrument, singer, or voice: an alto
► While this compact form is commonly ac- flute.
ceptable, many people still regard it as an altogether adv 1 completely: an altogether
error and prefer all right. different message. 2 on the whole: this is
Alsatian n a large wolflike dog. not altogether a bad thing. 3 in total: alto-
also adv in addition; too. gether, 25 aircraft took part. ~n 4 in the
also-ran n a loser in a race, competition, or altogether Informal naked.
election. altruism n unselfish concern for the welfare
Alta. Alberta. of others, altruist n altruistic adj
alum n Chem a double sulphate of alumin-
altar n 1 the table used for Communion in
ium and potassium, used in manufacturing
Christian churches. 2 a raised structure on and in medicine.
which sacrifices are offered and religious
rites performed. aluminium or US & Canad aluminum n Chem
a light malleable silvery-white metallic el-
altarpiece n a painting or a decorated screen ement that does not rust. Symbol: Al
set above and behind the altar in a Chris-
tian church. aluminize or -ise vb -nizing, -nized or
-nising, -nised to cover with aluminium.
alter vb to make or become different;
alumnus (al-lumm-nuss) or fem alumna (al-
change. lumm-na) n, pl -ni (-nie) or -nae (-nee)
alteration n a change or modification, Chiefly US & Canad a graduate of a school
altercation n a noisy argument. or college.
alter ego n 1 a hidden side to one’s personal- alveolus (al-vee-ol-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) any
ity. 2 a very close friend. small pit, cavity, or saclike dilation, such as
alternate vb -nating, -nated 1 to occur by a honeycomb cell, a tooth socket, or the tiny
turns. 2 to interchange regularly or in suc- air sacs in the lungs.
cession. —adj 3 occurring by turns. 4 every always adv 1 without exception: she was
second (one) of a series: alternate days. 5 always at the top of her form in school
being a second choice, alternately adv al- work. 2 continually: you’re always shouting
ternation n or whining. 3 in any case: they’re all adults,
alternate angles pl n Geom two angles at they can always say no.
opposite ends and on opposite sides of a line alyssum n a garden plant with clusters of
intersecting two other lines. small white flowers.
alternating current n an electric current Alzheimer’s disease (alts-hime-erz) n a
that reverses direction at frequent regular disorder of the brain resulting in a progres-
intervals. sive decline in intellectual and physical
alternative n 1 a possibility of choice be- abilities and eventual senility.
tween two or more things. 2 either or any of am vb (used with I) a form of the present
such choices, -adj 3 presenting a choice tense of be.
between two or more possibilities. 4 of a Am Chem americium.
AM 21 amethyst
AM amplitude modulation. ambit n limits or boundary.
Am. America(n). ambition n 1 strong desire for success. 2
a.m. before noon. something so desired; a goal.
amah n (in the East, formerly) a nurse or ambitious adj 1 having a strong desire for
maidservant. success. 2 requiring great effort or ability:
amalgam n 1 a blend or combination. 2 an ambitious plans.
alloy of mercury with another metal: dental ambivalence (am-biv-a-lenss) n the state of
amalgam. feeling two conflicting emotions at the same
amalgamate vb -ating, -mated 1 to combine time, ambivalent adj
or unite. 2 to alloy (a metal) with mercury, amble vb -bling, -bled 1 to walk at a leisure-
amalgamation n ly pace. ~n 2 a leisurely walk or pace.
amandla (a-mand-la) n S African a political ambrosia n 1 something delightful to taste
slogan calling for power to the Black popu- or smell. 2 Classical myth the food of the
lation. gods.
amanuensis (am-man-yew-en-siss) n, pl-ses ambulance n a motor vehicle designed to
(-seez) a person who copies manuscripts or carry sick or injured people.
takes dictation. ambulatory adj 1 of or relating to walking. 2
amaranth n 1 Poetic an imaginary flower able to walk, —n, pl -ries 3 a place for
that never fades. 2 a lily-like plant with walking in, such as a cloister.
small green, red, or purple flowers. ambush n 1 the act of waiting in a concealed
amaryllis n a lily-like plant with large red or position to make a surprise attack. 2 an at-
white flowers and a long stalk. tack from such a position, —vb 3 to attack
amass vb to accumulate or collect: the de- suddenly from a concealed position.
sire to amass wealth. ameliorate (am-meal-yor-rate) vb -rating,
amateur n 1 a person who engages in a sport -rated to make (something) better, amelio-
or other activity as a pastime rather than as ration n
a profession. 2 a person unskilled in a sub- amen interj so be it: used at the end of a
ject or activity, —adj 3 doing something out prayer.
of interest, not for money. 4 amateurish, amenable (a-mean-a-bl) adj likely or willing
amateurism n to cooperate.
amateurish adj lacking skill. amend vb to make small changes to some-
amatory adj of or relating to romantic or thing such as a piece of writing or a con-
sexual love. tract, in order to improve it.
amaze vb amazing, amazed to fill with sur- amendment n an improvement or correc-
prise; astonish, amazement n amazing adj tion.
amazingly adv amends pl n make amends for to compen-
Amazon n 1 a strong and powerful woman. 2 sate for some injury or insult.
Greek myth one of a race of women amenity n, pl -ties a useful or enjoyable fea-
warriors of Scythia. Amazonian adj ture: all kinds of amenities including horse
ambassador n 1 a diplomat of the highest riding and golf.
rank, sent to another country as permanent amenorrhoea or esp US amenorrhea (aim-
representative of his or her own country. 2 men-or-ree-a) n abnormal absence of men-
a representative or messenger: he saw him- struation.
self as an ambassador for the game, am- American adj 1 of the United States of
bassadorial adj America or the American continent. ~n 2 a
amber n 1 a yellow translucent fossilized person from the United States of America
resin, used in jewellery, —adj 2 brownish- or the American continent.
yellow. American football n a game similar to
ambergris (am-ber-greece) n a waxy sub- rugby, played by two teams of eleven play-
stance secreted by the sperm whale, which ers.
is used in making perfumes. American Indian n 1 a member of any of the
ambidextrous adj able to use both hands original peoples of America, —adj 2 of any
with equal ease. of these peoples.
ambience or ambiance n the atmosphere of Americanism n an expression or custom
a place. that is characteristic of the people of the
ambient adj surrounding: low ambient tem- United States.
peratures. Americanize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
ambiguity n, pl -ties 1 the possibility of in- - -ising, -ised to make American in outlook or
terpreting an expression in more than one form.
way. 2 an ambiguous situation or expres- americium n Chem a white metallic element
sion: the ambiguities of feminine identity. artificially produced from plutonium. Sym-
ambiguous adj having more than one pos- bol: Am
sible interpretation, ambiguously adv amethyst (am-myth-ist) n 1 a purple or vio-
Amharic 22 amplifier
let variety of quartz used as a gemstone. amoeba or US ameba (am-mee-ba) n, pl
-adj 2 purple or violet. -bae (-bee) or -bas a microscopic single-cell
Amharic n the official language of Ethiopia, creature that is able to change its shape.
amiable adj having a pleasant nature; amok or amuck adv run amok to run about
friendly, amiability n amiably adv in a violent frenzy.
amicable adj characterized by friendliness: among or amongst prep 1 in the midst of:
ideally the parting should be amicable. she decided to dwell among the Greeks. 2 in
amicability n amicably adv the group, class, or number of: he is among
amid or amidst prep in the middle of; the top trainers. 3 to each of: the stakes
among. should be divided among the players. 4 with
► The meaning of amid overlaps with that of one another within a group: sort it out
among, but the form amidst is old- among yourselves.
fashioned. Nowadays use amid or among. ► Among is generally used when more than
amide n Chem 1 any organic compound con-
two things are mentioned: it’s hard to
taining the group -CONH2. 2 an inorganic choose among friends. The form amongst is
compound having the general formula rather old-fashioned.
M(NH2)X, where M is a metal atom. amoral (aim-mor-ral) adj without moral
amidships adv Nautat, near, or towards the standards or principles, amorality n
centre of a ship. ► Amoral should not be confused with im-
moral, “acting contrary to moral stand-
amine (am-mean) n Chem an organic base ards”.
formed by replacing one or more of the
hydrogen atoms of ammonia by organic amorous adj feeling, displaying, or relating
groups. to sexual love or desire.
amino acid (am-mean-oh) n Chem any of a amorphous adj 1 lacking a definite shape. 2
group of organic compounds containing the of no recognizable character or type.
amino group, — NH2, and one or more car- amortize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or
boxyl groups, —COOH, esp. one that is a -tising, -tised Finance to pay off (a debt)
component of protein. gradually by periodic transfers to a sinking
amir (am-meer) n same as emir. fund.
amiss adv 1 wrongly or badly: anxious not amount n 1 extent or quantity, -vb 2
to tread amiss. 2 take something amiss to amount to to be equal or add up to.
be offended by something, -adj 3 wrong or amour n a secret love affair.
faulty. amour-propre (am-moor-prop-ra) n self-
amity n Formal friendship. esteem.
ammeter n an instrument for measuring an amp n 1 an ampere. 2 Informal an amplifier,
electric current in amperes. amperage n the strength of an electric cur-
ammo n Informal ammunition. rent measured in amperes.
ammonia n 1 a colourless strong-smelling ampere (am-pair) n the basic unit of electric
gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen. 2 a current.
solution of this in water. ampersand n the character &, meaning and.
ammonite n the fossilized spiral shell of an ► It is best to avoid using an ampersand (&)
extinct sea creature. to replace the word and in formal writing.
ammonium adj Chem of or containing the amphetamine (am-fet-am-mean) n a drug
chemical group NH4 — or the ion NH4+. used as a stimulant.
ammunition n 1 bullets, bombs, and shells amphibian n 1 an animal, such as a newt,
that can be fired from or as a weapon. 2 frog, or toad, that lives on land but breeds
facts that can be used in an argument. in water. 2 a vehicle that can travel on both
amnesia n a partial or total loss of memory, water and land.
amnesiac adj, n amphibious adj 1 living or operating both on
amnesty n, pl -ties 1 a general pardon for land and in or on water. 2 relating to a mili-
offences against a government. 2 a period tary attack launched from the sea against a
during which a law is suspended, to allow shore.
people to confess to crime or give up weap- amphitheatre or US amphitheater n a circu-
ons without fear of prosecution. lar or oval building without a roof, in which
amniocentesis n, pl -ses removal of amniot- tiers of seats rise from a central open arena.
ic fluid from the womb of a pregnant amphora (am-for-ra) n, pl-phorae (-for-ree)
woman in order to detect possible abnor- an ancient Greek or Roman jar with two
malities in the fetus. handles and a narrow neck.
amnion n, pl -nia the innermost of two ample adj 1 more than sufficient: there is al-
membranes enclosing an embryo, amniotic ready ample evidence. 2 large: ample
adj helpings of stewed pomegranates and
amniotic fluid n the fluid surrounding the pears.
fetus in the womb. amplifier n an electronic device used to in-
amplify 23 analysis
crease the strength of a current or sound anachronism (an-nak-kron-iz-zum) n 1 the
signal. representation of something in a historical
amplify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 Electronics context in which it could not have occurred
to increase the strength of (a current or or existed. 2 a person or thing that seems to
sound signal). 2 to explain in more detail. 3 belong to another time, anachronistic adj
to increase the size, extent, or effect of. anaconda n a large S American snake which
amplification n squeezes its prey to death.
amplitude n 1 greatness of extent. 2 Physics anaemia or US anemia (an-neem-ee-a) n a
the maximum displacement from the zero or deficiency of red blood cells or their
mean position of a wave or oscillation. haemoglobin content, resulting in paleness
amplitude modulation n Electronics a and lack of energy.
method of transmitting information using anaemic or US anemic adj 1 having anae-
radio waves in which the amplitude of the mia. 2 pale and sickly-looking. 3 lacking vi-
carrier wave is varied in accordance with tality.
the amplitude of the input signal. anaerobe n Biol an organism that does not
amply adv fully or generously: she was require oxygen, anaerobic adj
amply rewarded for it. anaesthesia or US anesthesia (an-niss-
ampoule or US ampule n Med a small glass theez-ee-a) n loss of bodily feeling caused
container in which liquids for injection are by disease or accident or by drugs such as
sealed. ether: called general anaesthesia when
ampulla n, pl -pullae 1 Anat the dilated end consciousness is lost and local anaesthesia
part of certain tubes in the body. 2 Christi- when only a specific area of the body is in-
anity a container for the wine and water, or volved.
the oil, used in church. anaesthetic or US anesthetic (an-niss-
thet-ik) n 1 a substance that causes anaes-
amputate vb -tating, -tated to cut off (a
limb or part of a limb) for medical reasons, thesia. —adj 2 causing anaesthesia.
amputation n anaesthetist (an-neess-thet-ist) n Brit a
doctor who administers anaesthetics.
amputee n a person who has had a limb
amputated. anaesthetize, anaesthetise or US anesthe-
tize vb -tizing, -tized or -tising, -tised to
amuck adv same as amok. cause to feel no pain by administering an
amulet n a trinket or jewel worn as a protec- anaesthetic.
tion against evil. Anaglypta n Trademark a thick embossed
amuse vb amusing, amused 1 to cause to wallpaper, designed to be painted.
laugh or smile. 2 to entertain or keep inter- anagram n a word or phrase made by re-
ested. amusing adj amusingly adv arranging the letters of another word or
amusement n 1 the state of being amused. 2 phrase.
something that amuses or entertains some- anal (ain-al) adj of or relating to the anus,
one. analgesia n the absence of pain.
amusement arcade n a large room with analgesic (an-nal-jeez-ik) n 1 a drug that re-
coin-operated electronic games and fruit lieves pain, -adj 2 pain-relieving.
machines. analog n US & computers same as analogue,
amusement park n a large open-air enter- analogize or -gise vb -gizing, -gized or
tainment area with rides and stalls. -gising, -gised 1 to use analogy in argu-
amylase n an enzyme present in saliva that ment. 2 to reveal analogy between (one
helps to change starch into sugar. thing and another).
an adj (indefinite article) same as a: used be- analogous adj similar in some respects,
fore an initial vowel sound: an old man; an analogue or US analog n 1 a physical object
hour. or quantity used to measure or represent
► This form of the indefinite article is also another quantity. 2 something that is
used with abbreviations which have a analogous to something else, -adj 3 dis-
vowel sound when read aloud: an MA. It is playing information by means of a dial: ana-
old-fashioned to use an before words like logue speedometers.
hotel or historic. analogy n, pl -gies 1 a similarity, usually in
an- prefix See a-. a limited number of features. 2 a compari-
Anabaptist n 1 a member of a 16th-century son made to show such a similarity, ana-
Protestant movement that believed in adult logical adj
baptism, —adj 2 of this movement. analyse or US -lyze (an-nal-lize) vb -lysing,
anabolic steroid n a synthetic steroid hor- -lysed or -lyzing, -lyzed 1 to examine
mone used to stimulate muscle and bone ' (something) in detail in order to discover its
growth. meaning or essential features. 2 to break
anabolism n Biol a metabolic process in (something) down into its components. 3 to
which body tissues are synthesized from psychoanalyse (someone).
food. analysis (an-nal-liss-iss) n, pl -ses (-seez) 1
analyst 24 angelic
the separation of a whole into its parts for ancient adj 1 dating from very long ago. 2
study or interpretation. 2 a statement of the very old. 3 of the far past, esp. before the
results of this. 3 short for psychoanalysis. collapse of the Western Roman Empire (476
analyst n 1 a person who is skilled in analy- a d ). ~n 4 ancients people who lived very
sis. 2 a psychoanalyst. long ago, such as the Romans and Greeks.
analytical or analytic adj relating to or ancillary adj 1 supporting the main work of
using analysis, analytically adv an organization: hospital ancillary workers.
anarchism n a doctrine advocating the abo- 2 used as an extra or supplement: I had a
lition of government and its replacement by small ancillary sleeping tent.
a social system based on voluntary coopera- and conj 1 in addition to: plants and birds. 2
tion. as a consequence: she fell downstairs and
anarchist n 1 a person who advocates anar- broke her neck. 3 afterwards: she excused
chism. 2 a person who causes disorder or herself and left. 4 used for emphasis or to
upheaval, anarchistic adj indicate repetition or continuity: they
anarchy (an-ark-ee) n 1 general lawlessness called again and again. 5 used to express a
and disorder. 2 the absence of government, contrast between instances of something:
anarchic adj there are jobs and jobs. 6 Informal used in
anastigmat n a lens corrected for astigma- place of to in infinitives after verbs such as
tism. anastigmatic adj try, go, and come: come and see us again.
anathema (an-nath-im-a) n a detested per- andante (an-dan-tay) Music ~adv 1 mod-
son or thing: the very colour was anathema erately slowly. ~n 2 a passage or piece to
to him. be performed moderately slowly.
anathematize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or andantino (an-dan-tee-no) Music ~adv 1
-tising, -tised to curse: he anathematized slightly faster than andante. ~n, pl -nos 2
the world in general. a passage or piece to be performed in this
anatomist n an expert in anatomy. manner.
anatomy n, pl -mies 1 the science of the andiron n either of a pair of metal stands for
physical structure of animals and plants. 2 supporting logs in a fireplace.
the structure of an animal or plant. 3 In- and/or conJ Not universally accepted either
formal a person’s body: the male anatomy. one or the other or both.
4 a detailed analysis: an anatomy of the ► Avoid using and/or where or alone will do.
massacre, anatomical adj Its use generally suggests commercial and
ANC African National Congress: South Afri- official correspondence.
can political movement opposed to apart- androgynous adj having both male and fe-
heid. male characteristics.
ancestor n 1 a person in former times from android n a robot resembling a human being,
whom one is descended. 2 a forerunner: the anecdote n a short amusing account of an
immediate ancestor of rock and roll is incident, anecdotal adj
rhythm and blues. anemia n US anaemia.
ancestral adj of or inherited from ancestors, anemometer n an instrument for recording
ancestry n, pl -tries 1 family descent: of wind speed.
Japanese ancestry. 2 origin or roots: a vehi- anemone (an-nem-on-ee) n a flowering
cle whose ancestry dated back to the 1950s. plant with white, purple, or red flowers.
anchor n 1 a hooked device attached to a aneroid barometer n a device for measuring
boat by a cable and dropped overboard to air pressure, consisting of a partially
fasten the boat to the sea bottom. 2 a source evacuated chamber, in which variations in
of stability or security: a spiritual anchor. pressure cause a pointer on the lid to move.
~vb 3 to use an anchor to hold (a boat) in
one place. 4 to fasten securely: we anchored anesthesia n US anaesthesia.
his wheelchair to a huge stone. aneurysm or aneurism (an-new-riz-zum) n
anchorage n a place where boats can be an- Med a permanent swelling of a blood vessel.
chored. anew adv 1 once more. 2 in a different way.
anchorite n a person who chooses to live in angel n 1 a spiritual being believed to be an
isolation for religious reasons. attendant or messenger of God. 2 a conven-
anchorman or anchorwoman n 1 a broad- tional representation of an angel as a
caster in a central studio, who links up and human being with wings. 3 Informal a per-
presents items from outside camera units son who is kind, pure, or beautiful. 4 Infor-
and reporters in other studios. 2 the last mal an investor in a theatrical production.
person to compete in a relay team. angel cake or esp US angel food cake n a
anchovy (an-chov-ee) n, pl -vies a small ma- very light sponge cake.
rine food fish with a salty taste. angelfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a South
ancien regime (on-syan ray-zheem) n 1 the American aquarium fish with large fins.
political and social system of France before angelic adj 1 very kind, pure, or beautiful. 2
the 1789 Revolution. 2 a former system. of or relating to angels, angelically adv
angelica 25 animated
angelica (an-jell-ik-a) n a plant whose can- son whose native language is English. 3
died stalks are used in cookery. same as Old English. 4 Informal plain,
Angelus (an-jell-uss) n RC Church 1 prayers blunt, and often rude English. —adj 5 of the
recited in the morning, at midday, and in Anglo-Saxons or the Old English language. 6
the evening. 2 the bell signalling the times of the White Protestant culture of Britain
of these prayers. and the US.
anger n 1 a feeling of extreme annoyance or angora n 1 a variety of goat, cat, or rabbit
displeasure. -vb 2 to make (someone) with long silky hair. 2 the hair of the ango-
angry. ra goat or rabbit. 3 cloth made from this
angina (an-jine-a) or angina pectoris hair.
(peck-tor-riss) n a sudden intense chest Angostura Bitters pl n Trademark a bitter
pain caused by momentary lack of adequate tonic, used as a flavouring in alcoholic
blood supply to the heart muscle. drinks.
angle1 n 1 the space between or shape angry adj -grier, -griest 1 feeling or express-
formed by two straight lines or surfaces ing annoyance or rage. 2 severely inflamed:
that meet. 2 the divergence between two he had angry welts on his forehead. 3 dark
such lines or surfaces, measured in degrees. and stormy: angry waves, angrily adv
3 a recess or corner. 4 point of view. -vb angst n a feeling of anxiety.
-gling, -gled 5 to move in or place at an angstrom n a unit of length equal to 10“10
angle. 6 to write (an article) from a particu- metre, used to measure wavelengths.
lar point of view. anguish n great mental pain.
angle2 vb -gling, -gled 1 to fish with a hook anguished adj feeling or showing great men-
and line. 2 angle for to try to get by hint- tal pain: anguished cries.
ing: he’s just angling for sympathy.
angular adj 1 lean and bony: his angular
angler n a person who fishes with a hook face. 2 having an angle or angles. 3 meas-
and line. ured by an angle: angular momentum, an-
Angles pl na race from N Germany who set- gularity n
tled in E and N England in the 5th and 6th anhydrous adj Chem containing no water,
centuries a d .
anil n a West Indian shrub which is a source
Anglican adj 1 of or relating to the Church
of England. ~n 2 a member of the Anglican of indigo.
Church. Anglicanism n aniline n Chem a colourless oily poisonous
Anglicism n an expression or custom that is
liquid, obtained from coal tar and used for
peculiar to the English. making dyes, plastics, and explosives.
anglicize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or animal n 1 Zool any living being that is ca-
-cising, -cised to make or become English in pable of voluntary movement and possesses
outlook or form. specialized sense organs. 2 any living being
other than a human being. 3 any living
angling n the art or sport of fishing with a being with four legs. 4 a cruel or coarse per-
hook and line. son. 5 Facetious a person or thing: there’s
Anglo n, pl -gios 1 US a White inhabitant of no such animal, -adj 6 of or from animals.
the US who is not of Latin extraction. 2 7 of or relating to physical needs or desires.
Canad an English-speaking Canadian whose animalcule n a microscopic animal.
ancestors came from Britain or Ireland.
animal husbandry n the science of breeding,
Anglo- combining form English or British: rearing, and caring for farm animals.
the Anglo-Irish agreement.
animalism n 1 preoccupation with physical
Anglo-French adj 1 of England and France. matters; sensuality. 2 the doctrine that
2 of the Anglo-French language. ~n 3 the human beings lack a spiritual nature.
Norman-French language of medieval Eng-
land. animality n 1 the animal instincts of human
beings. 2 the state of being an animal.
Anglo-Indian adj 1 of England and India. 2
denoting or relating to Anglo-Indians. ~n 3 animalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
a person of mixed British and Indian de- -ised to make (a person) brutal or sensual.
scent. 4 an English person who has lived for animal magnetism n the quality of being
a long time in India. sexually attractive.
Anglo-Norman adj 1 of or relating to the animal rights pl n the rights of animals to be
Norman conquerors of England or their lan- protected from human abuse.
guage. ~n 2 a Norman inhabitant of Eng- animal spirits pl n outgoing and boisterous
land after 1066. 3 the Anglo-French lan- enthusiasm.
guage. animate vb -mating, -mated 1 to give life to.
Anglophile n a person who admires England 2 to make lively. 3 to produce (a story) as
or the English. an animated cartoon, -adj 4 having life.
Anglo-Saxon n 1 a member of any of the animated adj 1 interesting and lively. 2 (of a
West Germanic tribes that settled in Britain cartoon) made by using animation, ani-
from the 5th century a d . 2 any White per- matedly adv
animated cartoon 26 anonymous
animated cartoon n a film produced by declare the arrival of (a person). 4 to be a
photographing a series of gradually chang- sign of: snowdrops announced the arrival of
ing drawings, which give the illusion of spring, announcement n
movement when the series is projected rap- announcer n a person who introduces pro-
idly. grammes on radio or television.
animation n 1 the techniques used in the annoy vb 1 to irritate or displease. 2 to har-
production of animated cartoons. 2 liveli- ass sexually, annoyance n annoying adj
ness and enthusiasm: there’s an animation annual adj 1 occurring or done once a year:
in her that is new. the Labour Party’s annual conference. 2
animator n a person who makes animated lasting for a year: the annual subscription
cartoons. is £42 a year. —n 3 a plant that completes
animism n the belief that natural objects its life cycle in one year. 4 a book published
possess souls, animist n, adj animistic adj once every year, annually adv
animosity n, pl -ties a powerful dislike or annualize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
hostility. -ised to calculate (a rate) for or as if for a
animus n intense dislike; hatred. year.
anion (an-eye-on) n an ion with negative annuity n, pl -ties a fixed sum payable at
charge, anionic adj specified intervals over a period.
anise (an-niss) n a Mediterranean plant annul vb -nulling, -nulled to declare (a con-
with liquorice-flavoured seeds. tract or marriage) invalid.
aniseed n the liquorice-flavoured seeds of annular (an-new-lar) adj ring-shaped.
the anise plant, used for flavouring. annular eclipse n an eclipse of the sun in
ankh n a T-shaped cross with a loop on the which a ring of sunlight can be seen sur-
top, which symbolized eternal life in an- rounding the shadow of the moon.
cient Egypt. annulate (an-new-lit) adj having, composed
ankle n 1 the joint connecting the leg and the of, or marked with rings.
foot. 2 the part of the leg just above the annulment n the formal declaration that a
foot. contract or marriage is invalid.
anklet n an ornamental chain worn round Annunciation n 1 the Annunciation the an-
the ankle. nouncement by the angel Gabriel to the Vir-
ankylosis (ang-kill-loh-siss) n abnormal gin Mary of her-conception of Christ. 2 the
immobility of a joint, caused by a fibrous festival commemorating this, on March 25
growth within the joint. (Lady Day).
anna n a former Indian coin worth one six- anode n Electronics the positive electrode in
teenth of a rupee. an electrolytic cell or in an electronic valve
annals pl n 1 yearly records of events. 2 or tube.
regular reports of the work of a society or anodize or -dise vb -dizing, -dized or
other organization, annalist n -dising, -dised Chem to coat (a metal) with
anneal vb to toughen (glass or metal) by a protective oxide film by electrolysis.
heat treatment. anodyne n 1 something that relieves pain or
annelid n a worm with a segmented body, distress, -adj 2 neutral. 3 capable of re-
such as the earthworm. lieving pain or distress.
annex vb 1 to seize (territory) by conquest anoint vb to smear with oil as a sign of con-
or occupation. 2 to take without permission. secration.
3 to join or add (something) to something anointing of the sick n RC Church a sacra-
larger, annexation n ment in which a person who is dying is
annexe or esp US annex n 1 an extension to anointed by a priest.
a main building. 2 a building used as an ad- anomalous adj different from the normal or
dition to a main one nearby. usual order or type.
annihilate vb -lating, -lated 1 to destroy (a anomaly (an-nom-a-lee) n, pl -lies some-
place or a group of people) completely. 2 In- thing that deviates from the normal; an ir-
formal to defeat totally in an argument or a regularity.
contest, annihilation n anomie or anomy (an-oh-mee) n Sociol lack
anniversary n, pl -ries 1 the date on which of social or moral standards.
an event, such as a wedding, occurred in anon adv Old-fashioned or informal soon:
some previous year. 2 the celebration of you shall see him anon.
this. anon, anonymous.
anno Domini adv in the year of our Lord, anonymous adj 1 by someone whose name is
annotate vb dating, dated to add critical or unknown or withheld: an anonymous letter.
explanatory notes to a written work, anno- 2 having no known name: an anonymous
tation n writer. 3 lacking distinguishing characteris-
announce vb -nouncing, -nonnced 1 to tics: an anonymous little town, anonymity
make known publicly. 2 to proclaim. 3 to n
anorak 27 Antichrist
anorak n a waterproof hip-length jacket antediluvian adj 1 belonging to the ages be-
with a hood. fore the biblical Flood. 2 old-fashioned.
anorexia or anorexia nervosa n a psycho- antelope n, pl -lopes or-lope any of a group
logical disorder characterized by fear of be- of graceful deerlike mammals of Africa and
coming fat and refusal to eat. anorexic adj, Asia, which have long legs and horns.
n antenatal adj before birth; during pregnan-
another adj 1 one more: they don’t have the cy: an antenatal clinic.
right to demand another chance. 2 differ- antenna n 1 (pl -nae) one of a pair of mobile
ent: you’ll have to find another excuse, feelers on the heads of insects, lobsters, and
-pron 3 one more: help yourself to anoth- certain other creatures. 2 (pl -nas) an aer-
er. 4 a different one: one way or another. ial.
answer vb 1 to reply or respond (to) by antepenultimate adj 1 third from last, —n 2
word or act. 2 to be responsible (to a per- anything that is third from last.
son). 3 to reply correctly to (a question). 4 anterior adj 1 at or towards the front. 2 ear-
to respond or react: a dog that answers to lier.
the name of Pugg. 5 to meet the require-
ments of. 6 to give a defence of (a charge). anteroom n a small room leading into a
~n 7 a reply to a question, request, letter, larger room, often used as a waiting room.
or article. 8 a solution to a problem. 9 a re- anthem n 1 a song of loyalty or devotion: a
action or response. national anthem. 2 a piece of music for a
answerable adj answerable for or to re- choir, usually set to words from the Bible.
sponsible for or accountable to. anther n Bot the part of the stamen of a
answer back vb to reply rudely (to), flower which contains the pollen.
answering machine n a device for answer- ant hill n a mound of soil built by ants
ing a telephone automatically and recording around the entrance to their nest.
messages. anthology n, pl -gies a collection of poems
ant n a small often wingless insect, living in or other literary pieces by various authors,
highly organized colonies. anthologist n
antacid Chem ~n 1 a substance used to anthracite n a hard coal that burns slowly
treat acidity in the stomach, -adj 2 having with little smoke or flame but intense heat.
the properties of this substance. anthrax n a dangerous infectious disease of
antagonism n openly expressed hostility, cattle and sheep, which can be passed to
humans.
antagonist n an opponent or adversary, an-
tagonistic adj anthropocentric adj regarding the human
being as the most important factor in the
antagonize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
-nising, -nised to arouse hostility in: it was
universe.
not prudent to antagonize a hired killer. anthropoid adj 1 resembling a human being.
antalkali (ant-alk-a-lie) n Chem a substance
~n 2 an ape, such as the chimpanzee, that
resembles a human being.
that neutralizes alkalis.
anthropology n the study of human origins,
Antarctic n 1 the Antarctic the area around
the South Pole, —adj 2 of this region. institutions, and beliefs, anthropological
adj anthropologist n
Antarctic Circle n the imaginary circle
anthropomorphism n the attribution of
around the earth at latitude 66° 32'S. human form or personality to a god, animal,
ante n 1 the stake put up before the deal in or object, anthropomorphic adj
poker by the players. 2 Informal a sum of anthropomorphous adj shaped like a
money representing a person’s share, -vb
-teing, -ted or -teed 3 to place (one’s stake) human being.
in poker. 4 ante up Informal to pay. anti Informal -adj 1 opposed to a party,
ante- prefix before in time or position: ante-
policy, or attitude. ~n 2 an opponent of a
diluvian; antechamber. party, policy, or attitude.
anteater n a mammal with a long snout used anti- prefix 1 against or opposed to: antiwar.
for eating termites. 2 opposite to: anticlimax. 3 counteracting or
neutralizing: antifreeze.
antecedent n 1 an event or circumstance
that happens or exists before another. 2 anti-aircraft adj for defence against aircraft
Grammar a word or phrase to which a rela- attack.
tive pronoun, such as who, refers. 3 ante- antiballistic missile n a missile designed to
cedents a person’s ancestors and past his- destroy a ballistic missile in flight.
tory. -adj 4 preceding in time or order. antibiotic n 1 a chemical substance capable
antechamber n an anteroom. ~ of destroying bacteria, -adj 2 of or relat-
antedate vb -dating, -dated 1 to be or occur ing to antibiotics.
at an earlier date than. 2 to give (some- antibody n, pl -bodies a protein produced in
thing) a date that is earlier than the actual the blood, which destroys bacteria.
date. Antichrist n 1 New Testament the chief
anticipate 28 antistatic
enemy of Christ. 2 an enemy of Christ or conventional elements of the novel are re-
Christianity. jected.
anticipate vb -pating, -pated 1 to foresee antinuclear adj opposed to nuclear weapons
and act in advance of: he anticipated some or nuclear power.
probing questions. 2 to look forward to. 3 to antiparticle n Nuclear physics an elementa-
make use of (something, such as one’s sala- ry particle that has the same mass as its
ry) before receiving it. 4 to mention (part of corresponding particle, but opposite charge
a story) before its proper time, anticipa- and opposite magnetism.
tory adj antipasto n, pl -tos an appetizer in an Italian
anticipation n the act of anticipating; expec- meal.
tation, premonition, or foresight: smiling in antipathy (an-tip-a-thee) n a feeling of dis-
happy anticipation. like or hostility, antipathetic adj
anticlerical adj opposed to the power and antipersonnel adj (of weapons or bombs)
influence of the clergy in politics. designed to be used against people rather
anticlimax n a disappointing conclusion to a than equipment.
series of events, anticlimactic adj antiperspirant n a substance applied to the
anticline n Geol a fold of rock raised up into skin to reduce or prevent perspiration.
a broad arch so that the strata slope down antiphon n a hymn sung in alternate parts
on both sides. by two groups of singers.
anticlockwise adv, adj in the opposite direc-
tion to the rotation of the hands of a clock. antipodes (an-tip-pod-deez) pl n 1 any two
places that are situated diametrically oppo-
anticoagulant (an-tee-koh-ag-yew-lant) n a site one another on the earth’s surface. 2
substance that prevents the clotting of the Antipodes Australia and New Zealand,
blood. antipodean adj
antics pl n absurd acts or postures, antipope n a pope set up in opposition to the
anticyclone n Meteorol an area of moving one chosen by church laws.
air of high pressure in which the winds ro- antipyretic adj 1 reducing fever. ~n 2 a
tate outwards. drug that reduces fever.
antidepressant n 1 a drug used to treat de- antiquarian adj 1 collecting or dealing with
pression. ~adj 2 of or relating to such a antiquities or rare books. ~n 2 an anti-
drug. quary.
antidote n 1 Med a substance that counter- antiquary n, pl -quaries a person who col-
acts a poison. 2 anything that counteracts a lects, deals in, or studies antiques or an-
harmful condition: exercise may be a good cient works of art.
antidote to insomnia.
antifreeze n a liquid added to water to antiquated adj obsolete or old-fashioned,
lower its freezing point, used in the radiator antique n 1 a decorative object or piece of
of a motor vehicle to prevent freezing. furniture, of an earlier period, that is val-
antigen (an-tee-jen) n a substance, usually a ued for its beauty, workmanship, and age.
toxin, that causes the body to produce anti- ~adj 2 made in an earlier period. 3 Infor-
bodies. mal old-fashioned.
antihero n, pl -roes a central character in a antiquity n, pl-ties 1 great age. 2 the far dis-
novel, play, or film, who lacks the tradi- tant past. 3 antiquities objects dating from
tional heroic virtues. ancient times.
antihistamine n a drug that neutralizes the antiracism n the policy of challenging rac-
effects of histamine, used in the treatment ism or promoting racial tolerance,
of allergies. antiracist n, adj
antiknock n a substance added to motor fuel antirrhinum n a two-lipped flower of various
to reduce knocking in the engine caused by colours, such as the snapdragon.
too rapid combustion. antiscorbutic adj preventing or curing scur-
antilogarithm n Maths a number corre- vy.
sponding to a given logarithm. anti-Semitic adj discriminating against
antimacassar n a cloth put over the back of Jews. anti-Semite n anti-Semitism n
a chair to prevent it getting dirty. antiseptic adj 1 preventing infection by kill-
antimatter n Physics a hypothetical form of ing germs. ~n 2 an antiseptic substance.
matter composed of antiparticles. antiserum n blood serum containing anti-
antimony (an-tim-mon-ee) n Chem a silvery- bodies used to treat or provide immunity to
white metallic element that is added to al- a disease.
loys to increase their strength. Symbol: Sb antisocial adj 1 avoiding the company of
antinomy (an-tin-nom-ee) n, pl -mies other people. 2 (of behaviour) annoying or
contradiction between two laws or princi- harmful to other people.
ples that are reasonable in themselves. antistatic adj reducing the effects of static
antinovel n a type of prose fiction in which electricity.
antitank 29 aphorism
antitank adj (of weapons) designed to de- Anzac n (in the First World War) a soldier
stroy military tanks. serving with the Australian and New Zea-
antithesis (an-tith-iss-iss) n, pl -ses (-seez) 1 land Army Corps.
the exact opposite. 2 Rhetoric the placing AOB (on the agenda for a meeting) any other
together of contrasting ideas or words to business.
produce an effect of balance, such as where aorta (eh-or-ta) n the main artery of the
gods command, mere mortals must obey. body, which carries oxygen-rich blood from
antithetical adj the heart.
antitoxin n an antibody that acts against a ’■apace adv Literary quickly: repairs to the
toxin, antitoxic adj grid continued apace.
antitrades pl n winds blowing in the oppo- Apache n, pl Apaches or Apache a member
site direction from and above the trade of a N American Indian people of the
winds. southwestern US and N Mexico.
antitrust adj Chiefly US (of laws) opposing apart adj, adv 1 to or in pieces: he took a
business monopolies. couple of cars apart and rebuilt them. 2
antler n one of a pair of branched horns on separate in time, place, or position: my fa-
the heads of male deer. ther and myself stood slightly apart from
antonym n a word that means the opposite them. 3 individual or distinct: a nation
of another. apart. 4 not being taken into account: early
antrum n, pl -tra Anat a natural cavity, esp. timing difficulties apart, they encountered
in a bone. few problems. 5 apart from other than:
anus (ain-uss) n the opening at the end of apart from searching the house there is lit-
the alimentary canal, through which faeces tle more we can do.
are discharged. apartheid n (formerly) the official govern-
anvil n a heavy iron block on which metals ment policy of racial segregation in South
are hammered into particular shapes. Africa.
anxiety n, pl -ties 1 a state of uneasiness apartment n 1 any room in a building, usual-
about what may happen. 2 eagerness: she ly one of several forming a suite, used as
was uneasy with his mixture of diffidence living accommodation. 2 Chiefly US &
and anxiety to please. Canad a flat.
anxious adj 1 worried and tense. 2 causing apathy n lack of interest or enthusiasm,
anxiety: he was anxious about the enormity apathetic adj
of the task ahead. 3 intensely desiring: both ape n 1 an animal, such as a chimpanzee or
sides were anxious for a deal, anxiously gorilla, which is closely related to human
adv beings and the monkeys, and which has no
any adj, pron 1 one, some, or several, no
tail. 2 a stupid, clumsy, or ugly man. —vb
aping, aped 3 to imitate, apelike adj
matter how much or what kind: the jar
opener fits over the top of any bottle or jar; apeman n, pl -men an extinct primate
have you left me any? 2 even the smallest thought to have been the forerunner of true
amount or even one: we can’t answer any humans.
questions; don’t give her any. 3 whatever or aperient (ap-peer-ee-ent) Med —adj 1 hav-
whichever: police may board any bus or ing a mild laxative effect, —n 2 a mild laxa-
train. 4 an indefinite or unlimited amount tive.
or number: he would sign cheques for any aperitif (ap-per-rit-teef) n an alcoholic drink
amount of money, —adv 5 to even the taken before a meal.
smallest extent: the outcome wouldn’t have aperture n 1 a hole or opening. 2 an opening
been any different. in a camera or telescope that controls the
anybody pron same as anyone, amount of light entering it.
anyhow adv same as anyway. apex n the highest point.
anyone pron 1 any person: is anyone there? APEX Advance Purchase Excursion: a re-
2 a person of any importance: is he anyone? duced fare for journeys booked a specified
► It is acceptable to use anyone with a fol- period in advance.
lowing plural form as in has anyone lost aphasia n a disorder of the central nervous
their purse? system that affects the ability to use and
anything pron 1 any object, event, or action understand words.
whatever: they’ll do anything to please you. aphelion (ap-heel-lee-on) n, pl -lia (-lee-a)
—adv 2 in any way: it is not a computer nor Astron the point in the orbit of a planet or
anything like a computer. 3 anything but comet when it is farthest from the sun.
not at all: the result is anything but simple. _ aphid (eh-fid) or aphis (eh-fiss) n, pl aphids
anyway adv 1 at any rate; nevertheless. 2 in or aphides (eh-fid-deez) a small insect
any manner. 3 carelessly. which feeds by sucking the juices from
anywhere adv 1 in, at, or to any place. 2 get plants.
anywhere to be successful: we will not get aphorism n a short clever saying expressing
anywhere by being negative. a general truth.
aphrodisiac 30 appear
aphrodisiac (af-roh-diz-zee-ak) n 1 a sub- Logic involving reasoning from effect to
stance that arouses sexual desire, -adj 2 cause.
arousing sexual desire. apostle n 1 one of the twelve disciples cho-
apiary (ape-yar-ee) n, pl -aries a place sen by Christ to preach his gospel. 2 an ar-
where bees are kept, apiarist n dent supporter of a cause or movement.
apical (ape-ik-kl) adj of, at, or being an apostolic (ap-poss-stoll-ik) adj 1 of or relat-
apex. ing to the Apostles or their teachings. 2 of
apiculture n the breeding and care of bees, or relating to the pope.
apiculturist n Apostolic See n the see of the pope, at
apiece adv each: they had another cocktail Rome.
apiece and then went down to dinner. apostrophe1 (ap-poss-trof-fee) n the punc-
apish (ape-ish) adj 1 stupid or foolish. 2 re- tuation mark (’) used to indicate the omis-
sembling an ape. sion of a letter or letters, such as he’s for he
has or he is, and to form the possessive, as
aplomb (ap-plom) n calm self-possession, in John’s father.
apocalypse n 1 the end of the world. 2 an apostrophe2 n Rhetoric a digression from a
event of great destructive violence, apoca- speech to address an imaginary or absent
lyptic adj person or thing.
Apocalypse n the Apocalypse Bible the apostrophize or -phise vb -phizing, -phized
Book of Revelation, the last book of the or -phising, -phised Rhetoric to address an
New Testament. apostrophe to.
Apocrypha (ap-pok-rif-fa) pl n the Apocry- apothecary n, pl -caries Old-fashioned a
pha the 14 books included as an appendix chemist.
to the Old Testament, which are not accept- apotheosis (ap-poth-ee-oh-siss) n, pl -ses
ed as part of the Hebrew scriptures. (-seez) 1 a perfect example: it was the
apocryphal adj of questionable authentic- apotheosis of elitism. 2 elevation to the
ity: this apocryphal tale is common in Brit- rank of a god.
ain. appal or US appall vb -palling, -palled to
apogee (ap-oh-jee) n 1 Astron the point in fill with horror; terrify.
its orbit around the earth when the moon or appalling adj 1 causing dismay, horror, or
a satellite is farthest from the earth. 2 the revulsion. 2 very Bad. appallingly adv
highest point: the concept found its apogee apparatus n 1 a collection of equipment
in Renaissance Italy.
used for a particular purpose. 2 any com-
apolitical adj not concerned with political plicated device, system, or organization: the
matters. whole apparatus of law enforcement.
apologetic adj showing or expressing re- apparel (ap-par-rel) n Old-fashioned cloth-
gret. apologetically adv ing.
apologetics n the branch of theology con- apparent adj 1 readily seen or understood;
cerned with the reasoned defence of Chris- obvious. 2 seeming as opposed to real: he
tianity. frowned in apparent bewilderment, appar-
apologia n a formal written defence of a ently adv
cause. apparition n a ghost or ghostlike figure,
apologist n a person who offers a formal de- appeal vb 1 to make an earnest request. 2
fence of a cause. appeal to to attract, please, or interest. 3
apologize or -gise vb -gizing, -gized or Law to apply to a higher court to review (a
-gising, -gised to say that one is sorry for case or issue decided by a lower court). 4 to
some wrongdoing. resort to a higher authority to change a de-
apology n, pl -gies 1 an expression of regret cision. 5 to call on in support of an earnest
for some wrongdoing. 2 same as apologia. 3 request: he appealed for volunteers to help
an apology for a poor example of: an apol- in relief work. 6 Cricket to request the um-
ogy for a man. pire to declare a batsman out. —n 7 an ear-
apophthegm (ap-poth-em) n a short clever nest request for money or help. 8 the power
saying expressing a general truth. to attract, please, or interest people. 9 Law
a request for a review of a lower court’s de-
apoplectic adj 1 of apoplexy. 2 Informal fu- cision by a higher court. 10 an application
rious. to a higher authority to change a decision
apoplexy n Med a stroke. that has been made. 11 Cricket a request to
apostasy (ap-poss-stass-ee) n, pl -sies the umpire to declare the batsman out.
abandonment of one’s religious faith, politi- appealing adj attractive or pleasing.
cal party, or cause. appear vb 1 to come into sight. 2 to seem: it
apostate n 1 a person who has abandoned appears that no one survived the crash. 3 to
his or her religion, political party, or cause. come into existence: a rash and small sores
-ad) 2 guilty of apostasy. appeared around the shoulder and neck. 4
a posteriori (eh poss-steer-ee-or-rye) adj to perform: she hadn’t appeared in a film
appearance 31 appraisal
for almost fifty years. 5 to be present in we applaud her determination and ambi-
court before a magistrate or judge: two men tion.
have appeared in court in London charged applause n appreciation shown by clapping
with conspiracy. 6 to be published or be- one’s hands.
come available: both books appeared in apple n 1 a round firm fruit with red, yel-
1934. low, or green skin and crisp whitish flesh,
appearance n 1 a sudden or unexpected ar- that grows on trees. 2 apple of one’s eye a
rival of someone or something at a place. 2 person that one loves very much.
the introduction or invention of something: apple-pie bed n a bed made with the sheets
the appearance of credit cards. 3 an act or folded so as to prevent the person from en-
instance of appearing: it will be his fiftieth tering it.
appearance for his country. 4 the way a
person or thing looks: I spotted a man of apple-pie order n in apple-pie order In-
extraordinary appearance. 5 keep up ap- formal very tidy.
pearances to maintain the public impres- appliance n a machine or device that has a
sion of wellbeing or normality. 6 put in an specific function.
appearance to attend an event briefly. 7 to applicable adj appropriate or relevant,
all appearances apparently: to all appear- applicant n a person who applies for some-
ances they seemed enthralled by what he thing, such as a job or grant.
was saying. application n 1 a formal request, for exam-
appease vb -peasing, -peased 1 to pacify ple for a job. 2 the act of applying some-
(someone) by yielding to his or her de- thing to a particular use: you can make
mands. 2 to satisfy or relieve (a feeling), practical application of this knowledge to
appeasement n everyday living. 3 concentrated effort: suc-
appellant Law ~n 1 a person who appeals cess would depend on their talent and ap-
to a higher court to review the decision of a plication. 4 the act of putting something,
lower court. ~adj2 same as appellate. such as a lotion or paint, on to a surface.
appellate (ap-pell-it) adj Law 1 of appeals. applicator n a device for applying cosmet-
2 (of a tribunal) having the power to review ics, medication, or some other substance.
appeals. applied adj put to practical use: applied
appellation n Formal a name or title, mathematics.
append vb Formal to add as a supplement: a applique (ap-plee-kay) n a kind of decora-
series of notes appended to his translation tion in which one material is cut out and
of the poems. sewn or fixed onto another.
appendage n a secondary part attached to a apply vb -plies, -plying, -plied 1 to make a
main part. formal request for something, such as a job
appendicectomy or esp US & Canad ap- or a loan. 2 to put to practical use: he ap-
pendectomy n, pl -mies surgical removal plied his calligrapher’s skill. 3 to put on to a
of the appendix. surface: the hand lotion should be applied
whenever possible throughout the day. 4 to
appendicitis n inflammation of the appen- be relevant or appropriate: he had been in-
dix, causing abdominal pain. volved in research applied to flying wing
appendix (ap-pen-dix) n, pl -dixes or -dices aircraft. 5 apply oneself to concentrate
(-diss-seez) 1 separate additional material one’s efforts or faculties.
at the end of a book. 2 Anat a short thin appoint vb 1 to assign officially to a job or
tube, closed at one end and attached to the position. 2 to fix or decide (a time or place
large intestine at the other end. . for an event). 3 to equip or furnish: It was a
► Extra sections at the end of a book are ap- beautifully appointed room with rows and
pendices. The plural appendixes is used in rows of books, appointee n
medicine.
appointment n 1 an arrangement to meet a
appertain vb appertain to to belong to, re- person. 2 the act of placing someone in a job
late to, or be connected with. or position. 3 the person appointed. 4 the
appetence or appetency n, pl -tences or job or position to which a person is ap-
-tencies a craving or desire. pointed. 5 appointments fixtures or fit-
appetite n 1 a desire for food or drink. 2 a tings.
liking or willingness: he had an insatiable apportion vb to divide out in shares,
appetite for publicity. apposite adj suitable or appropriate: an ap-
appetizer or -iser n a small amount of food posite saying.
or drink taken at the start of a meal to - apposition n a grammatical construction in
stimulate the appetite. which a noun or group of words is placed
appetizing or -ising adj stimulating the ap- after another to modify its meaning, for ex-
petite; looking or smelling delicious. ample my friend the mayor.
applaud vb 1 to show approval of by clap- appraisal n an assessment of the worth or
ping one’s hands. 2 to express approval of: quality of a person or thing.
appraise 32 aquatic
appraise vb -praising, -praised to assess the same as. approximately adv ap-
the worth, value, or quality of. proximation n
appreciable adj enough to be noticed; sig- appurtenances pl n minor or additional fea-
nificant. appreciably adv tures or possessions.
appreciate vb -ating, -ated 1 to value high- Apr. April.
ly: we appreciate his music but can’t afford apres-ski (ap-ray-skee) n social activities
£400 a seat. 2 to be aware of and under- after a day’s skiing.
stand: I can fully appreciate how desperate
you must feel. 3 to feel grateful for: we do apricot n 1 a yellowish-orange juicy fruit
appreciate all you do for us. 4 to increase in which resembles a small peach, —adj 2
value. yellowish-orange.
appreciation n 1 gratitude. 2 awareness and April n the fourth month of the year.
understanding of a problem or difficulty. 3 April fool n a victim of a practical joke
sensitive recognition of good qualities, as in played on the first of April (April Fools’
art. 4 an increase in value. Day or All Fools’ Day).
appreciative adj feeling or expressing ap- a priori (eh pry-or-rye) adj Logic involving
preciation. appreciatively adv reasoning from cause to effect.
apprehend vb 1 to arrest and take into cus- apron n 1 a garment worn over the front of
tody. 2 to grasp (something) mentally; the body to protect one’s clothes. 2 a hard-
understand. surfaced area at an airport or hangar for
apprehension n 1 anxiety or dread. 2 the manoeuvring and loading aircraft. 3 the
act of arresting. 3 understanding. part of a stage extending in front of the cur-
apprehensive adj fearful or anxious about tain. 4 tied to someone’s apron strings
the future. dependent on or dominated by someone.
apprentice n 1 someone who works for a apropos (ap-prop-poh) adj 1 appropriate.
skilled person for a fixed period in order to -adv 2 by the way; incidentally. 3 apro-
learn his or her trade. -vb -ticing, -ticed 2 pos of with regard to.
to take or place as an apprentice, appren- apse n an arched or domed recess at the east
ticeship n end of a church.
apprise or -prize vb -prising, -prised or apsis (ap-siss) n, pl apsides (ap-sid-deez)
-prizing, -prized to make aware: I needed to Astron either of two points lying at the ex-
apprise the students of the dangers that tremities of the elliptical orbit of a planet or
may be involved. satellite.
appro n on appro Informal on approval. apt adj 1 having a specified tendency: they
approach vb 1 to come close or closer to. 2 are apt to bend the rules. 2 suitable or ap-
to make a proposal or suggestion to. 3 to propriate. 3 quick to learn: she was turning
begin to deal with (a matter). —n 4 the act out to be a more apt pupil than he had ex-
of coming close or closer. 5 a proposal or pected. aptly adv aptness n
suggestion made to a person. 6 the way or APT Advanced Passenger Train.
means of reaching a place; access. 7 a way apteryx n same as kiwi.
of dealing with a matter. 8 an approxima- aptitude n natural tendency or ability,
tion. 9 the course followed by an aircraft
preparing for landing, approachable adj aqua adj short for aquamarine.
approbation n approval. aqua fortis n Obsolete nitric acid.
appropriate adj 1 right or suitable. —vb aqualung n an apparatus for breathing
-ating, -ated 2 to take for one’s own use underwater, consisting of a mouthpiece at-
without permission. 3 to put (money) aside tached to air cylinders.
for a particular purpose, appropriately aquamarine n 1 a clear greenish-blue gem-
adv stone. -adj 2 greenish-blue.
appropriation n 1 the act of putting money aquaplane n 1 a board on which a person
aside for a particular purpose. 2 money put stands to be towed by a motorboat for
aside for a particular purpose. sport, —vb -planing, -planed 2 to ride on
approval n 1 consent. 2 a favourable opin- an aquaplane. 3 (of a motor vehicle) to skim
ion. 3 on approval (of articles for sale) uncontrollably on a thin film of water.
with an option to be returned without pay- aqua regia (ak-wa reej-ya) n a mixture of
ment if unsatisfactory: each volume in the nitric acid and hydrochloric acid.
collection will be sent to you on approval. aquarium n, pl aquariums or aquaria 1 a
approve vb -proving, -proved 1 approve of tank in which fish and other underwater
to consider fair, good, or right. 2 to author- creatures arc kept. 2 a building containing
ize or agree to. such tanks.
approx, approximate or approximately, Aquarius n Astrol the eleventh sign of the
approximate adj 1 almost but not quite zodiac: the Water Carrier.
exact. -vb -mating, -mated 2 approxi- aquatic adj 1 growing or living in water. 2
mate to a to come close to. b to be almost Sport performed in or on water. ~n 3 an
aquatint 33 archduchess
aquatic animal or plant. 4 aquatics water arboreal (ahr-bore-ee-al) adj 1 of or resem-
sports. bling a tree. 2 living in or among trees.
aquatint n a print like a watercolour, pro- arboretum (ahr-bore-ee-tum) n, pl -ta (-ta) a
duced by etching copper with acid. botanical garden where rare trees or shrubs
aqua vitae (ak-wa vee-tie) n Old-fashioned are cultivated.
brandy. arboriculture n the cultivation of trees or
aqueduct n a structure, often a bridge, that shrubs.
carries water across a valley or river. arbor vitae (ahr-bore vee-tie) n an ever-
aqueous adj 1 of, like, or containing water. green tree.
2 produced by the action of water, arbour or US arbor n a shelter in a garden
aqueous humour n Physiol the watery fluid shaded by trees or climbing plants.
in the eyeball, between the cornea and the arbutus (ar-byew-tuss) n an evergreen
lens. shrub with berries like strawberries.
aquifer n a deposit of rock, such as sand- arc n 1 something curved in shape. 2 Maths
stone, containing water that can be used to a section of a circle or other curve. 3 Elec-
supply wells. tricity a stream of very bright light that
aquiline adj 1 (of a nose) curved like an forms when an electric current flows across
eagle’s beak. 2 of or like an eagle. a small gap between two electrodes. ~vb 4
to form an arc.
Ar Chem argon.
ARC AIDS-related complex: relatively mild
AR Arkansas. symptoms suffered in the early stages of in-
Arab n 1 a member of a Semitic people origi- fection with the AIDS virus.
nally from Arabia. ~adj 2 of the Arabs. arcade n 1 a covered passageway lined with
arabesque (ar-ab-besk) n 1 a ballet position shops. 2 a set of arches and their support-
in which one leg is raised behind and the ing columns.
arms are extended. 2 Arts an elaborate de- Arcadian Literary ~adj 1 rural, in an ideal-
sign of intertwined leaves, flowers, and ized way. ~n 2 a person who leads a quiet
scrolls. 3 an ornate piece of music. simple country life.
Arabian adj 1 of Arabia or the Arabs. ~n 2 arcane adj very mysterious.
same as Arab.
arch1 n 1 a curved structure that spans an
Arabic n 1 the language of the Arabs. ~adj opening or supports a bridge or roof. 2
2 of this language, the Arabs, or Arabia. something curved. 3 the curved lower part
Arabic numerals pl n the symbols of the foot. ~ vb 4 to form an arch.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0, used to represent num- arch2 adj 1 knowing or superior. 2 coyly
bers. playful: he gave an arch smile to indicate
arable adj (of land) suitable for growing his pride, archly adv
crops on. arch- or archi- combining form chief or
arachnid (ar-rak-nid) n an eight-legged principal: archbishop; archenemy.
insect-like creature, such as a spider, scor- archaeology or archeology n the study of
pion, or tick. ancient cultures by the scientific analysis of
arak n same as arrack. physical remains, archaeological or ar-
Aramaic n an ancient Semitic language spo- cheological adj archaeologist or ar-
ken in parts of Syria and the Lebanon. cheologist n
Aran adj (of knitwear) knitted in a compli- archaeopteryx n an extinct primitive bird
cated pattern traditional to the Aran Is- with teeth, a long tail, and well-developed
lands off the west coast of Ireland. wings.
arbiter n 1 a person empowered to judge in a archaic (ark-kay-ik) adj 1 of a much earlier
dispute. 2 a person with influential opin- period. 2 out of date or old-fashioned. 3 (of
ions about something: the customer must be a word or phrase) no longer in everyday
the ultimate arbiter of quality. use. archaically adv
arbitrary adj 1 not done according to any archaism (ark-kay-iz-zum) n an archaic
plan or for any particular reason. 2 without word or style, archaistic adj
consideration for the wishes of others: the i
archangel (ark-ain-jell) n an angel of the
arbitrary power of the king, arbitrarily highest rank.
adv ;archbishop n a bishop of the highest rank,
arbitrate vb -trating, -trated to settle (a iarchbishopric n the rank, office, or diocese
dispute) by arbitration, arbitrator n of an archbishop.
arbitration n the hearing and settlement of a i
archdeacon n a church official ranking just
dispute by an impartial referee chosen by~ below a bishop, archdeaconry n
both sides. ; archdiocese n the diocese of an archbishop,
arbor1 n US same as arbour. ; archduchess n 1 a woman who holds the
arbor2 n a revolving shaft or axle in a ma- rank of archduke. 2 the wife or widow of an
chine. archduke.
archduchy 34 arithmetic
archduchy n, pl -duchies the territory ruled subject field: the area of literature. 5 a
by an archduke or archduchess. sunken area giving access to a basement. 6
archduke n a duke of high rank, esp. one any flat, curved, or irregular expanse of a
from Austria. surface. 7 range or scope.
archenemy n, pl -mies a chief enemy, arena n 1 a seated enclosure where sports
archeology n same as archaeology. events take place. 2 the area of an ancient
archer n a person who shoots with a bow Roman amphitheatre where gladiators
and arrow. fought. 3 a sphere of intense activity: the
archery n the art or sport of shooting with a
political arena.
bow and arrow. aren’t are not.
archetype (ark-ee-type) n 1 a perfect or areola n, pl -lae or -las a small circular area,
typical specimen. 2 an original model; such as the coloured ring around the human
prototype, archetypal adj nipple.
archidiaconal (ark-ee-die-ak-on-al) adj of an arete n a sharp ridge separating valleys.
archdeacon or his office. Argentine or Argentinian adj 1 of Argenti-
archiepiscopal (ark-ee-ip-piss-kop-al) adj na. —n 2 a person from Argentina.
of an archbishop or his office. argon n Chem an unreactive odourless el-
archipelago (ark-ee-pel-a-go) n, pl -gos 1 a ement of the rare gas series, forming almost
group of islands. 2 a sea full of small is- 1 per cent of the atmosphere. Symbol: Ar
lands. argosy n, pl -sies Old-fashioned or poetic a
architect n 1 a person qualified to design large merchant ship, or a fleet of such
and supervise the construction of buildings. ships.
2 any planner or creator: you will be the argot (ahr-go) n slang or jargon peculiar to a
architect of your own future. particular group.
architecture n 1 the style in which a build- argue vb -guing, -gued 1 to try to prove by
ing is designed and built: Gothic architec- presenting reasons. 2 to debate. 3 to quar-
ture. 2 the science of designing and con- rel. 4 to persuade: we argued her out of
structing buildings. 3 the structure or de- going. 5 to suggest: her looks argue despair.
sign of anything: computer architecture. arguable adj arguably adv
architectural adj argument n 1 a quarrel. 2 a discussion. 3 a
architrave (ark-ee-trave) n Archit 1 a beam point presented to support or oppose a
that rests on top of columns. 2 a moulding proposition.
around a doorway or window opening. argumentation n the process of reasoning
archive (ark-ive) n 1 a place where records methodically.
or documents are kept. 2 archives a collec- argumentative adj likely to argue,
tion of records or documents. argy-bargy or argie-bargie n, pl -bargies
archivist (ark-iv-ist) n a person in charge of Brit informal a squabbling argument.
archives. aria (ah-ree-a) n an elaborate song for solo
archway n a passageway under an arch, voice in an opera or choral work.
arctic adj Informal very cold; freezing. arid adj 1 having little or no rain. 2 uninter-
Arctic n 1 the Arctic the area around the esting. aridity n
North Pole, —adj 2 of this region. Aries n Astrol the first sign of the zodiac:
Arctic Circle n the imaginary circle around the Ram.
the earth at latitude 66° 32'N. aright adv correctly or properly.
arctic hare n a large hare of the Canadian arise vb arising, arose, arisen 1 to come
Arctic whose fur turns white in winter. into being: the opportunity for action did
arctic willow n a low-growing shrub of the not arise. 2 to come into notice: people can
Canadian Arctic. seek answers to their problems as and when
arc welding n a technique in which metal is they arise. 3 arise from to happen as a re-
welded by heat generated by an electric arc. sult of. 4 Old-fashioned to get or stand up.
ardent adj 1 passionate. 2 intensely enthusi- aristocracy n, pl -cies 1 a class of people of
astic. ardently adv high social rank. 2 government by this
ardour or US ardor n 1 emotional warmth; class. 3 a group of people considered to be
passion. 2 intense enthusiasm. outstanding in a particular sphere of activ-
arduous adj difficult to accomplish; strenu- ity.
ous. aristocrat n a member of the aristocracy,
are1 vb the plural form of the present tense aristocratic adj 1 of the aristocracy. 2 grand
of be and the singular form used with you. or elegant.
are2 n a unit of measure equal to one hun- Aristotelian (ar-riss-tot-eel-ee-an) adj of Ar-
dred square metres. istotle, 4th-ccntury bc Greek philosopher, or
area n 1 a section, part, or region. 2 a part his philosophy.
having a specified function: reception area. arithmetic n 1 the branch of mathematics
3 the size of a two-dimensional surface. 4 a concerned with numerical calculations,
arithmetic mean 35 arose
such as addition, subtraction, multiplica- armed forces pl n all the military forces of
tion, and division. 2 calculations involving a nation or nations.
numerical operations. 3 knowledge of or armful n as much as can be held in the arms,
skill in arithmetic: even simple arithmetic armhole n the opening in a piece of clothing
was beyond him. -adj also arithmetical 4 through which the arm passes.
of or using arithmetic, arithmetically adv
arithmetician n armistice (arm-miss-stiss) n an agreement
between opposing armies to stop fighting.
arithmetic mean n the average value of a
set of terms, expressed as their sum divided Armistice Day n the anniversary of the sign-
by their number: the arithmetic mean of 3, ing of the armistice that ended the First
4, and 8 is 5. World War, on November 11, 1918.
armlet n a band or bracelet worn around the
arithmetic progression n a sequence, each arm.
term of which differs from the preceding
term by a constant amount, such as armorial adj of or relating to heraldry or he-
3,6,9,12. raldic arms.
ark n Bible the boat built by Noah, which armour or US armor n 1 metal clothing worn
survived the Flood. by medieval warriors for protection in bat-
tle. 2 Mil armoured fighting vehicles in gen-
Ark n Judaism 1 Also called: Holy Ark the eral. 3 the protective metal plates on a tank
cupboard in a synagogue in which the or warship. 4 protective covering, such as
Torah scrolls are kept. 2 Also called: Ark of the shell of certain animals. 5 a quality or
the Covenant a chest containing the laws attitude that gives protection. —vb 6 to
of the Jewish religion, regarded as the most equip or cover with armour.
sacred symbol of God’s presence among the
Hebrew people. armoured or US armored adj 1 having a
protective covering. 2 consisting of ar-
arm1 n 1 (in humans, apes, and monkeys) moured vehicles: an armoured brigade.
either of the upper limbs from the shoulder
armourer or US armorer n 1 a person who
to the wrist. 2 the sleeve of a garment. 3 the makes or mends arms and armour. 2 a per-
side of a chair on which one’s arm can rest.
4 a subdivision or section of an organiza- son in charge of small arms in a military
tion: the London-based arm of a Swiss bank. unit.
5 something resembling an arm in appear- armour plate n a tough heavy steel for pro-
ance or function: the arm of a record play- tecting warships and vehicles, armour-
er. 6 power or authority: the long arm of plated adj
the law. 7 arm in arm with arms linked. 8 armoury or US armory n, pl -mouries or
at arm’s length at a distance. 9 with open -mories 1 a secure storage place for weap-
arms with warmth and hospitality. ons. 2 military supplies. 3 resources on
arm2 vb 1 to supply with weapons. 2 to pre- which to draw: modern medicine has a large
pare (an explosive device) for use. 3 to pro- armoury of drugs for the treatment of men-
vide (a person or thing) with something tal illness.
that strengthens, or protects: you will be armpit n the hollow beneath the arm where
armed with all the information you will it joins the shoulder.
ever need. -See also arms, armed adj armrest n the part of a chair or sofa, that
armada n 1 a large number of ships. 2 the supports the arm.
Armada the great fleet sent by Spain arms pl n 1 weapons collectively. 2 military
against England in 1588. exploits: prowess in arms. 3 the heraldic
armadillo n, pl -los a small S American bur- symbols of a family or state. 4 take up
rowing mammal covered in strong bony arms to prepare to fight. 5 under arms
plates. armed and prepared for war. 6 up in arms
Armageddon n 1 New Testament the final prepared to protest strongly.
battle between good and evil at the end of army n, pl-mies 1 the military land forces of
the world. 2 a catastrophic and extremely a nation. 2 a large number of people or ani-
destructive conflict. mals.
armament n 1 armaments the weapon aroha nNZlove, compassion, or affection,
equipment of a military vehicle, ship, or aroma n 1 a distinctive pleasant smell. 2 a
aircraft. 2 preparation for war. subtle pervasive quality or atmosphere.
armature n 1 a revolving structure in an aromatherapy n massage with fragrant oils
electric motor or generator, wound with the to relieve tension.
coils that carry the current. 2 Sculpture a aromatic adj 1 having a distinctive pleasant
framework to support the clay or other ma- smell. 2 Chem (of an organic compound)
terial used in modelling. having an unsaturated ring of atoms, usual-
armchair n 1 an upholstered chair with side ly six carbon atoms. —n 3 something, such
supports for the arms, —adj 2 taking no ac- as a plant or drug, that gives off a fragrant
tive part: we are, on the whole, a nation of smell.
armchair athletes. arose vb the past tense of arise.
around 36 artesian well
around prep 1 situated at various points in: arresting adj attracting attention; striking,
cameramen were positioned around the arrival n 1 the act of arriving. 2 a person or
auditorium. 2 from place to place in: he had thing that has just arrived. 3 Informal a re-
spent twenty-five minutes driving around cently born baby.
Amsterdam. 3 somewhere in or near. 4 ap- arrive vb -riving, -rived 1 to reach a place or
proximately in: around 1980. ~adv 5 in all destination. 2 arrive at to come to (a con-
directions from a point of reference: there clusion, idea, or decision). 3 to occur: the
wasn't a house for miles around. 6 in the vi- crisis he predicted then has now arrived. 4
cinity, esp. restlessly but idly: I couldn’t Informal to be born. 5 Informal to attain
hang around too long. 7 in no particular success.
place or direction: a few tropical fish tanks arrivederci (ar-reeve-a-der-chee) interj
dotted around. 8 Informal present in some goodbye.
unknown or unspecified place. 9 Informal
available: cancer drugs have been around arrogant adj having an exaggerated opinion
for years. 10 have been around Informal to of one’s own importance or ability, arro-
have gained considerable experience of a gance n arrogantly adv
worldly or social nature. arrogate vb -gating, -gated to claim or seize
arouse vb arousing, aroused 1 to produce without justification, arrogation n
(a reaction, emotion, or response). 2 to arrow n 1 a long slender pointed weapon,
awaken from sleep, arousal n with feathers at one end, that is shot from a
arpeggio (arp-pej-ee-oh) n, pl -gios a chord bow. 2 an arrow-shaped sign or symbol
whose notes are played or sung in rapid used to show the direction to a place.
succession. arrowhead n the pointed tip of an arrow,
arquebus (ark-wee-bus) n a portable long- arrowroot n an easily digestible starch ob-
barrelled gun dating from the 15th century. tained from the root of a West Indian plant.
arrack or arak n a coarse alcoholic drink arse or US & Canad ass n Taboo the but-
distilled in Eastern countries from grain or tocks or anus.
rice. arsehole or US & Canad asshole n Taboo 1
arraign (ar-rain) vb 1 to bring (a prisoner) the anus. 2 a stupid or annoying person.
before a court to answer a charge. 2 to ac- arsenal n 1 a building in which arms and
cuse. arraignment n ammunition are made or stored. 2 a store of
arrange vb -ranging, -ranged 1 to plafl in anything regarded as weapons: this new
advance: my parents had arranged a sur- weapon in the medical arsenal.
prise party. 2 to arrive at an agreement: arsenic n 1 a toxic metalloid element. Sym-
they had arranged to go to the cinema. 3 to bol: As 2 a nontechnical name for arsenic
put into a proper or systematic order. 4 to trioxide, a highly poisonous compound
adapt (a musical composition) for perfor- used as a rat poison and insecticide. ~adj
mance in a certain way. also arsenical 3 of or containing arsenic.
arrangement n 1 a preparation or plan arson n the crime of intentionally setting
made for an event: travel arrangements. 2 fire to property, arsonist n
an agreement or a plan to do something. 3 a art n 1 the creation of works of beauty or
thing composed of various ordered parts: a other special significance. 2 works of art
flower arrangement. 4 the form in which collectively. 3 human creativity as distin-
things are arranged. 5 an adaptation of a guished from nature. 4 skill: she was still
piece of music for performance in a differ- new to the art of bargaining. 5 any branch
ent way. of the visual arts, esp. painting. 6 get
arrant adj utter or downright: that’s the something down to a fine art to become
most arrant nonsense I’ve ever heard. proficient at something through practice.
arras n a tapestry wall-hanging. Art Deco (art deck-oh) n a style of design,
array n 1 an impressive display or collection. at its height in the 1930s, characterized by
2 an orderly arrangement, such as of troops geometrical shapes.
in battle order. 3 Computers a data struc- artefact or artifact n something made by
ture in which elements may be located by human beings, such as a tool or a work of
index numbers. 4 Poetic rich clothing. ~vb art.
5 to arrange in order. 6 to dress in rich arterial adj 1 of or affecting an artery. 2
clothing. being a major route: an arterial road.
arrears pl n 1 money owed. 2 in arrears late arteriosclerosis (art-ear-ee-oh-skler-
in paying a debt. oh-siss) n thickening and loss of elasticity
arrest vb 1 to take (a person) into custody. 2 of the walls of the arteries. Nontechnical
to slow or stop the development of. 3 to name: hardening of the arteries
catch and hold (one’s attention). ~n 4 the artery n, pl -teries 1 any of the tubes that
act of taking a person into custody. 5 under carry oxygenated blood from the heart to
arrest being held in custody by the police. 6 various parts of the body. 2 a major road or
the slowing or stopping of something: a means of communication.
cardiac arrest. artesian well (art-teez-yan) n a well receiv-
Artex 37 ascendant
ing water from a higher altitude, so the artisan n a skilled workman; craftsman.
water is forced to flow upwards. artist n 1 a person who produces works of
Artex n Trademark a type of coating for art such as paintings or sculpture. 2 a per-
walls and ceilings that gives a textured fin- son who is skilled at something. 3 same as
ish. artiste, artistic adj artistically adv
art form n a recognized mode or medium of artiste n a professional entertainer such as a
artistic expression. singer or dancer.
artful adj 1 cunning. 2 skilful in achieving a artistry n 1 artistic ability. 2 great skill,
desired end. artfully adv artless adj 1 free from deceit or cunning:
arthritis n inflammation of a joint or joints, artless generosity. 2 natural or unpreten-
causing pain and stiffness, arthritic adj, n tious. artlessly adv
arthropod n a creature, such as an insect or Art Nouveau (ahr noo-voh) n a style of art
a spider, which has jointed legs and a hard and architecture of the 1890s, character-
case on its body. ized by sinuous outlines and stylized natu-
artic n Informal an articulated lorry. ral forms.
artichoke n 1 Also called: globe artichoke arts pl n 1 the arts the nonscientific
the flower head of a thistle-like plant, branches of knowledge. 2 See fine art. 3
cooked as a vegetable. 2 same as Jerusalem cunning schemes.
artichoke. artwork n all the photographs and illustra-
article n 1 a written composition in a maga- tions in a publication.
zine or newspaper. 2 an item or object. 3 a arty adj artier, artiest Informal having an
clause in a written document. 4 Grammar affected interest in art. artiness n
any of the words a, an, or the. arum lily n a plant with a white funnel-
articled adj bound by a written contract, shaped leaf surrounding a yellow spike of
such as one that governs a period of train- flowers.
ing: an articled clerk. Aryan (air-ree-an) n 1 (in Nazi ideology) a
articular adj of or relating to joints. non-Jewish person of the Nordic type. 2 a
person supposedly descended from the
articulate adj 1 able to express oneself flu- Indo-Europeans, —adj 3 of Aryans.
ently and coherently. 2 distinct, clear, or
definite: his amiable and articulate cam- as conj 1 while or when: he arrived just as
paign attracted support. 3 Zool possessing the band finished the song. 2 in the way
joints, -vb -lating, -lated 4 to speak clear- that: they had talked and laughed as only
ly and distinctly. 5 to express coherently in the best of friends can. 3 that which; what:
words, articulately adv George did as he was asked. 4 (of) which
fact or event (referring to the previous
articulated truck n a large truck in two statement): to become wise, as we all know,
separate sections connected by a pivoted is not easy. 5 as it were in a way; in a man-
bar. ner of speaking: he was, as it were, on pro-
articulation n 1 the expressing of an idea in bation. 6 since; seeing that. 7 for instance.
words. 2 the process of articulating a -adv, conj 8 used to indicate amount or ex-
speech sound or the sound so produced. 3 a tent in comparisons: he was as fat as his
being jointed together. 4 Zool a joint be- mum and dad. -prep 9 in the role of; being:
tween bones or arthropod segments. my task, as his physician, is to do the best
artifact n same as artefact. that I can. 10 as for or to with reference to.
artifice n 1 a clever trick. 2 skill or clever- 11 as if or though as it would be if: she felt
ness. as if she had been run over by a bulldozer.
artificer (art-tiff-iss-er) n a skilled crafts- 12 as (it) is in the existing state of affairs.
man. As Chem arsenic.
artificial adj 1 man-made; not occurring ASA 1 Amateur Swimming Association. 2
naturally. 2 made in imitation of a natural Advertising Standards Authority.
product: artificial flavourings. 3 not sin- asafoetida n a strong-smelling plant resin
cere. artificiality n artificially adv used as a spice in Eastern cookery.
artificial insemination n introduction of a.s.a.p. as soon as possible.
semen into the womb by means other than asbestos n a fibrous mineral which does not
sexual intercourse. burn, formerly widely used as a heat-
artificial intelligence n the branch of com- resistant material.
puter science aiming to produce machines asbestosis n inflammation of the lungs re-
which can imitate intelligent human behav- sulting from inhalation of asbestos fibre.
iour. ascend vb 1 to go or move up. 2 to slope
artificial respiration n any method of re- upwards. 3 ascend the throne to become
starting a person’s breathing after it has king or queen.
stopped. ascendancy or ascendance n the condition
artillery n 1 large-calibre guns. 2 military of being dominant.
units specializing in the use of such guns. ascendant or ascendent adj 1 dominant or
ascension 38 aspersion
influential. ~n 2 Astrol the sign of the zo- ► Use Asian for “someone who comes from
diac that is rising on the eastern horizon at Asia”. Asiatic in this context can be offen-
a particular moment. 3 in the ascendant sive.
increasing in power or influence, Asian pear n an apple-shaped pear with
ascension n the act of ascending. crisp juicy flesh.
ascent n 1 the act of ascending. 2 an upward Asiatic adj Asian.
slope. ► Use Asian for “someone who comes from
ascertain vb to find out definitely, ascer- Asia”. Asiatic in this context can be offen-
tainment n sive.
ascetic (ass-set-tik) n 1 a person who aside adv 1 to one side. 2 out of other peo-
abstains from worldly comforts and pleas- ple’s hearing: her mother took her aside for
ures. —adj 2 rigidly abstinent and self- a serious talk. 3 out of mind: she pushed
denying. aside her fears of being beaten or killed. 4
ascorbic acid (ass-core-bik) n a vitamin into reserve: a certain amount must also be
that occurs in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and put aside for defence and government. ~n
green vegetables, and which prevents and 5 a remark not meant to be heard by every-
cures scurvy. Also called: vitamin C one present. 6 a remark that is not connect-
ed with the subject being discussed.
ascribe vb -cribing, -cribed 1 to attribute,
as to a particular origin: headaches which asinine (ass-in-nine) adj 1 obstinate or stu-
may be ascribed to stress. 2 to consider that pid. 2 of or like an ass.
(a particular quality) is possessed by some- ask vb 1 to say or write (something) in a
thing or someone: specific human qualities form that requires an answer: I asked him
are ascribed to each of the four elements. his name; “do you think we’ll have trouble
ascription n landing?” he asked. 2 to make a request or
aseptic (eh-sep-tik) adj free from harmful
demand: the chairman asked for a show of
bacteria. hands. 3 to invite. 4 to inquire about: I pre-
tended to be lost and asked for directions. 5
asexual (eh-sex-yew-al) adj 1 having no ap- to expect: is that too much to ask?
parent sex or sex organs. 2 (of reproduc- ask after vb to make polite inquiries about
tion) not involving sexual activity, asexu- the health of: he asked after you.
ally adv
askance (ass-kanss) adv look askance at a
ash1 n 1 the powdery substance formed to look at with ah oblique glance, b to re-
when something is burnt. 2 fine particles of gard with suspicion.
lava thrown out by an erupting volcano.
askew adv, adj towards one side; crooked,
ash2 n a tree with grey bark and winged
ask for vb 1 to seek to speak to. 2 to request.
seeds. 3 Informal to behave in a manner that is re-
ashamed adj 1 overcome with shame or re- garded as inviting (something): you were
morse. 2 unwilling through fear of humilia- asking for trouble there.
tion or shame: she'd be ashamed to admit to asking price n the price suggested by a sell-
jealousy. er.
ash can n US dustbin. aslant adv 1 at a slant, -prep 2 slanting
ashen adj pale with shock, across.
ashes pl n 1 remains after burning. 2 the asleep adj 1 in or into a state of sleep. 2 (of
remains of a human body after cremation. limbs) numb. 3 Informal not listening or
Ashes pl n the Ashes a cricket trophy paying attention.
competed for by England and Australia ASLEF Associated Society of Locomotive
since 1882. Engineers and Firemen.
ashlar or ashler n 1 a square block of cut asp n a small viper of S Europe.
stone for use in building. 2 a thin dressed asparagus n the young shoots of a plant of
stone used to face a wall. the lily family, which can be cooked and
ashore adv towards or on land. eaten.
ashram n a religious retreat where a Hindu aspartame n an artificial sweetener.
holy man lives. aspect n 1 a distinct feature or element in a
ashtray n a dish for tobacco ash and ciga- problem or situation. 2 a position facing a
rette ends. particular direction: due to the room's east-
Ash Wednesday n the first day of Lent, facing aspect, the existing fabrics had not
named from the Christian custom of sprin- faded. 3 appearance or look: a room with a
kling ashes on penitents’ heads. somewhat gloomy aspect.
ashy adj ashier, ashiest 1 pale greyish. 2 aspen n a poplar tree whose leaves quiver in
covered with ash. the wind.
Asian adj 1 of Asia. 2 Brit of the Indian sub- asperity (ass-per-rit-ee) n, pl -ties rough-
continent. ~n 3 a person from Asia. 4 Brit ness or sharpness of temper.
a person from the Indian subcontinent or a aspersion n cast aspersions on to make
descendant of one. disparaging or malicious remarks about.
asphalt 39 assistant
asphalt n 1 a black tarlike substance used in assembles. 2 a computer program that con-
road-surfacing and roofing materials. ~vb verts a set of low-level symbolic data into
2 to cover with asphalt. machine language.
asphodel n a plant with clusters of yellow assembly n, pl -blies 1 a number of people
or white flowers. gathered together for a meeting. 2 the act of
asphyxia (ass-fix-ee-a) n unconsciousness assembling.
or death caused by lack of oxygen. assembly line n a sequence of machines and
asphyxiate vb -ating, -ated to smother or workers in a factory assembling a product.
suffocate, asphyxiation n assemblyman n, pl -men a member of a leg-
aspic n a savoury jelly based on meat or fish islative assembly.
stock, used as a mould for meat or vegeta- assent n 1 agreement, consent. ~vb 2 to
bles. agree.
aspidistra n a house plant with long tapered assert vb 1 to state or declare. 2 to insist
evergreen leaves. upon (one’s rights, etc.). 3 assert oneself to
aspirant n a person who aspires, such as to a speak and act forcefully.
powerful position. assertion n 1 a positive statement, usually
aspirate Phonetics ~vb -rating, -rated 1 to made without evidence. 2 the act of assert-
pronounce (a word or syllable) with an ini- ing.
tial h. ~n 2 the sound represented in Eng- assertive adj confident and direct in dealing
lish and several other languages as h. with others, assertively adv assertive-
aspiration n 1 a strong desire or aim. 2 Pho- ness n
netics the pronunciation of an aspirated assess vb 1 to judge the worth or impor-
consonant, aspirational adj tance of. 2 to estimate the value of (income
aspirator n a device for removing fluids or property) for taxation purposes, as-
from a body cavity by suction. sessment n
aspire vb -piring, -pired to yearn for some- assessor n 1 a person who values property
thing or hope to do or be something: it for taxation or insurance purposes. 2 a per-
struck him as bizarre that somebody could son with technical expertise called in to ad-
aspire to be a dental technician, aspiring vise a court. 3 a person who evaluates the
adj merits of something.
aspirin n, pl -rin or -ring 1 a drug used to re- asset n 1 a thing or person that is valuable
lieve pain and fever. 2 a tablet of aspirin. or useful. 2 any property owned by a per-
ass1 n 1 a mammal resembling the horse but son or company.
with longer ears. 2 a foolish person. asset-stripping n Commerce the practice of
ass2 n US & Canad taboo same as arse, taking over a failing company at a low price
assagai n same as assegai. and then selling the assets piecemeal,
assail vb 1 to attack violently. 2 to criticize asset-stripper n
strongly. 3 to disturb: he was assailed by a asseverate vb -ating, -ated Formal to de-
dizzy sensation, assailant n clare solemnly, asseveration n
assassin n a murderer of a prominent per- assiduous adj 1 hard-working. 2 done with
son. care, assiduity n assiduously adv
assassinate vb -nating, -nated to murder (a assign vb 1 to select (someone) for a post or
prominent person), assassination n task. 2 to give a task or duty (to someone). 3
assault n 1 a violent attack, either physical to attribute to a specified cause. 4 to set
or verbal. ~vb 2 to attack violently. apart (a place or time) for a particular
assault and battery n Criminal law a threat function or event: to assign a day for the
of attack to another person followed by ac- meeting. 5 Law to transfer (one’s right, in-
tual attack. terest, or title to property) to someone else.
assault course n an obstacle course de- assignation (ass-sig-nay-shun) n a secret
signed to give soldiers practice in negotiat- arrangement to meet, esp. one between
ing hazards. lovers.
assay vb 1 to analyse (a substance, such as assignment n 1 something that has been as-
gold) to find out how pure it is. ~n 2 an signed, such as a task. 2 the act of assign-
analysis of the purity of an ore or precious ing. 3 Law the transfer to another person of
metal. a right, interest, or title to property.
assegai or assagai n, pl -gais a sharp light assimilate vb -lating, -lated 1 to learn (in-
spear used in southern Africa. formation) and understand it thoroughly. 2
assemblage n 1 a collection or group of to adjust or become adjusted: they became
things. 2 the act of assembling. assimilated to German culture. 3 to absorb
assemble vb -bling, -bled 1 to collect or (food), assimilable adj assimilation n
gather together. 2 to put together the parts assist vb to give help or support,
of (a machine). assistance n help or support.
assembler n 1 a person or thing that assistant n 1 a helper or subordinate. 2
assizes 40 astrology
same as shop assistant. —adj 3 junior or ► When used in the context of business, as-
deputy: assistant manager. surance and insurance have the same mean-
assizes pl n (formerly in England and ing.
Wales) the sessions of the principal court in assure vb -suring, -sured 1 to promise or
each county. guarantee. 2 to convince: they assured me
assoc, association. that they had not seen the document. 3 to
associate vb -ating, -ated 1 to connect in make (something) certain. 4 Chiefly Brit to
the mind. 2 to mix socially: addicts are insure against loss of life.
driven to associate with criminals. 3 be as- assured adj 1 confident or self-assured. 2
sociated or associate oneself with to be certain to happen. 3 Chiefly Brit insured,
involved with (a group) because of shared assuredly (a-sure-id-lee) adv
views: she had long been associated with Assyrian n an inhabitant of ancient Assyria,
the far right. ~n 4 a partner in business. 5 a kingdom of Mesopotamia.
a companion or friend. -adj 6 having par- AST Atlantic Standard Time.
tial rights or subordinate status: an associ- astatine n Chem a radioactive element oc-
ate member. 7 joined with in business: an curring naturally in minute amounts or ar-
associate director. tificially produced by bombarding bismuth
association n 1 a group of people with a with alpha particles. Symbol: At
common interest. 2 the act of associating or aster n a plant with white, blue, purple, or
the state of being associated. 3 friendship: pink daisy-like flowers.
their association still had to remain a se- asterisk n 1 a star-shaped character (*) used
cret. 4 a mental connection of ideas or feel- in printing or writing to indicate a footnote
ings: the place contained associations for etc. -vb 2 to mark with an asterisk.
her.
astern adv, adj Naut 1 at or towards the
association football n same as soccer, stern of a ship. 2 backwards. 3 behind a
associative adj Maths (of an operation such vessel.
as multiplication or addition) producing the asteroid n any of the small planets that
same answer regardless of the way the el- orbit the sun between Mars and Jupiter.
ements are grouped, for example (2 X 3) X
4 = 2X (3 X 4). asthma (ass-ma) n an illness causing diffi-
culty in breathing, asthmatic adj, n
assonance n the rhyming of vowel sounds
but not consonants, as in time and light. astigmatic adj of, having, or correcting
astigmatism.
assorted adj 1 consisting of various kinds astigmatism (eh-stig-mat-tiz-zum) n a de-
mixed together. 2 matched: an ill-assorted
childless couple. fect of a lens, esp. of the eye, causing it not
to focus properly.
assortment n a collection of various things
astir adj 1 out of bed. 2 in motion.
or sorts.
astonish vb to surprise greatly, astonish-
asst assistant. ing adj astonishment n
assuage (ass-wage) vb -suaging, -suaged to
astound vb to overwhelm with amazement,
relieve (grief, pain, or thirst). astounding adj
assume vb -suming, -sumed 1 to take to be
astraddle prep astride.
true without proof. 2 to undertake or take
on: every general staff officer was able to astrakhan n 1 a fur made of the dark curly
assume control of the army. 3 to make a fleece of lambs from Astrakhan in the
pretence of: the man had assumed a debo- former USSR. 2 a cloth resembling this.
nair attitude. 4 to take on: her eyes as- astral adj 1 relating to or resembling the
sumed a scared haunted look. stars. 2 of the spirit world.
assumed name n a false name used by astray adj, adv out of the right or expected
someone to disguise his or her identity. way.
assuming conj if it is assumed or taken for astride adj 1 with a leg on either side. 2 with
granted: assuming the first two phases legs far apart, -prep 3 with a leg on either
were successful, the third phase would fol- side of.
low. astringent adj 1 causing contraction of body
assumption n 1 something that is taken for tissue. 2 checking the flow of blood from a
granted. 2 the act of assuming power or cut. 3 severe or harsh. ~n 4 an astringent
possession. drug or lotion, astringency n
Assumption n Christianity the taking up of astro- combining form indicating a star or
the Virgin Mary into heaven when her stars: astrology.
earthly life was ended. astrolabe n an instrument formerly used to
assurance n 1 a statement or assertion in- measure the altitude of stars and planets.
tended to inspire confidence. 2 feeling of astrology n the study of the alleged influ-
confidence; certainty. 3 Chiefly Brit insur- ence of the stars, planets, sun, and moon on
ance that provides for events that are cer- human affairs, astrologer or astrologist
tain to happen, such as death. n astrological adj
astronaut atrium
astronaut n a person trained for travelling at-home n a social gathering in a person’s
in space. home.
astronautics n the science and technology of athwart prep 1 across, —adv 2 transversely;
space flight, astronautical adj from one side to another.
astronomical or astronomic adj 1 enor- Atlantic ac(/ of the Atlantic Ocean, the
mously large. 2 of astronomy, astronomi- world’s second largest ocean, bounded by
cally adv the Arctic, the Antarctic, America, and Eu-
astronomy n the scientific study of heaven- rope and Africa.
ly bodies, astronomer n Atlantis n (in ancient legend) a continent
astrophysics n the study of the physical said to have sunk beneath the Atlantic west
and chemical properties of celestial bodies, of Gibraltar.
astrophysical adj astrophysicist n atlas n a book of maps.
astute adj quick to notice or understand, atmosphere n 1 the mass of gases surround-
astutely adv astuteness n ing the earth or any other heavenly body. 2
asunder adv, adj Literary into parts or the air in a particular place. 3 a pervasive
pieces; apart. feeling or mood: the atmosphere was tense.
asylum n 1 refuge granted to a political 4 a unit of pressure equal to the normal
refugee from a foreign country. 2 (former- pressure of the air at sea level, atmospher-
ly) a mental hospital. ic adj atmospherically adv
asymmetry n lack of symmetry, asymmet- atmospherics pl n radio interference caused
ric or asymmetrical adj by electrical disturbance in the atmosphere.
atoll n a circular coral reef surrounding a la-
asymptote (ass-im-tote) n a straight line goon.
that is closely approached but never met by
a curve, asymptotic adj atom n 1 a the smallest unit of matter which
can take part in a chemical reaction, b this
at prep 1 indicating location or position: she entity as a source of nuclear energy. 2 a
had planted a vegetable garden at the back. very small amount.
2 towards; in the direction of: she was star-
ing at the wall behind him. 3 indicating po- atom bomb n same as atomic bomb.
sition in time: we arrived at 12.30. 4 en- atomic adj 1 of or using atom bombs or
gaged in: the innocent laughter of children atomic energy. 2 of atoms, atomically adv
at play. 5 during the passing of: she works atomic bomb or atom bomb n a type of
at night as a nurse’s aide. 6 for; in exchange bomb in which the energy is provided by
for: crude oil is selling at its lowest price nuclear fission.
since September. 7 indicating the object of atomic energy n same as nuclear energy.
an emotion: I’m angry at you because you atomic mass unit n a unit of mass that is
were rude to me. equal to one twelfth of the mass of an atom
At Chem astatine. of carbon-12.
at. 1 atmosphere. 2 atomic. atomic number n the number of protons in
atavism (at-a-viz-zum) n 1 the recurrence of the nucleus of an atom of an element.
primitive characteristics that were present atomic theory n any theory in which matter
in distant ancestors but not in more recent is regarded as consisting of atoms.
ones. 2 reversion to a former type, atavis- atomic weight n the ratio of the average
tic adj mass per atom of an element to one twelfth
ataxia n Pathol lack of muscular coordinat- of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.
ion. ataxic adj atomize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
ate vb the past tense of eat. -ised 1 to separate into free atoms. 2 to re-
atelier (at-tell-yay) n an artist’s studio, duce to fine particles or spray. 3 to destroy
atheism (aith-ee-iz-zum) n the belief that by nuclear weapons.
there is no God. atheist n atomizer or -iser n a device for reducing a
atherosclerosis n, pl -ses a disease in which liquid to a fine spray.
deposits of fat cause the walls of the ar- atonal (eh-tone-al) adj (of music) not writ-
teries to thicken, atherosclerotic adj ten in an established key. atonality n
athlete n 1 a person trained to compete in atone vb atoning, atoned to make amends
sports or exercises. 2 Chiefly Brit a com- (for sin or wrongdoing).
petitor in track-and-field events. atonement n 1 something done to make
athlete’s foot n a fungal infection of the amends for wrongdoing. 2 Christian theol
skin of the foot. the reconciliation of humankind with God
athletic adj 1 physically fit or strong. 2 of or~ through the sacrificial death of Christ.
for an athlete or athletics, athletically adv atop prep on top of.
athleticism n atrium n, pl atria 1 Anat the upper chamber
athletics pl n Chiefly Brit track-and-field of each half of the heart. 2 a central hall
events. that extends through several storeys in a
atrocious 42 aubrietia
modern building. 3 the open main court of acts of courtesy: the attentions of men
an ancient Roman house, atrial adj seemed to embarrass her.
atrocious adj 1 extremely cruel or wicked. 2 attentive adj 1 paying close attention. 2 con-
horrifying or shocking. 3 Informal very siderately helpful: at society parties he is
bad. atrociously adv attentive to his wife, attentively adv at-
atrocity n 1 behaviour that is wicked or tentiveness n
cruel. 2 (pl -ties) an act of extreme cruelty. attenuated adj 1 weakened. 2 thin and ex-
atrophy (at-trof-fee) n, pf-phies 1 a wasting tended. attenuation n
away of a physical organ or part. 2 a failure attest vb 1 to affirm or prove the truth of. 2
to grow. -vb -phies, -phying, -phied 3 to to bear witness to (an act or event), attes-
waste away. tation n
atropine n a poisonous alkaloid obtained attested adj Brit (of cattle) certified to be
from deadly nightshade. free from a disease, such as tuberculosis.
attach vb 1 to join, fasten, or connect. 2 to attic n a space or room within the roof of a
attribute or ascribe: he attaches particular house.
importance to the proposed sale. 3 attach attire n clothes, esp. fine or formal ones,
oneself or be attached to to become asso- attired adj dressed in a specified way.
ciated with or join.
attitude n 1 the way a person thinks and
attache (at-tash-shay) n a specialist at- behaves. 2 a position of the body. 3 Infor-
tached to a diplomatic mission. mal a hostile manner. 4 the orientation of
attache case n a flat rectangular briefcase an aircraft or spacecraft in relation to some
for carrying papers. plane or direction.
attached adj 1 married, engaged, or in an attitudinize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
exclusive sexual relationship. 2 attached -nising, -nised to adopt a pose or opinion
to fond of. for effect.
attachment n 1 affection or regard for. 2 an attorney n 1 a person legally appointed to
accessory that can be fitted to a device to act for another. 2 US a lawyer.
change what it can do. attorney general n, pl attorneys general or
attack vb 1 to launch a physical assault attorney generals a chief law officer of
(against). 2 to criticize vehemently. 3 to set some governments.
about (a job or problem) with vigour. 4 to attract vb 1 to aro'use the interest or admi-
affect adversely: BSE attacks the animal’s ration of. 2 (of a magnet) to draw (some-
brain. 5 to take the initiative in a game or thing) closer by exerting a force on it.
sport. ~n 6 the act of attacking. 7 any sud-
den appearance of a disease or symptoms: a attraction n 1 the act or quality of attract-
bad attack of mumps, attacker n ing. 2 an interesting or desirable feature:
attain vb 1 to manage to do or get (some-
the Scottishness of Scott is an attraction,
thing): the country attained economic but by no means his only merit. 3 an object
growth. 2 to reach, attainable adj or place that people visit for interest: this
carefully preserved tourist attraction. 4 (of
attainment n an achievement or the act of a magnet) a force by which one object at-
achieving something. tracts another.
attar n a perfume made from damask roses, attractive adj appealing to the senses or
attempt vb 1 to make an effort (to do or mind, attractively adv attractiveness n
achieve something); try. —n 2 an endeav- attribute vb -uting, -uted 1 attribute to to
our to achieve something; effort. 3 attempt regard as belonging to or produced by: a
on someone’s life an attack on someone play attributed to William Shakespeare.
with the intention to kill. ~n 2 a quality or feature representative of
attend vb 1 to be present at (an event). 2 to a person or thing, attributable adj at-
go regularly to a school, college, etc. 3 to tribution n
look after: the actors lounged in their can- attributive adj Grammar (of an adjective)
vas chairs, attended by sycophants. 4 to coming before the noun modified.
pay attention. 5 attend to to apply oneself
to: I’ve a few things I must attend to. attrition n constant wearing down to weaken
or destroy: a war of attrition.
attendance n 1 the act of attending. 2 the
number of people present. 3 regularity in attune vb-tuning, -tuned to adjust or accus-
attending. tom (a person or thing).
attendant n 1 a person who assists, guides, atypical (ch-tip-ik-kl) adj not typical,
or provides a service, -adj 2 associated: atypically adv
nuclear power and its attendant dangers. 3 Au Chem gold.
being in attendance. aubergine (oh-bur-zhecn) n the dark purple
attention n 1 concentrated direction of the fruit of a tropical plant, cooked and eaten
mind. 2 consideration, notice, or observa- as a vegetable.
tion. 3 detailed care or treatment. 4 the aubrietia (aw-bree-sha) n a trailing purple-
alert position in military drill. 5 attentions flowered rock plant.
auburn 43 austerity
auburn adj (of hair) reddish-brown. August n the eighth month of the year.
auction n 1 a public sale at which articles Augustan adj 1 of the Roman emperor Au-
are sold to the highest bidder. ~vb 2 to sell gustus Caesar or the poets writing during
by auction. his reign. 2 of any literary period noted for
auctioneer n a person who conducts an auc- refinement and classicism.
tion. auk n a northern sea bird with a heavy
audacious adj 1 recklessly bold or daring. 2 body, short wings, and black-and-white
impudent or presumptuous, audacity n plumage.
audible adj loud enough to be heard, auld lang syne n times past.
audibility n audibly adv aunt n 1 a sister of one’s father or mother. 2
audience n 1 a group of spectators or listen- the wife of one’s uncle. 3 a child’s term of
ers at a concert or play. 2 the people address for a female friend of the parents.
reached by a book, film, or radio or televi- auntie or aunty n, pl -ies Informal an aunt.
sion programme. 3 a formal interview. Aunt Sally n, pl -lies Brit 1 a figure used in
audio adj 1 of or relating to sound or hear- fairgrounds as a target. 2 any target for in-
ing. 2 of or for the transmission or repro- sults or criticism.
duction of sound. au pair n a young foreign woman who does
audio frequency n a frequency in the range housework in return for board and lodging.
20 hertz to 20 000 hertz, audible to the aura n, pl auras or aurae 1 a distinctive air
human ear. or quality associated with a person or
audiometer (aw-dee-om-it-er) n an instru- thing. 2 any invisible emanation.
ment for testing hearing. aural adj of or using the ears or hearing,
audiotypist n a typist trained to type from a aurally adv
dictating machine, audiotyping n aureate adj Literary 1 covered with gold. 2
audiovisual adj involving both hearing and (of a style of writing or speaking) exces-
sight: audiovisual teaching aids. sively elaborate.
audit n 1 an official inspection of business aureole or aureola n 1 a ring of light sur-
accounts by a qualified accountant. 2 any rounding the head of a figure represented
thoroughgoing assessment or review: an as holy; halo. 2 the sun’s corona, visible as a
audit of their lifestyle. ~vb auditing, faint halo during eclipses.
audited 3 to examine (business accounts)
officially. au revoir (oh riv-vwahr) interj goodbye,
audition n 1 a test of a performer’s or musi- auric adj of or containing gold in the triva-
cian’s ability for a particular role or job. lent state.
~vb 2 to test or be tested in an audition. auricle n 1 the upper chamber of the heart. 2
auditor n a person qualified to audit ac- the outer part of the ear. auricular adj
counts. auricula n, pl -lae or -las an alpine primrose
auditorium n, pl -toriums or -toria 1 the with leaves shaped like a bear’s ear.
area of a concert hall or theatre in which auriferous adj containing gold.
the audience sits. 2 US & Canad a building aurochs n, pl -rochs a recently extinct
for public meetings. European wild ox.
auditory adj of or relating to hearing. aurora n, pl -ras or -rae 1 an atmospheric
au fait (oh fay) adj 1 fully informed. 2 ex- phenomenon of bands of light sometimes
pert. seen in the polar regions. 2 Poetic the dawn.
auf Wiedersehen (owf vee-der-zay-en) i
aurora australis n the aurora seen around
interj goodbye. the South Pole.
Aug. August. aurora borealis n the aurora seen around
Augean (aw-jee-an) adj extremely dirty or the North Pole.
corrupt. auscultation n the listening to of the inter-
auger n a pointed tool for boring holes, nal sounds of the body, usually with a
aught pron Old-fashioned or literary any- stethoscope, to help with medical diagnosis.
thing whatever: for aught I know. auspices (aw-spiss-siz) pl n under the aus-
augment vb to make or become greater in pices of with the support and approval of.
number or strength, augmentation n iauspicious adj showing the signs Of future
au gratin (oh grat-tan) adj cooked with a success.
topping of breadcrumbs and sometimes Aussie n, adj Informal Australian.
cheese. austere adj 1 stern or severe: his austere
augur vb to be a good or bad sign of future and serious attitude to events. 2 self-
events: a double fault on the opening point disciplined or ascetic: an extraordinarily
did not augur well. austere and puritanical organization. 3 se-
augury n 1 the foretelling of the future. 2 (pl verely simple or plain: the austere backdrop
-ries) an omen. of grey.
august adj dignified and imposing. austerity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being aus-
austral 44 autonomy
tere. 2 reduced availability of luxuries and combining form 1 self; of or by the same
consumer goods. one: autobiography. 2 self-propelling:
austral adj of or from the south. automobile.
Austral. 1 Australasia. 2 Australia(n). autobahn n a motorway in German-speaking
Australasian adj of Australia, New Zealand, countries.
and neighbouring islands. autobiography n, pl -phies an account of a
Australian adj 1 of Australia. ~n 2 a person person’s life written by that person, auto-
from Australia. biographer n autobiographical adj
Austrian adj 1 of Austria. ~n 2 a person autoclave n an apparatus for sterilizing ob-
from Austria. jects by steam under pressure.
autarchy (aw-tar-kee) n, pl -chies absolute autocracy n, pl -cies government by an in-
power or autocracy. dividual with unrestricted authority.
autarky (aw-tar-kee) rt, pl -kies a policy of autocrat n 1 a ruler with absolute authority.
economic self-sufficiency. 2 a dictatorial person. autocratic adj
authentic adj 1 of undisputed origin or autocratically adv
authorship; genuine. 2 reliable or accurate, autocross n a sport in which cars race over
authentically adv authenticity rt a circuit of rough grass.
authenticate vb -eating, -cated to establish Autocue n Trademark an electronic televi-
as genuine, authentication rt sion prompting device displaying a speak-
author rt 1 a person who writes a book, arti- er’s script, unseen by the audience.
cle, or other written work. 2 an originator auto-da-fe (aw-toe-da-fay) n, pl autos-da-fe
or creator. 1 History the ceremonial passing of sen-
► The word author should be used for both tence on heretics by the Spanish Inquisi-
male and female writers. The form author- tion. 2 the burning to death of heretics.
ess suggests a minor or amateur writer. autogiro or autogyro n, pl -ros a self-
authoritarian adj 1 insisting on strict obedi- propelled aircraft resembling a helicopter
ence to authority. ~rt 2 a person who in- but with an unpowered rotor.
sists on strict obedience to authority, autograph n 1 a handwritten signature of a
authoritarianism rt famous person. ~vb 2 to write one’s signa-
authoritative adj 1 recognized as being reli- ture on or in.
able: the authoritative book on Shake- automat n US a vending machine,
speare. 2 possessing authority; official, automate vb -mating, -mated to make (a
authoritatively adv manufacturing process) automatic.
authority n, pl -ties 1 the power to com- automatic adj 1 (of a device or mechanism)
mand, control, or judge others. 2 a person or able to activate or regulate itself. 2 (of a
group with this power: a third escapee process) performed by automatic equip-
turned himself in to the authorities. 3 a ment. 3 done without conscious thought. 4
decision-making organization or govern- (of a firearm) utilizing some of the force of
ment department: the local authority. 4 an each explosion to reload and fire continu-
expert in a particular field. 5 official per- ously. 5 occurring as a necessary conse-
mission: he had no authority to negotiate. 6 quence: the certificate itself carries no
a position that has the power to command, automatic legal benefits. ~n 6 an automat-
control, or judge others: people in author- ic firearm. 7 a motor vehicle with automatic
ity. 7 on good authority from reliable evi- transmission, automatically adv
dence. 8 confidence resulting from exper-
tise. automatic pilot n 1 a device that automati-
cally maintains an aircraft on a preset
authorize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, course. 2 on automatic pilot repeating an
-ised 1 to give authority to. 2 to give official action or process without thought.
permission for. authorization or -isation
n automatic transmission n a transmission
Authorized Version n the Authorized Ver-
system in a motor vehicle in which the
sion an English translation of the Bible
gears change automatically.
published in 1611. automation n the use of automatic, often
authorship n 1 the origin or originator of a
electronic, methods to control industrial
written work or plan. 2 the profession of processes.
writing. automaton n, pl -tons or -ta 1 a mechanical
autism n Psychiatry abnormal self- device operating under its own power. 2 a
absorption, usually affecting children, person who acts mechanically.
characterized by lack of response to people automobile nUSa motorcar,
and limited ability to communicate, autis- automotive adj 1 relating to motor vehicles.
tic adj 2 self-propelling.
auto n, pl -tos US & Canad informal short autonomous adj 1 having self-government.
for automobile. 2 independent of others.
auto- or sometimes before a vowel aut- autonomy n, pl -mies 1 the right or state of
autopilot 45 aware
self-government. 2 freedom to determine the total by the number of members in the
one’s own actions and behaviour. set. 3 on average usually or typically.
autopilot n an automatic pilot, -adj 4 usual or typical. 5 calculated as an
autopsy n, pl -sies examination of a corpse average. 6 mediocre or inferior, —vb
to determine the cause of death. -aging, -aged 7 to calculate or estimate the
autoroute n a motorway in French-speaking average of. 8 to amount to or be on average.
countries. averse adj opposed: he’s not averse to pub-
autostrada n a motorway in Italian- licity, of the right kind.
speaking countries. aversion n 1 extreme dislike or disinclina-
autosuggestion n a process in which a per- tion. 2 a person or thing that arouses this.
son unconsciously supplies the means of in- avert vb 1 to turn away: he had to avert his
fluencing his or her own behaviour or be- eyes. 2 to ward off: a final attempt to avert
liefs. war.
autumn n 1 the season of the year between Avesta n a collection of sacred writings of
summer and winter. 2 a period of late ma- Zoroastrianism.
turity followed by a decline, autumnal adj avian (aiv-ee-an) adj of or like a bird.
aux. auxiliary. aviary n, pl aviaries a large enclosure in
auxiliaries pl n foreign troops serving an- which birds are kept.
other nation. aviation n the art or science of flying air-
auxiliary ad/ 1 secondary or supplementary. craft.
2 supporting. —n, pl -ries 3 a person or aviator n Old-fashioned the pilot of an air-
thing that supports or supplements. craft. aviatrix fem n
auxiliary verb n a verb used to indicate the avid adj 1 very keen or enthusiastic: he is an
tense, voice, or mood of another verb, such avid football fan. 2 eager: avid for economic
as will in I will go. development, avidity n avidly adv
AV (of the Bible) Authorized Version. avocado n, pl -dos a pear-shaped tropical
av. 1 average. 2 avoirdupois, fruit with a leathery green skin and
avail vb 1 to be of use, advantage, or assis- greenish-yellow flesh.
tance (to). 2 avail oneself of to make use avocation n Old-fashioned 1 a person’s regu-
of. —n 3 use or advantage: to no avail. lar job. 2 a hobby.
available adj 1 obtainable or accessible. 2 avocet n a long-legged shore bird with a
able to be contacted and willing to talk: a long slender upward-curving bill.
spokesman insisted she was not available avoid vb 1 to refrain from doing. 2 to pre-
for comment, availability n availably adv vent from happening. 3 to keep out of the
avalanche n 1 a fall of large masses of snow way of. avoidable adj avoidably adv
and ice down a mountain. 2 a sudden or avoidance n
overwhelming quantity of anything. avoirdupois or avoirdupois weight (av-er-
avant-garde (av-ong-gard) n 1 those artists, de-poise) n a system of weights based on
writers or musicians, whose techniques and the pound, which contains 16 ounces.
ideas are in advance of those generally ac- avow vb 1 to state or affirm. 2 to admit
cepted. -adj 2 using ideas or techniques in openly, avowal n avowed adj avowedly
advance of those generally accepted. (a-vow-id-lee) adv
avarice (av-a-riss) n extreme greed for avuncular adj (of a man) friendly, helpful,
wealth, avaricious adj and caring towards someone younger.
avast interj Naut stop! cease! await vb 1 to wait for. 2 to be in store for.
avatar n Hinduism the appearance of a god awake adj 1 not sleeping. 2 alert or aware:
in human or animal form. awake to the danger, —vb awaking, awoke
Ave (ah-vay) or Ave Maria (ma-ree-a) n or awaked, awoken or awaked 3 to emerge
same as Hail Mary. or rouse from sleep. 4 to become or cause to
Ave. avenue. become alert.
avenge vb avenging, avenged to inflict a awaken vb 1 to awake. 2 to cause to be
punishment in retaliation for (harm done) aware of: anxieties awakened by reunifica-
or on behalf of (the person harmed), tion.
avenger n awakening n the start of a feeling or aware-
avenue n 1 a wide street. 2 a road bordered ness in someone: a picture of an emotional
by two rows of trees. 3 a line of approach: awakening.
the United States was exhausting every av- award vb 1 to give (something) for merit. 2
enue to achieve a diplomatic solution. Law to declare to be entitled, such as by de-
aver (av-vur) vb averring, averred to state ~ cision of a court. ~n 3 something awarded,
to be true, averment n such as a prize. 4 Law the decision of an ar-
average n 1 the typical or normal amount or bitrator or court.
quality. 2 the result obtained by adding the aware adj 1 aware of knowing about: he’s at
numbers or quantities in a set and dividing least aware of the problem. 2 informed:
awash 46 azure
they are becoming more politically aware side; askew: my neck was really awry after
every day. awareness n the journey. 2 amiss or faulty: if a gear gets
awash adv, adj washed over by water. stuck, the whole system goes awry.
away adv 1 from a particular place: I saw axe or US ax n, pl axes 1 a hand tool with
them walk away and felt absolutely deso- one side of its head sharpened to a cutting
lated. 2 in or to another, a usual, or a proper edge, used for felling trees and splitting
place: he decided to put the car away in the timber. 2 an axe to grind a favourite topic
garage. 3 at a distance: keep away from the one wishes to promote. 3 Informal a severe
windows. 4 out of existence: the pillars rot- cut in spending or in the number of staff
ted away. 5 indicating motion or distance employed, —vb axing, axed 4 Informal to
from a normal or proper place: the child dismiss (employees), restrict (expenditure),
shook her head and looked away. 6 con- or terminate (a project).
tinuously: he continued to scribble away, axes1 n the plural of axis.
-adj 7 not present: he had been away from axes2 n the plural of axe.
home for years. 8 distant: the castle was axial adj 1 forming or of an axis. 2 in, on, or
farther away than he had thought. 9 Sport along an axis, axially adv
played on an opponent’s ground.
axil n the angle where the stalk of a leaf
awayday n a day trip taken for pleasure, joins a stem.
awe n 1 wonder and respect mixed with
axiom n 1 a generally accepted principle. 2 a
dread, —vb awing, awed 2 to inspire with self-evident statement.
reverence or dread.
aweigh adj Naut (of an anchor) no longer axiomatic adj 1 containing axioms. 2 self-
hooked into the bottom. evident or obvious, axiomatically adv
awesome adj 1 inspiring or displaying awe. axis (ax-iss) n, pl axes (ax-eez) 1 a real or
2 Slang excellent or outstanding. imaginary line about which a body can ro-
tate or about which an object or geometrical
awe-struck adj overcome or filled with awe. construction is symmetrical. 2 one of two or
awful adj 1 very bad or unpleasant. 2 Infor- three reference lines used in coordinate ge-
mal considerable or great: that’s an awful ometry to locate a point in a plane or in
lot of money, isn’t it? 3 Obsolete inspiring space.
reverence or dread, —adv 4 Not standard axle n a shaft on which a wheel or pair of
very: I’m working awful hard on my lines. wheels revolves.
awfully adv 1 in an unpleasant way. 2 In-
formal very: we were both awfully busy. axolotl n an aquatic salamander of N Ameri-
ca.
awhile adv for a brief period.
ayah n (in parts of the former British Em-
awkward adj 1 clumsy or ungainly. 2 embar- pire) a native maidservant or nursemaid.
rassed: he was awkward and nervous
around girls. 3 difficult to deal with: the ayatollah n one of a class of Islamic religious
lawyer was in an awkward situation. 4 dif- leaders in Iran.
ficult to use or handle: it was small but aye or ay interj 1 yes. ~n 2 an affirmative
heavy enough to make it awkward to carry. vote or voter.
5 embarrassing: there were several mo- Ayrshire n one of a breed of brown-and-
ments of awkward silence, awkwardly adv white dairy cattle.
awkwardness n AZ Arizona.
awl n a pointed hand tool for piercing wood, azalea (az-zale-ya) n a garden shrub grown
leather, etc. for its showy flowers.
awn n any of the bristles growing from the azimuth n 1 the arc of the sky between the
flowering parts of certain grasses and ce- zenith and the horizon. 2 Surveying the
reals. horizontal angle of a bearing measured
awning n a canvas roof supported by a clockwise from the north.
frame to give protection against the weath- Aztec n 1 a member of a Mexican Indian
er. race who established a great empire, over-
awoke vb a past tense and (now rare or dia- thrown by the Spanish in the early 16th
lectal) past participle of awake. century. 2 the language of the Aztecs, -adj
awoken vb a past participle of awake. 3 of the Aztecs or their language.
AWOL (eh-woll) Mil absent without leave azure n 1 the deep blue colour of a clear blue
but without intending to desert. sky. 2 Poetic a clear blue sky. -adj 3 deep
awry (a-rye) adv, adj 1 with a twist to one blue.
 B
b or B n, pl b’s, B’s, or Bs 1 the second letter Bachelor of Arts n a person with a first de-
of the English alphabet. 2 from A to B See a gree from a university or college, usually in
(sense 2). the arts.
B 1 Music the seventh note of the scale of C bacillary adj of or caused by bacilli.
major. 2 the second in a series, class, or bacillus (bass-ill-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) a rod-
rank. 3 Chem boron. 4 Chess bishop. shaped bacterium, esp. one causing disease.
b. 1 born. 2 Cricket a bowled, b bye. back n 1 the rear part of the human body,
Ba Chem barium. from the neck to the pelvis. 2 the spinal
BA 1 Bachelor of Arts. 2 British Airways, column. 3 the part or side of an object oppo-
baa vb baaing, baaed 1 (of a sheep) to make site the front. 4 the part of anything less
a characteristic bleating sound. —n 2 the often seen or used. 5 Ball games a defensive
cry made by a sheep. player or position. 6 at the back of one’s
baas n S African a boss. mind not in one’s conscious thoughts. 7 be-
hind someone’s back secretly or deceitful-
baasskap n (in South Africa) control by ly. 8 put or get someone’s back up to
Whites of non-Whites. annoy someone. 9 turn one’s back on
babble vb -bling, -bled 1 to talk in a quick, someone to refuse to help someone. —vb
foolish, or muddled way. 2 to make mean- 10 to move or cause to move backwards. 11
ingless sounds: children first gurgle and to provide money for (a person or enter-
babble at random. 3 to disclose secrets care- prise). 12 to bet on the success of: to back a
lessly. 4 Literary (of streams) to make a low horse. 13 to provide (a pop singer) with a
murmuring sound. ~n 5 muddled or foolish musical accompaniment. 14 (foil, by on or
speech. 6 a murmuring sound, babbler n onto) to have the back facing (towards): his
babbling n garden backs onto a school. 15 (of the wind)
babe n 1 a baby. 2 babe in arms Informal a to change direction anticlockwise. — adj 16
naive or inexperienced person. 3 Slang, situated behind: back garden. 17 owing
chiefly US a girl. from an earlier date: back rent. 18 remote: a
babel (babe-el) n 1 a confusion of noises or back road, -adv 19 at, to, or towards the
voices. 2 a scene of noise and confusion. rear. 20 to or towards the original starting
baboon n a medium-sized monkey with a point or condition: I went back home. 21 in
long face, large teeth, and a fairly long tail. reply or retaliation: to hit someone back. 22
in concealment or reserve: to keep some-
baby n, pl -bies 1 a newborn child. 2 the thing back. 23 back and forth to and fro.
youngest or smallest of a family or group. 3 24 back to front a in reverse, b in disorder.
a recently born animal. 4 an immature per- —See also back down, back out, back up.
son. 5 Slang a sweetheart. 6 a project of
personal concern. 7 be left holding the backbencher n Brit, Austral, NZ, etc a
baby to be left with a responsibility. — adj Member of Parliament who does not hold
8 comparatively small of its type: baby office in the government or opposition.
carrots. -vb -bies, -bying, -bied 9 to treat backbite vb -biting, -bit; -bitten or -bit to
like a baby, babyhood n babyish adj talk spitefully about an absent person,
baby bonus n Canad informal Family Al- backbiter n
lowance. back boiler n a tank at the back of a fire-
baby-sit vb -sitting, -sat to act or work as a place for heating water.
baby-sitter, baby-sitting n, adj backbone n 1 the spinal column. 2 strength
baby-sitter n a person who takes care of a of character.
child while the parents are out. backbreaking adj (of work) exhausting,
baccalaureate (back-a-law-ree-it) n the backburn Austral & NZ -vb 1 to clear (an
university degree of Bachelor of Arts. area of bush) by creating a fire that burns
baccarat (back-a-rah) n a card game in in the opposite direction from the wind. 2 to
which the punters gamble against the bank- prevent a bush fire from spreading by
er. clearing an area of land in front of it. — n 3
bacchanalian (back-a-nail-ee-an) adj Liter-
the act or result of backbuming.
ary (of a party) unrestrained and involving backchat n Informal impudent replies,
a great deal of drinking and sometimes sex- backcloth n a painted curtain at the back of
ual activity. a stage set. Also called: backdrop
baccy n Brit informal tobacco. backcomb vb to comb (the hair) towards
bachelor n 1 an unmarried man. 2 a person the roots to give more bulk to a hairstyle.
who holds a first degree from a university back country n Austral & NZ land far away
or college, bachelorhood n from settled areas.
backdate bacteria
backdate vb -dating, -dated to make (a sponsible position: lyricism took a back seat
document) effective from a date earlier to drama.
than its completion. back-seat driver n Informal a person who
back door n a means of entry to a job or po- offers unwanted advice.
sition that is secret or obtained through in- backside n Informal the buttocks.
fluence. backslide vb -sliding, -slid to relapse into
back down vb to withdraw an earlier claim, former bad habits or vices, backslider n
backer n a person who gives financial or backspace vb -spacing, -spaced to move a
other support. typewriter carriage or computer cursor
backfire vb -firing, -fired 1 (of a plan or backwards.
scheme) to fail to have the desired effect. 2 backspin n Sport a backward spin given to a
(of an internal-combustion engine) to make ball to reduce its speed at impact.
a loud noise as a result of an explosion of backstage adv 1 behind the stage in a thea-
unburnt gases in the exhaust system. tre. -adj 2 situated backstage.
backgammon n a game for two people backstairs or backstair adj underhand:
played on a board with pieces moved ac- backstairs gossip.
cording to throws of the dice. backstreet n 1 a street in a town far from
background n 1 the events or circumstances the main roads, -adj 2 denoting secret or
that help to explain something. 2 a person’s illegal activities: a backstreet abortion.
social class, education, or experience. 3 the backstroke n Swimming a stroke performed
part of a scene furthest from the viewer. 4 on the back, using backward circular
an inconspicuous position: in the back- strokes of each arm.
ground. 5 the space behind the chief figures
or objects in a picture. backtrack vb 1 to go back along the same
route one has just travelled. 2 to retract or
backhand n 1 Tennis etc a stroke made from reverse one’s opinion or policy.
across the body with the back of the hand back up vb 1 to support. 2 Computers to
facing the direction of the stroke. 2 the side make a copy of (a data file), esp. as a secu-
on which backhand strokes are made. rity copy, —n backup 3 a support or re-
backhanded adj 1 (of a blow or shot) per- inforcement. 4 a reserve or substitute.
formed with the arm moving from across -adj backup 5 able to be substituted: a
the body. 2 ambiguous or implying criti- backup copy.
cism: a backhanded compliment. backward adj 1 directed towards the rear. 2
backhander n 1 Slang a bribe. 2 a back- retarded in physical, material, or intellec-
handed stroke or blow. tual development. 3 reluctant or bashful.
backing n 1 support. 2 something that forms -adv 4 same as backwards, backward-
or strengthens the back of something. 3 mu- ness n
sical accompaniment for a pop singer. backwards or backward adv 1 towards the
backing dog n NZ a dog that moves a flock rear. 2 with the back foremost. 3 in the re-
of sheep by jumping on their backs. verse of the usual direction. 4 into a worse
backlash n 1 a sudden and adverse reaction. state: the Gothic novel’s been going back-
2 a recoil between interacting badly fitting wards since Radcliffe. 5 bend over back-
parts in machinery. wards Informal to make a special effort to
backlog n an accumulation of things to be please someone.
dealt with. backwash n 1 water washed backwards by
back number n 1 an old issue of a news- the motion of oars or a ship. 2 an unpleas-
paper or magazine. 2 Informal a person or ant aftereffect of an event or situation.
thing considered to be old-fashioned. backwater n 1 an isolated or backward
back off vb 1 to retreat. 2 to abandon (an in- place or condition. 2 a body of stagnant
tention or objective). water connected to a river.
back out vb (often foil, by of) to withdraw backwoods pl n 1 any remote sparsely
from (an agreement). populated place. 2 partially cleared, sparse-
ly populated forests, backwoodsman n
backpack n 1 a rucksack. -vb 2 to go hik- back yard n 1 a yard at the back of a house,
ing with a backpack. etc. 2 in one’s own back yard a close at
back passage n the rectum. hand, b involving or implicating one.
back-pedal vb -pedalling, -pedalled or US bacon n 1 meat from the back and sides of a
-pedaling, -pedaled to retract or modify a pig, dried, salted, and often smoked. 2
previous opinion or statement. bring home the bacon Informal a to
back room n 1 a place where secret research achieve success, b to provide material sup-
or planning is done. -adj back-room 2 of port.
or relating to secret research or planning: bacteria pl n, sing -rium a large group of
back-room boys. microorganisms, many of which cause dis-
back seat n Informal a less important or re- ease. bacterial adj
bacteriology 49I baked beans
► Note that the word bacteria, is already baggage n 1 suitcases packed for a journey.
plural and does not need an “-s”. 2 an army’s portable equipment.
bacteriology n the study of bacteria, bac- baggy adj -gier, -giest (of clothes) hanging
teriologist n loosely, bagginess n
Bactrian camel n a two-humped camel. bag lady n a homeless woman who carries
bad adj worse, worst 1 not good; of poor around all her possessions in shopping
quality. 2 lacking skill or talent: I’m so bad bags.
at that sort of thing. 3 harmful: smoking is bagpipes pl n a musical wind instrument in
bad for you. 4 evil or immoral. 5 naughty or which sounds are produced in reed pipes by
mischievous. 6 rotten or decayed: a bad egg. air from an inflated bag.
7 severe: a bad headache. 8 incorrect or bags pl n 1 Informal a lot. —interj 2 Also:
faulty: bad grammar. 9 sorry or upset: I feel bags I Children’s slang, Brit an indication
bad about saying no. 10 unfavourable or of the desire to do, be, or have something.
distressing: bad news. 11 offensive or un- bah interj an expression of contempt or dis-
pleasant: bad language. 12 not valid: a bad gust.
cheque. 13 not recoverable: a bad debt. 14
(badder, baddest) Slang good; excellent. 15 bail1 Law —n 1 a sum of money deposited
not bad or not so bad Informal fairly good. with the court as security for a person’s re-
16 too bad Informal (often used dismissive- appearance in court. 2 the person giving
ly) regrettable. —n 17 unfortunate or un- such security. 3 jump bail to fail to re-
pleasant events: you’ve got to take the good appear in court after bail has been paid. 4
with the bad. -adv 18 Not standard badly: stand or go bail to act as surety for some-
to want something bad. badness n one. —vb 5 (foil, by out) to obtain the re-
lease of (a person) from custody by deposit-
bad blood n a feeling of intense hatred or ing money with the court.
hostility between people.
bail2 or bale vb bail out to remove water
bade or bad vb a past tense of bid. from (a boat). See also bale out.
badge n 1 a distinguishing emblem or mark bail3 n 1 Cricket either of two small wooden
worn to show membership or achievement. bars across the tops of the stumps. 2 a par-
2 any revealing feature or mark. tition between stalls in a stable or barn. 3
badger n 1 a stocky burrowing mammal Austral & NZ a framework in a cow shed
with a black and white striped head. —vb 2 used to secure the head of a cow during
to pester or harass. milking. 4 a movable bar on a typewriter
badinage (bad-in-nahzh) n playful and that holds the paper against the roller.
witty conversation. bailey n the outermost wall or court of a
badly adv worse, worst 1 poorly; inad- castle.
equately. 2 unfavourably: our plan worked Bailey bridge n a temporary bridge that can
out badly. 3 severely: badly damaged. 4 be rapidly assembled.
very much: he badly needed to improve his bailiff n 1 Brit a sheriff’s officer who serves
image. 5 badly off poor. writs and summonses. 2 the agent of a land-
badminton n a game played with rackets lord or landowner.
and a shuttlecock which is hit back and bailiwick n 1 Law the area over which a bail-
forth across a high net. iff has power. 2 a person’s special field of
baffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to perplex. —n 2 a interest.
mechanical device to limit or regulate the bail out vb same as bale out.
flow of fluid, light, or sound, bafflement n
baffling adj bain-marie (ban-mar-ee) n, pl bains-marie a
container for holding hot water, in which
bag n 1 a flexible container with an opening sauces and other dishes are gently cooked
at one end. 2 the contents of such a contain- or kept warm.
er. 3 a piece of luggage. 4 a handbag. 5 a
loose fold of skin under the eyes. 6 any sac bairn n Scot & N English a child.
in the body of an animal. 7 Offensive slang bait n 1 something edible fixed to a hook or
an ugly or bad-tempered woman: an old in a trap to attract fish or animals. 2 an en-
bag. 8 the amount of game taken by a hun- ticement. —vb 3 to put a piece of food on or
ter. 9 in the bag Slang assured of succeed- in (a hook or trap). 4 to persecute or tease.
ing. -vb bagging, bagged 10 to put into a 5 to set dogs upon (a bear or badger).
bag. 11 to bulge or cause to bulge. 12 to cap- baize n a feltlike woollen fabric, usually
ture or kill, as in hunting. 13 Brit informal green, which is used for the tops of billiard
to secure the right to do or to have: he and card tables.
bagged the best chair. -See also bags. bake vb baking, baked 1 to cook by dry
bagatelle n 1 something of little value. 2 a _ heat in an oven. 2 to cook bread, pastry, or
board game in which balls are struck into cakes. 3 to make or become hardened by
holes. 3 a short piece of music. heat. 4 Informal to be extremely hot.
bagel (bay-gl) n a hard ring-shaped bread baked beans pl n haricot beans, baked and
roll. tinned in tomato sauce.
baker 50 ballistic missile
baker n a person who makes or sells bread, baleful adj harmful, menacing, or vindictive,
cakes, etc. balefully adv
baker’s dozen n thirteen. bale out or bail out vb 1 Informal to help (a
bakery n, pl -eries a place where bread, person or organization) out of a predica-
cakes, etc. are made or sold. ment. 2 to make an emergency parachute
baking powder n a powdered mixture that jump from an aircraft.
contains sodium bicarbonate and cream of balk or baulk vb 1 to stop short: the horse
tartar: used in baking as a raising agent. balked at the jump. 2 to recoil: France
bakkie (buck-ee) n S African a small truck balked at the parliament having a veto. 3 to
with an enclosed cab and an open goods thwart, check, or foil: he was balked in his
area at the back. plans.
baksheesh n (in some Eastern countries) Balkan adj of any of the countries of the
money given as a tip or present. Balkan Peninsula in SE Europe, between
Balaclava or Balaclava helmet n a close- the Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
fitting woollen hood that covers the ears ball1 n 1 a spherical or nearly spherical
and neck. mass: a ball of wool. 2 a round or roundish
balalaika n a Russian musical instrument object used in various games. 3 a single de-
with a triangular body and three strings. livery of the ball in a game. 4 any more or
balance n 1 stability of mind or body: lose less rounded part of the body: the ball of
one’s balance. 2 a state of being in balance. the foot. 5 have the ball at one’s feet to
3 harmony in the parts of a whole. 4 the have the chance of doing something. 6 on
power to influence or control: the balance the ball Informal alert; informed. 7 play
ball Informal to cooperate. 8 start or keep
of power. 5 something that remains: the the ball rolling to initiate or maintain the
balance of what you owe. 6 Accounting a progress of an action, discussion, or project.
the matching of debit and credit totals in an
account, b a difference between such totals. ~vb 9 to form into a ball. —See also balls,
7 a weighing device. 8 in the balance in an balls-up.
undecided condition. 9 on balance after ball2 n 1 a lavish or formal social function
weighing up all the factors. ~vb -ancing, for dancing. 2 have a ball Informal to have
-anced 10 to weigh in or as if in a balance. a very enjoyable time.
11 to be or come into equilibrium. 12 to ballad n 1 a narrative song or poem often
bring into or hold in equilibrium. 13 to com- with a chorus that is repeated. 2 a slow sen-
pare the relative weight or importance of. timental song.
14 to arrange so as to create a state of har- ballade n 1 Prosody a verse form consisting
mony. 15 Accounting to compare or equal- of three stanzas and an envoy, all ending
ize the credit and debit totals of (an ac- with the same line. 2 Music a romantic in-
count). strumental composition.
balance of power n the equal distribution ball-and-socket joint n Anat a joint in
of military and economic power among which a rounded head fits into a rounded
countries. cavity, allowing a wide range of movement.
balance of trade n the difference in value ballast n 1 a substance, such as sand, used to
between exports and imports of goods. stabilize a ship when it is not carrying
balance sheet n a statement that shows the cargo. 2 crushed rock used for the founda-
financial position of a business. tion of a road or railway track. —vb 3 to
balcony n, pl -nies 1 a platform projecting give stability or weight to.
from a building with a balustrade along its ball bearing n 1 an arrangement of steel
outer edge, often with access from a door. 2 balls placed between moving parts of a ma-
an upper tier of seats in a theatre or cin- chine in order to reduce friction. 2 a metal
ema. ball used in such an arrangement.
bald adj 1 having no hair or fur, esp. of a ball boy or fem ball girl n (in tennis) a per-
man having no hair on the scalp. 2 lacking son who retrieves balls that go out of play.
natural covering. 3 plain or blunt: the bald ball cock n a device consisting of a floating
facts. 4 (of a tyre) having a worn tread, ball and valve for regulating the flow of
baldly adv baldness n liquid into a tank or cistern.
balderdash n stupid or illogical talk, ballerina n a female ballet dancer.
balding adj becoming bald. ballet n 1 a classical style of expressive
bale1 n 1 a large bundle of hay or goods dancing based on precise conventional
bound by ropes or wires for storage or steps. 2 a theatrical representation of a
transportation. ~vb baling, baled 2 to story performed by ballet dancers, balletic
make (hay) or put (goods) into a bale or adj
bales. ball game n 1 US & Canad a game of base-
bale2 vb baling, baled same as bail2. ball. 2 Informal a state of affairs: a whole
baleen n whalebone. new ball game.
baleen whale n same as whalebone whale. ballistic missile n a launched weapon which
ballistics band saw
is guided automatically in flight but falls balsam. 3 a flowering plant, such as busy
freely at its target. lizzie.
ballistics n the study of the flight of projec- Baltic (bawl-tik) adj of the Baltic Sea in N
tiles, often in relation to firearms, ballistic Europe or the states bordering it.
adj baluster n a set of posts supporting a rail,
ballocks pin, interjsame as bollocks. balustrade n an ornamental rail supported
balloon n 1 an inflatable rubber bag used as by a set of posts.
a plaything or party decoration. 2 a large bamboo n a tall treelike tropical grass with
bag inflated with a lighter-than-air gas, de- hollow stems which are used to make canes,
signed to rise and float in the atmosphere furniture, etc.
with a basket for carrying passengers. 3 an bamboozle vb -zling, -zled Informal 1 to
outline containing the words or thoughts of cheat; mislead. 2 to confuse, bamboozle-
a character in a cartoon. ~vb 4 to fly in a ment n
balloon. 5 to swell or increase rapidly in ban vb banning, banned 1 to prohibit or
size: the cost of health care has ballooned. forbid officially. ~n 2 an official prohibi-
balloonist n tion.
ballot n 1 the practice of selecting a repre- banal (ban-nahl) adj lacking originality,
sentative or course of action by voting. 2 banality n
the number of votes cast in an election. 3
the actual vote or paper indicating a per- banana n a crescent-shaped fruit that grows
son’s choice. ~vb -loting, -loted 4 to vote on a tropical or subtropical treelike plant.
or ask for a vote from: we balloted the banana republic n Informal a small politi-
members on this issue. 5 to vote for or de- cally unstable country whose economy is
cide on something by ballot. dominated by foreign interests.
ballot box n a box into which voting papers band1 n 1 a group of musicians playing to-
are dropped on completion. gether, esp. on brass or percussion instru-
ballot paper n a paper used for voting, ments. 2 a group of people having a com-
mon purpose: a band of revolutionaries.
ballpark n 1 US & Canad a stadium used for ~vb3 (foil, by together) to unite.
baseball games. 2 Informal approximate band2 n 1 a strip of some material, used to
range: in the right ballpark.
hold objects together: a rubber band. 2 a
ballpoint or ballpoint pen n a pen which has strip of fabric used as an ornament or to re-
a small ball bearing as a writing point. inforce clothing. 3 a stripe of contrasting
ballroom n a large hall for dancing. colour or texture. 4 a driving belt in ma-
ballroom dancing n social dancing in chinery. 5 Physics a range of frequencies or
couples to music in conventional rhythms, wavelengths between two limits. 6 a section
such as the waltz. of a gramophone record, esp. formerly.
balls pl n Taboo slang 1 the testicles. 2 non- ~vb 7 to fasten or mark with a band.
sense. 3 courage and determination, ballsy bandage n 1 a piece of material used to
adj dress a wound or wrap an injured limb.
balls-up Taboo slang ~n 1 something ~vb -aging, -aged 2 to cover or wrap with
botched or muddled. ~vb balls up 2 to a bandage.
muddle or botch. bandanna or bandana n a large brightly-
bally adj, adv Brit old-fashioned, slang ex- coloured handkerchief or neckerchief.
treme or extremely: a bally nuisance; he’s b. and b. orB & B bed and breakfast,
too bally charming for his own good. bandbox n a lightweight usually cylindrical
ballyhoo n Informal unnecessary or exag- box for hats.
gerated fuss. bandeau (ban-doe) n, pl -deaux (-doze) a
balm n 1 an aromatic substance obtained narrow ribbon worn round the head.
from certain tropical trees and used for banderole n 1 a narrow flag usually with
healing and soothing. 2 something comfort- forked ends. 2 a ribbon-like scroll bearing
ing or soothing: her calmness was like a an inscription.
balm to my troubled mind. 3 an aromatic bandicoot n 1 an Australian marsupial with
herb, lemon balm. a long pointed muzzle and a long tail. 2
balmy adj balmier, balmiest 1 (of weather) bandicoot rat any of three burrowing rats
mild and pleasant. 2 same as barmy. of S and SE Asia.
baloney or boloney n Informal nonsense, bandit n a robber, esp. a member of an
balsa (bawl-sa) n 1 a tree of tropical Ameri- armed gang, banditry n
ca which yields light wood. 2 Also: bandmaster n the conductor of a band,
balsawood the light wood of this tree, used bandolier n a shoulder belt with small pock-
for making rafts, models, etc. ets for cartridges.
balsam n 1 an aromatic resin obtained from band saw n a power-operated saw consist-
various trees and shrubs and used in medi- ing of an endless toothed metal band run-
cines and perfumes. 2 any plant yielding ning over two wheels.
bandsman 52 baptism
bandsman n, pl -men a player in a musical customer deposits money at a bank and may
band. withdraw it when it is needed.
bandstand n a roofed outdoor platform for bank card n any plastic card issued by a
a band. bank, such as a cash card or a cheque card.
bandwagon n climb or jump on the band- banker1 n 1 a person who owns or manages
wagon to join a popular party or movement a bank. 2 the keeper of the bank in various
that seems assured of success. gambling games.
bandy adj -dier, -diest 1 Also: bandy-legged banker2 n Austral & NZ informal a stream
having legs curved outwards at the knees. 2 almost overflowing its banks: the creek was
(of legs) curved outwards at the knees. running a banker.
~vb -dies, -dying, -died 3 to exchange banker’s order n same as standing order
(words), sometimes in a heated manner. 4 (sense 1).
bandy about to use (a name, term, etc.) bank holiday n (in Britain) a public holiday
frequently. when banks are closed by law.
bane n a person or thing that causes misery banking n the business engaged in by a
or distress: the bane of my life, baneful adj bank.
bang n 1 a short loud explosive noise, such banknote n a piece of paper money issued
as the report of a gun. 2 a hard blow or loud by a central bank.
knock. 3 Taboo slang an act of sexual inter- bank on vb to rely on.
course. 4 with a bang successfully: the
party went with a bang. ~vb 5 to hit or bankrupt n 1 a person, declared by a court
knock, esp. with a loud noise. 6 to close (a to be unable to pay his or her debts, whose
door) noisily. 7 to make or cause to make a property is sold and the proceeds distribut-
loud noise, as of an explosion. 8 Taboo slang ed among the creditors. 2 a person no longer
to have sexual intercourse with. ~adv 9 having a particular quality: a spiritual
with a sudden impact: the car drove bang bankrupt. ~adj 3 declared insolvent. 4 fi-
into a lamppost. 10 precisely: bang in the nancially ruined. 5 no longer having a par-
middle. ticular quality: morally bankrupt. ~vb 6 to
make bankrupt, bankruptcy n
banger n Brit 1 Informal an old decrepit car.
2 Slang a sausage. 3 a firework that ex- banner n 1 a long strip of material display-
plodes loudly. ing a slogan, advertisement, etc. 2 a placard
carried in a demonstration. 3 Also called:
Bangladeshi adj 1 of Bangladesh. ~n 2 a banner headline a large headline in a
person from Bangladesh. newspaper extending across the page.
bangle n a bracelet worn round the arm or bannock n Scot a round flat cake made from
sometimes round the ankle. oatmeal or barley.
banian n same as banyan. banns pl n the public announcement of a
banish vb 1 to send into exile. 2 to drive marriage that is planned.
away: it’s the only way to banish weeds banquet n 1 an elaborate formal dinner
from the garden, banishment n often followed by speeches. ~vb -queting,
banisters or bannisters pl n the railing and -queted 2 to hold or take part in a banquet.
supporting balusters on a staircase. banshee n (in Irish folklore) a female spirit
banjo n, pl -jos or -joes a stringed musical whose wailing warns of a coming death.
instrument with a long neck and a circular bantam n 1 a small breed of domestic fowl. 2
drumlike body, banjoist n a small but aggressive person.
bank1 n 1 an institution offering services, bantamweight n a professional boxer
such as the safekeeping and lending of weighing up to 118 pounds (53.5 kg) or an
money at interest. 2 the building used by amateur weighing up to 54 kg.
such an institution. 3 the funds held by a banter vb 1 to tease jokingly. ~n 2 teasing
banker or dealer in some gambling games. 4 or joking conversation.
any supply, store, or reserve: a data bank.
~vb 5 to deposit (cash or a cheque) in a Bantu n 1 a group of languages of Africa. 2
bank. 6 to transact business with a bank. (pl -tu or -tus) Offensive a Black speaker of
~See also bank on. a Bantu language. ~adj 3 of the Bantu lan-
bank2 n 1 a long raised mass, esp. of earth. 2 guages or the peoples who speak them.
a slope, as of a hill. 3 the sloping side and Bantustan n Offensive an area reserved for
ground on either side of a river. ~vb 4 to occupation by a Black African people.
form into a bank or mound. 5 to cover (a banyan or banian n an Indian tree whose
fire) with ashes and fuel so that it will burn branches grow down into the soil forming
slowly. 6 (of an aircraft) to tip to one side in additional trunks.
turning. baobab (bay-oh-bab) n an African tree with
bank3 n 1 an arrangement of similar objects a massive grey trunk, short angular
in a row or in tiers. ~vb 2 to arrange in a branches, and large pulpy fruit.
bank. bap n Brit a large soft bread roll,
bank account n an arrangement whereby a baptism n a Christian religious rite in which
baptism of fire 53 bargain on
a person is immersed in or sprinkled with -cued 4 to cook on a grill, usually over char-
water as a sign of being cleansed from sin coal.
and accepted as a member of the Church, barbed wire n strong wire with sharp points
baptismal adj protruding at close intervals.
baptism of fire n 1 any introductory ordeal. barbel n 1 a long thin growth that hangs
2 a soldier’s first experience of battle. from the jaws of certain fishes, such as the
Baptist n 1 a member of a Protestant de- carp. 2 a freshwater fish with such a
nomination that believes in the necessity of growth.
adult baptism by immersion. 2 the Baptist barbell n a long metal rod to which heavy
John the Baptist. discs are attached at each end for weight-
baptize or -ise vb -tizing, -tized or -tising, lifting.
-tised 1 Christianity to immerse (a person) barber n a person whose business is cutting
in water or sprinkle water on (him or her) men’s hair and shaving beards.
as part of the rite of baptism. 2 to give a barberry n, pl -ries a shrub with orange or
name to. red berries.
bar1 n 1 a rigid usually straight length of barbican n a walled defence to protect a
metal, wood, etc. used as a barrier or struc- gate or drawbridge of a fortification.
tural part. 2 a solid usually rectangular barbiturate n a derivative of barbituric acid
block of any material: a bar of soap. 3 any- used in medicine as a sedative.
thing that obstructs or prevents: a bar to barbituric acid n a crystalline solid used in
women’s mobility. 4 a counter or room the preparation of barbiturate drugs.
where alcoholic drinks are served. 5 a nar- barcarole or barcarolle n 1 a Venetian boat
row band or stripe, as of colour or light. 6 a song. 2 an instrumental composition resem-
heating element in an electric fire. 7 See bling this.
Bar. 8 the place in a court of law where the
accused stands during trial. 9 Music a group bar code n an arrangement of numbers and
of beats that is repeated with a consistent parallel lines on a package, which can be
rhythm throughout a piece of music. 10 electronically scanned at a checkout to give
Football etc same as crossbar. 11 Heraldry the price of the goods.
a narrow horizontal line across a shield. 12 bard n 1 Archaic or literary a poet. 2 a (for-
behind bars in prison. —vb barring, merly) an ancient Celtic poet, b a poet who
barred 13 to secure with a bar: to bar the wins a verse competition at a Welsh
door: 14 to obstruct: the fallen tree barred eisteddfod. 3 the Bard William Shake-
the road. 15 to exclude: he was barred from speare, English playwright and poet.
membership of the club. 16 to mark with a bare adj 1 unclothed: used esp. of a part of
bar or bars, —prep 17 except for. the body. 2 without the natural, conven-
bar2 n a unit of pressure equal to 105 tional, or usual covering: bare trees. 3 lack-
newtons per square metre. ing appropriate furnishings, etc.: a bare
room. 4 simple: the bare facts. 5 just suffi-
Bar n 1 the Bar barristers collectively. 2 be cient: the bare minimum, —vb baring,
called to the Bar Brit to become a barris- bared 6 to uncover, bareness n
ter.
bareback adj, adv (of horse-riding) without
barb n 1 a cutting remark. 2 a point facing in a saddle.
the opposite direction to the main point of a barefaced adj obvious or shameless: a bare-
fish-hook, harpoon, etc. 3 a beardlike faced lie.
growth, hair, or projection, -vb 4 to pro-
vide with a barb or barbs, barbed adj barefoot or barefooted adj, adv with the
feet uncovered.
barbarian n 1 a member of a primitive or
bareheaded adj, adv with the head uncov-
uncivilized people. 2 a coarse or vicious ered.
person, —adj 3 uncivilized or brutal.
barely adv 1 only just: barely enough. 2
barbaric adj primitive or brutal. scantily: barely furnished.
barbarism n 1 a brutal, coarse, or ignorant ► As barely already has a negative meaning,
act. 2 the condition of being backward, it should never be used with not or other
coarse, or ignorant. 3 a substandard word negatives.
or expression. bargain n 1 an agreement establishing what
barbarity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being bar- each party will give, receive, or perform in
baric or barbarous. 2 a vicious act. a transaction. 2 something acquired or re-
barbarous adj 1 uncivilized: a barbarous ceived in such an agreement. 3 something
and uninhabitable jungle. 2 brutal or cruel: bought or offered at a low price. 4 drive a
the barbarous tortures inflicted on them. hard bargain to forcefully pursue one’s
barbecue n 1 a grill on which food is cooked own profit in a transaction. 5 into the bar-
over hot charcoal, usually out of doors. 2 gain besides, —vb 6 to negotiate the terms
food cooked over hot charcoal, usually out of an agreement or transaction.
of doors. 3 a party or picnic at which bargain for vb to anticipate,
barbecued food is served, —vb -cuing, bargain on vb to rely or depend on.
barge 54 barrel
barge n 1 a flat-bottomed boat, used for barnacle goose n a goose with a black-and-
transporting freight, esp. on canals. 2 a white head and body.
boat, often decorated, used in pageants, etc. barn dance n 1 US & Canad a party with
—vb barging, barged Informal 3 (foil, by square-dancing. 2 Brit a progressive round
into) to bump into. 4 to push one’s way vio- country dance.
lently. 5 (foil, by into or in) to interrupt barney n Informal a noisy fight or argu-
rudely: be barged into our conversation. ment.
bargee n a person in charge of a barge, barn owl n an owl with a pale brown-and-
bargepole n 1 a long pole used to propel a white plumage and a heart-shaped face.
barge. 2 not touch with a bargepole In- barnstorm vb 1 Chiefly US & Canad to tour
formal to refuse to have anything to do rural districts making speeches in a politi-
with. cal campaign. 2 to tour rural districts put-
bar graph n a diagram consisting of vertical ting on shows, barnstorming n, adj
or horizontal bars whose lengths are pro- barnyard n a yard adjoining a barn.
portional to amounts or quantities. barograph n Meteorol a barometer that
baritone n 1 the second lowest adult male automatically keeps a record of changes in
voice. 2 a singer with such a voice. atmospheric pressure.
barium (bare-ee-um) n Chem a soft silvery- barometer n an instrument for measuring
white metallic chemical element. Symbol: atmospheric pressure, used to determine
Ba weather or altitude changes, barometric
barium meal n a preparation of barium sul- adj
phate, which is opaque to x-rays, used in baron n 1 a member of the lowest rank of
x-ray examination of the alimentary canal. nobility in the British Isles. 2 a powerful
bark1 n 1 the loud harsh cry of a dog businessman or financier: a press baron.
or certain other animals. -vb 2 (of a dog or baronial adj
other animal) to make its typical cry. 3 to baroness n 1 a woman holding the rank of
shout in an angry tone: he barked an order. baron. 2 the wife or widow of a baron.
4 bark up the wrong tree Informal to mis- baronet n a commoner who holds the lowest
direct one’s attention or efforts. hereditary British title, baronetcy n
bark2 n 1 an outer protective layer of dead barony n, pl -nies the domain or rank of a
corklike cells on the trunks of trees. -vb 2 baron.
to scrape or rub off (skin), as in an injury. 3 baroque (bar-rock) n 1 a highly ornate style
to remove the bark from (a tree). of architecture and art, popular in Europe
barker n a person at a fairground who loud- from the late 16th to the early 18th centu-
ly addresses passers-by to attract custom- ry. 2 a highly ornamented 17th-century
ers. style of music, —adj 3 ornate in style.
barley n 1 a tall grasslike plant with dense barque (bark) n 1 a sailing ship, esp. one
bristly flower spikes, widely cultivated for with three masts. 2 Poetic any boat.
grain. 2 the grain of this grass used in mak- barrack1 vbto house (soldiers) in barracks.
ing beer and whisky and for soups. barrack2 vb Informal to criticize loudly or
barleycorn n a grain of barley, or barley it- shout against (a team or speaker).
self. barracks pl n 1 a building or group of build-
barley sugar n a brittle clear amber- ings used to accommodate military person-
coloured sweet. nel. 2 a large and bleak building.
barley water n a drink made from an infu- barracuda (bar-rack-kew-da) n, pl -da or
sion of barley. -das a tropical fish which feeds on other
barm n the yeasty froth on fermenting malt fishes and attacks man.
liquors. barrage (bar-rahzh) n 1 a continuous deliv-
barmaid n a woman who serves in a pub. ery of questions, complaints, etc. 2 Mil the
continuous firing of artillery over a wide
barman n, pl -men a man who serves in a area. 3 a construction built across a river to
pub. control the water level.
bar mitzvah Judaism ~n 1 a ceremony barrage balloon n a balloon tethered by ca-
marking the 13th birthday of a boy and his bles, often with net suspended from it, used
assumption of religious obligations. -acjj 2 to deter low-flying air attack.
(of a Jewish boy) having undergone this barre (bar) n a rail at hip height used for
ceremony. ballet practice.
barmy adj -mier, -miest Slang insane. barrel n 1 a cylindrical container usually
barn n a large farm outbuilding, chiefly for with rounded sides and flat ends, and held
storing grain, but also for livestock. together by metal hoops. 2 a unit of capac-
barnacle n a marine shellfish that lives at- ity of varying amount in different indus-
tached to rocks, ship bottoms, etc. barna- tries. 3 the tube through which the bullet of
cled adj a firearm is fired. 4 over a barrel Informal
barrel organ 55 basin
powerless. ~vb -relling, -relied or US tern. 9 a starting or finishing point in any of
-reling, -reled 5 to put into a barrel or bar- various games. ~vb basing, based 10 (foil,
rels. by on or upon) to use as a basis for. 11 (foil,
barrel organ n a musical instrument played by at or in) to station, post, or place.
by turning a handle. base2 adj 1 dishonourable or immoral: base
barren adj 1 incapable of producing off- motives. 2 of inferior quality or value: a
spring. 2 unable to support the growth of base coin. 3 debased; counterfeit: base cur-
crops, fruit, etc.: barren land. 3 unprofit- rency.
able or unsuccessful: Real Madrid have had baseball n 1 a team game in which the object
a barren two seasons. 4 dull, barrenness n is to score runs by batting the ball and run-
barricade n 1 a barrier, esp. one erected ning round all four bases. 2 the ball used in
hastily for defence. ~vb -cading, -caded 2 this game.
to erect a barricade across (an entrance). baseless adj not based on fact.
barrier n 1 anything that blocks a way or baseline n 1 a value or starting point on an
separates, such as a gate. 2 anything that imaginary scale with which other things are
prevents progress: a barrier of distrust. 3 compared. 2 a line at each end of a tennis
anything that separates or hinders union: a court that marks the limit of play.
language barrier. basement n a partly or wholly underground
barrier cream n a cream used to protect the storey of a building.
skin. jbase metal n a common metal such as cop-
barrier reef n a long narrow ridge of coral, per or lead, that is not a precious metal.
separated from the shore by deep water. |base rate n 1 the rate of interest used by a
barring prep unless something occurs; ex- bank as a basis for its lending rates. 2 the
cept for. rate at which the Bank of England lends to
barrister n a lawyer who is qualified to other financial organizations, which effec-
plead in the higher courts. tively controls interest rates throughout the
barrow1 n 1 same as wheelbarrow. 2 a UK.
handcart used by street traders. I bases1 n the plural of basis.
barrow2 n a heap of earth placed over a pre- bases2 n the plural of base1.
historic tomb. 1 bash Informal ~vb 1 to strike violently or
barrow boy n Brit a man who sells goods crushingly. 2 (foil, by into) to crash into.
from a barrow. ~n 3 a heavy blow. 4 have a bash Informal
Bart. Baronet. to make an attempt.
barter vb 1 to trade goods or services in ex- bashful
I adj shy or modest, bashfully adv
change for other goods or services, rather -bashing n and adj combining form Informal
than for money. ~n 2 trade by the ex- or slang a indicating a malicious attack on
change of goods. members of a group: union-bashing, b indi-
baryon (bar-ree-on) n an elementary parti- cating an activity undertaken energetically;
cle that has a mass greater than or equal to Bible-bashing, -basher n combining form
that of the proton. Ibasic adj 1 of or forming a base or basis. 2
baryta (bar-rite-a) n a compound of barium, elementary or simple: a few basic facts. 3
such as barium oxide. excluding additions or extras: basic pay. 4
barytes (bar-rite-eez) n a colourless or Chem of or containing a base. ~n 5 basics
white mineral: a source of barium. fundamental principles, facts, etc. basical-
basal adj 1 at, of, or constituting a base. 2 ly adv
fundamental. 'BASIC n a computer programming language
basalt (bass-awlt) n a dark volcanic rock, that uses common English terms.
basaltic adj ' basic slag n a slag produced in steel-
bascule n a drawbridge that operates by a making, containing calcium phosphate.
counterbalanced weight. ' basil n an aromatic herb used for seasoning
base1 n 1 the bottom or supporting part of food.
anything. 2 the fundamental principle or basilica ' n 1 a Roman building, used for pub-
part: agriculture was the economic base of lic administration, which is rectangular
the city’s growth. 3 a centre of operations, with two aisles and a rounded end. 2 a
organization, or supply. 4 a starting point: Christian church of similar design.
the new discovery became the base for fur- I basilisk n (in classical legend) a serpent that
ther research. 5 the main ingredient of a could kill by its breath or glance.
mixture: to use rice as a base in cookery. 6 basinI n 1 a round wide container open at the
Chem a compound that combines with an top. 2 the amount a basin will hold. 3 a
acid to form a salt. 7 the lower side or face washbasin or sink. 4 any partially enclosed
of a geometric construction. 8 Maths the area of water where ships or boats may be
number of units in a counting system that is moored. 5 the catchment area of a particu-
equivalent to one in the next higher count- lar river. 6 a depression in the earth’s sur-
ing place: 10 is the base of the decimal sys- face.
basis 56 bathos
basis n, pl bases 1 something that underlies, produces a range of low sounds, bassoon-
supports, or is essential to an idea, belief, ist n
etc. 2 a principle on which something de- bastard n 1 Informal, offensive an obnox-
pends. ious or despicable person. 2 a person bom
bask vb (foil, by in) 1 to lie in or be exposed of parents not married to each other. 3 In-
(to pleasant warmth or sunshine). 2 to formal something extremely difficult or
enjoy (approval or favourable conditions). unpleasant, -adj 4 illegitimate by birth. 5
basket n 1 a container made of interwoven counterfeit; spurious, bastardy n
strips of wood or cane. 2 the amount a bas- bastardize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
ket will hold. 3 Basketball a the high hori- -ised 1 to debase. 2 to declare illegitimate.
zontal hoop through which a player must baste1 vb basting, basted to sew with loose
throw the ball to score points, b a point temporary stitches.
scored in this way. baste2 vb basting, basted to moisten (meat)
basketball n a team game in which points during cooking with hot fat.
are scored by throwing the ball through a baste3 vb basting, basted to thrash.
high horizontal hoop. bastinado n, pl -does 1 a punishment or tor-
basket weave n a weave of yarns, resem- ture by beating on the soles of the feet with
bling that of a basket. a stick, —vb -doing, -doed 2 to beat (a per-
basketwork n same as wickerwork. son) in this way.
basking shark n a very large plankton- bastion n 1 a projecting part of a fortifica-
eating shark, which often floats at the sea tion. 2 a thing or person regarded as de-
surface. fending a principle or way of life: a bastion
basmati rice n a variety of long-grain rice of anti-communism.
with slender aromatic grains, used for sa- bat1 n 1 any of various types of club used to
voury dishes. hit the ball in certain sports. 2 Cricket a
basque n a tight-fitting bodice for women. batsman. 3 off one’s own bat a of one’s
own accord, b by one’s own unaided efforts.
Basque n 1 a member of a people living in —vb batting, batted 4 to strike with or as
the W Pyrenees in France and Spain. 2 the if with a bat. 5 Cricket etc to take a turn at
language of the Basques. ~adj 3 of the batting.
Basques.
bat2 n 1 a nocturnal mouselike flying animal
bas-relief n sculpture in which the figures with leathery wings. 2 blind as a bat hav-
project slightly from the background. ing extremely poor eyesight.
bass1 (base) n 1 the lowest adult male voice. bat3 vb batting, batted 1 to flutter (one’s
2 a singer with such a voice. 3 Informal eyelids). 2 not bat an eyelid Informal to
same as bass guitar or double bass. —adj show no surprise.
4 of the lowest range of musical notes: the batch n 1 a group of similar objects or peo-
system is engineered to give good bass ple dispatched or dealt with at the same
sound from very small speakers. 5 denoting time. 2 the bread, cakes, etc. produced at
a musical instrument that is lowest or sec- one baking, —vb 3 to group (items) for effi-
ond lowest in pitch in its family: bass clari- cient processing.
net. 6 of or relating to a bass guitar or dou-
ble bass: the band is unusual in that it has batch processing n a system by which the
two bass players. 7 of or written for a sing- computer programs of several users are
er with the lowest adult male voice: the submitted as a single batch.
bass soloist in next week’s performance of bated a<v with bated breath in suspense or
Handel’s “Messiah”. fear.
bass2 (rhymes with gas) n 1 an edible sea bath n 1 a large container in which to wash
fish. 2 a European spiny-finned freshwater the body. 2 the act of washing in such a
fish. container. 3 the amount of water in a bath.
4 (pl) a public swimming pool. 5 a a liquid
bass clef (base) n the clef that establishes F in which something is immersed as part of a
a fifth below middle C on the fourth line of chemical process, such as developing
the staff. photographs, b the vessel containing such a
bass drum (base) n a large drum of low liquid. — vb 6 Brit to wash in a bath.
pitch. Bath chair n a wheelchair for invalids.
basset hound n a smooth-haired dog with bath cube n a cube of soluble scented ma-
short legs and long ears. terial for use in a bath.
bass guitar (base) n an electric guitar with bathe vb bathing, bathed 1 to swim in open
the same pitch and tuning as a double bass. water for pleasure. 2 to apply liquid to (the
bassinet n a wickerwork or wooden cradle skin or a wound) in order to cleanse or
or pram, usually hooded. soothe. 3 Chiefly US & Canad to wash in a
basso n, pl -sos or -si a singer with a bass bath. 4 to spread over: bathed in moonlight.
voice. ~n 5 Brit a swim in open water, bather n
bassoon n a woodwind instrument that bathos (bay-thoss) n a sudden ludicrous de-
bathrobe 57 bay rum
scent from exalted to ordinary matters in battle cruiser n a high-speed warship with
speech or writing, bathetic adj lighter armour than a battleship, but of the
bathrobe n 1 a loose-fitting garment for same size.
wear before or after a bath or swimming. 2 battle cry n 1 a slogan used to rally the sup-
US & Canad a dressing gown. porters of a campaign, movement, etc. 2 a
bathroom n 1 a room with a bath or shower, shout uttered by soldiers going into battle.
washbasin, and toilet. 2 US & Canad a toi- battledore n 1 Also called: battledore and
let. shuttlecock an ancient racket game. 2 a
bathyscaph or bathyscaphe n a deep-sea light racket used in this game.
diving vessel for observation. battledress n the ordinary uniform of a sol-
bathysphere n a strong steel deep-sea div- dier.
ing sphere, lowered by cable. battlefield or battleground n the place
batik (bat-teek) n a a process of printing where a battle is fought.
fabric in which areas not to be dyed are battlement n a wall with gaps, originally for
covered by wax. b fabric printed in this firing through.
way.
battle royal n 1 a fight involving many com-
batman n, pl-men an officer’s servant in the batants. 2 a long violent argument.
armed forces.
battleship n a large heavily armoured war-
baton n 1 a thin stick used by the conductor
ship.
of an orchestra or choir. 2 Athletics a short
bar transferred from one runner to another batty adj -tier, -tiest Slang 1 crazy. 2 eccen-
in a relay race. 3 a police officer’s trun- tric.
cheon. bauble n a trinket of little value.
baton round n same as plastic bullet, baulk vb, n same as balk.
bats adj Informal mad or eccentric. bauxite n a claylike substance that is the
batsman n, pl -men Cricket etc a person who chief source of aluminium.
bats or specializes in batting. bawdy adj bawdier, bawdiest (of language,
battalion n a military unit comprised of writing, etc.) containing humorous refer-
three or more companies. ences to sex. bawdily adv bawdiness n
batten1 n 1 a strip of wood used to strength- bawdyhouse n Archaic a brothel.
en something or make it secure. 2 a strip of bawl vb 1 to cry noisily. 2 to shout loudly.
wood used for holding a tarpaulin in place —n 3 a loud shout or cry. bawling n
over a hatch on a ship. —vb 3 to strengthen bay1 n a stretch of shoreline that curves in-
or fasten with battens. wards.
batten2 vb (foil, by on) to thrive at the ex- bay2 n 1 a recess in a wall. 2 an area set
pense of (someone else). aside for a particular purpose: a sick bay; a
batter1 vb 1 to hit repeatedly. 2 to damage loading bay. 3 same as bay window. 4 an
or injure, as by blows, heavy wear, etc. 3 to area off a road in which vehicles may park
subject (someone, usually a close relative) or unload. 5 a compartment in an aircraft:
to repeated physical violence, battered adj the bomb bay.
batterer n battering n
bay3 n 1 a deep howl of a hound or wolf. 2 at
batter2 n a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, bay a forced to turn and face attackers: the
used in cooking. stag at bay. b at a safe distance: to keep his
batter3 n Baseball etc a player who bats, mind blank and his despair at bay. —vb 3
battering ram n (esp. formerly) a large to howl in deep prolonged tones.
beam used to break down fortifications. bay4 n 1 a Mediterranean laurel tree with
battery n, pl -teries 1 two or more primary glossy aromatic leaves. 2 bays a wreath of
cells connected to provide a source of elec- bay leaves.
tric current. 2 a number of similar things bay5 adj 1 reddish-brown. ~n 2 a reddish-
occurring together: a battery of questions. 3 brown horse.
Criminal law unlawful beating or wounding
of a person. 4 Chiefly Brit a series of cages bayberry n, pl -ries a tropical American tree
for intensive rearing of poultry. 5 a forti- that yields an oil used in making bay rum.
fied structure on which artillery is mount- Also: bay
ed. -adj 6 kept in a series of cages for in- bay leaf n the dried leaf of a laurel, used for
tensive rearing: battery hens. flavouring in cooking.
battle n 1 a fight between large armed bayonet n 1 a blade that can be attached to
forces. 2 conflict or struggle, -vb -tling, the end of a rifle and used as a weapon.
-tied 3 to fight in or as if in military com- _ — vb -neting, -neted or -netting, -netted 2
bat: shop stewards battling to improve con- to stab or kill with a bayonet.
ditions at work. 4 to struggle: she battled bay rum n an aromatic liquid, used in medi-
through the crowd. cines and cosmetics, which was originally
battle-axe n 1 a domineering woman. 2 obtained by distilling bayberry leaves with
(formerly) a large broad-headed axe. rum.
bay window 58 bear
bay window n a window projecting from a beading n a narrow rounded strip of mould-
wall. ing used for edging furniture.
bazaar n 1 a sale in aid of charity. 2 (esp. in beadle n 1 Brit (formerly) a minor parish
the Orient) a market area, esp. a street of official who acted as an usher. 2 Scot a
small stalls. church official who attends the minister.
bazooka n a portable rocket launcher that beady adj beadier, beadiest small, round,
fires a projectile capable of piercing ar- and glittering: beady eyes.
mour. beagle n a small hound with a smooth coat,
BB Boys’ Brigade. short legs, and drooping ears.
BBC British Broadcasting Corporation. beak1 n 1 the projecting horny jaws of a
BC 1 (indicating years numbered back from bird. 2 Slang a person’s nose, beaky adj
the supposed year of the birth of Christ) beak2 n Brit slang a judge, magistrate, or
before Christ. 2 British Columbia. headmaster.
BCG Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (antituber- beaker n 1 a tall drinking cup. 2 a lipped
culosis vaccine). glass container used in laboratories.
BCNZ Broadcasting Corporation of New beam n 1 a broad smile. 2 a ray of light. 3 a
Zealand. narrow flow of electromagnetic radiation or
BD Bachelor of Divinity. particles: an electron beam. 4 a long thick
piece of wood, metal, etc. used in building. 5
BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery. the central shaft of a plough to which all
be vb, present sing 1st person am; 2nd per- the main parts are attached. 6 the breadth
son are; 3rd person is. present pl are. past of a ship at its widest part. 7 off (the)
sing 1st person was; 2nd person were; 3rd beam Informal mistaken or irrelevant, —vb
person was. past pl were, present participle 8 to smile broadly. 9 to send out or radiate.
being, past participle been. 1 to exist; live: 10 to divert or aim (a radio signal, light,
I think, therefore I am. 2 to pay a visit; go: etc.) in a certain direction: the concert was
have you been to Spain? 3 to take place: my beamed live from Geneva.
birthday was last Thursday. 4 used as a beam-ends pl n on one’s beam-ends out of
linking verb between the subject of a sen- money.
tence and its complement: John is a musi- bean n 1 the seed or pod of various climbing
cian; honey is sweet; the dance is on Satur- plants, eaten as a vegetable. 2 any of vari-
day. 5 forms the progressive present tense: ous beanlike seeds, such as coffee. 3 full of
the man is running. 6 forms the passive beans Informal full of energy and vitality.
voice of all transitive verbs: a good film is 4 not have a bean Slang to be without
being shown on television tomorrow. 7 ex- money.
presses intention, expectation, or obliga-
tion: the president is to arrive at 9.30. beanbag n 1 a small cloth bag filled with
dried beans and thrown in games. 2 a very
Be Chem beryllium. large cushion filled with polystyrene
BE Bachelor of Engineering. granules and used as a seat.
be- prefix forming verbs mainly from nouns bean curd n same as tofu.
1 to surround or cover: befog. 2 to affect beanfeast n Brit informal any festive or
completely: bedazzle. 3 to consider as or merry occasion.
cause to be: befriend. 4 to provide or cover beano n, pl beanos Brit old-fashioned, slang
with: bejewel. 5 (from verbs') at, for, a celebration or party.
against, on, or over: bewail.
beanpole n Slang a tall thin person,
beach n 1 an area of sand or pebbles sloping
down to the sea or a lake. —vb 2 to run or beansprout n a small edible shoot grown
haul (a boat) onto a beach. from a bean seed, often used in Chinese
dishes.
beachcomber n a person who searches
shore debris for anything of worth. bear1 vb bearing, bore, borne 1 to support
or hold up. 2 to bring: to bear gifts. 3 to ac-
beachhead n Mil an area of shore captured cept the responsibility of: to bear a heavier
by an attacking army, on which troops and burden of taxation. 4 (born in passive use
equipment are landed. except when foil, by by) to give birth to. 5
beacon n 1 a signal fire or light on a hill or to produce by natural growth: to bear fruit.
tower, used formerly as a warning of inva- 6 to tolerate or endure. 7 to stand up to;
sion. 2 a lighthouse. 3 a radio or other sig- sustain: his story does not bear scrutiny. 8
nal marking a flight course in air naviga- to hold in the mind: to bear a grudge. 9 to
tion. 4 same as Belisha beacon. show or be marked with: he still bears the
bead n 1 a small pierced piece of glass, scars. 10 to have, be, or stand in (relation or
wood, or plastic that may be strung with comparison): her account bears no relation
others to form a necklace, rosary, etc. 2 a to the facts. 11 to move in a specified direc-
small drop of moisture. 3 a small metal tion: bear left. 12 bring to bear to bring
knob acting as the sight of a firearm, -vb 4 into effect. -See also bear down on, bear
to decorate with beads, beaded adj on, etc.
bear 59 beauty spot
bear2 n, pl bears or bear 1 a large heavily- for shooting. 13 Slang to puzzle or baffle: it
built mammal with a long shaggy coat. 2 a beats me. ~n 14 a stroke or blow. 15 the
bearlike animal, such as the koala. 3 an ill- sound made by a stroke or blow. 16 a regu-
mannered person. 4 Stock Exchange a per- lar throb. 17 an assigned route, as of a
son who sells shares in anticipation of fall- policeman. 18 the basic rhythmic unit in a
ing prices to make a profit on repurchase. 5 piece of music. 19 pop or rock music char-
like a bear with a sore head Informal bad- acterized by a heavy rhythmic beat, -adj
tempered, irritable. 20 Slang totally exhausted. -See also beat
bearable adj endurable; tolerable, down, beat up. beating n
bear-baiting n History an entertainment in beatbox n same as drum machine.
which dogs attacked a chained bear. beat down vb 1 (of the sun) to shine in-
beard n 1 the hair growing on the lower tensely. 2 Informal to force or persuade (a
parts of a man’s face. 2 any similar growth seller) to accept a lower price.
in animals. -vb 3 to oppose boldly: I beater n 1 a device used for beating: a car-
bearded my formidable employer in her pet beater. 2 a person who rouses wild
den. bearded adj game.
bear down on vb 1 to press down on. 2 to beatific adj Literary 1 displaying great hap-
approach (someone) in a determined man- piness. 2 having a divine aura.
ner. beatify (bee-at-if-fie) vb-fies, -fying, -fied 1
bearer n 1 a person or thing that carries, RC Church to declare (a deceased person) to
presents, or upholds something. 2 a person be among the blessed in heaven: the first
who presents a note or bill for payment. step towards canonization. 2 to make ex-
bear hug n a rough tight embrace. tremely happy, beatification n
bearing n 1 (foil, by on or upon) relevance beatitude n supreme blessedness or happi-
to: it has no bearing on this problem. 2 a ness.
part of a machine supporting another part, Beatitude n Christianity any of the
and usually reducing friction. 3 the act of blessings on the poor, meek, etc., in the
producing fruit or young. 4 a person’s gen- Sermon on the Mount.
eral social conduct. 5 the angular direction beatnik n a young person in the late 1950s
of a point measured from a known position. who rebelled against conventional attitudes
6 the position, as of a ship, fixed with ref- and styles of dress.
erence to two or more known points. 7 beat up Informal -vb 1 to inflict severe
bearings a sense of one’s relative position: I physical damage on (someone) by striking
lost my bearings in the dark. 8 Heraldry a or kicking repeatedly, -adj beat-up 2 di-
device on a heraldic shield. lapidated.
bear on vb to be relevant to. beau (boh) n, pl beaus or beaux (bohz) 1
bear out vb to show to be truthful: the wit- Chiefly US a boyfriend. 2 a man who is
ness will bear me out. greatly concerned with his appearance.
bearskin n 1 the pelt of a bear. 2 a tall fur Beaufort scale n Meteorol a scale for meas-
helmet worn by certain British Army regi- uring wind speeds, ranging from 0 (calm) to
ments. 12 (hurricane).
bear up vb to cope with hardships: they are Beaujolais n a red or white wine from
bearing up well under the pressure. southern Burgundy in France.
bear with vb to be patient with. beauteous adj Poetic beautiful.
beautician n a person who works in a beau-
beast n 1 a large wild animal. 2 a brutal or
uncivilized person. 3 savage nature or ty salon.
characteristics: the beast in man. beautiful adj 1 being very attractive to look
beastly adj Informal -tier, -liest unpleasant;
at. 2 highly enjoyable; very pleasant,
beautifully adv
disagreeable.
beautify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make beau-
beat vb beating, beat; beaten or beat 1 to tiful. beautification n
strike with a series of violent blows. 2 to
move (wings) up and down. 3 to throb beauty n, pl -ties 1 the combination of all
rhythmically. 4 Cookery to stir or whisk the qualities of a person or thing that de-
vigorously. 5 to shape (metal) by repeated light the senses and mind. 2 a very attrac-
blows. 6 Music to indicate (time) by one’s tive woman. 3 Informal an outstanding ex-
hand or a baton. 7 to produce (a sound) by ample of its kind. 4 Informal an advanta-
striking a drum. 8 to overcome or defeat: he geous feature: the beauty of this job is the
was determined to beat his illness. 9 to form short hours.
(a path or track) by repeated use. 10 to ar- beauty queen n a woman who has been
rive, achieve, or finish before (someone or judged the most beautiful in a contest.
something): she beat her team mate fair and beauty salon or parlour n an establishment
square. 11 (foil, by back, down, off, etc.) to that provides services such as hairdressing,
drive, push, or thrust. 12 to scour facial treatment, and massage.
(woodlands or undergrowth) to rouse game beauty spot n 1 a place of outstanding
beaver 60 beef up
beauty. 2 a small dark-coloured spot for- bedevil (bid-dev-ill) vb -illing, -illed or US
merly worn on a lady’s face as decoration. -iling, -iled 1 to harass or torment. 2 to
beaver n 1 a large amphibious rodent with throw into confusion, bedevilment n
soft brown fur, a broad flat tail, and bedfellow n 1 a temporary associate. 2 a
webbed hind feet. 2 its fur. 3 a tall hat made person with whom one shares a bed.
of this fur. —vb 4 beaver away to work bedlam n a noisy confused situation,
very hard and steadily. bed linen n sheets and pillowcases for a bed.
bebop n same as bop. Bedouin n 1 (pl -ins or -in) a nomadic Arab
becalmed adj (of a sailing ship) motionless tribesman of the deserts of Arabia, Jordan,
through lack of wind. and Syria. 2 a wanderer.
became vb the past tense of become, bedpan n a shallow container used as a toi-
because conj 1 on account of the fact that: let by people who are not well enough to
because it’s so cold we’ll go home. 2 be- leave bed.
cause of on account of: I lost my job be- bedraggled adj with hair or clothing that is
cause of her. untidy, wet, or dirty.
► It is unnecessary to follow because with bedridden adj unable to leave bed because
the reason is/was: he was cold because the of illness.
window was open or the reason he was
cold was that the window was open. bedrock n 1 the solid rock beneath the sur-
face soil. 2 basic principles or facts.
bechamel sauce (bay-sham-ell) n a thick
white sauce flavoured with onion and sea- bedroom n 1 a room used for sleeping, -adj
sonings. 2 containing references to sex: a bedroom
comedy.
beck1 n at someone’s beck and call having
to be constantly available to do as someone Beds Bedfordshire.
asks. bedside n 1 the area beside a bed. -adj 2
beck2 n (in N England) a stream. placed at or near the side of the bed: the
beckon vb 1 to summon with a gesture. 2 to bedside table.
lure: fame beckoned. bedsit or bedsitter n a furnished sitting
become vb -coming, -came, -come 1 to come room with a bed.
to be: he became Prime Minister in 1979. 2 bedsore n an ulcer on the skin, caused by a
(foil, by of) to happen to: what became of lengthy period of lying in bed due to illness,
him?3 to suit: that dress becomes you. bedspread n a top cover on a bed.
becoming adj suitable or appropriate: his bedstead n the framework of a bed.
conduct was not becoming to the rank of of- bedstraw n a plant with small white or yel-
ficer. low flowers.
becquerel (beck-a-rell) n the SI unit of ac- bed-wetting n involuntarily urinating in
tivity of a radioactive source. bed.
bed n 1 a piece of furniture on which to bee1 n 1 a four-winged insect that collects
sleep. 2 a plot of ground in which plants are nectar and pollen to make honey and wax. 2
grown. 3 the bottom of a river, lake, or sea. have a bee in one’s bonnet to be obsessed
4 any underlying structure or part. 5 a with an idea.
layer of rock. 6 get out of bed on the bee2 n Chiefly US a social gathering to carry
wrong side Informal to begin the day in a out a communal task: quilting bee.
bad mood. 7 go to bed with to have sexual Beeb n the Beeb Informal the BBC.
intercourse with. -vb bedding, bedded 8
(foil, by down) to go to or put into a place to beech n 1 a European tree with smooth
sleep or rest. 9 to have sexual intercourse greyish bark. 2 the hard wood of this tree. 3
with. 10 to place firmly into position; See copper beech.
embed: the poles were bedded in concrete. beechnut n the small brown triangular ed-
11 Geol to form or be arranged in a distinct ible nut of the beech tree.
layer. 12 to plant in a bed of soil. beef n 1 the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox. 2
BEd Bachelor of Education. Slang a complaint, -vb 3 Slang to com-
bed and breakfast n Chiefly Brit overnight plain. -See also beef up.
accommodation and breakfast. beefburger n a flat fried or grilled cake of
bedaub vb to smear over with something minced beef; hamburger.
sticky or dirty. beefcake n Slang musclemen as displayed in
bedbug n a small blood-sucking wingless in- photographs.
sect that infests dirty houses. beefeater n a yeoman warder of the Tower
bedclothes pl n coverings for a bed. of London.
bedding n 1 bedclothes, sometimes with a beef tea n a drink made by boiling pieces of
mattress. 2 litter, such as straw, for ani- lean beef.
mals. 3 the distinct layered deposits of beef tomato or beefsteak tomato n a type
rocks. of large fleshy tomato.
bedeck vbto cover with decorations. beef up vb Informal to strengthen.
beefy 61 behemoth
beefy adj beefier, beefiest 1 Informal mus- point it is supposed to establish, or that de-
cular. 2 like beef, beefiness n pends on some other questionable assump-
beehive n a structure in which bees are tion. 4 go begging to be unwanted or un-
housed. used.
beekeeper n a person who keeps bees for began vb the past tense of begin.
their honey, beekeeping n beget vb -getting, -got or -gat; -gotten or
beeline n make a beeline for to speedily -got Old-fashioned 1 to cause or create: rep-
take the most direct route to. etition begets boredom. 2 to father.
Beelzebub (bee-ell-zib-bub) n Satan or any beggar n 1 a person who lives by begging. 2
devil. Chiefly Brit a fellow: lucky beggar! -vb 3
been vb the past participle of be. beggar description to be impossible to de-
beep n 1 a high-pitched sound, like that of a scribe. beggarly adj
car horn. —vb 2 to make or cause to make begin vb -ginning, -gan, -gun 1 to start
such a noise. (something). 2 to bring or come into being. 3
beer n 1 an alcoholic drink brewed from to start to say or speak. 4 to have the least
malt, sugar, hops, and water. 2 a glass, can, capacity to do something: it doesn’t even
or bottle containing this drink. begin to address the problem, beginner n
beer and skittles n Informal enjoyment or beginner’s luck n exceptional luck sup-
pleasure. posed to attend a beginner.
beer parlour n Canad a licensed place in beginning n 1 a start. 2 beginnings an early
which beer is sold and drunk. part or stage. 3 the place where or time
when something starts. 4 an origin; source.
beery adj beerier, beeriest smelling or tast-
ing of beer. begone interjgo away!
beeswax n 1 a wax produced by honeybees begonia n a tropical plant with ornamental
for making honeycombs. 2 this wax after leaves and waxy flowers.
refining, used in polishes, etc. begot vb a past tense and past participle of
beet n a plant with an edible root and beget.
leaves, such as the sugar beet and beetroot. begotten vb a past participle of beget,
beetle1 n 1 an insect with a hard wing-case begrudge vb -grudging, -grudged 1 to envy
closed over its back for protection. —vb (someone) the possession of something. 2 to
-tling, -tied 2 (foil, by along, off, etc.) In- give or allow unwillingly: he begrudged her
formal to scuttle or scurry. an apology.
beetle2 vb -tling, -tied to overhang; jut: the beguile (big-gile) vb -guiling, -guiled to
eaves of the roof beetled out over the win- charm (someone) into doing something he
dows. beetling adj or she would not normally do.
beetle-browed adj having bushy or over- beguiling adj charming, often in a deceptive
hanging eyebrows. way.
beetroot n a variety of the beet plant with a beguine (big-geen) n 1 a dance of South
dark red root that may be eaten as a veg- American origin. 2 music for this dance.
etable, in salads, or pickled. begum (bay-gum) n (in certain Muslim
beet sugar n the sucrose obtained from countries) a woman of high rank.
sugar beet. begun vb the past participle of begin,
befall vb -falling, -fell, -fallen Archaic or behalf n on or US & Canad in behalf of in
literary to happen to. the interest of or for the benefit of.
befit vb -fitting, -fitted to be appropriate to behave vb -having, -haved 1 to act or func-
or suitable for. befitting adj tion in a particular way. 2 to conduct one-
before conj 1 earlier than the time when. 2 self in a particular way: the baby behaved
rather than: she’ll resign before she agrees very well. 3 to conduct oneself properly.
to it. -prep 3 preceding in space or time; in behaviour or US behavior n 1 manner of
front of; ahead of: they stood before the behaving. 2 Psychol the response of an or-
altar. 4 in the presence of: to be brought be- ganism to a stimulus, behavioural or US
fore a judge. 5 in preference to: to put behavioral adj
friendship before money, -adv 6 previous- behavioural science n the scientific study
ly. 7 in front. of the behaviour of organisms.
beforehand adj, adv early; in advance, behaviourism or US behaviorism n a school
befriend vb to become a friend to. of psychology that regards objective obser-
befuddled adj stupefied or confused, as vation of the behaviour of organisms as the
through alcoholic drink. only valid subject for study, behaviourist
beg vb begging, begged 1 to ask for money
' or US behaviorist adj, n
or food in the street. 2 to ask formally, behead vbto remove the head from,
humbly, or earnestly: I beg forgiveness; I beheld vb the past of behold.
beg to differ. 3 beg the question to put behemoth (bee-hee-moth) n a huge person
forward an argument that assumes the very or thing.
behest 62 bellyache
behest n an order or earnest request: I came believe vb -lieving, -lieved 1 to accept as
at her behest. true or real: I believe God exists. 2 to think,
behind prep 1 in or to a position further assume, or suppose: I believe you know my
back than. 2 in the past in relation to: I father. 3 to accept the statement or opinion
want to leave the past behind me. 3 late ac- of (a person) as true. 4 to have religious
cording to: running behind schedule. 4 con- faith. 5 believe in to be convinced of the
cerning the circumstances surrounding: the truth or existence of: I don’t believe in
reasons behind his departure. 5 supporting: ghosts, believable adj believer n
I’m right behind you in your application, Belisha beacon (bill-lee-sha) n Brit a flash-
—adv 6 in or to a position further back. 7 ing orange globe mounted on a striped post,
remaining after someone’s departure: she indicating a pedestrian crossing.
left her books behind. 8 in arrears: to fall belittle vb -tling, -tied to treat (something
behind with payments, -adj 9 in a position or someone) as having little value or impor-
further back. —n 10 Informal the buttocks. tance.
behindhand adj, adv 1 in arrears. 2 back- bell n 1 a hollow, usually metal, cup-shaped
ward. 3 late. instrument that emits a ringing sound when
behold vb -holding, -held Archaic or liter- struck. 2 the sound made by such an in-
ary to look (at); observe, beholder n strument. 3 an electrical device that rings
beholden adj indebted; obliged: I am be- or buzzes as a signal. 4 something shaped
holden to you. like a bell. 5 Brit slang a telephone call. 6
behove vb -hoving, -hoved Archaic to be ring a bell to sound familiar; recall some-
necessary or fitting for: it behoves me to thing previously experienced.
warn you. belladonna n 1 a drug obtained from deadly
beige adj pale creamy-brown. nightshade. 2 same as deadly nightshade.
being n 1 the state or fact of existing. 2 es- bell-bottoms pl n trousers that flare from
sential nature; self. 3 something that exists the knee, bell-bottomed adj
or is thought to exist: a being from outer belle n a beautiful woman, esp. the most at-
space. 4 a human being. tractive woman at a function: the belle of
bejewelled or US bejeweled adj decorated the ball.
with jewels. belles-lettres (bell-let-tra) n literary works,
bel n a unit for comparing two power levels particularly essays and poetry.
or measuring the intensity of a sound, equal bellicose adj warlike; aggressive,
to 10 decibels. belligerence n the act or quality of being
belabour or US belabor vb to attack verbal- belligerent or warlike.
ly or physically. belligerent adj 1 marked by readiness to
belated adj late or too late: belated greet- fight. 2 relating to or engaged in a war. —n
ings. belatedly adv 3 a person or country engaged in war.
belay vb -laying, -layed 1 Naut to secure a bell jar n a bell-shaped glass cover used to
line to a pin or cleat. 2 Naut to stop. 3 protect flower arrangements or cover appa-
Mountaineering to secure (a climber) by fix- ratus to confine gases in experiments.
ing a rope round a rock or piton. bellow vb 1 to make a loud deep cry like that
belch vb 1 to expel wind from the stomach of a bull. 2 to shout in anger. ~n 3 the
noisily through the mouth. 2 to expel or be characteristic noise of a bull. 4 a loud deep
expelled forcefully: smoke belching from roar.
factory chimneys, —n 3 an act of belching. bellows n 1 a device consisting of an air
beleaguered adj 1 struggling against diffi- chamber with flexible sides that is used to
culties or criticism: the beleaguered British create and direct a stream of air. 2 a flex-
film industry. 2 besieged by an enemy: the ible corrugated part, such as that connect-
beleaguered capital city. ing the lens system of some cameras to the
belfry n, pl -fries 1 the part of a tower or body.
steeple in which bells are hung. 2 a tower or bell pull n a handle or cord pulled to operate
steeple. a bell.
Belgian adj 1 of Belgium. ~n 2 a person bell push n a button pressed to operate an
from Belgium. electric bell.
Belial (bee-lee-al) n the devil or Satan. bell-ringer n a person who rings church bells
belie vb -lying, -lied 1 to show to be untrue: or musical handbells, bell-ringing n
the facts belied the theory. 2 to misrepre- belly n, pl -lies 1 the part of the body of a
sent: the score belied the closeness of the vertebrate containing the intestines and
match. 3 to fail to justify: the promises other organs. 2 the stomach. 3 the front,
were soon belied. lower, or inner part of something, -vb
belief n 1 trust or confidence: belief in the -lies, -lying, -lied 4 to swell out; bulge.
free market. 2 opinion; conviction: it’s my bellyache n 1 Informal a pain in the abdo-
firm belief. 3 a principle, etc., accepted as men. — vb -aching, -ached 2 Slang to com-
true, often without proof. 4 religious faith. plain repeatedly.
bellybutton 63 Bengali
bellybutton n Informal the navel, son. 2 the bench a a judge or magistrate sit-
belly dance n 1 a sensuous dance performed ting in court, b judges or magistrates collec-
by women, with undulating movements of tively. 3 a long and strong worktable.
the abdomen. — vb belly-dance, -dancing, benchmark n 1 a mark on a fixed object,
-danced 2 to dance thus, belly dancer n used as a reference point in surveying. 2 a
belly flop n 1 a dive into water in which the criterion by which to measure something:
body lands horizontally. -vb belly-flop, the speech was a benchmark of his com-
-flopping, -flopped 2 to perform a belly mitment.
flop. bend1 vb bending, bent 1 to form a curve. 2
bellyful n 1 Slang more than one can toler- to turn from a particular direction: the road
ate. 2 as much as one wants or can eat. bends right. 3 (often foil, by down, etc.) to
belly laugh n a loud deep hearty laugh, incline the body. 4 to submit: to bend before
belong vb 1 (foil, by to) to be the property public opinion. 5 to turn or direct (one’s
of. 2 (foil, by to) to be bound to (a person, eyes, steps, or attention). 6 bend the rules
organization, etc.) by ties of affection, asso- Informal to ignore or change rules to suit
ciation, membership, etc.: the nations con- oneself, —n 7 a curved part. 8 the act of
cerned belonged to NATO. 3 (foil, by to, bending. 9 round the bend Brit slang mad.
under, with, etc.) to be classified with: it be- bendy adj
longs to a different class of comets. 4 (foil, bend2 n Heraldry a diagonal line across a
by to) to be a part of: this lid belongs to that shield.
tin. 5 to have a proper or usual place. 6 In- bender n Informal a drinking bout.
formal to be acceptable, esp. socially. bends pl n the bends Informal decompres-
belonging n a secure relationship: they have sion sickness.
a strong sense of belonging. bend sinister n Heraldry a diagonal line
belongings pl n the things that a person across a shield, indicating a bastard line.
owns or has with him or her. beneath prep 1 below; under. 2 too trivial
beloved adj 1 dearly loved. —n 2 a person for: beneath his dignity, —adv 3 below;
who is dearly loved. underneath.
below prep 1 at or to a position lower than; Benedictine n 1 a monk or nun of the Chris-
under. 2 less than. 3 unworthy of; beneath. tian order of Saint Benedict. 2 a liqueur
—adv 4 at or to a lower position. 5 at a first made by Benedictine monks, -adj 3 of
later place in something written. 6 Archaic Saint Benedict or his order.
on earth or in hell. benediction n 1 a prayer for divine blessing.
belt n 1 a band of leather or cloth worn 2 a Roman Catholic service in which the
around the waist. 2 an area where a specific congregation is blessed with the sacrament,
thing is found; zone: a belt of high pressure. benedictory adj
3 same as seat belt. 4 a band of flexible ma- benefaction n 1 the act of doing good, par-
terial between rotating shafts or pulleys to ticularly donating to charity. 2 the donation
transfer motion or transmit goods: a fan or help given.
belt; a conveyer belt. 5 Informal a sharp benefactor n a person who supports a per-
blow. 6 below the belt Informal unscrupu- son or institution by giving money, ben-
lous or cowardly. 7 tighten one’s belt to efactress fem n
reduce expenditure. 8 under one’s belt as benefice n Christianity a Church office that
part of one’s experience: he had a string of provides its holder with an income.
successes under his belt, —vb 9 to fasten beneficent (bin-eff-iss-ent) adj charitable;
with or as if with a belt. 10 to hit with a generous, beneficence n
belt. 11 Slang to give (someone) a sharp
beneficial adj helpful or advantageous,
blow. 12 (foil, by along) Slang to move very
fast. beneficiary n, pl -ciaries 1 a person who
belt out vb Informal to sing (a song) loudly, gains or benefits. 2 Law a person entitled to
receive funds or property under a trust,
belt up vb 1 Slang to stop talking. 2 to fasten will, etc.
with a belt. benefit n 1 something that improves or pro-
beluga (bill-loo-ga) n a large white sturgeon motes. 2 advantage or sake: I’m doing this
of the Black and Caspian Seas, from which for your benefit. 3 a payment made by an
caviar and isinglass are obtained. institution or government to a person who
belvedere n a building designed and situat- is ill, unemployed, etc. 4 a theatrical per-
ed to look out on pleasant scenery. formance or sports event to raise money for
BEM British Empire Medal, a charity, —vb -fiting, -fited or US -fitting,
bemoan vb to lament: he’s always be- -fitted 5 to do or receive good; profit.
moaning his fate. benefit society n US same as friendly soci-
bemused ac(/Puzzled or confused, ety.
ben n Scot, Irish a mountain peak: Ben Lo- benevolence n 1 inclination to do good. 2 an
mond. act of kindness, benevolent adj
bench n 1 a long seat for more than one per- Bengali n 1 a member of a people living
benighted 64 best
chiefly in Bangladesh and West Bengal. 2 berk or burk n Brit slang a stupid person;
the language of this people, -adj 3 of Ben- fool.
gal or the Bengalis. berkelium n Chem an artificial radioactive
benighted adj lacking cultural, moral, or in- element. Symbol: Bk
tellectual enlightenment. Berks Berkshire.
benign (bin-nine) adj 1 showing kindliness. Bermuda shorts pl n shorts that come down
2 favourable: a stroke of benign fate. 3 to the knees.
Pathol (of a tumour, etc.) able to be con- berry n, pl -ries a small round fruit that
trolled. benignly adv grows on bushes or trees and is often edible.
benignant adj 1 kind or gracious. 2 same as berserk adj go berserk to become violent or
benign (senses 2, 3). benignancy n destructive.
benignity (bin-nig-nit-tee) n, pl -ties kindli- berth n 1 a bunk in a ship or train. 2 Naut a
ness. place assigned to a ship at a mooring. 3
bent adj 1 not straight; curved. 2 Slang a Naut sufficient room for a ship to manoeu-
dishonest; corrupt: bent officials, b Offen- vre. 4 give a wide berth to to keep clear of.
sive homosexual. 3 bent on determined to -vb 5 Naut to dock (a ship). 6 to provide
pursue (a course of action). —n 4 personal with a sleeping place. 7 Naut to pick up a
inclination or aptitude: he had a strong mooring in an anchorage.
practical bent in his nature. beryl n a transparent hard mineral, used as
Benthamism n the utilitarian philosophy of a source of beryllium and as a gemstone.
Jeremy Bentham, which holds that the ul- beryllium n a toxic silvery-white metallic el-
timate goal of society should be to promote ement. Symbol: Be
the greatest happiness of the greatest num- beseech vb -seeching, -sought or -seeched
ber. Benthamite n, adj to ask earnestly; beg.
bentwood n 1 wood bent in moulds, used beset vb-setting, -set 1 to trouble or harass
mainly for furniture, -adj 2 made from constantly. 2 to surround or attack from all
such wood: a bentwood chair. sides.
benumb vb 1 to make numb or powerless. 2 beside prep 1 next to; at, by, or to the side
to stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc.): the of. 2 as compared with. 3 away from: beside
work benumbed their minds and crushed the point. 4 beside oneself overwhelmed;
their spirits. overwrought: beside oneself with grief,
benzene n a flammable poisonous liquid -adv 5 at, by, to, or along the side of some-
used as a solvent, insecticide, etc. thing or someone.
benzine n a volatile liquid obtained from besides adv 1 in addition, -prep 2 apart
coal tar and used as a solvent. from; even considering, -conj 3 anyway;
bequeath vb 1 Law to dispose of (property) moreover.
as in a will. 2 to hand down: the author besiege vb -sieging, -sieged 1 to surround
bequeaths no solutions. with military forces to bring about surren-
bequest n 1 the act of gifting money or der. 2 to hem in. 3 to overwhelm, as with
property in a will. 2 money or property that requests.
has been gifted in a will. besmirch vb to tarnish (someone’s name or
berate vb -rating, -rated to scold harshly. reputation).
besom n a broom made of a bundle of twigs
Berber n 1 a member of a Muslim people of
N Africa. 2 the language of this people. tied to a handle.
—adj 3 of the Berbers. besotted adj 1 having an irrational passion
for a person or thing. 2 stupefied with alco-
berberis n a shrub with red berries. hol.
berceuse (bare-suhz) n 1 a lullaby. 2 an in- besought vb a past of beseech.
strumental piece suggestive of this.
bespatter vb 1 to splash with dirty water. 2
bereaved adj having recently lost a close to dishonour or slander.
relative or friend through death, bereave- bespeak vb -speaking, -spoke; -spoken or
ment n -spoke 1 to indicate or suggest: imitation
bereft adj (foil, by of) deprived: a govern- bespeaks admiration. 2 to engage or ask for
ment bereft of ideas. in advance: she was bespoke to a family in
beret (ber-ray) n a round flat close-fitting the town.
brimless cap. bespectacled adj wearing spectacles.
berg n short for iceberg. bespoke adj Chiefly Brit 1 (esp. of a suit)
bergamot n 1 a small Asian tree with sour made to the customer's specifications. 2
pear-shaped fruit. 2 essence of bergamot a making or selling such suits: a bespoke tai-
fragrant essential oil from the fruit rind of lor.
this plant, used in perfumery. best adj 1 the superlative of good. 2 most
beri-beri n a disease caused by a dietary de- excellent of a particular group, category,
ficiency of thiamine (vitamin Bj). etc. 3 most suitable, desirable, etc. -adv 4
bestial 65 beverage room
the superlative of well. 5 in a manner sur- bete noire (bet nwahr) n, pl betes noires a
passing all others; most attractively, etc. person or thing that one particularly
—n 6 the best the most outstanding or ex- dislikes or dreads.
cellent person, thing, or group in a catego- betide vb -tiding, -tided to happen or hap-
ry. 7 the utmost effort: I did my best. 8 a pen to: woe betide us if we’re not ready on
person’s finest clothes. 9 at best a in the time.
most favourable interpretation, b under the betoken vb to indicate; signify.
most favourable conditions. 10 for the best
a for an ultimately good outcome, b with betray vb 1 to hand over or expose (one’s
good intentions. 11 get the best of to de- nation, friend, etc.) treacherously to an
feat or outwit. 12 make the best of to cope enemy. 2 to disclose (a secret or confidence)
as well as possible with. -vb 13 to defeat. treacherously. 3 to reveal unintentionally:
bestial adj 1 brutal or savage. 2 of or relat- his singing voice betrays his origins, be-
ing to a beast. trayal n betrayer n
bestiality n, pl -ties 1 brutal behaviour, betroth vb Archaic to promise to marry or
character, or action. 2 sexual activity be- to give in marriage, betrothal n
tween a person and an animal. betrothed Old-fashioned -adj 1 engaged to
bestiary n, pl -aries a medieval collection of be married. —n 2 the person to whom one is
descriptions of animals. engaged.
bestir vb -stirring, -stirred to cause (one- better adj 1 the comparative of good. 2
self) to become active. more excellent than others. 3 more suitable,
best man n the male attendant of the bride- attractive, etc. 4 improved or fully recov-
groom at a wedding. ered in health. 5 the better part of a large
part of. —adv 6 the comparative of well. 7
bestow vb to present (a gift) or confer (an in a more excellent manner. 8 in or to a
honour), bestowal n greater degree. 9 better off in more fa-
bestrew vb -strewing, -strewed; -strewn or vourable circumstances, esp. financially. 10
-strewed to scatter or lie scattered over (a had better would be sensible, etc. to: I had
surface). better be off. ~n 11 the better something
bestride vb -striding, -strode to have or put that is the more excellent, useful, etc. of
a leg on either side of. two such things. 12 betters people who are
best seller n a book or other product that one’s superiors, esp. in social standing. 13
has sold in great numbers, best-selling adj get the better of to defeat or outwit. -vb
bet n 1 the act of staking a sum of money or 14 to improve upon.
other stake on the outcome of an event. 2 better half n Humorous one’s spouse,
the stake risked. 3 a course of action: your betterment n improvement.
best bet is to go by train. 4 Informal an better-off adj reasonably wealthy: Catalo-
opinion: my bet is that you’ve been up to no nia aims to attract better-off tourists.
good. -vb betting, bet or betted 5 to
make or place a bet with (someone). 6 to betting shop n (in Britain) a licensed book-
stake (money, etc.) in a bet. 7 Informal to maker’s premises not on a racecourse.
predict (a certain outcome): I bet she between prep 1 at a point intermediate to
doesn’t turn up. 8 you bet Informal of two other points in space, time, etc. 2 in
course. combination; together: between them, they
beta n 1 the second letter in the Greek al- saved enough money to buy a car. 3 con-
phabet (B, 0j. 2 the second in a group or se- fined to: between you and me. 4 indicating a
ries. linking relation or comparison. 5 indicating
beta-blocker n a drug that decreases the ac- alternatives, strictly only two alternatives.
tivity of the heart: used in the treatment of —adv also in between 6 between one
high blood pressure and angina pectoris. specified thing and another.
► Between is used when two people or
beta-carotene n Biochem the most impor- things are mentioned: the war between Iraq
tant form of the plant pigment carotene, and Iran. Otherwise use among.
which occurs in milk, vegetables, and other
foods and, when eaten by man and animals, betwixt prep, adv 1 Archaic between. 2 be-
is converted in the body to vitamin A. twixt and between in an intermediate or
indecisive position.
betake vb -taking, -took, -taken betake
oneself Formal to go or move: he betook bevel n 1 a slanting edge. -vb -elling,
himself to the public house. -elled or US -eling, -eled 2 to be inclined;
beta particle n a high-speed electron or slope. 3 to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber,
positron emitted by a nucleus during radio- etc.).
active decay or nuclear fission. bevel gear n a toothed gear meshed with
betatron n a type of particle accelerator for another at an angle to it.
producing high-energy beams of electrons. beverage n any drink other than water,
betel (bee-tl) n an Asian climbing plant, the beverage room n Canad same as beer par-
leaves and nuts of which can be chewed. lour.
bevvy 66 biddy
bevvy n, pl -vies Dialect 1 an alcoholic eating. 2 the upper front part of some
drink. 2 a night of drinking. aprons, dungarees, etc.
bevy n, pl bevies a flock; a group. bibcock n a tap with a nozzle bent down-
bewail vb to express great sorrow over; la- wards.
ment. bibelot (bib-loh) n an attractive or curious
beware vb -waring, -wared (often foil, by trinket.
of) to be wary (of); be on one’s guard bibl. 1 bibliographical. 2 bibliography.
(against). Bible n 1 the Bible the sacred writings of
bewilder vb to confuse utterly; puzzle, be- the Christian religion, comprising the Old
wildering adj bewilderment n and New Testaments. 2 bible a book re-
bewitch vb 1 to attract and fascinate. 2 to garded as authoritative: this guide has long
cast a spell over, bewitching adj been regarded as the hill walkers’ bible.
biblical adj
bey n 1 (in modern Turkey) a title of ad-
dress, corresponding to Mr. 2 (in the Otto- bibliography n, pl -phies 1 a list of books on
man Empire) a title given to provincial gov- a subject or by a particular author. 2 a list
ernors. of sources used in a book, etc. 3 the study of
the history, etc., of literary material, bibli-
beyond prep 1 at or to a point on the other ographer n
side of: beyond those hills. 2 outside the bibliophile n a person who collects or is fond
limits or scope of. ~adv 3 at or to the other
or far side of something. 4 outside the limits of books.
of something. ~n 5 the beyond the un- bibulous adj Literary addicted to alcohol,
known, esp. life after death. bicameral adj (of a legislature) consisting of
bezel n 1 the sloping edge of a cutting tool. 2 two chambers.
the slanting face of a cut gem. 3 a groove bicarb n short for bicarbonate of soda.
holding a gem, watch crystal, etc. bicarbonate n a salt of carbonic acid.
bezique n a card game for two or more play- bicarbonate of soda n sodium bicarbonate
ers. used as medicine or a raising agent in bak-
B/F or b/f Book-keeping brought forward. ing.
BFPO British Forces Post Office. bicentenary or US bicentennial adj 1 mark-
ing a 200th anniversary. ~n, pl -naries 2 a
bhaji n, pfbhaji orbhajis an Indian savoury 200th anniversary'.
made of chopped vegetables mixed in a
spiced batter and deep-fried. biceps n, pl -ceps Anat a muscle with two
origins, esp. the muscle that flexes the
bhang n a preparation of Indian hemp used forearm.
as a narcotic and intoxicant.
bicker vb to argue over petty matters;
bhangra n a type of traditional Punjabi folk squabble.
music combined with elements of Western
pop music. bicolour, bicoloured or US bicolor, bicol-
ored adj two-coloured.
bhp brake horsepower.
bicuspid adj 1 having two points, -n 2 a bi-
Bi Chem bismuth. cuspid tooth.
bi- combining form 1 having two: bifocal. 2 bicycle n 1 a vehicle with a metal frame and
occurring or lasting for two: biennial. 3 on two wheels, one behind the other, pedalled
both sides, directions, etc.: bilateral. 4 oc- by the rider. ~vb -cling, -cled 2 to ride a
curring twice during: biweekly. 5 Chem a bicycle.
denoting a compound containing two identi- bid vb bidding; bad, bade or bid; bidden or
cal cyclical hydrocarbon systems: biphenyl. bid 1 to offer (an amount) in an attempt to
b indicating an acid salt of a dibasic acid: buy something. 2 to say (a greeting): to bid
sodium bicarbonate. farewell. 3 to order: do as you are bid! 4
biannual adj occurring twice a year, bian- Bridge etc to declare how many tricks one
nually adv expects to make. ~n 5 a an offer of a speci-
bias n 1 mental tendency, esp. prejudice. 2 a fied amount, b the price offered. 6 a the
diagonal cut across the weave of a fabric. 3 quoting by a seller of a price, b the price
Bowls a bulge or weight inside one side of a quoted. 7 an attempt, esp. to attain power.
bowl that causes it to roll in a curve. ~vb 8 Bridge etc the number of tricks a player
-asing, -ased or-assing, -assed 4 to cause to undertakes to make, bidder n
have a bias; prejudice, biased or biassed biddable adj obedient.
adj bidding n 1 an order or command: she had
bias binding n a strip of material used for done his bidding. 2 an invitation; summons:
binding hems. he knew to knock and wait for bidding be-
biaxial adj (esp. of a crystal) having two fore he entered. 3 the bids in an auction,
axes. card game, etc.
bib n 1 a piece of cloth or plastic worn to biddy n, pl -dies Informal a woman, esp. an
protect a very young child’s clothes while old gossipy one.
bide 67 billhook
bide vb biding, bided or bode, bided 1 Ar- level of a profession, esp. entertainment,
chaic or dialect to remain. 2 bide one’s big-timer n
time to wait patiently for an opportunity. big top n Informal the main tent of a circus,
bidet (bee-day) n a small low basin for bigwig n Informal an important person,
washing the genital area. bijou (bee-zhoo) n, pl -joux (-zhooz) 1 some-
biennial adj 1 occurring every two years. thing small and delicately worked. -adj 2
~n 2 a plant that completes its life cycle in small but tasteful: a bijou residence.
two years. bike n Informal a bicycle or motorcycle,
bier n a stand on which a corpse or a coffin bikini n a woman’s brief two-piece swim-
rests before burial. ming costume.
biff Slang ~n 1 a blow with the fist. —vb 2 bilateral adj affecting or undertaken by two
to give (someone) such a blow. parties; mutual.
bifid adj divided into two by a cleft in the bilberry n, pl -ries a blue or blackish edible
middle. berry that grows on a shrub.
bifocal adj having two different focuses, bile n 1 a greenish fluid secreted by the liver
esp. (of a lens) permitting near and distant to aid digestion of fats. 2 irritability or
vision. peevishness.
bifocals pl n a pair of spectacles with bifo- bilge n 1 Informal nonsense. 2 Naut the bot-
cal lenses. tom of a ship’s hull. 3 the dirty water that
bifurcate vb -eating, -cated 1 to fork into collects in a ship’s bilge.
two branches. —adj 2 forked into two bilharzia (bill-hart-see-a) n a disease caused
branches, bifurcation n by infestation of the body with blood
big adj bigger, biggest 1 of great or consid- flukes.
erable size, weight, number, or capacity. 2 biliary adj of bile, the ducts that convey bile,
having great significance; important. 3 im- or the gall bladder.
portant through having power, wealth, etc. bilingual adj 1 able to speak two languages.
4 a elder: my big brother, b grown-up. 5 2 expressed in two languages, bilingual-
generous: that's very big of you. 6 extrava- ism n
gant; boastful: big talk. 7 too big for one’s bilious adj 1 nauseous; sick: a bilious attack.
boots conceited; unduly self-confident. 8 in 2 Informal bad-tempered; irritable: the
an advanced stage of pregnancy: big with regime’s most persistent and bilious critic. 3
child. 9 in a big way in a very grand or en- (of a colour) harsh and offensive.
thusiastic way. —adv Informal 10 boastful- bilk vb to cheat or deceive, esp. to avoid
ly; pretentiously: he talks big. 11 on a grand making payment to. bilker n
scale: think big.
bill1 n 1 a statement of money owed for
bigamy n the crime of marrying a person goods or services supplied. 2 a draft of a
while still legally married to someone else, proposed new law presented to a law-
bigamist n bigamous adj making body. 3 a printed notice or adver-
big-bang theory n a cosmological theory tisement. 4 US & Canad a piece of paper
that suggests that the universe was created money; note. 5 any list of items, events, etc.
as the result of a massive explosion. such as a theatre programme. -vb 6 to
Big Brother n a person or organization that send or present an account for payment to
exercises total dictatorial control. (a person). 7 to advertise by posters. 8 to
big business n large commercial organiza- schedule as a future programme: next week
tions collectively. they will discuss what are billed as new
ideas for economic reform. 9 fit or fill the
big end n Brit the larger end of a connecting
bill Informal to be suitable or adequate.
rod in an internal-combustion engine.
bill2 n 1 the projecting jaws of a bird; beak.
big game n large animals that are hunted or —vb 2 bill and coo (of lovers) to kiss and
fished for sport. whisper amorously.
bighead n Informal a conceited person, big- billabong n Austral a pool in the bed of a
headed adj stream with an interrupted water flow.
bight n 1 a long curved shoreline. 2 the slack billboard n Chiefly US & Canad a hoarding.
part or a loop in a rope. billet1 vb -leting, -leted 1 to assign a lodging
bigot n a person who is intolerant, esp. re- to (a soldier). ~n 2 accommodation, esp.
garding religion, politics, or race, bigoted for a soldier, in civilian lodgings.
adj bigotry n billet2 n 1 a chunk of wood, esp. for fuel. 2 a
big shot n Informal an important person. small bar of iron or steel.
Big Smoke n the Big Smoke Informal a big ~ billet-doux (bill-ee-doo) n, pl billets-doux
city, esp. London. (bill-ee-dooz) Old-fashioned or jocular a
big stick n Informal force or the threat of love letter.
force. billhook n a tool with a hooked blade, used
big time n the big time Informal the highest for chopping, etc.
billiards 68 biography
billiards n a game in which a long cue is used covers. 7 to provide (a garment) with an
to propel balls on a table. edging. 8 (foil, by up) to bandage. ~n 9 In-
billion n, pl -lions or -lion 1 one thousand formal a difficult or annoying situation.
million: 1 000 000 000 or 109. 2 (in Britain, binder n 1 a firm cover for holding loose
originally) one million million: 1 000 000 sheets of paper together. 2 a person who
000 000 or 1012. 3 (often pl) Informal an ex- binds books. 3 something used to fasten or
tremely large but unspecified number: bil- tie, such as rope or twine. 4 Obsolete a ma-
lions of dollars, billionth adj, n chine for cutting and binding grain into
► Note that the use of the word billion has sheaves.
changed and may stand for different bindery n, pl -eries a place in which books
amounts according to the date of a book or are bound.
article. binding n 1 anything that binds or fastens. 2
billionaire n a person who has money or the covering of a book, -adj 3 imposing an
property worth at least a billion pounds, obligation or duty.
dollars, etc. bind over vb to place (a person) under a
bill of exchange n a document instructing a legal obligation, esp. to keep the peace.
third party to pay a stated sum at a desig- bindweed n a plant that twines around a
nated date or on demand. support.
bill of fare n a menu. binge n Informal 1 a bout of excessive
bill of health n 1 a certificate that confirms drinking. 2 excessive indulgence in any-
the health of a ship’s company. 2 clean bill thing.
of health Informal a a good report of one’s bingo n a gambling game in which numbers
physical condition, b a favourable account called out are covered by players on their
of a person’s or a company’s financial posi- individual cards. The first to cover a given
tion. arrangement is the winner.
bill of lading n a document containing full binnacle n a housing for a ship’s compass,
particulars of goods shipped. binocular adj involving or intended for both
billow n 1 a large sea wave. 2 a swelling or eyes: binocular vision.
surging mass, as of smoke or sound. -vb 3 binoculars pl n an optical instrument for use
to rise up or swell out. billowing adj, n bil- with both eyes, consisting of two small tele-
lowy adj scopes joined together.
billy or billycan n, pl -lies or -lycans a metal binomial n 1 a mathematical expression con-
can or pot for boiling water etc. over a sisting of two terms, such as 3x + 2y. -adj
campfire. 2 referring to two names or terms.
billy goat n a male goat. binomial theorem n a general mathematical
biltong n S African strips of meat dried and formula that expresses any power of a bi-
cured in the sun. nomial without multiplying out, as in
bimbo n, pl -bos Slang an attractive but (a+b)2=a2+2ab + b2.
empty-headed young woman. bio- combining form indicating: 1 life or liv-
bimetallism n the use of two metals, esp. ing organisms: biogenesis. 2 a human life or
gold and silver, in fixed relative values as career: biography.
the standard of value and currency, bioastronautics n the study of the effects of
bimetallist n space flight on living organisms.
bin n 1 a container for rubbish, etc. 2 a large biochemistry n the study of the chemical
container for storing something in bulk, compounds, reactions, etc., occurring in liv-
such as coal, grain, or bottled wine. -vb ing organisms, biochemical adj biochem-
binning, binned 3 to put in a rubbish bin: I ist n
bin my junk mail without reading it. biocoenosis or US biocenosis (bye-oh-sec-
binary (bine-a-rec) adj 1 composed of two no-siss) n the relationships between ani-
parts. 2 Maths, computers of or expressed mals and plants subsisting together.
in a system with two as its base. 3 Chem
containing atoms of two different elements. biodegradable adj (of sewage and packag-
~n, pl -ries 4 something composed of two ing) capable of being decomposed by natu-
ral means, biodegradability n
parts.
binary star n a system of two stars revolv- biodiversity n the existence of a wide vari-
ing around a common centre of gravity. ety of plant and animal species in their
natural environments.
bind vb binding, bound 1 to make secure,
such as with a rope. 2 to unite with emo- bioengineering n the design and manufac-
tional ties or commitment. 3 to place (some- ture of aids, such as artificial limbs, to help
one) under legal or moral obligation. 4 to people with disabilities.
place under certain constraints: bound by biogenesis n the principle that a living or-
the rules. 5 to stick together or cause to ganism must originate from a similar parent
stick: egg binds fat and flour. 6 to enclose organism.
and fasten (the pages of a book) between biography n, pl -phies 1 an account of a
biol. 69* biscuit
someone’s life by another person. 2 such biplane n an aeroplane with two sets of
accounts collectively, biographer n bio- wings, one above the other.
graphical adj bipolar adj 1 having two poles. 2 having two
biol. 1 biological. 2 biology. extremes, bipolarity n
biological adj 1 of or relating to biology. 2 birch j i 1 a tree with thin peeling bark and
(of a detergent) containing enzymes that hard close-grained wood. 2 the birch a
remove natural stains, such as blood or bundle of birch twigs or a birch rod used,
grass, biologically adv esp. formerly, for flogging offenders. ~vb
biological clock n an inherent timing 3 to flog with the birch.
mechanism that controls the rhythmic rep- I
bird n 1 a two-legged creature with feathers
etition of processes in living organisms, and wings, which lays eggs and can usually
such as sleeping. fly. 2 Slang, chiefly Brit a girl or young
biological control n the control of destruc- woman. 3 Informal a person: he’s a rare
tive organisms, esp. insects, by nonchemical bird. 4 a bird in the hand something defi-
means, such as introducing a natural preda- nite or certain. 5 birds of a feather people
tor of the pest. with the same ideas or interests. 6 kill two
biological warfare n the use of living organ- birds with one stone to accomplish two
isms or their toxic products to induce death things with one action.
or incapacity in humans. birdie n 1 Informal a bird. 2 Golf a score of
biology n the study of living organisms, bi- one stroke under par for a hole.
ologist n Ibirdlime n a sticky substance smeared on
biomedicine n 1 the medical and biological twigs to catch small birds.
study of the effects of unusual environmen- bird
I of paradise n a songbird of New
tai stress. 2 the study of herbal remedies. Guinea, the male of which has brilliantly
bionic adj 1 of or relating to bionics. 2 (in coloured plumage.
science fiction) having physical functions bird of prey n a bird, such as a hawk or owl,
augmented by electronic equipment. that hunts other animals for food.
bionics n 1 the study of biological functions birdseed
I n a mixture of various kinds of
in order to develop electronic equipment seeds for feeding cage birds.
that operates similarly. 2 the replacement I
bird ’s-eye view n 1 a view seen from above.
of limbs or body parts by artificial elec- 2 a general or overall impression of some-
tronically powered parts. thing.
biophysics n the physics of biological pro- I
bird-watcher n a person who studies wild
cesses and the application of methods used birds in their natural surroundings.
in physics to biology, biophysical adj bio- |
biretta n RC Church a stiff square clerical
physicist n cap.
biopic (bye-oh-pick) n Informal a film based |
Biro n, pl -ros Trademark, Brit a kind of
on the life of a famous person. ballpoint pen.
biopsy n, pl -sies examination of tissue from |birth n 1 the process of bearing young;
a living body to determine the cause or ex- childbirth. 2 the act of being born. 3 the be-
tent of a disease. ginning of something; origin. 4 ancestry: of
biorhythm n a complex recurring pattern of noble birth. 5 give birth to a to bear (off-
physiological states, believed to affect spring). b to produce or originate (an idea,
physical, emotional, and mental states. plan, etc.).
bioscope n 1 a kind of early film projector. I
birth certificate n an official form stating
2 S African a cinema. the time and place of a person’s birth.
biosphere n the part of the earth’s surface I
birth control n limitation of child-bearing by
and atmosphere inhabited by living things. means of contraception.
biosynthesis n the formation of complex I
birthday n 1 an anniversary of the day of
compounds by living organisms, biosyn- one’s birth. 2 the day on which a person
thetic adj was born.
biotechnology n the use of microorganisms, I
birthmark n a blemish on the skin formed
such as cells or bacteria, in industry and before birth.
technology. I birthplace n the place where someone was
biotin n a vitamin of the B complex, abun- born or where something originated.
dant in egg yolk and liver. | birth rate n the ratio of live births to popu-
bipartisan adj consisting of or supported by lation, usually expressed per 1000 popula-
two political parties. tion per year.
bipartite adj 1 consisting of or having two I
birthright n privileges or possessions that a
parts. 2 affecting or made by two parties: a person has or is believed to be entitled to as
bipartite agreement. soon as he or she is born.
biped (bye-ped) n 1 any animal with two I
biscuit n 1 Brit a small flat dry sweet or
feet. ~adj also bipedal 2 having two feet. plain cake. 2 porcelain that has been fired
bisect 70 Black
but not glazed, -adj 3 pale brown or bitten vbthe past participle of bite.
yellowish-grey. bitter adj 1 having an unpalatable harsh
bisect vb 1 Maths to divide into two equal taste, as the peel of an orange. 2 showing or
parts. 2 to cut or split into two. bisection n caused by hostility or resentment. 3 diffi-
bisexual adj 1 sexually attracted to both cult to accept: a bitter blow. 4 sarcastic: bit-
men and women. 2 showing characteristics ter words. 5 bitingly cold: a bitter night.
of both sexes. ~n 3 a bisexual person, bi- ~n 6 Brit draught beer with a slightly bit-
sexuality n ter taste, bitterly adv bitterness n
bishop n 1 a clergyman having spiritual and bittern n a large wading marsh bird with a
administrative powers over a diocese. 2 a booming call.
chessman capable of moving diagonally. bitters pl n bitter-tasting spirits flavoured
bishopric n the see, diocese, or office of a with plant extracts.
bishop. bittersweet adj 1 tasting of or being a mix-
bismuth n Chem a brittle pinkish-white me- ture of bitterness and sweetness. 2 pleasant
tallic element. Some compounds are used in but tinged with sadness.
alloys and in medicine. Symbol: Bi bitty adj -tier, -tiest lacking unity; disjoint-
bison n, pl -son an animal of the cattle fami- ed.
ly with a massive head, shaggy forequar- bitumen n a sticky or solid substance that
ters, and a humped back. occurs naturally in asphalt and tar and is
bisque1 n a thick rich soup made from shell- used in road surfacing, bituminous adj
fish. bituminous coal n a soft black coal that
bisque2 adj 1 pink-to-yellowish-tan. ~n 2 burns with a smoky yellow flame.
Ceramics same as biscuit (sense 2). bivalve n 1 a sea creature, such as an oyster
bistro n, pl -tros a small restaurant. or mussel, that has a shell consisting of two
bit1 n 1 a small piece, portion, or quantity. 2 hinged valves and breathes through gills.
a short time or distance. 3 a bit rather; -adj 2 of these molluscs.
somewhat: a bit stupid. 4 a bit of rather: a bivouac n 1 a temporary camp, as used by
bit of a fool. 5 bit by bit gradually. 6 do soldiers or mountaineers, —vb -acking,
one’s bit to make one’s expected contribu- -acked 2 to make a temporary camp.
tion.
biz n Informal business.
bit2 n 1 a metal mouthpiece on a bridle for
controlling a horse. 2 a cutting or drilling bizarre adj odd or unusual, esp. in an inter-
tool, part, or head in a brace, drill, etc. esting or amusing way.
bit3 vb the past tense of bite. Bk Chem berkelium.
bit4 n Maths, computers 1 a single digit of BL 1 Bachelor of Law. 2 Bachelor of Letters.
binary notation, represented either by 0 or 3 Barrister-at-Law.
by 1. 2 the smallest unit of information, in- blab vb blabbing, blabbed to divulge (se-
dicating the presence or absence of a single crets) indiscreetly.
feature. blabber n 1 a person who blabs, -vb 2 to
bitch n 1 a female dog, fox, or wolf. 2 Slang, talk without thinking.
offensive a malicious or spiteful woman. 3 black adj 1 having no hue, owing to the ab-
Informal a difficult situation or problem. sorption of all or almost all light; of the col-
-vb 4 Informal to complain; grumble. our of coal. 2 without light. 3 without hope;
bitchy adj bitchier, bitchiest Informal gloomy: the future looked black. 4 dirty or
spiteful or malicious, bitchiness n soiled. 5 angry or resentful: black looks. 6
bite vb biting, bit, bitten 1 to grip, cut off, unpleasant in a cynical or macabre manner:
or tear with the teeth or jaws. 2 (of animals black comedy. 7 (of coffee or tea) without
or insects) to injure by puncturing (the milk or cream. 8 wicked or harmful: a black
skin) with the teeth or fangs. 3 (of corro- lie. —n 9 the darkest colour; the colour of
sive material) to eat away or into. 4 to coal. 10 a dye or pigment producing this
smart or cause to smart; sting. 5 Angling (of colour. 11 black clothing, worn esp. in
a fish) to take the bait or lure. 6 to take mourning: she was in black, as though in
firm hold of or act effectively upon: turn mourning. 12 complete darkness: the black
the screw till it bites the wood. 7 Slang to of the night. 13 in the black in credit or
annoy or worry: what’s biting her? ~n 8 without debt, -vb 14 same as blacken. 15
the act of biting. 9 a thing or amount bitten to polish (shoes or boots) with blacking. 16
off. 10 a wound or sting inflicted by biting. Brit, Austral, & NZ (of trade unionists) to
11 Angling an attempt by a fish to take the organize a boycott of (specified goods,
bait or lure. 12 a snack. 13 a stinging or work, etc.). -See also blackout, black-
smarting sensation, biter n ness n blackish adj
biting adj 1 piercing; keen: a biting wind. 2 ► When black is used as a political or racial
sarcastic; incisive. term it has a capital letter.
bit part n a very small acting role with few Black n 1 a member of a dark-skinned race.
lines to speak. -adj 2 of or relating to a Black or Blacks.
black-and-blue 71 blacksmith
black-and-blue adj (of the skin) bruised, as black ice n a thin transparent layer of new
from a beating. ice on a road.
black-and-white n 1 a photograph, film, blacking n any preparation for giving a
etc., in black, white, and shades of grey, ra- black finish to shoes, metals, etc.
ther than in colour. 2 in black and white a blackjack1 n pontoon or a similar card game.
in print or writing, b in extremes: he always blackjack2 n Chiefly US & Canad a trun-
sees things in black and white. cheon of leather-covered lead with a flex-
black-backed gull n a large common black- ible shaft.
and-white European gull. black lead n same as graphite.
blackball vb 1 to vote against. 2 to exclude blackleg n Brit 1 a person who continues to
(someone) from a group, etc. work or does another’s job during a strike.
black bear n 1 a bear inhabiting forests of ~vb -legging, -legged 2 to refuse to join a
North America. 2 a bear of central and E strike.
Asia. blacklist n 1 a list of people or organizations
black belt n Judo, karate, etc a a black belt considered untrustworthy or disloyal. ~vb
that signifies that the wearer has reached a 2 to put (someone) on a blacklist.
high standard in martial art. b a person en- black magic n magic used for evil purposes,
titled to wear this. blackmail n 1 the act of attempting to obtain
blackberry n, pl -ries a small blackish edible money by threatening to reveal shameful
fruit that grows on a woody bush with information. 2 the use of unfair pressure in
thorny stems. Also called: bramble an attempt to influence someone. ~vb 3 to
blackbird n a common European thrush the obtain or attempt to obtain money by in-
male of which has black plumage and a yel- timidation. 4 to attempt to influence (a per-
low bill. son) by unfair pressure, blackmailer n
blackboard n a hard or rigid surface made Black Maria (mar-rye-a) n a police van for
of a smooth usually dark substance, used transporting prisoners.
for writing or drawing on with chalk, esp. black mark n a discredit noted against
in teaching. someone.
black box n Informal a flight recorder, black market n a place or a system for buy-
blackcap n a brownish-grey warbler, the ing or selling goods or currencies illegally,
male of which has a black crown. esp. in violation of controls or rationing,
blackcock n the male of the black grouse. black marketeer n
Black Country n the Black Country the black mass n a blasphemous travesty of the
heavily industrialized West Midlands of Christian Mass, used in black magic.
England. blackout n 1 (in wartime) the putting out or
blackcurrant n a very small blackish edible hiding of all lights as a precaution against a
fruit that grows in bunches on a bush. night air attack. 2 a momentary loss of con-
sciousness, vision, or memory. 3 a tempo-
blackdamp n air that is low in oxygen con- rary electrical power failure. 4 the preven-
tent and high in carbon dioxide as a result tion of information broadcasts: a news
of an explosion in a mine. blackout. ~vb black out 5 to put out
Black Death n the Black Death a form of (lights). 6 to lose vision, consciousness, or
bubonic plague in Europe and Asia during memory temporarily. 7 to stop (news, a
the 14th century. television programme, etc.) from being
black economy n that portion of the income broadcast.
of a nation that remains illegally unde- black pepper n a dark-coloured hot season-
clared. ing made from the dried berries and husks
blacken vb 1 to make or become black or of the pepper plant.
dirty. 2 to damage (someone’s reputation); Black Power n a movement of Black people
discredit: they planned to blacken my fa- to obtain equality with Whites.
ther’s name. black pudding n a black sausage made from
black eye n bruising round the eye. pig’s blood, suet, etc.
Black Friar n a Dominican friar, Black Rod n (in Britain) the chief usher of
blackguard (blag-gard) n an unprincipled the House of Lords and of the Order of the
contemptible person. Garter.
blackhead n 1 a black-tipped plug of fatty black sheep n a person who is regarded as a
matter clogging a pore of the skin. 2 a bird disgrace or failure by his or her family or
with black plumage on the head. peer group.
black hole n Astron a hypothetical region of Blackshirt n a member of the Italian Fascist
space resulting from the collapse of a star party before and during the Second World
and surrounded by a gravitational field War.
from which neither matter nor radiation blacksmith n a person who works iron with
can escape. a furnace, anvil, and hammer.
black spot 72 blather
black spot n 1 a place on a road where acci- or inspiration: his mind went blank. —n 7
dents frequently occur. 2 an area where a an empty space. 8 an empty space for writ-
particular situation is exceptionally bad: an ing in. 9 the condition of not understanding:
unemployment black spot. my mind went a complete blank. 10 a mark,
blackthorn n a thorny shrub with black often a dash, in place of a word. 11 same as
twigs, white flowers, and small sour plum- blank cartridge. 12 draw a blank to get no
like fruits. results from something. —vb 13 (foil, by
black tie n 1 a black bow tie worn with a out) to cross out, blot, or obscure, blankly
dinner jacket. ~adj black-tie 2 denoting an adv
occasion when a dinner jacket should be blank cartridge n a cartridge containing
worn. powder but no bullet.
Black Watch n the Black Watch the Royal blank cheque n 1 a signed cheque on which
Highland Regiment in the British Army. the amount payable has not been specified.
black widow n an American spider the fe- 2 complete freedom of action.
male of which is highly venomous and blanket n 1 a large piece of thick cloth for
commonly eats its mate. use as a bed covering. 2 a concealing cover,
bladder n 1 Anat a membranous sac, usually as of smoke, leaves, or snow. ~adj 3 apply-
containing liquid, esp. the urinary bladder. ing to or covering a wide group or variety of
2 a hollow bag made of leather, etc. which people, conditions, situations, etc.: a blan-
becomes round when filled with air or liq- ket ban on all supporters travelling to away
uid. 3 a hollow saclike part in certain matches. —vb -keting, -keted 4 to cover as
plants, such as seaweed, bladdery adj if with a blanket. 5 to cover a wide area;
give blanket coverage to.
blade n 1 the part of a sharp weapon, tool,
or knife, that forms the cutting edge. 2 the blanket Stitch n a strong reinforcing stitch
thin flattish part of a propeller, oar, or fan. for the edges of blankets.
3 the flattened part of a leaf, sepal, or blank verse n unrhymed verse.
petal. 4 the long narrow leaf of a grass or blare vb blaring, blared 1 to sound loudly
related plant. and harshly. 2 to proclaim loudly: the
blain n a blister, blotch, or sore on the skin, newspaper headlines blared the news. ~n 3
blame vb blaming, blamed 1 to consider a loud harsh noise.
(someone) responsible for: I blame her for blarney n flattering_talk.
the failure. 2 (foil, by on) to put responsibil- blase (blah-zay) adj indifferent or bored,
ity for (something) on (someone): she esp. through familiarity.
blames the failure on me. 3 be to blame to blaspheme vb -pheming, -phemed 1 to
be at fault. ~n 4 responsibility for some- speak disrespectfully of (God or sacred
thing that is wrong: they must take the things). 2 to utter curses, blasphemer n
blame for the failure. 5 an expression of blasphemy n, pl -mies behaviour or lan-
condemnation: analysts lay the blame on guage that shows disrespect for God or sa-
party activists, blamable or blameable cred things, blasphemous adj
adj blameless adj blast n 1 an explosion, such as that caused
blameworthy adj deserving blame, blame- by dynamite. 2 the charge used in a single
worthiness n explosion. 3 a sudden strong gust of wind or
blanch vb 1 to whiten. 2 to become pale, as air. 4 a sudden loud sound, such as that
with sickness or fear. 3 to prepare (meat or made by a trumpet. 5 a violent verbal out-
vegetables) by plunging them in boiling burst, esp. critical. 6 US slang a very enjoy-
water. 4 to cause (celery, chicory, etc.) to able or thrilling experience: the party was a
grow white from lack of light. blast. 7 at full blast at maximum speed,
blancmange (blam-monzh) n a jelly-like volume, etc. -interj 8 Slang an exclamation
dessert of milk, stiffened usually with corn- of annoyance. -vb 9 to blow up (a rock,
flour. tunnel, etc.) with explosives. 10 to make or
bland adj 1 dull and uninteresting: the bland cause to make a loud harsh noise. 11 to
British eating habits. 2 smooth in manner: criticize severely.
he looked at his visitor with a bland smile. blasted adj, adv Slang extreme or extreme-
blandly adv ly: a blasted idiot.
blandish vb to persuade by mild flattery; blast furnace n a furnace for smelting using
coax. a blast of preheated air.
blandishments pl n flattery intended to blastoff n 1 the launching of a rocket under
coax or cajole. its own power, —vb blast off 2 (of a rock-
blank adj 1 (of a writing surface) not writ- et) to be launched.
ten on. 2 (of a form, etc.) with spaces left blatant (blay-tant) adj 1 glaringly obvious: a
for details to be filled in. 3 without orna- blatant lie. 2 offensively noticeable: their
ment or break: a blank wall. 4 empty or blatant disregard for my feelings, blatant-
void: a blank space. 5 showing no interest ly adv
or expression: a blank look. 6 lacking ideas blather vb, n same as blether.
blaze 73 blind
blaze1 n 1 a strong fire or flame. 2 a very etc.). 3 to look good together; harmonize. 4
bright light or glare. 3 an outburst (of pas- (esp. of colours) to shade gradually into
sion, patriotism, etc.). ~vb blazing, blazed each other. ~n 5 a mixture produced by
4 to burn fiercely. 5 to shine brightly. 6 to blending.
become stirred, as with anger or excite- blende n a mineral consisting mainly of zinc
ment. 7 blaze away to shoot continuously. sulphide: the chief source of zinc.
—See also blazes. blender n an electrical kitchen appliance for
blaze2 n 1 a mark, usually indicating a path, pureeing vegetables etc.
made on a tree. 2 a light-coloured marking blenny n, pl -nies a small fish of coastal wa-
on the face of an animal. — vb blazing, ters with a tapering scaleless body and long
blazed 3 to mark (a tree, path, etc.) with a fins.
blaze. 4 blaze a trail to explore new terri-
tories, areas of knowledge, etc. bless vb blessing, blessed or blest 1 to
make holy by means of a religious rite. 2 to
blaze3 vb blazing, blazed blaze something give honour or glory to (a person or thing)
abroad to make something widely known. as holy. 3 to call upon God to protect. 4 to
blazer n a fairly lightweight jacket, often in worship or adore (God). 5 be blessed with
the colours of a sports club, school, etc. to be endowed with: she is blessed with im-
blazes pl n Slang, euphemistic hell. mense energy. 6 bless me! an exclamation
blazon vb 1 to proclaim publicly: the news- of surprise. 7 bless you! said to a person
paper photographs were blazoned on the who has just sneezed.
front pages. 2 Heraldry to describe or col- blessed adj 1 made holy. 2 RC Church (of a
our (heraldic arms) conventionally. —n 3 person) beatified by the pope. 3 bringing
Heraldry a coat of arms. great happiness or good fortune: he was
bleach vb 1 to make or become white or col- blessed with good looks. 4 Euphemistic
ourless by exposure to sunlight, or by the damned: I’m blessed if I know.
action of chemical agents. —n 2 a bleaching blessing n 1 the act of invoking divine pro-
agent. tection or aid. 2 approval; good wishes. 3 a
bleaching powder n a white powder con- happy event.
sisting of chlorinated calcium hydroxide. blest vb a past of bless.
bleak adj 1 exposed and barren. 2 cold and blether Scot — vb 1 to speak foolishly at
raw. 3 offering little hope; dismal: a bleak length. —n 2 foolish talk. 3 a person who
future, bleakly adv bleakness n blethers.
bleary adj blearier, bleariest 1 with eyes blew vb the past tense of blow.
dimmed, by tears or tiredness. 2 indistinct blight n 1 a person or thing that spoils or
or unclear, blearily adv prevents growth. 2 any plant disease char-
bleary-eyed or blear-eyed adj with eyes acterized by withering and shrivelling
blurred, such as with old age or after wak- without rotting. 3 a fungus or insect that
ing. causes blight in plants. 4 an ugly urban dis-
bleat vb 1 (of a sheep, goat, or calf) to utter trict. ~vb 5 to cause to suffer a blight. 6 to
its plaintive cry. 2 to whine. ~n 3 the char- frustrate or disappoint: blighted love. 7 to
acteristic cry of sheep, goats, and calves. 4 destroy: the event blighted her life.
a weak complaint or whine. blighter n Brit informal a despicable or irri-
bleed vb bleeding, bled 1 to lose or emit tating person or thing.
blood. 2 to remove or draw blood from (a Blighty n Brit slang (used esp. by troops
person or animal). 3 (of plants) to exude serving abroad) 1 Britain; home. 2 (pl
(sap or resin), esp. from a cut. 4 Informal to Blighties) (esp. in the First World War) a
obtain money, etc., from (someone), esp. by wound that causes the recipient to be sent
extortion. 5 to draw liquid or gas from (a home to Britain.
container or enclosed system). 6 my heart blimey interj Brit slang an exclamation of
bleeds for you I am sorry for you: often surprise or annoyance.
used ironically.
blimp1 n 1 a small nonrigid airship. 2 Films a
bleeding adj, adv Brit slang extreme or ex- soundproof cover fixed over a camera dur-
tremely: a bleeding fool. ing shooting.
bleep n 1 a short high-pitched signal made blimp2 n Chiefly Brit a person who is stupid-
by an electrical device. 2 same as bleeper. ly complacent and reactionary. Also called:
—vb 3 to make a bleeping signal. 4 to call Colonel Blimp
(someone) by means of a bleeper.
blind adj 1 unable to see. 2 unable or unwill-
bleeper n a small portable radio receiver ing to understand: she is blind to his faults.
that makes a bleeping signal. 3 not determined by reason: blind hatred. 4
blemish n 1 a defect; flaw; stain. — vb 2 to acting or performed without control or
spoil or tarnish. preparation. 5 done without being able to
blench vb to shy away, as in fear. see, relying on instruments for information.
blend vb 1 to mix or mingle (components). 2 6 hidden from sight: a blind corner. 7 closed
to mix (different varieties of tea, whisky, at one end: a blind alley. 8 completely lack-
blind alley 74 blockbuster
ing awareness or consciousness: a blind to attack verbally with great scorn, blis-
stupor. 9 having no openings: a blind wall, tering adj
-adv 10 without being able to see ahead or blithe adj 1 heedless; casual and indifferent.
using only instruments: flying blind. 11 2 very happy or cheerful, blithely adv
without adequate information: we bought blithering adj Informal stupid; foolish: you
the house blind. 12 blind drunk Informal blithering idiot.
very drunk, -vb 13 to deprive of sight
permanently or temporarily. 14 to deprive BLitt Bachelor of Letters.
of good sense, reason, or judgment. 15 to blitz n 1 a violent and sustained attack by
darken; conceal. 16 to overwhelm by show- enemy aircraft. 2 any intensive attack or
ing detailed knowledge: he tried to blind us concerted effort, —vb 3 to attack suddenly
with science. ~n 17 a shade for a window. and intensively.
18 any obstruction or hindrance to sight, Blitz n the Blitz the systematic bombing of
light, or air. 19 a person, action, or thing Britain in 1940-41 by the German Air
that serves to deceive or conceal the truth, Force.
blinding adj blindly adv blindness n blitzkrieg n a swift intensive military attack
blind alley n 1 an alley open at one end only. designed to defeat the opposition quickly.
2 Informal a situation in which no further blizzard n a blinding storm of wind and
progress can be made. snow.
blind date n Informal a prearranged social bloat vb 1 to cause to swell, as with a liquid
meeting between two people who have not or air. 2 to cause to be puffed up, as with
met before. conceit. 3 to cure (fish, esp. herring) by half
blindfold vb 1 to prevent (a person or ani- drying in smoke, bloated adj
mal) from seeing by covering the eyes, —n bloater n a herring that has been salted in
2 a piece of cloth used to cover the eyes. brine, smoked, and cured.
-adj, adv 3 having the eyes covered with a
cloth. blob n 1 a soft mass or drop. 2 a spot of col-
our, ink, etc. 3 an indistinct or shapeless
blind man’s buff n a game in which a blind- form or object.
folded person tries to catch and identify the
other players. bloc n a group of people or countries com-
bined by a common interest.
blind spot n 1 a small oval-shaped area of
the retina which is unable to see. 2 a place block n 1 a large solid piece of wood, stone,
where vision is obscured. 3 a subject about etc. 2 such a piece on which particular tasks
which a person is ignorant or prejudiced. may be done, as chopping, cutting, etc. 3 a
large building of offices, flats, etc. 4 a group
blindworm n same as slowworm. of buildings in a city bounded by intersect-
blink vb 1 to close and immediately reopen ing streets on each side. 5 an obstruction or
(the eyes), usually involuntarily. 2 to shine hindrance: a writer with a block. 6 one of a
intermittently or unsteadily. ~n 3 the act set of wooden or plastic cubes as a child’s
or an instance of blinking. 4 a glance; toy. 7 Slang a person’s head. 8 NZ an area of
glimpse. 5 on the blink Slang not working bush reserved by licence for a trapper or
properly. hunter. 9 a piece of wood, metal, etc., en-
blinker vb 1 to provide (a horse) with blink- graved for printing. 10 a casing housing one
ers. 2 to obscure or be obscured with or as or more freely rotating pulleys. See also
with blinkers. block and tackle. 11a quantity considered
blinkered adj 1 considering only a narrow as a single unit, -vb 12 to obstruct or im-
point of view. 2 (of a horse) wearing blink- pede by introducing an obstacle: lorry driv-
ers. ers had blocked the routes to Paris. 13 to
impede, retard, or prevent (an action or
blinkers pl n Chiefly Brit leather side pieces procedure). 14 to stamp (a title or design)
attached to a horse’s bridle to prevent on (a book cover, etc.). 15 Cricket to play (a
sideways vision. ball) defensively. -See also block out.
blinking adj, adv Informal extreme or ex- blockage n
tremely: a blinking idiot. blockade n 1 Mil the closing off of a port or
blip n 1 a repetitive sound, such as the kind region to prevent the passage of goods.
produced by an electronic device. 2 the spot -vb -ading, -aded 2 to impose a blockade
of light on a radar screen indicating the po- on.
sition of an object. 3 a temporary irregular- block and tackle n a hoisting device in
ity in the performance of something. which a rope or chain is passed around a
bliss n 1 perfect happiness; serene joy. 2 the pair of blocks containing one or more
joy of heaven, blissful adj blissfully adv pulleys.
blister n 1 a small bubble on the skin filled blockbuster n Informal 1 a film, novel, etc.
with a watery fluid. 2 a swelling containing that has been or is expected to be highly
air or liquid, such as on a painted surface. successful. 2 a large bomb used to demolish
-vb 3 to have or cause to have blisters. 4 extensive areas.
blockhead 75 blot
blockhead n a stupid person, blockheaded blood money n 1 money obtained by ruth-
adj lessly sacrificing others. 2 money paid to a
block letter n a plain capital letter. Also hired murderer. 3 compensation paid to the
called: block capital relatives of a murdered person.
block out vb 1 to plan or describe (some- blood orange n a variety of orange the pulp
thing) in a general fashion. 2 to prevent the of which is dark red when ripe.
entry or consideration of (something). blood poisoning n same as septicaemia.
bloke n Brit informal a man. blood pressure n the pressure exerted by
blonde or masc blond adj 1 (of hair) fair. 2 the blood on the inner walls of the blood
(of a person) having fair hair and a light vessels.
complexion. ~n 3 a person having light- blood relation or relative n a person related
coloured hair and skin, blondeness or by birth.
masc blondness n bloodshed n slaughter; killing.
blood n 1 a reddish fluid in vertebrates that bloodshot adj (of an eye) inflamed.
is pumped by the heart through the arteries blood sport n any sport involving the killing
and veins. 2 bloodshed, esp. when resulting of an animal.
in murder: they were responsible for the
spilling of blood throughout the country. 3 bloodstained adj discoloured with blood,
life itself; lifeblood. 4 relationship through bloodstock n thoroughbred horses,
being of the same family, race, or kind; kin- bloodstream n the flow of blood through
ship. 5 the blood royal or noble descent: a the vessels of a living body.
prince of the blood. 6 flesh and blood a bloodsucker n 1 an animal that sucks blood,
near kindred or kinship, esp. that between a esp. a leech. 2 Informal a person who preys
parent and child, b human nature: it’s more upon another person, esp. by extorting
than flesh and blood can stand. 7 in one’s money.
blood as a natural or inherited characteris- bloodthirsty adj -thirstier, -thirstiest tak-
tic or talent. 8 newcomers viewed as an in- ing pleasure in bloodshed or violence.
vigorating force: new blood. 9 in cold blood blood vessel n a tube through which blood
showing no passion; ruthlessly. 10 make travels in the body.
one’s blood boil to cause to be angry or in-
bloody adj bloodier, bloodiest 1 covered
dignant. 11 make one’s blood run cold to with blood. 2 marked by much killing and
fill with horror. —vb 12 Hunting to cause
(young hounds) to taste the blood of a bloodshed: a bloody war. 3 cruel or murder-
freshly killed quarry. 13 to initiate (a per- ous: a bloody tyrant, -adj, adv 4 Slang ex-
son) to war or hunting. treme or extremely: a bloody fool; a bloody
good idea, -vb bloodies, bloodying,
blood-and-thunder adj denoting melodra- bloodied 5 to stain with blood.
matic behaviour.
Bloody Mary n a drink consisting of tomato
blood bank n a place where blood is stored juice and vodka.
until required for transfusion.
bloody-minded adj Brit informal deliberate-
blood bath n a massacre. ly obstructive and unhelpful.
blood brother n a man or boy who has bloom n 1 a blossom on a flowering plant. 2
sworn to treat another as his brother, often the state or period when flowers open. 3 a
in a ceremony in which their blood is min- healthy or flourishing condition; prime. 4 a
gled. youthful or healthy glow. 5 a fine whitish
blood count n determination of the number coating on the surface of fruits or leaves.
of red and white blood corpuscles in a spe- -vb 6 (of flowers) to open. 7 to bear flow-
cific sample of blood. ers. 8 to flourish or grow. 9 to be in a
bloodcurdling adj terrifying. healthy, glowing condition.
blood donor n a person who gives blood to bloomer n Brit informal a stupid mistake;
be used for transfusion. blunder.
blood group n any one of the various groups bloomers pl n 1 Informal women’s baggy
into which human blood is classified. knickers. 2 (formerly) loose trousers gath-
blood heat n the normal temperature of the ered at the knee worn by women.
human body, 98.4°F or 37°C. blooming adv, adj Brit informal extreme or
bloodhound n a large hound, formerly used extremely: blooming painful.
in tracking and police work. blossom n 1 the flower or flowers of a
bloodless adj 1 without blood: bloodless plant, esp. producing edible fruit. 2 the pe-
surgery. 2 conducted without violence: a riod of flowering, —vb 3 (of plants) to
bloodless coup. 3 anaemic-looking; pale. 4 flower. 4 to come to a promising stage.
lacking vitality; lifeless: the bloodless am- blot n 1 a stain or spot, esp. of ink. 2 some-
bience of supermarkets. thing that spoils. 3 a stain on one’s charac-
blood-letting n 1 bloodshed, esp. in a feud. 2 ter. —vb blotting, blotted 4 to stain or
the former medical practice of removing spot. 5 to cause a blemish in or on: Tie blot-
blood. ted his copybook by missing a penalty. 6 to
blotch 76 bluebell
soak up (excess ink, etc.) by using blotting be extinguished. 2 (of a tyre) to puncture
paper. 7 blot out a to darken or hide com- suddenly. 3 (of an oil or gas well) to lose oil
pletely: the mist blotted out the sea. b to or gas in an uncontrolled manner. ~n
block from one’s mind: to Wot out the blowout 4 a sudden burst in a tyre. 5 the
memories. uncontrolled escape of oil or gas from a
blotch n 1 an irregular spot or discoloration. well. 6 Slang a large filling meal.
—vb 2 to become or cause to become blow over vb 1 to be forgotten. 2 to cease or
marked by such discoloration, blotchy adj be finished: the crisis blew over.
blotter n a sheet of blotting paper. blowpipe n 1 a long tube from which poi-
blotting paper n a soft absorbent paper, soned darts, etc., are shot by blowing. 2 a
used for soaking up surplus ink. tube for blowing air into a flame to intensi-
blotto adj Slang extremely drunk. fy its heat. 3 an iron pipe used to blow glass
blouse n 1 a woman’s shirtlike garment. 2 a into shape.
waist-length belted jacket worn by soldiers. blowsy adj blowsier, blowsiest (of a
-vb blousing, bloused 3 to hang or cause woman) 1 slovenly or sluttish. 2 ruddy in
to hang in full loose folds. complexion.
blouson (blew-zon) n a short loose jacket blowtorch or blowlamp n a small burner
with a tight-fitting waist. that produces a very hot flame, used to re-
blow1 vb blowing, blew, blown 1 (of a cur- move old paint, soften metal, etc.
rent of air, the wind, etc.) to be or cause to blow up vb 1 to explode or cause to explode.
be in motion. 2 to move or be carried by or 2 to inflate with air. 3 to increase the im-
as if by wind. 3 to expel (air, etc.) through portance of (something): an affair blown up
the mouth or nose. 4 to breathe hard; pant. out of all proportions. 4 Informal to lose
5 to inflate with air or the breath. 6 (of one’s temper. 5 Informal to reprimand
wind, etc.) to make a roaring sound. 7 to (someone). 6 Informal to enlarge (a photo-
cause (a musical instrument) to sound by graph). 7 to come into existence with sud-
forcing air into it. 8 (often foil, by up, den force: a crisis had blown up. ~n blow-
down, in, etc.) to explode, break, or disinte- up 8 Informal an enlarged photograph.
grate completely. 9 Electronics (of a fuse or blowy adj blowier, blowiest windy.
valve) to burn out because of excessive cur- blubber n 1 the fatty tissue of aquatic
rent. 10 to shape (glass, etc.) by forcing air mammals such -as the whale. 2 Informal
or gas through the material when molten. flabby body fat. —vb 3 to sob without re-
11 Slang to spend (money) freely. 12 Slang straint.
to use (an opportunity) ineffectively. 13
Slang to expose or betray (a secret). 14 bludge Austral & NZ informal -vb
(past participle blowed) Informal same as bludging, bludged 1 (foil, by on) to
damn. 15 blow hot and cold Informal to scrounge from. 2 to evade work, -n 3 a
keep changing one’s attitude towards some- very easy task.
one or something. 16 blow one’s top Infor- bludgeon n 1 a stout heavy club, typically
mal to lose one’s temper. ~n 17 the act or thicker at one end. — vb 2 to hit as if with a
an instance of blowing. 18 the sound pro- bludgeon. 3 to force; bully, coerce.
duced by blowing. 19 a blast of air or wind. blue n 1 the colour of a clear unclouded sky.
—See also blow out, blow over, etc. 2 anything blue, such as blue clothing or
blow2 n 1 a powerful or heavy stroke with blue paint: she is clothed in blue. 3 a
the fist, a weapon, etc. 2 a sudden setback: sportsman who represents or has repre-
the scheme was dealt a blow by the intro- sented Oxford or Cambridge University. 4
duction of martial law. 3 an attacking ac- Brit informal a Tory. 5 Austral & NZ slang
tion: a blow for freedom. 4 come to blows a an argument or fight. 6 Also: bluey Austral
to fight, b to result in a fight. & NZ informal a court summons. 7 Austral
blow-by-blow adj explained in great detail: & NZ informal a mistake. 8 out of the blue
a blow-by-blow account. unexpectedly, —adj bluer, bluest 9 of the
colour blue; of the colour of a clear un-
blow-dry vb -dries, -drying, -dried 1 to style clouded sky. 10 (of the flesh) having a pur-
(the hair) while drying it with a hand-held ple tinge from cold. 11 depressed or unhap-
hair dryer. ~n 2 this method of styling py. 12 pornographic: blue movies, -vb
hair. blueing or bluing, blued 13 to make or be-
blower n 1 a mechanical device, such as a come blue or bluer. 14 Old-fashioned, in-
fan, that blows. 2 Informal a telephone. formal to spend extravagantly or wasteful-
blowfly n, pl -flies a fly that lays its eggs in ly: I consoled myself by blueing my royalty
meat. cheque. -See also blues, blueness n
blowhole n 1 the nostril of a whale. 2 a hole blue baby n a baby born with a bluish tinge
in ice through which seals, etc. breathe. 3 a to the skin because of lack of oxygen in the
vent for air or gas. blood.
blown vb a past participle of blow. bluebell n a woodland plant with blue bell-
blow out vb 1 (of a flame) to extinguish or shaped flowers.
blueberry 77 board
blueberry n, pl -ries a very small blackish 3 to act clumsily; stumble, blundering n,
edible fruit that grows on a North American adj
shrub. blunderbuss n an obsolete gun with wide
bluebird n a North American songbird with barrel and flared muzzle.
a blue plumage. blunt adj 1 (esp. of a knife) lacking sharp-
blue blood n royal or aristocratic descent, ness. 2 not having a sharp edge or point: a
bluebook n 1 (in Britain) a government pub- blunt instrument. 3 (of people, manner of
lication, usually the report of a commission. speaking, etc.) straightforward and uncom-
2 (in Canada) an annual statement of gov- plicated. -vb 4 to make less sharp. 5 to
ernment accounts. diminish the sensitivity or perception of:
bluebottle n 1 a large fly with a dark-blue prison life has blunted his mind, bluntly
body; blowfly. 2 Austral & NZ informal a adv
Portuguese man-of-war. blur vb blurring, blurred 1 to make or be-
blue cheese n cheese containing a blue come vague or less distinct. 2 to smear or
mould, such as Stilton or Danish blue. smudge. 3 to make (the judgment, memory,
or perception) less clear; dim. ~n 4 some-
blue chip n 1 Finance a stock considered re- thing vague, hazy, or indistinct. 5 a smear
liable. -adj blue-chip 2 denoting some- or smudge, blurred adj blurry adj
thing considered to be a valuable asset.
blurb n a promotional description, such as
blue-collar adj denoting manual industrial on the jackets of books.
workers.
blurt vb (foil, by outj to utter suddenly and
blue-eyed boy n Informal, chiefly Brit a fa- involuntarily.
vourite. blush vb 1 to become suddenly red in the
blue funk n Slang a state of great terror. face, esp. from embarrassment or shame.
blue pencil n 1 deletion or alteration of the —n 2 a sudden reddening of the face, esp.
contents of a book or other work. ~vb from embarrassment or shame. 3 a rosy
blue-pencil, -cilling, -cilled or US -ciling, glow. 4 same as rose.
-ciled 2 to alter or delete parts of (a book, blusher n a cosmetic applied to the cheeks to
film, etc.). give a rosy colour.
blue peter n a signal flag of blue with a bluster vb 1 to speak loudly or in a bullying
white square at the centre, displayed by a way. 2 (of the wind) to be gusty. ~n 3
vessel about to leave port. empty threats or protests, blustery acj/
blueprint n 1 an original description of a BM 1 Bachelor of Medicine. 2 British Mu-
plan or idea that explains how it is expect- seum.
ed to work. 2 a photographic print of plans, BMA British Medical Association.
technical drawings, etc. consisting of white
lines on a blue background. B-movie n a film originally made as a sup-
porting film, now considered a genre in its
blue ribbon n 1 a badge awarded as the first own right.
prize in a competition. 2 (in Britain) a badge BMus Bachelor of Music.
of blue silk worn by members of the Order
of the Garter. BMX n 1 bicycle motocross: stunt riding over
an obstacle course on a bicycle. 2 a bicycle
blues pl n the blues 1 a feeling of depres- designed for bicycle motocross.
sion or deep unhappiness. 2 a type of folk
song originating among Black Americans. BO 1 Informal body odour. 2 box office.
bluestocking n Usually disparaging a schol- boa n 1 a large nonvenomous snake of Cen-
arly or intellectual woman. tral and South America that kills its prey by
constriction. 2 a woman’s long thin scarf of
bluetit n a small European bird with a blue feathers or fur.
crown, wings, and tail and yellow
boa constrictor n a very large snake of
underparts.
tropical America and the West Indies that
blue whale n a very large bluish-grey whale: kills its prey by constriction.
the largest mammal.
boar n 1 an uncastrated male pig. 2 a wild
bluff1 vb 1 to pretend to be confident in
Pig-
order to influence (someone). ~n 2 deliber- board n 1 a long wide flat piece of sawn
ate deception to create the impression of a timber. 2 a smaller flat piece of rigid ma-
strong position. 3 call someone’s bluff to terial for a specific purpose: ironing board.
challenge someone to give proof of his or 3 a a group of people who officially admin-
her claims. ister a company, trust, etc. b any other offi-
bluff2 n 1 a steep promontory, bank, or cliff. cial group, such as examiners or
2 Canad a clump of trees on the prairie; -interviewers. 4 a person’s meals, provided
copse, -adj 3 good-naturedly frank and regularly for money. 5 stiff cardboard or
hearty. similar material, used for the outside covers
bluish or blueish adj slightly blue. of a book. 6 a flat thin rectangular sheet of
blunder n 1 a stupid or clumsy mistake. composite material, such as chipboard. 7
-vb 2 to make stupid or clumsy mistakes. Naut the side of a ship. 8 a portable surface
boarder bodycheck
for indoor games such as chess or back- suddenly. ~n 4 a short abrupt movement,
gammon. 9 go by the board Informal to be as of the head.
in disuse, neglected, or lost. 10 on board on bob2 n 1 a hairstyle in which the hair is cut
or in a ship, aeroplane, etc. 11 the boards short evenly all round the head. 2 a dan-
the stage. —vb 12 to go aboard (a train or gling weight on a pendulum or plumb line.
other vehicle). 13 to attack (a ship) by forc- -vb bobbing, bobbed 3 to cut (the hair) in
ing one’s way aboard. 14 (foil, by up, in, a bob.
etc.) to cover with boards. 15 to receive bob3 n, pl bob Brit informal (formerly) a
meals and lodging in return for money. 16 shilling.
board out to arrange for (someone, esp. a bobbejaan n S African 1 a baboon. 2 a large
child) to receive food and lodging away black spider. 3 a monkey wrench.
from home. 17 (in ice hockey and box la-
crosse) to bodycheck an opponent against bobbin n a reel on which thread or yarn is
the boards. ~See also boards. wound.
boarder n a pupil who lives at school during bobble n a tufted ball, usually woollen, that
term time. is used for decoration.
boarding n 1 the act of embarking on an air- bobby n, pl -bies Informal a British police-
craft, train, ship, etc. 2 a structure of man.
boards. 3 timber boards collectively. 4 (in bobby pin n US, Canad, Austral, & NZ a
ice hockey and box lacrosse) an act of metal hairpin.
bodychecking an opponent against the bobotie (ba-boot-ee) n S African a tradi-
boards. tional Cape dish of curried minced meat.
boarding house n a private house that pro- bobsleigh n 1 a sledge for racing down a
vides accommodation and meals for paying steeply banked ice-covered run. —vb 2 to
guests. ride on a bobsleigh.
boarding school n a school providing living bobtail n 1 a docked tail. 2 an animal with
accommodation for pupils. such a tail. ~ac(/ also bobtailed 3 having
boardroom n a room where the board of di- the tail cut short.
rectors of a company meets. Boche (bosh) n Offensive slang a German,
boards pl n a wooden wall forming the en- esp. a German soldier.
closure in which ice hockey or box lacrosse bod n Informal a person: he’s a queer bod.
is played. bode1 vb boding, boded to be an omen of
boast vb 1 to speak in excessively proud (good or ill); portend.
terms of one’s possessions, talents, etc. 2 to bode2 vb a past tense of bide.
possess (something to be proud of): a team bodega n a shop in a Spanish-speaking
which boasts five current world record country that sells wine.
holders. ~n 3 a bragging statement. 4 bodge vb bodging, bodged Informal to
something that is bragged about: this make a mess of; botch.
proved to be a false boast.
bodice n 1 the upper part of a woman’s
boastful adj tending to boast. dress, from the shoulder to the waist. 2 a
boat n 1 a small vessel propelled by oars, tight-fitting corset worn laced over a
paddle, sails, or motor. 2 Informal a ship. 3 blouse, or (formerly) as a woman’s under-
See gravy boat, sauce boat. 4 in the same garment.
boat sharing the same problems. 5 miss the bodily adj 1 relating to the human body.
boat to lose an opportunity. 6 rock the -adv 2 by taking hold of the body: he
boat Informal to cause a disturbance in the threw him bodily from the platform. 3 in
existing situation. -vb 7 to travel or go in person; in the flesh.
a boat, esp. as recreation.
bodkin n a blunt large-eyed needle.
boater n a stiff straw hat with a straight
brim and flat crown. body n, pl bodies 1 the entire physical
structure of ah animal or human. 2 the
boathouse n a shelter by the edge of a river, trunk or torso. 3 a corpse. 4 a group regard-
lake, etc., for housing boats. ed as a single entity: a local voluntary body.
boating n rowing, sailing, or cruising in 5 the main part of anything: the body of a
boats as a form of recreation. car. 6 a separate mass of water or land. 7
boatman n, pl -men a man who works on, the flesh as opposed to the spirit. 8 the
hires out, or repairs boats. characteristic full quality of certain wines.
boatswain (boh-sn) n Naut same as bosun, 9 Informal a person: all the important
boat train n a train scheduled to take pas- bodies from the council were present. 10 a
sengers to or from a particular ship. woman’s one-piece undergarment. 11 keep
bob1 vb bobbing, bobbed 1 to move or cause body and soul together to manage to sur-
to move up and down repeatedly, such as vive.
while floating in water. 2 to move or cause body building n regular exercising designed
to move with a short abrupt movement, esp. to enlarge the muscles.
of the head. 3 bob up to appear or emerge bodycheck Ice hockey etc ~n 1 obstruction
bodyguard 79 Bolshevik
of another player. -vb 2 to deliver a body- bogus (boh-guss) adj not genuine,
check to (an opponent). bogy n, pl -gies same as bogey or bogie,
bodyguard n a person or group of people bohemian n 1 a person, esp. an artist or
employed to protect someone. writer, who lives an unconventional life,
body language n the communication of -adj 2 unconventional in appearance, be-
one’s thoughts or feelings by the position or haviour, etc. Bohemianism n
movements of one’s body rather than by boil1 vb 1 to change or cause to change from
words. a liquid to a vapour so rapidly that bubbles
body politic n the body politic the people of vapour are formed in the liquid. 2 to
of a nation or the nation itself considered as reach or cause to reach boiling point. 3 to
a political entity. cook or be cooked by the process of boiling.
body shop n a repair yard for vehicle 4 to bubble and be agitated like something
bodywork. boiling: the sea was boiling. 5 to be extreme-
body snatcher n (formerly) a person who ly angry. ~n 6 the state or action of boil-
robbed graves and sold the corpses for dis- ing. -See also boil away, boil down, boil
section. over.
body stocking n 1 a one-piece undergar- boil2 n a red painful swelling with a hard
ment for women, covering the torso. 2 a pus-filled core caused by infection of the
tightly-fitting garment covering the whole skin.
of the body, worn esp. for dancing or exer- boil away vb to cause (liquid) to evaporate
cising. completely by boiling or (of liquid) to
body warmer n a sleeveless quilted jerkin, evaporate completely.
worn as an outer garment. boil down vb 1 to reduce or be reduced in
bodywork n the external shell of a motor quantity by boiling. 2 boil down to to be
vehicle. the essential element in.
Boer n a descendant of any of the Dutch or boiler n 1 a closed vessel in which water is
Huguenot colonists who settled in South heated to provide steam to drive machin-
Africa. ery. 2 a domestic device to provide hot
water, esp. for central heating.
boerbul (boor-bl) n S African a crossbred
boilermaker n a person who works with
mastiff, often used as a watchdog.
metal in heavy industry.
boere- combining form S African rustic or
boiler suit n Brit a one-piece overall.
country-style.
boiling point n 1 the temperature at which a
boerekos (boor-a-koss) n S African tradi-
liquid boils. 2 Informal the condition of
tional Afrikaner food. being angered or highly excited.
boeremeisie (boor-a-may-see) n S African a boil over vb 1 to overflow or cause to over-
country girl of Afrikaans stock. flow while boiling. 2 to burst out in anger or
boereseun (boor-a-see-oon) n S African a excitement.
country boy of Afrikaans stock. boisterous adj 1 noisy and lively; unruly. 2
boerewors (boor-a-vorss) n S African a tra- (of the sea, etc.) turbulent or stormy.
ditional home-made farmer’s sausage. bold adj 1 courageous, confident, and fear-
boffin n Brit informal a scientist. less. 2 immodest or impudent: she gave him
bog n 1 a wet spongy area of land. 2 Slang a a bold look. 3 standing out distinctly; con-
toilet, boggy adj bogginess n spicuous: a figure carved in bold relief.
bog down vb bogging, bogged to impede boldly adv boldness n
physically or mentally. bole n the trunk of a tree.
bogey or bogy n 1 an evil or mischievous bolero n, pl -ros 1 a Spanish dance, usually
spirit. 2 something that worries or annoys. in triple time. 2 music for this dance. 3 a
3 Golf a a score of one stroke over par on a short open jacket not reaching the waist.
hole, b Old-fashioned a standard score for a boll n the rounded seed capsule of flax, cot-
hole or course. 4 Slang a piece of dried ton, etc.
mucus from the nose. bollard n 1 Brit a small post marking a kerb
bogeyman n, pl -men a frightening person, or traffic island or barring cars from enter-
real or imaginary, used as a threat, esp. to ing. 2 a strong wooden or metal post on a
children. wharf, quay, etc., used for securing moor-
boggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to be surprised, ing lines.
confused, or alarmed: the mind boggles. 2 to bollocks or ballocks Taboo slang ~pl n 1
hesitate or be evasive when confronted the testicles. ~n 2 nonsense; rubbish.
with a problem. ^-interj 3 an exclamation of annoyance,
bogie or bogy n an assembly of wheels disbelief, etc.
forming a pivoted support at either end of a Bolshevik n 1 (formerly) a Russian Com-
railway coach. munist. 2 any Communist. 3 Informal, of-
bog-standard adj Brit & Irish slang com- fensive any political radical, esp. a revolu-
pletely ordinary; run-of-the-mill. tionary. Bolshevism n Bolshevist adj, n
bolshie 80 bongo
bolshie or bolshy Brit informal -adj 1 dif- carry out bombing missions. 2 a person who
ficult to manage; rebellious. 2 politically plants bombs.
radical or left-wing. ~n, pl -shies 3 any po- bombshell n a shocking or unwelcome sur-
litical radical. prise.
bolster vb 1 to support or strengthen: the bona fide (bone-a fide-ee) adj 1 genuine: a
government were unwilling to bolster ster- bona fide manuscript. 2 undertaken in good
ling. ~n 2 a long narrow pillow. 3 any pad faith: a bona fide agreement.
or support. bonanza n 1 sudden and unexpected luck or
bolt1 n 1 a bar that can be slid into a socket wealth. 2 US & Canad a mine or vein rich in
to lock a door, gate, etc. 2 a metal rod or pin ore.
that has a head and a screw thread to take a bonbon n a sweet.
nut. 3 a flash (of lightning). 4 a sudden bond n 1 something that binds, fastens, or
movement, esp. in order to escape. 5 an holds together. 2 something that brings or
arrow, esp. for a crossbow. 6 a bolt from holds people together; tie: a bond of friend-
the blue a sudden, unexpected, and usually ship. 3 bonds something that restrains or
unwelcome event. 7 shoot one’s bolt to ex- imprisons. 4 a written or spoken agreement,
haust one’s efforts. ~vb 8 to run away esp. a promise: a marriage bond. 5 Chem a
suddenly. 9 to secure or lock with or as if means by which atoms are combined in a
with a bolt. 10 to attach firmly one thing to molecule. 6 Finance a certificate of debt is-
another by means of a nut and bolt. 11 to sued in order to raise funds. 7 Law a writ-
eat hurriedly: bolting your food may lead to ten acknowledgment of an obligation to pay
indigestion. 12 (of a horse) to run away a sum or to perform a contract. 8 in bond
without control. 13 (of vegetables) to pro- Commerce securely stored until duty is
duce flowers and seeds too soon. ~adv 14 paid. ~vb 9 to hold or be held together;
bolt upright stiff and rigid. bind. 10 to put or hold (goods) in bond.
bolt2 or boult vb 1 to pass (flour, a powder, bondage n 1 slavery. 2 subjection to some
etc.) through a sieve. 2 to examine and influence or duty. 3 a sexual practice in
separate. which one partner is tied or chained up.
bolt hole n a place of escape. bonded adj 1 Finance consisting of, secured
bomb n 1 a hollow projectile containing ex- by, or operating under a bond or bonds. 2
plosive, incendiary, or other destructive Commerce in bond.
substance. 2 an object in which an explosive bond paper n 'superior quality writing
device has been planted: a car bomb. 3 Brit paper.
slang a large sum of money: it cost a bomb. bondservant n a serf or slave.
4 US & Canad slang a disastrous failure: the bone n 1 any of the various structures that
new play was a total bomb. 5 like a bomb make up the skeleton in most vertebrates. 2
Brit & NZ informal with great speed or suc- the porous rigid tissue of which these parts
cess. 6 the bomb a hydrogen or an atom are made. 3 something consisting of bone or
bomb considered as the ultimate destruc- a bonelike substance. 4 bones the human
tive weapon. ~vb 7 to attack with a bomb skeleton. 5 a thin strip of plastic, etc. used
or bombs; drop bombs (on). 8 (foil, by to stiffen corsets and brassieres. 6 have a
along) Informal to move or drive very bone to pick to have grounds for a quarrel.
quickly. 9 US & Canad slang to fail disas- 7 make no bones about a to be direct and
trously. bombing n candid about, b to have no scruples about. 8
bombard vb 1 to attack with concentrated near or close to the bone risque or inde-
artillery fire or bombs. 2 to attack persis- cent. 9 the bare bones the essentials. ~vb
tently. 3 to attack verbally, esp. with ques- boning, boned 10 to remove the bones from
tions. 4 Physics to direct high-energy parti- (meat for cooking, etc.). 11 to stiffen (a cor-
cles or photons against (atoms, nuclei, etc.), set, etc.) by inserting bones. -See also
bombardment n bone up on. boneless adj
bombardier n 1 Brit a noncommissioned bone china n porcelain containing powdered
rank in the Royal Artillery. 2 US the mem- bone.
ber of a bomber aircrew who releases the bone-dry adj Informal completely dry.
bombs. 3 Canad trademark a snow tractor, bone-idle adj extremely lazy.
usually having caterpillar tracks at the rear bone meal n dried and ground animal bones,
and skis at the front. used as a fertilizer or in stock feeds.
bombast n pompous and flowery language, boneshaker n Slang a decrepit or rickety
bombastic adj vehicle.
Bombay duck n a fish that is eaten dried bone up on vb Informal to study intensive-
with curry dishes as a savoury. ly-
bombazine n a twill fabric, usually of silk bonfire n a large outdoor fire.
and worsted, formerly worn dyed black for bongo n, pl -gos or -goes a small bucket-
mourning. shaped drum, usually one of a pair, played
bomber n 1 a military aircraft designed to by beating with the fingers.
bonhomie 81 boom
bonhomie (bon-om-mee) n exuberant written composition, such as of along novel
friendliness. or of the Bible. 7 a number of tickets,
bonk vb Informal 1 to have sexual inter- stamps, etc. fastened together along one
course. 2 to hit. bonking n edge. 8 a record of betting transactions. 9 a
bonkers adj Slang, chiefly Brit mad; crazy. closed book a subject that is beyond com-
bon mot (bon moh) n, pl bons mots a clever prehension: art remains a closed book to
and fitting remark. him. 10 bring to book to reprimand or re-
quire (someone) to give an explanation of
bonnet n 1 Brit, Austral, NZ, & S African the his or her conduct. 11 by the book accord-
hinged metal cover over a motor vehicle’s ing to the rules. 12 in someone’s good or
engine. 2 any of various hats tied with rib- bad books regarded by someone with fa-
bons under the chin. 3 (in Scotland) a soft vour (or disfavour). 13 throw the book at
cloth cap. someone a to charge someone with every
bonny adj -nier, -niest 1 Scot & N English relevant offence, b to inflict the most se-
dialect beautiful: a bonny lass. 2 good or vere punishment on someone. ~vb 14 to
fine. reserve (a place, passage, etc.) or engage
bonsai n, pl -sai an ornamental tree or shrub the services of (someone) in advance. 15 (of
grown in a small shallow pot in order to a police officer) to take the name and ad-
stunt its growth. dress of (a person) for an alleged offence
bonsela (bon-sell-a) n S African informal a with a view to prosecution. 16 (of a football
small gift of money. referee) to take the name of (a player) who
bonus n something given, paid, or received has broken the rules seriously. —See also
above what is due or expected. book in.
bon voyage interj a phrase used to wish a bookcase n a piece of furniture containing
traveller a pleasant journey. shelves for books.
bony adj bonier, boniest 1 resembling or book club n a club that sells books at low
consisting of bone. 2 thin. 3 having many prices to members, usually by mail order.
bones. book end n one of a pair of supports for
boo interj 1 a shout uttered to express dis- holding a row of books upright.
satisfaction or contempt. 2 an exclamation bookie n Informal short for bookmaker.
uttered to startle someone. ~vb booing, book in vb Chiefly Brit to register one’s ar-
booed 3 to shout “boo" at (someone or rival at a hotel.
something) as an expression of disapproval, booking n 1 Chiefly Brit a reservation, as of
boob Slang ~n 1 Brit an embarrassing mis- a table or seat. 2 Theatre an engagement of
take; blunder. 2 a female breast. ~vb 3 Brit a performer.
to make a blunder. bookish adj 1 fond of reading; studious. 2
booby n, pl -bies 1 an ignorant or foolish forming opinions through reading rather
person. 2 a tropical marine bird related to than experience.
the gannet. book-keeping n the skill or occupation of
booby prize n a mock prize given to the per- systematically recording business transac-
son with the lowest score in a competition. tions. book-keeper n
booby trap n 1 a hidden explosive device booklet n a thin book with paper covers,
primed so as to be set off by an unsuspect-
ing victim. 2 a trap for an unsuspecting per- bookmaker n a person who as an occupation
son, esp. one intended as a practical joke. accepts bets, esp. on horse racing, book-
making n
boodle n Slang money or valuables, esp.
when stolen, counterfeit, or used as a bribe. bookmark n a strip of some material put be-
boogie vb -gieing, -gied Slang to dance to tween the pages of a book to mark a place.
fast pop music. bookstall n a stall or stand where periodi-
boogie-woogie n a style of piano jazz using cals, newspapers, or books are sold.
blues harmonies. bookworm n 1 a person devoted to reading.
boohai n up the boohai NZ informal thor- 2 a small insect that feeds on the binding
oughly lost. paste of books.
boohoo vb -hooing, -hooed 1 to sob or pre- Boolean algebra (boo-lee-an) n a system of
tend to sob noisily. ~n, pl -hoos 2 dis- symbolic logic devised to codify nonmath-
tressed or pretended sobbing. ematical logical operations: used in com-
book n 1 a number of printed pages bound
puters.
together along one edge and protected by boom1 vb 1 to make a loud deep echoing
covers. 2 a written work or composition, sound. 2 to prosper vigorously and rapidly:
such as a novel. 3 a number of sheets of ' business boomed. ~n 3 a loud deep echoing
paper bound together: an account book. 4 sound. 4 a period of high economic growth.
books a record of the transactions of a boom2 n 1 Naut a spar to which the foot of a
business or society. 5 the libretto of an sail is fastened to control its position. 2 a
opera or musical. 6 a major division of a pole carrying an overhead microphone and
boomerang 82 born-again
projected over a film or television set. 3 a bop n 1 a form of jazz with complex rhythms
barrier across a waterway. and harmonies, -vb bopping, bopped 2
boomerang n 1 a curved wooden missile of Informal to dance to pop music, bopper n
Australian Aborigines which can be made boracic adj same as boric.
to return to the thrower. 2 an action or borage n a Mediterranean plant with star-
statement that recoils on its originator. shaped blue flowers.
—vb 3 (of a plan) to recoil unexpectedly, borax n a white mineral in crystalline form
harming its originator. used in making glass, soap, etc.
boomslang n a large greenish venomous Bordeaux n a red or white wine produced
tree-living snake of southern Africa. around Bordeaux in SW France.
boon1 n something extremely useful, help- border n 1 the dividing line between politi-
ful, or beneficial. cal or geographic regions. 2 a band or mar-
boon2 adj close or intimate: boon companion. gin around or along the edge of something.
boor n an ill-mannered, clumsy, or insensi- 3 a design around the edge of something. 4 a
tive person, boorish adj narrow strip of ground planted with flow-
boost n 1 encouragement or help: a boost to ers or shrubs: a herbaceous border, —vb 5
morale. 2 an upward thrust or push. 3 an to provide with a border. 6 a to be adjacent
increase or rise, -vb 4 to encourage or im- to; lie along the boundary of. b to be nearly
prove: to boost morale. 5 to cause to rise; the same as; verge on: a story that borders
increase: we significantly boosted our on the unbelievable.
market share. 6 to advertise on a big scale. borderland n 1 land located on or near a
booster n 1 a supplementary injection of a boundary. 2 an indeterminate state or con-
vaccine given to ensure that the first injec- dition.
tion will remain effective. 2 a radio- borderline n 1 a dividing line. 2 an indeter-
frequency amplifier to strengthen signals. 3 minate position between two conditions: the
the first stage of a multistage rocket. borderline between love and friendship,
boot1 n 1 an outer covering for the foot that —adj 3 on the edge of one category and
extends above the ankle. 2 Brit, Austral, verging on another: a borderline failure.
NZ, & S African an enclosed compartment Borders pl n the Borders the area strad-
of a car for holding luggage. 3 Informal a dling the border between England and Scot-
kick: he gave the door a boot. 4 lick some- land.
one’s boots to behave flatteringly towards bore1 vb boring, bored 1 to produce (a hole)
someone. 5 put the boot in Slang a to kick a with a drill, etc. 2 to produce (a tunnel,
person when already down, b to finish mine shaft, etc.) by drilling. —n 3 a hole or
something off with unnecessary brutality. 6 tunnel in the ground drilled in search of
the boot Slang dismissal from employment. minerals, oil, etc. 4 a the hollow of a gun
-vb 7 to kick. 8 to start up (a computer). 9 barrel, b the diameter of this hollow; cali-
boot out Informal a to eject forcibly, b to bre.
dismiss from employment. bore2 vb boring, bored 1 to tire or make
boot2 n to boot as well; in addition. weary by being dull, repetitious, or unin-
bootee n a soft boot for a baby, esp. a knit- teresting. —n 2 a dull or repetitious person,
ted one. activity, or state, bored adj boring adj
booth n, pl booths 1 a small partially en- ► Bored is followed by with or by: ...bored
closed cubicle. 2 a stall, esp. a temporary by his conversation; ...bored with reading.
one at a fair or market. The usage bored of is not fully accepted.
bootleg vb -legging, -legged 1 to make, bore3 n a high wave moving up a narrow es-
carry, or sell (illicit goods, esp. alcohol). tuary, caused by the tide.
—adj 2 produced, distributed, or sold illicit- bore4 vb the past tense of bear1.
ly. bootlegger n boreal forest (bore-ec-al) n the forest of
bootless adj of little or no use; vain; fruit- northern latitudes, esp. in Scandinavia,
less. Canada, and Siberia, consisting mainly of
bootlicker n Informal one who seeks favour spruce and pine.
by grovelling to someone in authority. boredom n the state of being bored,
boot sale n a sale of goods from car boots in boric adj of or containing boron.
a car park hired for the occasion. boric acid n a white soluble crystalline solid
booty n, pl -ties any valuable article or arti- used as a mild antiseptic.
cles obtained as plunder. born vb 1 a past participle of bear1 (sense
booze Informal ~n 1 alcoholic drink, -vb 4). 2 not have been born yesterday not to
boozing, boozed 2 to drink alcohol, esp. in be gullible or foolish. -adj 3 possessing
excess, boozy adj certain qualities from birth: a born musi-
boozer n Informal 1 a person who is fond of cian. 4 being in a particular social status at
drinking. 2 Brit, Austral, & NZ a bar or pub. birth: ignobly born.
booze-up n Brit, Austral, & NZ slang a born-again adj 1 having experienced con-
drinking spree. version, esp. to evangelical Christianity. 2
borne 83 botulism
showing the enthusiasm of someone newly other of two (people or things): both Darren
converted to any cause: a born-again ro- and Keith enjoyed the match.
mantic. ► After both the use of of is optional: both of
borne vb a past participle of bear1. the boys or both (the) boys.
boron n Chem a hard almost colourless crys- bother vb 1 to take the time or trouble: don’t
talline metalloid element that is used in bother to come with me. 2 to give annoy-
hardening steel. Symbol: B ance, pain, or trouble to. 3 to trouble (a per-
borough n 1 a town, esp. (in Britain) one son) by repeatedly disturbing; pester, —n 4
that forms the constituency of an MP or a state of worry, trouble, or confusion. 5 a
that was originally incorporated by royal person or thing that causes fuss, trouble, or
charter. 2 any of the constituent divisions annoyance. 6 Informal a disturbance or
of Greater London or New York City. fight: a spot of bother, -interj 7 Chiefly
borrow vb 1 to obtain (something, such as Brit an exclamation of slight annoyance.
money) on the understanding that it will be bothersome adj causing bother.
returned to the lender. 2 to adopt (ideas, bothy n, pl bothies Chiefly Scot 1 a hut used
words, etc.) from another source, borrow- for temporary shelter. 2 (formerly) a farm
er n borrowing n worker’s quarters.
► Borrow is followed by from: borrow a bottle n 1 a container, often of glass and
pound from Frank. The use of borrow fol- usually cylindrical with a narrow neck, for
lowed by off of is nonstandard. Avoid con- holding liquids. 2 the amount such a con-
fusing the meanings of borrowand lend. tainer will hold. 3 Brit slang courage; nerve.
borscht or borsch n a Russian soup based 4 the bottle Informal drinking of alcohol,
on beetroot. esp. to excess, —vb -tling, -tied 5 to put or
borstal n (formerly in Britain) a prison for place in a bottle or bottles. —See also bot-
offenders aged 15 to 21. tle up.
borzoi n a tall dog with a narrow head and a bottle bank n a large container into which
long coat. members of the public can throw glass bot-
bosh n Informal meaningless talk or opin- tles and jars for recycling.
ions; nonsense. bottle-feed vb -feeding, -fed to feed (a
Bosnian adj 1 from Bosnia. ~n 2 a person baby) with milk from a bottle.
from Bosnia. bottle-green adj dark green.
bosom n 1 the chest or breast of a person, bottleneck n 1 a narrow stretch of road or a
esp. the female breasts. 2 a protective cen- junction at which traffic is or may be held
tre or part: the bosom of the family. 3 the up. 2 something that holds up progress.
breast considered as the seat of emotions. bottlenose dolphin n a grey or greenish
-adj4 very dear: a bosom friend. dolphin with a bottle-shaped snout.
boss1 Informal ~n 1 a person in charge of
bottle party n a party to which guests bring
or employing others. —vb 2 to employ, drink.
supervise, or be in charge of. 3 boss around
or about to be domineering or overbearing bottler n Austral & NZ informal an excep-
towards. tional person or thing.
boss2 n a raised knob or stud, esp. an orna- bottle store n S African & NZ an off-licence,
mental one on a vault, shield, etc. bottle up vb to restrain (powerful emotion),
bossa nova n 1 a dance similar to the bottom n 1 the lowest, deepest, or farthest
samba, originating in Brazil. 2 music for removed part of a thing: the bottom of a
this dance. hill. 2 the least important or successful po-
bossy adj bossier, bossiest Informal domi- sition: the bottom of a class. 3 the ground
neering, overbearing, or authoritarian, underneath a sea, lake, or river. 4 the
bossiness n underneath part of a thing. 5 the buttocks.
bosun or boatswain (boh-sn) n an officer 6 at bottom in reality; basically. 7 be at
who is responsible for the maintenance of a the bottom of to be the ultimate cause of. 8
ship and its equipment. get to the bottom of to discover the real
bot. 1 botanical. 2 botany. truth about, —adj 9 lowest or last.
botany n, pl -nies the study of plants, in- bottomless adj 1 unlimited; inexhaustible:
cluding their classification, structure, etc. bottomless resources. 2 very deep: bottom-
botanical or botanic adj botanist n less valleys.
botch vb 1 to spoil through clumsiness or bottom line n 1 the conclusion or main point
ineptitude. 2 to repair badly or clumsily. of a process, discussion, etc. 2 the last line
~n also botch-up 3 a badly done piece of of a financial statement that shows the net
work or repair. profit or loss of a company or organization.
both adj 1 two considered together: both bottom out vb to reach the lowest point and
parents were killed during the war. -pron level out: consumer spending has bottomed
2 two considered together: both are to out.
blame, —conj 3 not just one but also the botulism n severe food poisoning resulting
boucle 84 bow
from the toxin botulin, produced in imper- a boundary of. ~n 3 See bounds, bound-
fectly preserved food. less adj
boucle n a curled or looped yarn or fabric bound4 adj going or intending to go towards:
giving a thick knobbly effect. homeward bound.
boudoir (boo-dwahr) n a woman’s bedroom boundary n, pl -ries 1 something that indi-
or private sitting room. cates the farthest limit, such as of an area.
bouffant (boof-fong) adj (of a hairstyle) 2 Cricket a the marked limit of the playing
having extra height and width through area, b a stroke that hits the ball beyond
backcombing. this limit, scoring four or six runs.
bougainvillea n a tropical climbing plant bounden adj Old-fashioned morally obliga-
with flowers surrounded by showy red or tory: bounden duty.
purple bracts. bounder n Old-fashioned, Brit slang a moral-
bough n any of the main branches of a tree, ly reprehensible person; cad.
bounds pl n 1 a limit; boundary: their jeal-
bought vb the past of buy. ousy knows no bounds. 2 something that
► Be careful not to confuse the past forms restricts or controls, esp. the standards of a
bought (from buy) with brought (from society: within the bounds of good taste.
bring).
bountiful or bounteous adj Literary 1 plen-
bouillon (boo-yon) n a thin clear broth or tiful; ample: a bountiful harvest. 2 giving
stock. freely; generous.
boulder n a smooth rounded mass of rock bounty n, pl -ties 1 Literary generosity; lib-
shaped by erosion. erality. 2 something provided in generous
boulder clay n an unstratified glacial depos- amounts: nature’s bounty. 3 a reward or
it of fine clay, boulders, and pebbles. premium by a government.
boules (bool) n a game, popular in France, bouquet n 1 a bunch of flowers, esp. a large
in which metal bowls are thrown to land as carefully arranged one. 2 the aroma of
close as possible to a target ball. wine.
boulevard n a wide usually tree-lined road bouquet garni n, pl bouquets gamis a
in a city. bunch of herbs tied together and used for
boult vb same as bolt2. flavouring soups, stews, or stocks.
bounce vb bouncing, bounced 1 (of a ball, bourbon (bur-bn) n a whiskey distilled,
etc.) to rebound from an impact. 2 to cause chiefly in the US' from maize.
(a ball, etc.) to hit a solid surface and spring bourgeois (boor-zhwah) Often disparaging
back. 3 to move or cause to move suddenly; -adj 1 characteristic of or comprising the
spring: I bounced down the stairs. 4 Slang middle class. 2 conservative or materialistic
(of a bank) to send (a cheque) back or (of a in outlook. 3 (in Marxist thought) dominat-
cheque) to be sent back unredeemed be- ed by capitalism. ~n, pl -geois 4 a member
cause of lack of funds in the account. —n 5 of the middle class, esp. one regarded as
the action of rebounding from an impact. 6 being conservative and materialistic.
a leap or jump. 7 springiness. 8 Informal vi- bourgeoisie (boor-zhwah-zee) n the bour-
tality; vigour, bouncy adj geoisie 1 the middle classes. 2 (in Marxist
bounce back vb to recover one’s health, thought) the capitalist ruling class.
good spirits, confidence, etc., easily. bourn n Chiefly S Brit a stream.
bouncer n 1 Slang a person employed at a bourree (boor-ray) n 1 a traditional French
club, disco, etc. to prevent unwanted people dance in fast duple time. 2 music for this
from entering and to eject drunks or dance.
troublemakers. 2 Cricket a ball bowled so i Bourse (boorss) n a stock exchange, esp. of
that it bounces high on pitching. Paris.
bouncing adj vigorous and robust: a bounc- bout n 1 a a period of time spent doing
ing baby. something, such as drinking, b a period of
bound1 vb 1 the past of bind. -adj 2 tied as illness: a bad bout of flu. 2 a boxing, wres-
if with a rope. 3 restricted or confined: tling or fencing match.
housebound. 4 certain: it’s bound to hap- boutique n a small shop, esp. one that sells
pen. 5 compelled or obliged: they agreed to fashionable clothes.
be bound by the board’s recommendations. bouzouki n a Greek long-necked stringed
6 (of a book) secured within a cover or bind- musical instrument related to the mandolin.
ing. 7 bound up with closely or inextricably bovine adj 1 of or relating to cattle. 2 dull,
linked with. sluggish, or ugly.
bound2 vb 1 to move forwards by leaps or bow1 vb 1 to lower (one’s head) or bend
jumps. 2 to bounce; spring away from an (one’s knee or body) as a sign of respect,
impact. ~n 3 a jump upwards or forwards. greeting, agreement, or shame. 2 to comply
4 a bounce, as of a ball. or accept: bow to the inevitable. 3 bow and
bound3 vb 1 to place restrictions on; limit: scrape to behave in a slavish manner. ~n 4
ancient art is bound by tradition. 2 to form a lowering or bending of the head or body
bow 85 boxwood
as a mark of respect, etc. 5 take a bow to bow out vbto retire or withdraw gracefully,
acknowledge applause. —See also bow out. bowsprit n Naut a spar projecting from the
bow2 n 1 a decorative knot usually having bow of a sailing ship.
two loops and two loose ends. 2 a long stick bowstring n the string of an archer’s bow.
across which are stretched strands of bow tie n a man’s tie in the form of a bow.
horsehair, used for playing a violin, viola,
cello, etc. 3 a weapon for shooting arrows, bow window n a curved bay window,
consisting of an arch of flexible wood, plas- bow-wow n 1 a child’s word for dog. 2 an
tic, etc. bent by a string fastened at each imitation of the bark of a dog.
end. 4 something that is curved, bent, or box1 n 1 a container with a firm base and
arched. — vb 5 to form or cause to form a sides and sometimes a removable or hinged
curve or curves. lid. 2 the contents of such a container. 3 a
bow3 n 1 Chiefly naut the front end or part separate compartment for a small group of
of a vessel. 2 Rowing the oarsman at the people, as in a theatre. 4 a compartment for
bow. a horse in a stable or a vehicle. 5 a section
bowdlerize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, of printed matter on a page, enclosed by
-ised to remove passages or words regarded lines or a border. 6 a central agency to
as indecent from (a play, novel, etc.), which mail is addressed and from which it
bowdlerization or -isation n is collected or redistributed: a post-office
box. 7 same as penalty box. 8 the box Brit
bowel n 1 an intestine, esp. the large intes- informal television, -vb 9 to put into a
tine in man. 2 bowels entrails. 3 (pf) the box. -See also box in. boxlike adj
innermost part: the bowels of the earth.
box2 vb 1 to fight (an opponent) in a boxing
bower n a shady leafy shelter in a wood or match. 2 to engage in boxing. 3 to hit (esp. a
garden. person’s ears) with the fist. —n 4 a punch
bowerbird n a brightly coloured songbird of with the fist, esp. on the ear.
Australia and New Guinea. box3 n a slow-growing evergreen tree or
bowie knife n a stout hunting knife. shrub with small shiny leaves.
bowl1 n 1 a round container open at the top, boxer n 1 a man who boxes. 2 a medium-
used for holding liquid or serving food. 2 sized dog with smooth hair and a short
the amount a bowl will hold. 3 the hollow nose.
part of an object, esp. of a spoon or tobacco boxer shorts or boxers pl n men’s under-
pipe. pants shaped like shorts but with a front
bowl2 n 1 a a wooden ball used in the game opening.
of bowls, b a large heavy ball with holes for box girder n a girder that is hollow and
gripping used in the game of bowling. -vb square or rectangular in shape.
2 to roll smoothly or cause to roll smoothly
box in vb to prevent from moving freely;
along the ground. 3 Cricket a to send (a confine.
ball) from one’s hand towards the batsman,
b Also: bowl out to dismiss (a batsman) by boxing n the act, art, or profession of fight-
delivering a ball that breaks his wicket. 4 to ing with the fists.
play bowls. 5 bowl along to move easily Boxing Day n Brit the first weekday after
and rapidly, as in a car. -See also bowl Christmas, observed as a holiday.
over, bowls. box junction n (in Britain) a road junction
bow-legged adj having legs that curve out- marked with yellow crisscross lines which
wards at the knees. vehicles may only enter when their exit is
bowler1 n 1 a person who bowls in cricket. 2 clear.
a player at the game of bowls. box lacrosse n Canad lacrosse played in-
bowler2 n a stiff felt hat with a rounded doors.
crown and narrow curved brim. box number n a number used as an address
bowline n Naut 1 a line used to keep the sail for mail, esp. one used by a newspaper for
taut against the wind. 2 a knot used for se- replies to an advertisement.
curing a loop that will not slip at the end of box office n 1 an office at a theatre, cinema,
a piece of rope. etc. where tickets are sold. 2 the public ap-
bowling n 1 a game in which a heavy ball is peal of an actor or production, —adj box-
rolled down a long narrow alley at a group office 3 relating to the sales at the box of-
of wooden pins. 2 Cricket the act of deliver- fice: a box-office success.
ing the ball to the batsman. box pleat n a flat double pleat made by fold-
bowl over vb 1 Informal to surprise (a per- ing under the fabric on either side of it.
son) greatly, in a pleasant way. 2 to knock boxroom n a small room in which boxes,
down. cases, etc. may be stored.
bowls n a game played on a very smooth box spring n a coiled spring contained in a
area of grass in which opponents roll biased boxlike frame, used for mattresses, chairs,
wooden bowls as near a small bowl (the etc.
jack) as possible. boxwood n the hard yellow wood of the box
boy 86 brainy
tree, used to make tool handles, etc. See brackish adj (of water) slightly salty.
box3. bract n a leaf, usually small and scaly, grow-
boy n 1 a male child. 2 a man regarded as ing at the base of a flower.
immature or inexperienced. 3 S African of- brad n a small tapered nail with a small
fensive a Black male servant, boyhood n head.
boyish adj brae n Scot a hill or slope.
boycott vb 1 to refuse to deal with (an or- brag vb bragging, bragged 1 to speak arro-
ganization or country) as a protest against gantly and boastfully. ~n 2 boastful talk
its actions or policy. ~n 2 an instance or or behaviour. 3 a card game similar to
the use of boycotting. poker.
boyfriend n a male friend with whom a per- braggart n a person who boasts loudly or
son is romantically or sexually involved. exaggeratedly.
Boyle’s law n the principle that the pres- Brahma n 1 a Hindu god, the Creator. 2 same
sure of a gas varies inversely with its vol- as Brahman (sense 2).
ume at constant temperature. Brahman n, pl -mans 1 Also: Brahmin a
boy scout n See Scout. member of the highest or priestly caste in
BP 1 blood pressure. 2 British Pharmaco- the Hindu caste system. 2 Hinduism the ul-
poeia. timate and impersonal divine reality of the
bpi bits per inch (used of a computer tape). universe. Brahmanic adj
Bq Physics becquerel. braid vb 1 to interweave (hair, thread, etc.).
Br Chem bromine. 2 to decorate with an ornamental trim or
Br. 1 Breton. 2 Britain. 3 British. border. ~n 3 a length of hair that has been
braided. 4 narrow ornamental tape of
bra n a woman’s undergarment for covering woven silk, wool, etc. braiding n
and supporting the breasts.
Braille n a system of writing for the blind
braaivleis (brye-flayss) n S African a bar- consisting of raised dots interpreted by
becue. Also: braai touch.
brace n 1 something that steadies, binds, or brain n 1 the soft mass of nervous tissue
holds up another thing. 2 a beam or prop, within the skull of vertebrates that controls
used to stiffen a framework. 3 an appliance and coordinates the nervous system. 2
of metal bands and wires for correcting un- (often pl) Informal intellectual ability: he’s
evenness of teeth. 4 a hand tool for drilling got brains. 3 Informal an intelligent person.
holes. 5 a pair, esp. of game birds. 6 either 4 on the brain Informal constantly in mind:
of a pair of characters, ( ), used for connect- I had that song on the brain. 5 the brains
ing lines of printing or writing. 7 See Informal a person who plans and organizes
braces. ~vb bracing, braced 8 to steady something: the brains behind the bid. ~vb
or prepare (oneself) before an impact. 9 to 6 Slang to hit (someone) hard on the head.
provide, strengthen, or fit with a brace.
brainchild n Informal an idea or plan pro-
brace and bit n a hand tool for boring holes, duced by creative thought.
consisting of a cranked handle into which a
drilling bit is inserted. brain death n complete stoppage of breath-
ing due to irreparable brain damage.
bracelet n an ornamental chain or band
worn around the arm or wrist. brain drain n Informal the emigration of
scientists, technologists, academics, etc.
bracelets pl n Slang handcuffs,
brainless adj stupid or foolish.
braces pl n Brit a pair of straps worn over
the shoulders for holding up the trousers. brainstorm n 1 Brit informal a sudden men-
tal aberration. 2 a sudden and violent at-
brachiopod (brake-ee-oh-pod) n an inver- tack of insanity. 3 US & Canad informal
tebrate sea animal with a shell consisting of same as brainwave.
two valves.
brainstorming n a thorough discussion to
brachium (brake-ee-um) n, pl brachia solve problems or create ideas.
(brake-ee-a) Anat the arm, esp. the upper
part. brains trust n a group of knowledgeable
people who discuss topics in public or on
bracing adj refreshing: the bracing climate. radio or television.
bracken n 1 a fem with large fronds. 2 a brain-teaser n Informal a difficult problem,
clump of these ferns.
brainwash vb to cause (a person) to alter his
bracket n 1 a pair of characters, [],(), or | |, or her beliefs, by methods based on isola-
used to enclose a section of writing or print- tion, sleeplessness, etc. brainwashing n
ing. 2 a group or category falling within
certain defined limits: the lower income brainwave n Informal a sudden idea or in-
bracket. 3 an L-shaped or other support spiration.
fixed to a wall to hold a shelf, etc. ~vb brain wave n a fluctuation of electrical po-
-eting, -eted 4 to put (written or printed tential in the brain.
matter) in brackets. 5 to group or class to- brainy adj brainier, brainiest Informal
gether. clever; intelligent.
 braise 87 brazen
braise vb braising, braised to cook (food) or bold: I thought it was very brash of her
slowly in a closed pan with a small amount to ask me. brashness n
of liquid. brass n 1 an alloy of copper and zinc. 2 an
brak1 (bruck) n S African a crossbred dog; object, ornament, or utensil made of brass.
mongrel. 3 a the large family of wind instruments in-
brak2 (bruck) adj S African (of water) cluding the trumpet, trombone, etc. made of
slightly salty; brackish. brass, b instruments of this family forming
brake1 n 1 a device for slowing or stopping a a section in an orchestra. 4 same as top
vehicle. 2 something that slows down or brass. 5 N English dialect money. 6 Brit an
stops progress: he put a brake on my enthu- engraved brass memorial tablet in a church.
siasm. ~vb braking, braked 3 to slow 7 Informal bold self-confidence; nerve.
down or cause to slow down, by or as if by brass band n a group of musicians playing
using a brake. brass and percussion instruments.
brake2 n an area of dense undergrowth; brasserie n a bar or restaurant serving
thicket. drinks and cheap meals.
brake horsepower n the rate at which an brass hat n Brit informal a top-ranking offi-
engine does work, measured by the resis- cial, esp. a military officer.
tance of an applied brake. brassica n any plant of the cabbage and
brake light n a red light at the rear of a turnip family.
motor vehicle that lights up when the brassiere n same as bra.
brakes are applied. brass rubbing n an impression of an en-
brake lining n a renewable strip of asbestos graved brass tablet made by rubbing a
riveted to a brake shoe to increase friction. paper placed over it with heelball or chalk.
brake shoe n a curved metal casting that brass tacks pl n get down to brass tacks
acts as a brake on a wheel. Informal to discuss the realities of a situa-
bramble n 1 a prickly plant or shrub such as tion.
the blackberry. 2 Scot & N English a black- brassy adj brassier, brassiest 1 brazen or
berry. brambly adj flashy. 2 like brass, esp. in colour. 3 (of
bran n husks of cereal grain separated from sound) harsh and strident.
the flour. brat n a child, esp. one who is unruly,
branch n 1 a secondary woody stem extend- bravado n an outward display of self-
ing from the trunk or main branch of a tree. confidence.
2 one of a number of shops, offices, or brave adj 1 having or displaying courage,
groups that belongs to a central organisa- resolution, or daring. 2 fine; splendid: a
tion: he was transferred to their Japanese brave sight. ~n 3 a warrior of a North
branch. 3 a subdivision or subsidiary sec- American Indian tribe. ~vb braving,
tion of something larger or more complex: braved 4 to confront with resolution or
branches of learning. ~vb 4 to divide, then courage: she braved the 21 miles of Lake
develop in different directions, branchlike Tahoe, bravery n
adj bravo interj 1 well done! ~n 2 (pl -vos) a
branch off vb to diverge from the main way, cry of “bravo”. 3 (pl -voes or -vos) a hired
road, topic, etc. killer or assassin.
branch out vb to expand or extend one’s in- bravura n 1 a display of boldness or daring.
terests. 2 Music brilliance of execution.
brand n 1 a particular product or a charac- brawl n 1 a loud disagreement or fight. ~vb
teristic that identifies a particular produc- 2 to quarrel or fight noisily.
er. 2 a particular kind or variety. 3 an iden- brawn n 1 strong well-developed muscles. 2
tifying mark made, usually by burning, on physical strength. 3 Brit a seasoned jellied
the skin of animals as a proof of ownership. loaf made from the head of a pig. brawny
4 an iron used for branding animals. 5 a adj
mark of disgrace. 6 Archaic or poetic a
flaming torch. ~vb 7 to label, burn, or bray vb 1 (of a donkey) to utter its charac-
mark with or as if with a brand. 8 to label teristic loud harsh sound. 2 to utter some-
(someone): he was branded a war criminal. thing with a loud harsh sound. ~n 3 the
loud harsh sound uttered by a donkey. 4 a
brandish vb to wave (a weapon, etc.) in a similar loud sound.
triumphant or threatening way.
braze vb brazing, brazed to join (two metal
brand-new adj absolutely new. surfaces) by fusing brass between them.
brandy n, pl -dies an alcoholic spirit dis- -brazen adj 1 shameless and bold. 2 made of
tilled from wine. or resembling brass. 3 having a ringing me-
brandy snap n a crisp sweet biscuit, rolled tallic sound. ~vb 4 brazen it out to face
into a cylinder. and overcome a difficult or embarrassing
- brash adj 1 tastelessly or offensively loud, situation boldly or shamelessly, brazenly
or showy: brash modernization. 2 impudent adv
brazier 88 break in
brazier1 (bray-zee-er) n a portable metal the order of: to break ranks. 18 to reduce to
container for burning charcoal or coal. poverty or the state of bankruptcy. 19 to
brazier2 n a worker in brass. come into being: light broke over the moun-
brazil n 1 the red wood of various tropical tains. 20 (foil, by into a to burst into (song,
trees of America. 2 same as brazil nut. laughter, etc.), b to change to (a faster
pace). 21 to open with explosives: to break
Brazilian adj 1 of Brazil. ~n 2 a person from a safe. 22 (of waves) a to strike violently
Brazil. against, b to collapse into foam or surf. 23
brazil nut n a large three-sided nut of a Snooker to scatter the balls at the start of a
tropical American tree. game. 24 Boxing, wrestling (of two fighters)
breach n 1 a breaking of a promise, obliga- to separate from a clinch. 25 (of the male
tion, etc. 2 any serious disagreement or voice) to undergo a change in register, qual-
separation. 3 a crack, break, or gap. -vb 4 ity, and range at puberty. 26 to interrupt
to break (a promise, law, etc.). 5 to break the flow of current in (an electrical circuit).
through or make an opening or hole in. 27 break camp to pack up and leave a
breach of promise n Law (formerly) failure camp. 28 break even to make neither a
to carry out one’s promise to marry. profit nor a loss. 29 break the mould to
breach of the peace n Law an offence make a change that breaks an established
against public order causing an unneces- habit or pattern. ~n 30 the act or result of
sary disturbance of the peace. breaking; fracture. 31 a brief rest. 32 a sud-
bread n 1 a food made from a dough of flour den rush, esp. to escape: they made a sud-
or meal mixed with water or milk, usually den break for freedom. 33 any sudden in-
raised with yeast and then baked. 2 neces- terruption in a continuous action. 34 Brit a
sary food. 3 Slang money. —vb 4 to cover short period between classes at school. 35
(food) with breadcrumbs before cooking. Informal a fortunate opportunity, esp. to
prove oneself. 36 Informal a piece of good
bread and butter n Informal a means of or bad luck. 37 Billiards, snookera series of
support; livelihood. successful shots during one turn. 38 Snook-
breadboard n 1 a wooden board on which er the opening shot that scatters the placed
bread is sliced. 2 an experimental arrange- balls. 39 a discontinuity in an electrical cir-
ment of electronic circuits. cuit. 40 break of day the dawn. ~See also
breadfruit n, pl -fruits or -fruit a tree of the breakaway, break down, etc. breakable
Pacific Islands, whose edible round fruit adj
has a texture like bread when baked. breakage n 1 the act or result of breaking. 2
breadline n on the breadline impoverished; compensation or allowance for goods dam-
living at subsistence level. aged while in use, transit, etc.
breadth n 1 the extent or measurement of breakaway n 1 loss or withdrawal of a
something from side to side. 2 openness and group of members from an association,
lack of restriction, esp. of viewpoint or in- club, etc. 2 Austral a stampede of cattle,
terest; liberality. esp. at the smell of water, -adj 3 dissent-
breadwinner n a person supporting a family ing: a breakaway faction, -vb break away
with his or her earnings. 4 to leave hastily or escape. 5 to withdraw
break vb breaking, broke, broken 1 to or quit.
separate or become separated into two or break dance n 1 an acrobatic dance style of
more pieces. 2 to damage or become dam- the 1980s. —vb break-dance, -dancing,
aged so as not to work. 3 to burst or cut the -danced 2 to perform a break dance, break
surface of (skin). 4 to fracture (a bone) in (a dancing n
limb, etc.). 5 to fail to observe (an agree- break down vb 1 to cease to function; be-
ment, promise, or law): they broke their come ineffective. 2 to give way to strong
promise. 6 to reveal or be revealed: she emotion or tears. 3 to crush or destroy. 4 to
broke the news gently. 7 (foil, by with) to have a nervous breakdown. 5 to separate
separate oneself from. 8 to stop for a rest: into component parts: with exercise the
to break a journey. 9 to bring or come to an body breaks down fat to use as fuel. 6 to
end: the winter weather broke at last. 10 to separate or cause to separate into simpler
weaken or overwhelm or be weakened or chemical elements; decompose. 7 to analyse
overwhelmed, as in spirit: he felt his life or be subjected to analysis. ~n breakdown
was broken by his illness. 11 to cut through 8 an act or instance of breaking down; col-
or penetrate: silence broken by shouts. 12 lapse. 9 same as nervous breakdown. 10 an
to improve on or surpass: she broke three analysis of something into its parts.
world records. 13 (often foil, by in) to ac- breaker n 1 a large sea wave with a white
custom (a horse) to the bridle and saddle, to crest or one that breaks into foam on the
being ridden, etc. 14 (foil, by of) to cause (a shore. 2 a citizens’ band radio operator.
person) to give up (a habit): this cure will
break you of smoking. 15 to weaken the im- breakfast n 1 the first meal of the day. -vb
pact or force of: this net will break his fall. 2 to eat breakfast.
16 to decipher: to break a code. 17 to lose break in vb 1 to enter a building, illegally,
breaking point 89 breed
esp. by force. 2 to interrupt. 3 to accustom breath of scandal. 8 a whisper or soft
(a person or animal) to normal duties or sound. 9 catch one’s breath a to rest until
practice. 4 to use or wear (new shoes or breathing is normal, b to stop breathing
new equipment) until comfortable or run- momentarily from excitement, fear, etc. 10
ning smoothly. ~n break-in 5 the act of il- out of breath gasping for air after exer-
legally entering a building, esp. by thieves. tion. 11 save one’s breath to avoid useless
breaking point n the point at which some- talk. 12 take someone’s breath away to
thing or someone gives way under strain. overwhelm someone with surprise, etc. 13
breakneck adj (of speed or pace) excessive- under one’s breath in a quiet voice or
ly fast and dangerous. whisper.
break off vb 1 to sever or detach. 2 to end (a Breathalyser or -lyzer n Brit trademark a
relationship or association). 3 to stop ab- device for estimating the amount of alcohol
ruptly. in the breath, breathalyse or -lyze vb
break out vb 1 to begin or arise suddenly: breathe vb breathing, breathed 1 to take in
fighting broke out between the two fac- oxygen and give out carbon dioxide; re-
tions. 2 to make an escape, esp. from prison. spire. 2 to exist; be alive. 3 to rest to regain
3 break out in to erupt in (a rash or spots). breath or composure. 4 (esp. of air) to blow
~n break-out 4 an escape, esp. from pris- lightly. 5 to exhale or emit: the dragon
on. breathed fire. 6 to impart; instil: a change
break through vb 1 to penetrate. 2 to
that breathed new life into Polish industry.
7 to speak softly; whisper. 8 breathe again,
achieve success after lengthy efforts. ~n freely or easily to feel relief. 9 breathe
breakthrough 3 a significant development
or discovery. one’s last to die.
breather n Informal a short pause for rest,
break up vb 1 to separate or cause to sepa-
rate. 2 to put an end to (a relationship) or breathing n 1 the passage of air into and out
(of a relationship) to come to an end. 3 to of the lungs to supply the body with oxy-
dissolve or cause to dissolve: the meeting gen. 2 the sound this makes.
broke up at noon. 4 Brit (of a school) to breathing space n a short period during
close for the holidays. ~n break-up 5 a which a difficult situation temporarily be-
separation or disintegration. comes less severe: the cut in interest rates
breakwater n a massive wall built out into creates a breathing space for struggling
the sea to protect a shore or harbour from businesses.
the force of waves. breathless adj 1 out of breath; gasping, etc.
bream n, pl bream 1 a freshwater fish cov- 2 holding one’s breath or having it taken
ered with silvery scales. 2 a food fish of away by excitement, etc. 3 (esp. of the at-
European seas. mosphere) motionless and stifling, breath-
lessness n
breast n 1 either of the two soft fleshy milk-
secreting glands on a woman’s chest. 2 the breathtaking adj causing awe or excitement,
front part of the body from the neck to the breath test n Brit a chemical test of a driv-
abdomen; chest. 3 the corresponding part in er’s breath to determine the amount of al-
certain other mammals. 4 the source of cohol consumed.
human emotions. 5 the part of a garment bred vb the past of breed.
that covers the breast. 6 make a clean bredie (breed-ee) n S African a meat and
breast of something to divulge truths vegetable stew.
about oneself. ~vb Literary 7 to reach the breech n 1 the buttocks. 2 the part of a fire-
summit of: breasting the mountain top. 8 to arm behind the barrel.
confront boldly; face: breast the storm.
breech delivery n birth of a baby with the
breastbone n same as sternum, feet or buttocks appearing first.
breast-feed vb -feeding, -fed to feed (a breeches pl n trousers extending to the
baby) with milk from the breast; suckle. knee or just below, worn for riding, etc.
breastplate n a piece of armour covering the breeches buoy n a pulley device with a life
chest. buoy and pair of breeches attached, which
breaststroke n a swimming stroke in which is used as a means of transference between
the arms are extended in front of the head ships or rescue from the sea.
and swept back on either side. breed vb breeding, bred 1 to produce new
breastwork n Fortifications a temporary or improved strains of (domestic animals
defensive work, usually breast-high. and plants). 2 to produce or cause to pro-
breath n 1 the taking in and letting out of air duce by mating. 3 to bear (offspring). 4 to
during breathing. 2 a single instance of this. -bring up; raise: she was city bred. 5 to pro-
3 the air taken in or let out during breath- duce or be produced: the agreement bred
ing. 4 the vapour, heat, or odour of air confidence between the two. ~n 6 a group
breathed out. 5 a slight gust of air. 6 a short of animals, esp. domestic animals, within a
pause or rest. 7 a suggestion or slight evi- species, that have certain clearly defined
dence; suspicion: trembling at the least characteristics. 7 a kind, sort, or group: he
breeder reactor 90 brief
was a gentleman, a breed not greatly ad- any rectangular block: a brick of ice cream.
mired. 8 a lineage or race, breeder n 4 bricks collectively. 5 Informal a reliable,
breeder reactor n a nuclear reactor that trustworthy, or helpful person. 6 drop a
produces more fissionable material than it brick Brit informal to make a tactless or in-
uses. discreet remark, -vb 7 (foil, by in, up or
breeding n 1 the process of producing over) to construct, line, pave, fill, or wall up
plants or animals by controlled methods of with bricks: they bricked up access to the
reproduction. 2 the process of bearing off- historic pillar.
spring. 3 the result of good upbringing or brickbat n 1 blunt criticism. 2 a piece of
training. brick used as a weapon.
breeze1 n 1 a gentle or light wind. 2 US & bricklayer n a person who builds with
Canad informal an easy task, —vb breez- bricks.
ing, breezed 3 to move quickly or casually: brick-red adj reddish-brown,
he breezed into the room. bridal adj of a bride or a wedding.
breeze2 n ashes of coal, coke, or charcoal, bride n a woman who has just been or is
breeze block n a light building brick made about to be married.
from the ashes of coal, coke, etc. bonded to- bridegroom n a man who has just been or is
gether by cement. about to be married.
breezy adj breezier, breeziest 1 fresh; bridesmaid n a girl or young woman who at-
windy. 2 casual or carefree. tends a bride at her wedding.
Bren gun n an air-cooled gas-operated light bridge1 n 1 a structure that provides a way
machine gun. over a railway, river, etc. 2 a platform from
brent or esp US brant n a small goose with a which a ship is piloted and navigated. 3 the
dark grey plumage. hard ridge at the upper part of the nose. 4 a
brethren pl n Archaic except when referring dental plate containing artificial teeth that
to fellow members of a religion or society a is secured to natural teeth. 5 a piece of
plural of brother. wood supporting the strings of a violin, gui-
Breton adj 1 of Brittany, —n 2 a person tar, etc. —vb bridging, bridged 6 to build
from Brittany. 3 the Celtic language of Brit- or provide a bridge over (something). 7 to
tany. connect or reduce the distance between:
breve n an accent ("), placed over a vowel talks aimed at bridging the gap between the
to indicate that it is short or is pronounced two sides.
in a specified way. bridge2 n a card game for four players,
breviary n, pl -ries RC Church a book of based on whist, in which the trump suit is
psalms, hymns, prayers, etc., to be recited decided by bidding between the players.
daily. bridgehead n Mil a fortified or defensive
brevity n 1 a short duration; brief time. 2 position at the end of a bridge nearest to the
lack of verbosity. enemy.
brew vb 1 to make (beer, ale, etc.) from malt bridgework n a partial denture attached to
and other ingredients by steeping, boiling, the surrounding teeth.
and fermentation. 2 to prepare (a drink, bridging loan n a loan made to cover the pe-
such as tea) by infusing. 3 to devise or plan: riod between two transactions, such as the
to brew a plot. 4 to be in the process of buying of another house before the sale of
being brewed. 5 to be about to happen or the first is completed.
forming: a rebellion was brewing, —n 6 a bridle n 1 headgear for controlling a horse,
beverage produced by brewing, esp. tea or consisting of straps and a bit and reins. 2
beer. 7 an instance of brewing: last year’s something that curbs or restrains, -vb
brew, brewer n -dling, -died 3 to show anger or indignation:
brewery n, pl -eries a place where beer, ale, he bridled at the shortness of her tone.
etc., is brewed. 4 to put a bridle on (a horse). 5 to restrain;
briar1 or brier n 1 a shrub of S Europe, with curb.
a hard woody root (briarroot). 2 a tobacco bridle path n a path suitable for riding or
pipe made from this root. leading horses.
briar2 n same as brier1. Brie (bree) n a soft creamy white cheese,
bribe vb bribing, bribed 1 to promise, offer, brief adj 1 short in duration. 2 short in
or give something, often illegally, to (a per- length or extent; scanty: a brief bikini. 3
son) to receive services or gain influence. terse or concise, —n 4 a condensed state-
~n 2 a reward, such as money or favour, ment or written synopsis. 5 Law a docu-
given or offered for this purpose, bribery n ment containing all the facts and points of
bric-a-brac n miscellaneous small ornamen- law of a case by which a solicitor instructs
tal objects. a barrister to represent a client. 6 RC
brick j i 1 a rectangular block of baked or Church a papal letter that is less formal
dried clay, used in building construction. 2 than a bull. 7 Also called: briefing instruc-
the material used to make such blocks. 3 tions. 8 hold a brief for to argue for;
briefcase 91 brisling
ehampion. 9 in brief in short; to sum up. happen: responsibility brings maturity. 3 to
~vb 10 to prepare or instruct (someone) by cause to come to mind: it brought back
giving a summary of relevant facts. 11 Eng- memories. 4 to cause to be in a eertain state,
lish law a to instruct (a barrister) by brief, position, etc.: the punch brought him to his
b to retain (a barrister) as counsel, briefly knees. 5 to make (oneself): she couldn’t
adv bring herself to do it. 6 to sell for: the paint-
briefcase n a flat portable ease for carrying ing brought £2000. 7 Law a to institute
papers, books, ete. (proceedings, charges, etc.), b to put (evi-
briefs pl n men’s or women’s underpants dence, ote.) before a tribunal. -See also
without legs. bring about, bring down, ete.
brier1 or briar n any of various thorny bring about vb to cause to happen: a late
shrubs or other plants, such as the sweet- harvest brought about by bad weather.
brier. bring-and-buy sale n Brit & NZ an informal
brier2 n same as briar1. sale, often for charity, to whieh people
bring items for sale and buy those that oth-
brig1 n Naut a two-masted square-rigged ers have brought.
ship.
bring down vb to cause to fall,
brig2 n Scot & N English a bridge.
bring forth vb to give birth to.
Brig. Brigadier,
bring forward vb 1 to move (a meeting or
brigade n 1 a military formation smaller event) to an earlier date or time. 2 to pres-
than a division and usually commanded by ent or introduce (a subject) for discussion. 3
a brigadier. 2 a group of people organized Book-keeping to transfer (a sum) to the top
for a certain task: a rescue brigade. of the next page or column.
brigadier n a senior officer in an army, usu- bring in vb 1 to yield (income, profit, or
ally commanding a brigade. cash). 2 to introduce (a legislative bill, etc.).
brigand n a bandit, esp. a member of a gang 3 to return (a verdict).
operating in mountainous areas. bring off vb to succeed in achieving (some-
brigantine n a two-masted sailing ship, thing difficult).
bright adj 1 emitting or reflecting much bring out vb 1 to produce, publish, or have
light; shining. 2 (of colours) intense or (a book) published. 2 to expose, reveal, or
vivid. 3 full of promise: a bright future. 4 cause to be seen: he brought out the best in
lively or cheerful. 5 quiek-witted or clever. me. 3 (foil, by in) to cause (a person) to be-
~adv 6 brightly: the light burned bright in come eovered with (a rash, spots, etc.).
his office, brightly adv brightness n bring over vb to cause (a person) to change
brighten vb 1 to make or become bright or allegiances.
brighter. 2 to make or become cheerful. bring round vb 1 to restore (a person) to
brill n, pl brill or brills a European flatfish consciousness after a faint. 2 to convince
similar to the turbot. (another person) of an opinion or point of
brilliance or brilliancy n 1 great brightness. view.
2 excellence in physical or mental ability. 3 bring to vb to restore (a person) to con-
splendour. sciousness: the smelling salts brought her
brilliant adj 1 shining with light; sparkling. 2 to.
(of a colour) vivid. 3 splendid; magnificent: bring up vb 1 to care for and train (a child);
a brilliant show. 4 of outstanding intelli- rear. 2 to raise (a subject) for discussion;
gence or intellect. ~n 5 a diamond eut with mention. 3 to vomit (food).
many facets to increase its sparkle. brinjal n (in India and Africa) same as
brilliantine n a perfumed oil used to make aubergine.
the hair smooth and shiny. brink n 1 the edge or border of a steep place.
brim n 1 the upper rim of a eup, bowl, etc. 2 2 the land at the edge of a body of water. 3
a projecting edge of a hat. ~vb brimming, on the brink of very near, on the point of:
brimmed 3 to be full to the brim: he saw the on the brink of disaster.
tears that brimmed in her eyes, brimless brinkmanship n the practice of pressing a
adj dangerous situation to the limit of safety in
brimful adj (foil, by of) completely filled order to win an advantage.
with. briny adj brinier, briniest 1 of or like brine;
brimstone n Obsolete sulphur. salty. ~n 2 the briny Informal the sea.
brindled adj brown or grey streaked with a briquette n a small brick made of com-
darker colour: a brindled dog. pressed coal dust, used for fuel.
brine n 1 a strong solution of salt and water, brisk adj 1 lively and quick; vigorous: brisk
used for pickling. 2 Literary the sea or its trade. 2 invigorating or sharp: brisk weath-
water. er. 3 practical and businesslike: his manner
bring vb bringing, brought 1 to carry, con- was brisk, briskly adv
vey, or take (something or someone) to a brisket n beef from the breast of a cow.
designated place or person. 2 to cause to brisling n same as sprat.
bristle brolly
bristle n 1 any short stiff hair, such as on a broadloom adj of or designating carpets
pig’s back. 2 something resembling these woven on a wide loom.
hairs: toothbrush bristle. ~vb -tling, -tied broad-minded adj 1 tolerant of opposing
3 to stand up or cause to stand up like bris- viewpoints; liberal. 2 not easily shocked.
tles. 4 to show anger or indignation: she broadsheet n a newspaper in a large for-
bristled at the suggestion. 5 to be thickly mat.
covered or set: the hedges bristled with broadside n 1 a strong or abusive verbal or
blossom, bristly adj written attack. 2 Naval the simultaneous
Brit n Informal a British person. firing of all the guns on one side of a ship. 3
► Brit used to be regarded as suggesting hos- Naut the entire side of a ship. ~adv 4 with
tility, but it is now often used neutrally. a broader side facing an object.
Brit. 1 Britain. 2 British. broadsword n a broad-bladed sword used
Britannia n a female warrior carrying a tri- for cutting rather than stabbing.
dent and wearing a helmet, personifying brocade n 1 a rich fabric woven with a
Great Britain. raised design. ~vb -cading, -caded 2 to
Britannia metal n an alloy of tin with anti- weave with such a design.
mony and copper. broccoli n a variety of cabbage with green-
Britannic adj of Britain; British: Her Britan- ish flower heads.
nic Majesty. brochette (brosh-ett) n a skewer used for
britches pl n same as breeches. holding pieces of meat or vegetables while
British adj 1 of Britain or the British grilling.
Commonwealth. 2 denoting the English lan- brochure n a pamphlet or booklet, esp. one
guage as spoken and written in Britain. containing introductory information or ad-
~pl n 3 the British the people of Britain. vertising.
Briton n 1 a person from Britain. 2 History broderie anglaise n open embroidery on
any of the early Celtic inhabitants of S white cotton, fine linen, etc.
Britain. broekies (brook-eez) pl n S African infor-
brittle adj 1 easily cracked or broken; frag- mal underpants.
ile. 2 curt or irritable: a brittle reply. 3 hard brogue1 n a sturdy walking shoe, often with
or sharp in quality: a brittle laugh, brittly ornamental perforations.
adv brogue2 n a broad gentle-sounding dialectal
broach vb 1 to initiate (a topic) for discus- accent, esp. that used by the Irish in speak-
sion. 2 to tap or pierce (a container) to draw ing English.
off (a liquid). 3 to open in order to begin to broil vb US & Canad same as grill (sense 1).
use. ~n 4 a spit for roasting meat.
broiler n a young tender chicken suitable for
broad adj 1 having great breadth or width. 2 roasting.
of vast extent: broad plains. 3 not detailed;
general. 4 clear and open: broad daylight. 5 broke vb 1 the past tense of break, -adj 2
obvious: broad hints. 6 tolerant: a broad Informal having no money.
view. 7 extensive: broad support. 8 vulgar broken vb 1 the past participle of break.
or coarse. 9 strongly marked: a broad York- ~adj 2 fractured, smashed, or splintered. 3
shire accent. ~n 10 Slang, chiefly US & interrupted; disturbed: broken sleep. 4 not
Canad a woman. 11 the Broads in East An- functioning. 5 (of a promise or contract)
glia, a group of shallow lakes connected by violated; infringed. 6 (of the speech of a
a network of rivers, broadly adv foreigner) imperfectly spoken: broken Eng-
B-road n a secondary road in Britain. lish. 7 Also: broken-in made tame by train-
ing. 8 exhausted or weakened, as through
broad bean n the large edible flattened seed ill-health or misfortune.
of a Eurasian bean plant.
broken chord n same as arpeggio.
broadcast n 1 a transmission or programme
on radio or television. ~vb -casting, -cast broken-down adj 1 worn out, as by age or
or-casted 2 to transmit (announcements or long use; dilapidated. 2 not in working
programmes) on radio or television. 3 to order.
take part in a radio or television pro- brokenhearted adj overwhelmed by grief or
gramme. 4 to make widely known through- disappointment.
out an area: to broadcast news. 5 to scatter broken home n a family which does not live
(seed, etc.), broadcaster n broadcasting n together because the parents are separated
broaden vb to make or become broad or or divorced.
broader; widen. broker n 1 an agent who buys or sells goods,
broad gauge n a railway track with a great- securities, etc.: insurance broker. 2 same as
er distance between the lines than the stockbroker. 3 a person who deals in
standard gauge of 561^ inches. second-hand goods.
broad-leaved adj denoting trees other than brokerage n commission charged by a bro-
conifers; having broad rather than needle- ker.
shaped leaves. brolly n, pl-lies Brit informal an umbrella.
bromide 93 brucellosis
bromide n 1 Chem any compound of bro- brother n 1 a man or boy with the same par-
mine with another element or radical. 2 a ents as another person. 2 a man belonging
dose of sodium or potassium bromide given to the same group, trade union, etc. as an-
as a sedative. 3 a boring, meaningless, or other or others; fellow member. 3 comrade;
obvious remark. friend. 4 Christianity a member of a male
bromide paper n a type of photographic religious order.
paper coated with an emulsion of silver brotherhood n 1 fellowship. 2 an associa-
bromide. tion, such as a trade union. 3 the state of
bromine n Chem a dark red liquid chemical being a brother.
element that gives off a pungent vapour. brother-in-law n, pl brothers-in-law 1 the
Symbol: Br brother of one’s wife or husband. 2 the hus-
bronchial adj of or relating to both of the band of one’s sister.
bronchi or the smaller tubes into which brotherly adj of or like a brother, esp. in
they divide. showing loyalty and affection.
bronchitis n inflammation of the bronchial brougham (brew-am) n a horse-drawn
tubes, causing coughing and difficulty in closed carriage with a raised open driver’s
breathing. seat in front.
bronchus (bronk-uss) n, pl bronchi brought vb the past of bring.
(bronk-eye) either of the two main brouhaha n loud confused noise.
branches of the windpipe. brow n 1 the part of the face from the eyes
bronco n, pl -cos (in the U.S. and Canada) a to the hairline; forehead. 2 same as eye-
wild or partially tamed pony. brow. 3 the jutting top of a hill.
brontosaurus n a very large plant-eating browbeat vb -beating, -beat, -beaten to
four-footed dinosaur that had a long neck frighten (someone) with threats.
and long tail. brown adj 1 of the colour of wood or the
bronze n 1 an alloy of copper and smaller earth. 2 (of bread) made from wheatmeal or
proportions of tin. 2 a statue, medal, or wholemeal flour. 3 deeply tanned. ~n 4 the
other object made of bronze. ~adj 3 made colour of wood or the earth. 5 anything
of or resembling bronze. 4 yellowish-brown. brown, such as brown paint or brown cloth-
~vb bronzing, bronzed 5 (esp. of the skin) ing: clad in brown. ~vb 6 to make or be-
to make or become brown; tan. come brown or browner, for example as a
Bronze Age n a phase of human culture, result of cooking, brownish adj
lasting in Britain from about 2000 to 500 bc brown bear n a large ferocious brownish
during which weapons and tools were made bear of N America, Europe and Asia.
of bronze. brown coal n same as lignite.
bronze medal n a medal awarded as third browned-off adj Informal, chiefly Brit thor-
prize. oughly bored and depressed.
brooch n an ornament with a hinged pin and brownie n 1 (in folklore) an elf said to do
catch, worn fastened to clothing. helpful work, esp. household chores, at
brood n 1 a number of young animals, esp. night. 2 a small square nutty chocolate
birds, produced at one hatching. 2 all the cake.
children in a family: often used jokingly. Brownie Guide or Brownie n a member of
~vb 3 (of a bird) to sit on or hatch eggs. 4 the junior branch of the Guides.
to think long and unhappily about some- Brownie point n a notional mark to one’s
thing: he brooded on his failure to avert the credit for being seen to do the right thing.
confrontation, brooding n, adj browning n Brit a substance used to darken
broody adj broodier, broodiest 1 moody; gravies.
introspective. 2 (of poultry) wishing to sit brown paper n a kind of coarse unbleached
on or hatch eggs. 3 Informal (of a woman) paper used for wrapping.
wishing to have a baby.
brown rice n unpolished rice, in which the
brook1 n a natural freshwater stream. grains retain the outer yellowish-brown
brook2 vb to bear; tolerate: she would brook layer (bran).
no opposition. Brown Shirt n 1 (in Nazi Germany) a storm
broom n 1 a type of long-handled sweeping trooper. 2 a member of any fascist party or
brush. 2 a yellow-flowered shrub. 3 a new group.
broom a newly appointed official, etc., brown trout n a common brownish trout
eager to make radical changes. that occurs in the rivers of N Europe.
broomstick n the long handle of a broom, browse vb browsing, browsed 1 to look
bros, or Bros, brothers. through (a book or articles for sale) in a
broth n a soup made by boiling meat, veg- casual leisurely manner. 2 (of deer, goats,
etables, etc. in water. etc.) to feed upon vegetation by continual
brothel n a house where men pay to have nibbling. ~n 3 an instance of browsing.
sexual intercourse with prostitutes. brucellosis n an infectious disease of cattle,
bruise 94 buck
goats, and pigs, caused by bacteria and -ised 1 to make or become brutal. 2 to treat
transmittable to humans. (someone) brutally. brutalization or
bruise vb bruising, bruised 1 to injure -isation n
(body tissue) without breaking the skin, brute n 1 a brutal person. 2 any animal ex-
usually with discoloration, or (of body tis- cept man; beast, —adj 3 wholly instinctive
sue) to be injured in this way. 2 to hurt or physical, like that of an animal: cricket is
(someone’s feelings). 3 to damage (fruit). not a game of brute force. 4 without reason
~n 4 a bodily injury without a break in the or intelligence. 5 coarse and grossly sen-
skin, usually with discoloration. sual.
bruiser n Informal a strong tough person, brutish adj 1 of or resembling a brute; ani-
esp. a boxer or a bully. mal. 2 coarse; cruel; stupid.
brunch n a meal eaten late in the morning, bryony n, pl -nies a climbing plant with
combining breakfast with lunch. greenish flowers and red or black berries.
brunette n a girl or woman with dark brown Brythonic (brith-on-ik) n 1 the S group of
hair. Celtic languages, consisting of Welsh, Cor-
brunt n the main force or shock of a blow, nish, and Breton, —adj 2 of this group of
attack, etc.: the town bore the brunt of the languages.
earthquake. BS 1 Bachelor of Surgery. 2 British Stand-
brush1 n 1 a device made of bristles, hairs, ard^).
wires, etc. set into a firm back or handle: BSc Bachelor of Science.
used to apply paint, groom the hair, etc. 2 BSE bovine spongiform encephalopathy: a
the act of brushing. 3 a brief encounter, esp. fatal virus disease of cattle.
an unfriendly one. 4 the bushy tail of a fox. BSI British Standards Institution.
5 an electric conductor, esp. one made of
carbon, that conveys current between sta- B-side n the less important side of a gramo-
tionary and rotating parts of a generator, phone record.
motor, etc. -vb 6 to clean, scrub, or paint BST British Summer Time.
with a brush. 7 to apply or remove with a Bt Baronet.
brush or brushing movement. 8 to touch BT British Telecom.
lightly and briefly. —See also brush aside, btu or BThU British thermal unit.
brush off, brush up. bubble n 1 a small globule of air or a gas in a
brush2 n a thick growth of shrubs and small liquid or a solid. 2 a thin film of liquid form-
trees; scrub. ing a ball around air or a gas: a soap bubble.
brush aside or away vb to dismiss (a sug- 3 a dome, esp. a transparent glass or plastic
gestion or an idea) without consideration; one. 4 an unreliable scheme or enterprise.
disregard. —vb -bling, -bled 5 to form bubbles. 6 to
brushed adj Textiles treated with a brush- move or flow with a gurgling sound. 7 bub-
ing process to raise the nap and give a soft- ble over to express an emotion freely: she
er and warmer finish: brushed nylon. was bubbling over with excitement.
brush off Slang -vb 1 to dismiss and ignore bubble and squeak n Brit a dish of boiled
(a person), esp. curtly. —n brushoff 2 give cabbage and potatoes fried together.
someone the brushoff to reject someone. bubble bath n 1 a substance used to scent,
brush up vb 1 (often foil, by on) to refresh soften, and foam in bath water. 2 a bath
one’s knowledge or memory of (a subject). with such a substance.
—n brush-up 2 Brit the act of tidying one’s bubble car n Brit a small car of the 1950s
appearance: have a wash and brush-up. with a transparent bubble-shaped top.
brushwood n 1 cut or broken-off tree bubble gum n a type of chewing gum that
branches, twigs, etc. 2 same as brush2. can be blown into large bubbles.
brushwork n a characteristic manner of ap- bubbly adj -blier, -bliest 1 lively; animated;
plying paint with a brush: Rembrandt’s excited. 2 full of or resembling bubbles, —n
brushwork. 3 Informal champagne.
brusque adj blunt or curt in manner or bubo (byew-boh) n, pl -boes Pathol inflam-
speech, brusquely adv brusqueness n mation and swelling of a lymph node, esp.
Brussels sprout n a vegetable like a tiny in the armpit or groin, bubonic (bew-
cabbage. bonn-ik) adj
brut (broot) adj (of champagne or sparkling bubonic plague n an acute infectious dis-
wine) very dry. ease characterized by the formation of
brutal adj 1 cruel; vicious; savage. 2 ex- buboes.
tremely honest or frank in speech or man- buccaneer n a pirate, esp. in the Caribbean
ner. brutality n brutally adv in the 17th and 18th centuries.
brutalism n an austere architectural style of buck1 n 1 the male of the goat, hare, kanga-
the 1950s on, characterized by the use of roo, rabbit, and reindeer. 2 Archaic a spirit-
exposed concrete and angular shapes. ed young man. 3 the act of bucking, -vb 4
brutalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, (of a horse or other animal) to jump verti-
buck 95 buffoon
cally, with legs stiff and back arched. 5 (of buddleia n an ornamental shrub which has
a horse, etc.) to throw (its rider) by buck- long spikes of purple flowers.
ing. 6 Informal to resist or oppose obsti- buddy n, pl -dies 1 Chiefly US & Canad in-
nately: bucking the system. -See also buck formal a friend. 2 a volunteer who helps
up. and supports a person suffering from AIDS.
buck2 n US, Canad, & Austral slang a dollar. -vb -dies, -dying, -died 3 to act as a buddy
buck3 n pass the buck Informal to shift to (a person suffering from AIDS).
blame or responsibility onto another. budge vb budging, budged 1 to move slight-
bucket n 1 an open-topped cylindrical con- ly: he refuses to budge off that chair. 2 to
tainer with a handle. 2 the amount a bucket change or cause to change opinions: nothing
will hold. 3 a bucket-like part of a machine, would budge him from this idea.
such as the scoop on a mechanical shovel. 4 budgerigar n a small cage bird bred in many
kick the bucket Slang to die. different-coloured varieties.
bucket down vb -eting, -eted (of rain) to budget n 1 a plan of expected income and
fall very heavily. expenditure over a specified period. 2 the
bucket shop n 1 Chiefly Brit a travel agen- total amount of money allocated for a spe-
cy specializing in cheap airline tickets. 2 an cific purpose during a specified period.
unregistered firm of stockbrokers that en- -adj 3 inexpensive: a budget hotel. -vb
gages in fraudulent speculation. -eting, -eted 4 to enter or provide for in a
buckle n 1 a clasp for fastening together two budget. 5 to plan the expenditure of (money
loose ends, esp. of a belt or strap. — vb or time), budgetary adj
-ling, -led 2 to fasten or be fastened with a Budget n the Budget an annual estimate of
buckle. 3 to bend or cause to bend out of British government expenditures and rev-
shape, esp. as a result of pressure or heat. enues and the financial plans for the follow-
buckle down vb Informal to apply oneself ing financial year.
with determination. budgie n Informal same as budgerigar.
buckler n a small round shield worn on the buff1 n 1 a soft thick flexible undyed leather.
forearm. 2 a cloth or pad of material used for polish-
Bucks Buckinghamshire. ing. 3 in the buff Informal completely
buckshee adj Brit slang without charge; naked, —adj 4 dull yellowish-brown, —vb
free. 5 to clean or polish (a metal, floor, shoes,
buckshot n large lead pellets used for hunt- etc.) with a buff.
ing game. buff2 n Informal an expert on or devotee of a
buckskin n 1 a strong greyish-yellow suede given subject: an opera buff.
leather, originally made from deerskin. 2 buffalo n, pl -loes or -lo 1 a type of cattle
buckskins trousers made of buckskin. with upward-curving horns. 2 same as
buckteeth pl n projecting upper front teeth, water buffalo. 3 US & Canad a bison.
buck-toothed adj buffer 1 n 1 one of a pair of spring-loaded
buckthorn n a thorny shrub whose berries steel pads at the ends of railway vehicles
were formerly used as a purgative. and railway tracks that reduces shock on
buck up vb Informal 1 to make or become impact. 2 a person or thing that lessens
more cheerful or confident. 2 to make haste, shock or protects from damaging impact,
buckwheat n 1 a type of small black seed circumstances, etc. 3 Chem a a substance
used as animal fodder and in making flour. added to a solution to resist changes in its
2 the flour obtained from such seeds. acidity or alkalinity, b Also called: buffer
solution a solution containing such a sub-
bucolic (byew-koll-ik) adj 1 of the country- stance. 4 Computers a device for temporari-
side or country life; rustic. 2 of or relating ly storing data.
to shepherds; pastoral. —n 3 a pastoral
poem. buffer 2 n Brit informal a stupid or bumbling
person, esp. a man: an old buffer.
bud n 1 a swelling on the stem of a plant
that develops into a flower or leaf. 2 a par- buffer state n a small and usually neutral
tially opened flower: rosebud. 3 any small state between two rival powers.
budlike outgrowth: taste buds. 4 nip some- buffet1 (boof-fay) n 1 a counter where light
thing in the bud to put an end to something refreshments are served. 2 a meal at which
in its initial stages. — vb budding, budded guests help themselves from a number of
5 (of plants and some animals) to produce dishes.
buds. 6 Horticulture to graft (a bud) from buffet 2 (buff-it) vb -feting, -feted 1 to
one plant onto another. knock against or about; batter: the ship was
Buddhism n a religion founded by the Bud- ~ buffeted by strong winds. 2 to hit, esp. with
dha that teaches that all suffering can be the fist, —n 3 a blow, esp. with a hand.
brought to an end by overcoming greed, ha- buffet car (boof-fay) n Brit a railway coach
tred, and delusion. Buddhist n, adj where light refreshments are served.
budding adj beginning to develop or grow: a buffoon n a person who amuses others by
budding actor. silly behaviour, buffoonery n
bug 96 bulletin
bug n 1 any of various insects having pierc- built-in adj 1 included as an essential part: a
ing and sucking mouthparts. 2 Chiefly US & built-in cupboard. 2 essential: a built-in in-
Canad any insect. 3 Informal a minor illness stinct.
caused by a germ or virus. 4 Informal an built-up adj 1 having many buildings: a
obsessive idea or hobby. 5 Informal a con- built-up area. 2 increased by the addition of
cealed microphone used for recording parts: built-up heels.
conversations in spying. -vb bugging, bulb n 1 same as light bulb. 2 the onion-
bugged Informal 6 to irritate or upset shaped base of the stem of some plants,
(someone). 7 to conceal a microphone in (a which sends down roots. 3 a plant, such as a
room or telephone). daffodil, which grows from a bulb. 4 any
bugbear n a thing that causes obsessive bulb-shaped thing, bulbous adj
anxiety. Bulgarian adj 1 of Bulgaria. ~n 2 a person
bugger n 1 Taboo slang a person or thing from Bulgaria. 3 the language of Bulgaria.
considered to be unpleasant or difficult. 2 bulge n 1 a swelling or an outward curve on
Slang a humorous or affectionate term for a normally flat surface. 2 a sudden increase
someone: a friendly little bugger. 3 a person in number, esp. of population, -vb bulg-
who practises buggery. —vb 4 Slang to tire; ing, bulged 3 to swell outwards, bulging
weary. 5 to practise buggery with, -interj adj
6 Taboo slang an exclamation of annoyance bulimia n a disorder characterized by com-
or disappointment. pulsive overeating followed by vomiting.
bugger about or around vb Slang 1 to fool bulk n 1 volume or size, esp. when great. 2
about and waste time. 2 to create difficul- the main part: he spends the bulk of his
ties for: they really buggered me about time abroad. 3 a large body, esp. of a per-
when I tried to get my money back. son. 4 the part of food which passes unab-
bugger off vb Taboo slang to go away; de- sorbed through the digestive system. 5 in
part. bulk in large quantities, —vb 6 bulk large
bugger up vb Slang to spoil or ruin (some- to be or seem important or prominent.
thing). bulk buying n the purchase of goods in large
buggery n anal intercourse. amounts, often at reduced prices.
buggy n, pl -gies 1 a light horse-drawn car- bulkhead n any upright partition in a ship
riage having two or four wheels. 2 a light- or aeroplane.
weight folding pram for babies or young bulky adj bulkier, bulkiest very large and
children. massive, esp. so as to be unwieldy, bulki-
bugle Music ~n 1 a brass instrument used ness n
chiefly for military calls, -vb -gling, -gled bull1 n 1 a male of domestic cattle, esp. one
2 to play or sound (on) a bugle, bugler n that is sexually mature. 2 the male of vari-
build vb building, built 1 to make or con- ous other animals including the elephant
struct by joining parts or materials: more and whale. 3 a very large, strong, or aggres-
than 100 bypasses have been built in the sive person. 4 Stock Exchange a speculator
past decade. 2 to establish and develop: it who buys in anticipation of rising prices in
took ten years to build the business. 3 to order to make a profit on resale. 5 Chiefly
make in a particular way or for a particular Brit same as bull’s-eye (senses 1, 2). 6 like
purpose: she’s built for speed, not stamina. a bull in a china shop clumsy. 7 take the
4 (often foil, by up) to increase in intensity. bull by the horns to face and tackle a diffi-
~n 5 physical form, figure, or proportions: culty without shirking.
he has an athletic build. bull2 n a ludicrously self-contradictory or
builder n a person who constructs houses nonsensical statement.
and other buildings. bull3 n a formal document issued by the
building n 1 a structure, such as a house, pope.
with a roof and walls. 2 the business of bulldog n a thickset dog with a broad head
building houses, etc. and a muscular body.
building society n a cooperative banking bulldog clip n a clip for holding papers to-
enterprise where money can be invested gether, consisting of two metal clamps and
and mortgage loans made available. a spring.
build up vb 1 to construct (something) bulldoze vb -dozing, -dozed 1 to move, de-
gradually, systematically, and in stages. 2 molish, or flatten with a bulldozer. 2 Infor-
to increase by degrees: he steadily built up mal to coerce (someone) into doing some-
a power base. 3 to prepare for or gradually thing by intimidation.
approach a climax. ~n build-up 4 a pro- bulldozer n a powerful tractor fitted with
gressive increase in number or size: the caterpillar tracks and a blade at the front,
build-up of industry. 5 a gradual approach used for moving earth.
to a climax. 6 extravagant publicity or bullet n a small metallic missile used as the
praise, esp. as a campaign. projectile of a gun or rifle.
built vb the past of build. bulletin n 1 a broadcast summary of the
bullfight 97 bung
news. 2 an official statement on a matter of move in a clumsy or unsteady way. bum-
public interest. 3 a periodical published by bling adj, n
an organization for its members. bumblebee n a large hairy bee.
bullfight n a public show, popular in Spain, bumf n same as bumph.
in which a matador baits and usually kills a bump vb 1 to knock or strike (someone or
bull in an arena, bullfighter n bull- something) with a jolt. 2 to travel or pro-
fighting n ceed in jerks and jolts. 3 to hurt by knock-
bullfinch n a common European songbird ing. ~n 4 an impact; knock; jolt; collision. 5
with a black head and, in the male, a pink- a dull thud from an impact or collision. 6 a
ish breast. lump on the body caused by a blow. 7 a
bullfrog n any of various large frogs having raised uneven part, such as on a road sur-
a loud deep croak. face. —See also bump into, bump off,
bullion n gold or silver in the form of bars bump up. bumpy adj
and ingots. bumper1 n a horizontal bar attached to the
bull-necked adj having a short thick neck, front and rear of a vehicle to protect
bullock n a gelded bull; steer. against damage from impact.
bullring n an arena for staging bullfights, bumper2 n 1 a glass or tankard, filled to the
bull’s-eye n 1 the small central disc of a tar- brim, esp. as a toast. 2 an unusually large or
get or a dartboard. 2 a shot hitting this. 3 fine example of something. — adj 3 unusual-
Informal something that exactly achieves ly large, fine, or abundant: a bumper crop.
its aim. 4 a peppermint-flavoured boiled bumph or bumf n Brit 1 Informal official
sweet. 5 a small circular window. 6 a thick documents or forms. 2 Slang toilet paper.
disc of glass set into a ship’s deck, etc. to bump into vb Informal to meet (someone) by
admit light. 7 the glass boss at the centre of chance.
a sheet of blown glass. 8 a a convex lens bumpkin n an awkward simple rustic per-
used as a condenser, b a lamp or lantern son: a country bumpkin.
containing such a lens. bump off vb Slang to murder (someone),
bullshit Taboo slang ~n 1 exaggerated or bumptious adj offensively self-assertive or
foolish talk; nonsense. ~vb -shitting, conceited.
-shitted 2 to talk bullshit to: don’t bullshit
bump up vb Informal to increase (prices) by
me. a large amount.
bull terrier n a terrier with a muscular body
bun n 1 a small sweetened bread roll, often
and a short smooth coat. containing currants or spices. 2 a small
bully n, pl -lies 1 a person who hurts, per- round cake. 3 a hairstyle in which long hair
secutes, or intimidates weaker people. ~vb is gathered into a bun shape at the back of
-lies, -lying, -lied 2 to hurt, intimidate, or the head.
persecute (a weaker or smaller person).
bunch n 1 a number of things growing, fas-
~interj 3 bully for you, him, etc. Informal tened, or grouped together: a bunch of
well done! bravo!: now usually used sarcas- grapes; a bunch of keys. 2 a collection;
tically. group: a bunch of queries. 3 a group or
bully beef n canned corned beef. company: a bunch of cowards. ~vb 4 to
bully-off Hockey ~n 1 the method of start- group or be grouped into a bunch.
ing play in which two opposing players bundle n 1 a number of things or a quantity
stand with the ball between them and strike of material gathered or loosely bound to-
their sticks together three times before try- gether: a bundle of sticks. 2 something
ing to hit the ball. ~vb bully off 2 to start wrapped or tied for carrying; package. 3
play with a bully-off. Biol a collection of strands of specialized
bulrush n 1 a tall reedlike marsh plant with tissue such as nerve fibres. 4 Bot a strand
brown spiky flowers. 2 Bible same as papy- of conducting tissue within plants. — vb
rus (sense 1). -dling, -died 5 (foil, by out, off, into, etc.) to
bulwark n 1 a wall or similar structure used cause (someone) to go, esp. roughly or un-
as a fortification; rampart. 2 a person or ceremoniously: she bundled them uncer-
thing acting as a defence. emoniously out into the garden. 6 to push or
bum1 n Brit slang the buttocks or anus. throw (something), esp. in a quick untidy
bum2 Informal ~n 1 a disreputable loafer or way: the soiled items were bundled into a
idler. 2 a tramp; hobo. ~vb bumming, black plastic bag.
bummed 3 to get by begging; cadge: to bum bundle up vb to make (something) into a
a lift. 4 bum around to spend time to no bundle or bundles.
good purpose; loaf. ~adj 5 of poor quality; bun fight n Brit slang a tea party.
useless: he hit a bum note. bung n 1 a stopper, esp. of cork or rubber,
bumbag n a small bag worn on a belt around used to close something such as a cask or
the waist. flask. 2 same as bunghole. ~vb 3 (foil, by
bumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to speak or do in a up) Informal to close or seal (something)
clumsy, muddled, or inefficient way. 2 to with or as if with a bung. 4 Brit slang to
bungalow 98 burlesque
throw (something) somewhere in a careless to put or impose a burden on; load. 4 to
manner; sling. weigh down; oppress, burdensome adj
bungalow n a one-storey house. burden2 n 1 a line of words recurring at the
bungee jumping or bungy jumping n a end of each verse of a song. 2 the theme of a
sport in which a person jumps from a high speech, book, etc.
bridge, tower, etc., to which he or she is burdock n a weed with large heart-shaped
connected by a rubber rope. leaves, and burlike fruits.
bunghole n a hole in a cask or barrel bureau (byew-roe) n, pl -reaus or -reaux
through which liquid can be drained. (-rose) 1 an office or agency, esp. one pro-
bungle vb -gling, -gled 1 to spoil (an opera- viding services for the public. 2 US a gov-
tion) through clumsiness or incompetence; ernment department. 3 Chiefly Brit a writ-
botch. ~n 2 a clumsy or unsuccessful per- ing desk with pigeonholes and drawers
formance; blunder, bungler n bungling against which the writing surface can be
adj, n closed when not in use. 4 US a chest of
drawers.
bunion n an inflamed swelling of the first
joint of the big toe. bureaucracy n, pl -cies 1 a rigid system of
administration based upon organization
bunk1 n 1 a narrow shelflike bed fixed along into bureaus, division of labour, a hierarchy
a wall, esp. in a caravan or ship. 2 same as of authority, etc. 2 government by such a
bunk bed. system. 3 government officials collectively.
bunk2 n Informal same as bunkum. 4 any administration in which action is
bunk3 n do a bunk Brit slang to make a hur- impeded by unnecessary official pro-
ried and secret departure. cedures.
bunk bed n one of a pair of beds constructed bureaucrat n 1 an official in a bureaucracy.
one above the other to save space. 2 an official who adheres rigidly to bureau-
bunker n 1 an obstacle on a golf course, usu- cracy. bureaucratic adj
ally a sand-filled hollow bordered by a burette or US buret n a graduated glass tube
ridge. 2 an underground shelter. 3 a large with a stopcock on one end for dispensing
storage container for coal etc. known volumes of fluids.
bunkum n empty talk; nonsense, burgeon vb to develop or grow rapidly;
bunny n, pl -nies a child’s word for rabbit, flourish.
bunny girl n a night-club hostess whose cos- burger n Informal same as hamburger,
tume includes a rabbit-like tail and ears. burgh n (in Scotland until 1975) a town with
Bunsen burner n a gas burner consisting of a degree of self-government.
a metal tube with an adjustable air valve at burgher n Archaic a citizen, esp. one from
the base. the Continent.
bunting1 n decorative flags, pennants, and burglar n a person who illegally enters a
streamers. property to commit a crime.
bunting2 n a songbird with a short stout bill, burglary n, pl -ries the crime of entering a
buoy n 1 a brightly coloured floating object building as a trespasser to commit theft or
anchored to the sea bed for marking moor- another offence.
ings, navigable channels, or obstructions in burgle vb -gling, -gled to break into (a
the water. -vb 2 (foil, by up) to prevent house, shop, etc.).
from sinking: the life belt buoyed him up. 3 burgomaster n the chief magistrate of a
to raise the spirits of; hearten: exports are town in Austria, Belgium, Germany, or the
on the increase, buoyed by a weak dollar. 4 Netherlands.
Naut to mark (a channel or obstruction) Burgundy n 1 a red or white wine produced
with a buoy or buoys. in the Burgundy region, around Dijon in
buoyant adj 1 able to float in or rise to the France. —adj 2 burgundy dark purplish-
surface of a liquid. 2 (of a liquid or gas) red.
able to keep a body afloat. 3 cheerful or re- burial n the burying of a dead body.
silient. buoyancy n burin (byoor-in) n a steel chisel used for en-
bur or burr n 1 a seed case or flower head graving metal, wood, or marble.
with hooks or prickles. 2 any plant that burk n Brit slang same as berk.
produces burs. burl or birl n Informal 1 Scot, Austral, & NZ
burble vb -bling, -bled 1 to make or utter an attempt; try: give it a burl. 2 Austral
with a bubbling sound; gurgle. 2 to talk & NZ a ride in a car.
quickly and excitedly. burlesque n 1 an artistic work, esp. literary
burbot n, pl -bots or -bot a freshwater fish or dramatic, satirizing a subject by carica-
of the cod family that has barbels around turing it. 2 US & Canad theatre a bawdy
its mouth. comedy show of the late 19th and early
burden1 n 1 something that is carried; load. 20th centuries, -adj 3 of or characteristic
2 something that is difficult to bear. -vb 3 of a burlesque.
burly 99 Bushman
burly adj-lier, -liest large and thick of build; ly; explode. 2 to come or go suddenly and
sturdy. forcibly: he burst into the room. 3 to be full
burn1 vb burning, burnt or burned 1 to be to the point of breaking open: bursting at
or set on fire. 2 to destroy or be destroyed the seams. 4 (foil, by into) to give vent to
by fire. 3 to damage, injure, or mark by (something) suddenly or loudly: she burst
heat: he burnt his hand. 4 to die or put to into song, —n 5 an instance of breaking
death by fire. 5 to be or feel hot: my fore- open suddenly; explosion. 6 a break;
head is burning. 6 to smart or cause to breach: there was a burst in the pipe. 7 a
smart: brandy burns your throat. 7 to feel sudden increase of effort; spurt: a burst of
strong emotion, esp. anger or passion. 8 to speed. 8 a sudden and violent occurrence or
use for the purposes of light, heat, or outbreak: a burst of applause.
power: to burn coal. 9 to form by or as if by burton n go for a burton Brit slang a to be
fire: to burn a hole. 10 to char or become broken, useless, or lost, b to die.
charred: the toast is burning. 11 burn one’s bury vb buries, burying, buried 1 to place
boats or bridges to commit oneself to a (a corpse) in a grave. 2 to place (something)
particular course of action with no possibil- in the earth and cover it with soil. 3 to
ity of turning back. 12 burn one’s fingers cover (something) from sight; hide. 4 to oc-
to suffer from having meddled or cupy (oneself) with deep concentration: he
interfered. ~n 13 an injury caused by ex- buried himself in his work. 5 to dismiss (a
posure to heat, electrical, chemical, or feeling) from the mind: they decided to
radioactive agents. 14 a mark caused by bury any hard feelings.
burning. -See also burn out.
► Either burnt or burned may be used as a bus n 1 a large motor vehicle designed to
past form. carry passengers between stopping places
along a regular route. 2 Informal a car or
burn2 n Scot a small stream. aircraft that is old and shaky. 3 Electronics,
burner n the part of a stove or lamp that computers an electrical conductor used to
produces flame or heat. make a common connection between several
burning adj 1 intense; passionate. 2 urgent; circuits, —vb busing, bused or bussing,
crucial: a burning problem. bussed 4 to travel or transport by bus. 5
burning glass n a convex lens for concen- Chiefly US & Canad to transport (children)
trating the sun’s rays to produce fire. by bus from one area to another in order to
burnish vb to make or become shiny or create racially integrated schools.
smooth by friction; polish. busby n, pl -bies a tall fur helmet worn by
burnous n a long circular cloak with a hood, certain British soldiers.
worn esp. by Arabs. bush1 n 1 a dense woody plant, smaller than
burn out vb 1 to become or cause to become a tree, with many branches; shrub. 2 a
inoperative as a result of heat or friction: dense cluster of such shrubs; thicket. 3
the clutch burnt out. ~n burnout 2 total something resembling a bush, esp. in den-
exhaustion and inability to work effective- sity: a bush of hair. 4 the bush an unculti-
ly as a result of excessive demands or vated area covered with trees or shrubs in
overwork. Australia, Africa, New Zealand, and Cana-
burnt vb 1 a past of burn1, —adj 2 affected da. 5 Canad an area on a farm on which
by or as if by burning; charred. timber is grown and cut. 6 beat about the
burp n 1 Informal a belch, —vb 2 Informal bush to avoid the point at issue.
to belch. 3 to cause (a baby) to belch. bush2 n 1 a thin metal sleeve or tubular lin-
burr n 1 the soft trilling sound given to the ing serving as a bearing, —vb 2 to fit a bush
letter (r) in some English dialects. 2 a whir- to (a casing or bearing).
ring or humming sound. 3 a rough edge left bushbaby n, pl -babies a small agile tree-
on metal or paper after cutting. 4 a small living mammal with large eyes and a long
hand-operated drill. tail.
burrow n 1 a hole dug in the ground by a bushed adj Informal extremely tired; ex-
rabbit or other small animal, -vb 2 to dig hausted.
(a tunnel or hole) in, through, or under bushel n Brit an obsolete unit of dry or liq-
ground. 3 to move through a place by or as uid measure equal to 8 gallons (36.4 litres).
if by digging. 4 to delve deeply: he bush jacket n a casual jacket with four
burrowed into his coat pocket. 5 to live in or patch pockets and a belt.
as if in a burrow.
bursar n a treasurer of a school, college, or bush line n an airline operating in the bush
university. country of Canada’s northern regions.
bursary n, pl -ries a scholarship awarded bush lot n Canad same as bush1 (sense 5).
esp. in Scottish and New Zealand schools bushman n, pl -men Austral & NZ a person
and universities. who lives or travels in the bush.
burst vb bursting, burst 1 to break or cause Bushman n, pl -men a member of a hunting
to break open or apart suddenly and noisi- and gathering people of southern Africa.
bush pilot 100 butterfly
bush pilot n Canad a pilot who operates in (someone, esp. oneself) busy; occupy, busi-
the bush country. ly adv
bush sickness n NZ a disease of animals busybody n, pl -bodies a meddlesome, pry-
caused by mineral deficiency in old bush ing, or officious person.
country, bush-sick adj but conj 1 contrary to expectation: he cut his
bush telegraph n a means of spreading ru- hand but didn’t cry. 2 in contrast; on the
mour or gossip. contrary: I like seafood but my husband
bushveld n S African bushy countryside, doesn’t. 3 other than: we can’t do anything
bushy adj bushier, bushiest 1 (of hair) but wait. 4 without it happening: we never
thick and shaggy. 2 covered or overgrown go out but it rains. —prep 5 except: they
with bushes. saved all but one. 6 but for were it not for:
but for you, we couldn’t have managed,
business n 1 the purchase and sale of goods -adv 7 only: I can but try; he was but a
and services. 2 a commercial or industrial child. ~n 8 an objection: ifs and buts.
establishment. 3 a trade or profession. 4 but and ben n Scot a two-roomed cottage
commercial activity; dealings: firms that do consisting of an outer room (but) and an
business with Britain. 5 proper or rightful inner room (ben).
concern or responsibility: mind your own
business. 6 an affair; matter: it’s a dreadful butane (byew-tane) n a colourless gas used
business. 7 serious work or activity: get in the manufacture of rubber and fuels.
down to business. 8 a difficult or complicat- butch adj Slang (of a woman or man) mark-
ed matter: it’s a business trying to see him. edly or aggressively masculine.
9 mean business to be in earnest. butcher n 1 a person who sells meat. 2 a
businesslike adj efficient and methodical, person who kills animals for meat. 3 a bru-
businessman or fem businesswoman n, pl tal murderer, —vb 4 to kill and prepare
-men or -women a person engaged in com- (animals) for meat. 5 to kill (people) at ran-
mercial or industrial business, usually an dom or brutally. 6 to make a mess of; botch.
owner or executive. butchery n, pl -eries 1 senseless slaughter. 2
business park n an area specially designat- the business of a butcher.
ed to accommodate business offices, light butler n the head manservant of a house-
industry, etc. hold, in charge of the wines, table, etc.
business school n an institution that offers butt1 n 1 the thicker or blunt end of some-
courses to managers in aspects of business, thing, such as the stock of a rifle. 2 the un-
such as marketing, finance, and law. used end of a cigarette or cigar; stub. 3
busker n a person who entertains for money Chiefly US & Canad slang the buttocks.
in streets or stations, busk vb butt2 n 1 a person or thing that is the target
busman’s holiday n Informal a holiday of ridicule or teasing. 2 Shooting, archery a
spent doing the same as one does at work. a mound of earth behind the target, b butts
the target range.
bust1 n 1 a woman’s bosom. 2 a sculpture of
the head, shoulders, and upper chest of a butt3 vb 1 to strike (something or someone)
person. with the head or horns. 2 (foil, by in or into)
to intrude, esp. into a conversation; inter-
bust2 Informal -vb busting, busted or fere. —n 3 a blow with the head or horns.
bust 1 to burst or break. 2 (of the police) to butt4 n a large cask for collecting or storing
raid or search (a place) or arrest (someone). liquids.
3 US & Canad to demote in military rank.
—adj 4 broken. 5 go bust to become bank- butte (byewt) n US & Canad an isolated
rupt. steep flat-topped hill.
bustle1 vb -tling, -tied 1 (often foil, by butter n 1 an edible fatty yellow solid made
about) to hurry with a great show of energy from cream by churning. 2 any substance
or activity. ~n 2 energetic and noisy activ- with a butter-like consistency, such as pea-
ity. bustling adj nut butter, —vb 3 to put butter on or in
(something). -See also butter up. buttery
bustle2 n a cushion or framework worn by adj
women in the late 19th century at the back
in order to expand the skirt. butter bean n a large pale flat edible bean,
bust-up Informal ~n 1 a serious quarrel, buttercup n a small bright yellow flower,
esp. one ending a relationship. 2 Brit a dis- butterfingers n Informal a person who
turbance or brawl. -vb bust up 3 to quar- drops things by mistake or fails to catch
rel and part. 4 to disrupt (a meeting), esp. things.
violently. butterflies pl n Informal a nervous feeling in
busy adj busier, busiest 1 actively or fully the stomach.
engaged; occupied. 2 crowded with or char- butterfly n, pl -flies 1 an insect with a slen-
acterized by activity. 3 Chiefly US & Canad der body and brightly coloured wings. 2 a
(of a telephone line) in use; engaged. -vb swimming stroke in which the arms are
busies, busying, busied 4 to make or keep plunged forward together in large circular
butterfly nut 101 by-election
movements. 3 a person who never settles buy in vb to purchase (goods) in large quan-
with one interest or occupation for long. tities.
butterfly nut n same as wing nut. buy off vb to pay (someone) to drop a charge
buttermilk n the sourish liquid remaining or end opposition.
after the butter has been separated from buy-out n 1 the purchase of a company,
milk. often by its former employees. —vb buy
butterscotch n a hard brittle toffee made out 2 to purchase the ownership of a com-
with butter, brown sugar, etc. pany or property from (someone).
butter up vb to flatter. buy up vb 1 to purchase all that is available
buttery n, pl -teries Brit (in some univer- of (something). 2 to purchase a controlling
sities) a room in which food and drink are interest in (a company).
sold to students. buzz n 1 a rapidly vibrating humming sound,
buttock n 1 either of the two large fleshy such as of a bee. 2 a low sound, such as of
masses that form the human rump. 2 the many voices in conversation. 3 Informal a
corresponding part in some mammals. telephone call. 4 Informal a sense of ex-
button n 1 a disc or knob of plastic, wood, citement. —vb 5 to make a vibrating sound
etc., attached to a garment, which fastens like that of a prolonged z. 6 (of a place) to
two surfaces together by passing through a be filled with an air of excitement: the city
buttonhole. 2 a small disc that operates a buzzed with the news. 7 to summon (some-
door bell or machine when pressed. 3 a one) with a buzzer. 8 Informal to fly an air-
small round object, such as a sweet or craft very low over (people, buildings, or
badge. 4 not worth a button Brit of no another aircraft). 9 buzz about or around
value; useless. —vb 5 to fasten (a garment) to move around quickly and busily.
with a button or buttons. buzzard n a bird of prey with broad wings
buttonhole n 1 a slit in a garment through and tail and a soaring flight.
which a button is passed to fasten two sur- buzzer n an electronic device that produces
faces together. 2 a flower worn pinned to a buzzing sound as a signal.
the lapel or in the buttonhole. —vb -holing, buzz off vb Informal, chiefly Brit to go
-holed 3 to detain (a person) in conversa- away; depart.
tion. buzz word n Informal a word, originally
button mushroom n an unripe mushroom, from a particular jargon, which becomes a
button up vb 1 to fasten (a garment) with a popular vogue word.
button or buttons. 2 Informal to conclude by prep 1 used to indicate the performer of
(business) satisfactorily: we’ve got it all the action of a passive verb: seeds eaten by
buttoned up. the birds. 2 used to indicate the person re-
buttress n 1 a construction, usually of brick sponsible for a creative work: three songs
or stone, built to support a wall. 2 any sup- by Britten. 3 via; through: enter by the back
port or prop. —vb 3 to support (a wall) door. 4 used to indicate a means used: he
with a buttress. 4 to support or sustain: his frightened her by hiding behind the door. 5
observations are buttressed by the most re- beside; next to; near: a tree by the stream. 6
cent scholarly research. passing the position of; past: I drove by the
butty n, pl -ties Chiefly N English dialect a place she works. 7 not later than; before:
sandwich: a jam butty. return the books by Tuesday. 8 used to in-
butyl (byew-tile) adj of or containing any of
dicate extent: it is hotter by five degrees. 9
multiplied by: four by three equals twelve.
four isomeric forms of the group CzjHg-: 10 during the passing of: by night. 11
butyl rubber. placed between measurements of the vari-
buxom adj (of a woman) healthily plump, ous dimensions of something: a plank four-
attractive, and full-bosomed. teen inches by seven, —adv 12 near: the
buy vb buying, bought 1 to acquire (some- house is close by. 13 away; aside: he put
thing) by paying a sum of money for it; pur- some money by each week. 14 passing a
chase. 2 to be capable of purchasing: money point near something; past: he drove by.
can’t buy love. 3 to acquire by any ex- —n, pl byes 15 same as bye1.
change or sacrifice: the rise in interest rates by and by adv presently or eventually,
was just to buy time until the weekend. 4 to by and large adv in general; on the whole.
bribe (someone). 5 Slang to accept (some-
thing) as true. 6 (foil, by into) to purchase bye1 n 1 Sport status of a player or team
shares of (a company). ~n 7 a purchase: a who wins a preliminary round by virtue of
good buy. See also buy in, buy off, etc. having no opponent. 2 Cricket a run scored
► Be careful not to confuse the past forms off a ball not struck by the batsman. 3 by
bought (from buy) with brought (from 'the bye incidentally; by the way.
bring). bye2 or bye-bye interj Informal goodbye,
buyer n 1 a person who buys; customer. 2 a by-election or bye-election n an election
person employed to buy merchandise for a held during the life of a parliament to fill a
shop or factory. vacant seat.
bygone 102 Byzantine
bygone adj past; former: a bygone age. by-product n 1 a secondary or incidental
bygones pl n let bygones be bygones to product of a manufacturing process. 2 a
agree to forget past quarrels. side effect.
bylaw or bye-law n a rule made by a local byre n Brit a shelter for cows,
authority. byroad n a secondary or side road,
by-line n 1 a line under the title of an article bystander n a person present but not in-
in a newspaper or magazine giving the volved; onlooker; spectator.
author’s name. 2 same as touchline. byte n Computers a group of bits processed
BYO(G) n Austral & NZ an unlicensed res- as one unit of data.
taurant at which diners may bring their byway n a secondary or side road, esp. in
own alcoholic drink. the country.
bypass n 1 a main road built to avoid a city. byword n 1 a person or thing regarded as a
2 a secondary pipe, channel, or appliance perfect example of something: their name is
through which the flow of a substance, a byword for quality. 2 a common saying;
such as gas or electricity, is redirected. 3 a proverb.
surgical operation in which the blood flow Byzantine adj 1 of Byzantium, an ancient
is redirected away from a diseased or Greek city on the Bosphorus. 2 of the Byz-
blocked part of the heart. ~vb 4 to go antine Empire, the continuation of the
around or avoid (a city, obstruction, prob- Roman Empire in the East. 3 of the style of
lem, etc.). 5 to proceed without reference to architecture developed in the Byzantine
(regulations or a superior); get round; Empire, with massive domes, rounded
avoid. arches, and mosaics. 4 (of attitudes, meth-
by-play n secondary action in a play, carried ods, etc.) inflexible or complicated. ~n 5 an
on apart while the main action proceeds. inhabitant of Byzantium.
 c
C 1 centi-. 2 cubic. 3 the speed of light in free bles a twisted rope. ~vb -bling, -bled 5 to
space. send (someone) a message by cable.
C 1 Music the first note of a major scale con- cable car n a vehicle that is pulled up a
taining no sharps or flats (C major). 2 steep slope by a moving cable.
Chem carbon. 3 Celsius. 4 centigrade. 5 cen- cablegram n a more formal name for cable
tury: C20. 6 coulomb. 7 the Roman numeral (sense 3).
for 100. 8 a high-level computer program- cable television n a television service in
ming language. which the subscriber’s television is con-
C. 1 (Cricket) caught. 2 (used preceding a nected to a central receiver by cable.
date) about: c. 1800. caboodle n the whole caboodle Informal
Ca Chem calcium. the whole lot.
CA 1 California. 2 Chartered Accountant. caboose n 1 US & Canad a guard’s van on a
ca. (used preceding a date) about: ca. 1930. train. 2 Canad a mobile building used as the
cab n 1 a taxi. 2 the enclosed driver’s com- sleeping quarters of lumberjacks.
partment of a lorry, bus, or train. cabriolet (kab-ree-oh-lay) n a small two-
cabal (kab-bal) n 1 a small group of political wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a fold-
plotters. 2 a secret plot or conspiracy. ing hood.
cabaret (kab-a-ray) n 1 a floor show of cacao (kak-kah-oh) n a tropical American
dancing and singing at a nightclub or res- tree with seed pods (cacao beans) from
taurant. 2 a place providing such enter- which cocoa and chocolate are prepared.
tainment. cachalot n the sperm whale.
cabbage n 1 a vegetable with a large head cache (kash) n a hidden store of weapons,
of green or reddish-purple leaves. 2 Infor- provisions, or treasure.
mal a person who is unable to move or cachet (kash-shay) n prestige or distinc-
think, as a result of brain damage: he can tion: a Mercedes carries a certain cachet.
only exist as a cabbage who must be cared cachou n a lozenge eaten to sweeten the
for by his relatives. breath.
cabbage white n a large white butterfly cack-handed adj Informal clumsy: I open
whose larvae feed on cabbage leaves. cans in a very cack-handed way.
cabbie or cabby n, pl -bies Informal a taxi cackle vb -ling, -led 1 to laugh shrilly. 2 (of
driver. a hen) to squawk with shrill broken notes.
caber n Scot a heavy section of trimmed tree ~n 3 the sound of cackling, cackling adj
trunk tossed in competition at Highland cacophony (kak-koff-on-ee) n harsh dis-
games. cordant sound: a cacophony of barking, ca-
cabin n 1 a room used as living quarters in a cophonous adj
ship or boat. 2 a small simple dwelling: a log cactus n, pl -fuses or -ti a thick fleshy de-
cabin. 3 the enclosed part of an aircraft in sert plant with spines but no leaves.
which the passengers or crew sit. cad n Old-fashioned, informal a man who
cabin boy n a boy who waits on the officers behaves dishonourably, caddish adj
and passengers of a ship. cadaver (kad-dav-ver) n Med a corpse,
cabin cruiser n a motorboat with a cabin. cadaverous adj pale, thin, and haggard,
cabinet n a piece of furniture containing caddie n 1 a person who carries a golfer’s
shelves, cupboards, or drawers for storage clubs. ~vb -dying, -died 2 to act as a cad-
or display: a filing cabinet; a cocktail cabi- die.
net. caddis fly n an insect whose larva (the cad-
Cabinet n a committee of senior government dis worm) lives underwater in a protective
ministers or advisers to a president. case of silk, sand, and stones.
cabinet-maker n a person who makes fine caddy1 n, pl -dies Chiefly Brit a small con-
furniture, cabinet-making n tainer for tea.
cabin fever n Canad acute depression re- caddy2 n, pl -dies, vb -dies, -dying, -died
sulting from being isolated or sharing same as caddie.
cramped quarters in the wilderness. cadence (kade-enss) n 1 the rise and fall in
cable n 1 a strong thick rope of twisted the pitch of the voice. 2 the close of a musi-
hemp or wire. 2 a bundle of wires covered cal phrase.
with plastic or rubber that conducts elec- cadenza n a complex solo passage in a piece
tricity. 3 a telegram sent abroad by subma- of music.
rine cable or telephone line. 4 Also called: cadet n a young person training for the
cable stitch a knitted design which resem- armed forces or the police.
cadge 104 calculus
cadge vb cadging, cadged Informal to get mass of something: a cake of soap. 3 have
(something) from someone by taking advan- one’s cake and eat it to enjoy both of two
tage of his or her generosity, cadger n incompatible alternatives. 4 piece of cake
cadi n a judge in a Muslim community, Informal something that is easy to do. 5 sell
cadmium n Chem bluish-white metallic el- like hot cakes Informal to be sold very
ement found in zinc ores and used in elec- quickly: books on the Royal Family are sell-
troplating and alloys. Symbol: Cd ing like hot cakes. ~vb caking, caked 6 to
cadre (kah-der) n a small group of people form into a hardened mass or crust: there
selected and trained to form the core of a was blood caked an inch thick on the walls.
political organization or military unit. cal. calorie (small).
caecum or US cecum (seek-um) n, pl -ca Cal. Calorie (large).
(-ka) the pouch at the beginning of the large calabash n 1 a large round gourd that grows
intestine. on a tropical American tree. 2 a bowl made
Caenozoic adj same as Cenozoic. from the dried hollow shell of a calabash.
Caerphilly n a creamy white mild-flavoured Calabrese (kal-lab-bray-zee) n a kind of
cheese. green sprouting broccoli.
Caesar (seez-ar) n 1 a Roman emperor. 2 calamine n a pink powder consisting chiefly
any emperor or dictator. of zinc oxide, used to make soothing skin lo-
Caesarean, Caesarian or US Cesarean tions and ointments.
(siz-zair-ee-an) n short for Caesarean sec- calamitous adj resulting in or from disaster:
tion. the country’s calamitous economic decline.
Caesarean section n surgical incision into calamity n, pl-ties a disaster or misfortune,
the womb in order to deliver a baby. calcareous (kal-care-ee-uss) adj of or con-
caesium or US cesium n Chem a silvery- taining calcium carbonate.
white metallic element used in photocells. calciferol n a substance found in fish oils
Symbol: Cs and used in the treatment of rickets. Also
caesura (siz-your-ra) n, pl -ras or-rae (-ree) called: vitamin D2
a pause in a line of verse. calciferous adj producing salts of calcium,
cafe n 1 a small or inexpensive restaurant esp. calcium carbonate.
that serves drinks and snacks or light calcify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to harden by
meals. 2 S African a corner shop. the depositing of calcium salts, calcifica-
cafeteria n a self-service restaurant, tion n
caff n Slang a cafe. calcine vb -cining, -cined to oxidize (a sub-
caffeine n a stimulant found in tea, coffee, stance) by heating, calcination n
and cocoa. calcite n a colourless or white form of cal-
caftan n same as kaftan. cium carbonate.
cage n 1 an enclosure made of bars or wires, calcium n Chem a soft silvery-white metallic
for keeping birds or animals in. 2 the en- element found in bones, teeth, limestone,
closed platform of a lift in a mine. ~vb and chalk. Symbol: Ca
caging, caged 3 to confine in a cage, caged calcium carbonate n a white crystalline salt
adj found in limestone, chalk, and pearl, used to
cagey adj cagier, cagiest Informal reluc- make cement.
tant to go into details; wary: he is cagey calcium hydroxide n a white crystalline al-
about what he paid for the business, cagily kali used to make mortar and soften water.
adv calcium oxide n same as quicklime,
cagoule (kag-gool) n a lightweight hooded calculable adj able to be computed or esti-
waterproof jacket. mated.
cahoots pl n in cahoots Informal conspiring calculate vb -lating, -lated 1 to solve or find
together: the loan sharks were in cahoots out by a mathematical procedure or by rea-
with the home-improvement companies. soning. 2 to aim to have a particular effect:
caiman n, pl -mans same as cayman. this ad campaign is calculated to offend.
cairn n a mound of stones erected as a me- calculated adj 1 undertaken after consider-
morial or marker. ing the likelihood of success: a calculated
cairngorm n a smoky yellow or brown gamble. 2 carefully planned: a calculated
quartz gemstone. and callous murder.
caisson (kayss-on) n a watertight chamber calculating adj selfishly scheming,
used to carry out construction work under calculation n 1 the act or result of calculat-
water. ing. 2 selfish scheming: there was an el-
cajole vb-joling, -joled to persuade by flat- ement of calculation in her insistence on ar-
tery; coax: he allowed himself to be cajoled riving after dark.
into staying on. cajolery n calculator n a small electronic device for
cake n 1 a sweet food baked from a mixture doing mathematical calculations.
of flour, sugar, eggs, etc. 2 a flat compact calculus n 1 the branch of mathematics
Caledonian 105 Calorie
dealing with infinitesimal changes to a call box n a soundproof enclosure for a pub-
variable number or quantity. 2 (pl -li) lic telephone.
Pathol same as stone (sense 7). call for vb 1 to require: appendicitis calls for
Caledonian adj Scottish. removal of the appendix. 2 to come and
calendar n 1 a chart showing a year divided fetch.
up into months, weeks, and days. 2 a sys- call girl n a prostitute with whom appoint-
tem for determining the beginning, length, ments are made by telephone.
and divisions of years: the Jewish calendar. calligraphy n beautiful handwriting, callig-
3 a schedule of events or appointments: rapher n calligraphic adj
concerts were an important part of the so- call in vb 1 to summon to one’s assistance:
cial calendar of the Venetian nobility. she called in a contractor to make the nec-
calender n 1 a machine in which paper or essary repairs. 2 to pay a brief visit. 3 to
cloth is smoothed by passing it between demand payment of (a loan): if the share
rollers. - vb 2 to smooth in such a machine. price continues to drop, some banks may
calends or kalends pl n (in the ancient call in their loans.
Roman calendar) the first day of each calling n 1 a strong urge to follow a particu-
month. lar profession or occupation, esp. a caring
calendula n a plant with orange-and-yellow one. 2 a profession or occupation, esp. a car-
rayed flowers. ing one.
calf1 n, pl calves 1 a young cow, bull, el- calliper or US caliper n 1 a metal splint for
ephant, whale, or seal. 2 same as calfskin. supporting the leg. 2 a measuring instru-
ment consisting of two steel legs hinged to-
calf2 n, pl calves the back of the leg between gether.
the ankle and the knee.
callisthenics or calisthenics n light exercis-
calf love n adolescent infatuation. es designed to promote general fitness, cal-
calfskin n fine leather made from the skin of listhenic or calisthenic adj
a calf. call off vb 1 to cancel or abandon: the strike
calibrate vb -brating, -brated to mark the has now been called off. 2 to order (a dog or
scale or check the accuracy of (a measuring a person) to stop attacking someone.
instrument), calibration n call on or upon vb to make an appeal or re-
calibre or US caliber (kal-lib-ber) n 1 a per- quest to: church leaders called on political
son’s ability or worth: a poet of leaders to resume the discussions.
Wordsworth’s calibre. 2 the diameter of the callous adj showing no concern for other
bore of a gun or of a shell or bullet. people’s feelings, callously adv callous-
calico n a white or unbleached cotton fabric, ness n
californium n Chem a radioactive metallic calloused adj covered in calluses.
element produced artificially. Symbol: Cf call out vb 1 to shout loudly. 2 to summon to
caliper n US same as calliper. one’s assistance: the army and air force
caliph n Islam the title of the successors of have been called out to help drop food
Mohammed as rulers of the Islamic world. packets. 3 to order (workers) to strike.
callow adj young and inexperienced: a cal-
caliphate n the office, jurisdiction, or reign lowyouth.
of a caliph.
call up vb 1 to summon for active military
calisthenics n same as callisthenics. service. 2 to cause one to remember. — n
call vb 1 to name: a town called Eyemouth. 2 call-up 3 a general order to report for mili-
to describe (someone or something) as tary service.
being: they called him a Hitler. 3 to speak callus n, pl -luses an area of hard or thick-
loudly so as to attract attention. 4 to tele- ened skin on the hand or foot.
phone: he left a message for Lynch to call calm adj 1 not showing or not feeling agita-
him. 5 to summon: a doctor must be called tion or excitement. 2 not ruffled by the
immediately. 6 to pay someone a visit: the wind: a flat calm sea. 3 (of weather) wind-
social worker called and she didn’t answer less. ~n 4 a peaceful state. — vb 5 (often
the door. 7 to arrange: the meeting was foil, by down) to make or become calm,
called for the lunch hour. 8 call someone’s calmly adv calmness n
bluff See bluff1 (sense 3). ~n 9 a cry or
shout. 10 the cry made by a bird or animal. Calor Gas n Trademark butane gas liquefied
11 a communication by telephone. 12 a under pressure in portable containers for
short visit: I paid a call on an old friend. 13 domestic use.
a summons or invitation: the police and fire caloric (kal-or-ik) adj of heat or calories.
brigade continued to respond to calls. 14 calorie n 1 a unit of measure for the energy
need, demand, or desire: a call for economic value of food. 2 Also: small calorie the
sanctions. 15 allure or fascination: the call quantity of heat required to raise the tem-
of the open road. 16 on call available when perature of 1 gram of water by 1°C.
summoned: there’s a doctor on call in town. Calorie n 1 Also: large calorie a unit of
-See also call for, call in, etc. caller n heat, equal to one thousand calories. 2 the
calorific 106 can
amount of a food capable of producing one consisting of knickers attached to a cami-
calorie of energy. sole top.
calorific adj of calories or heat. camisole n a woman’s bodice-like garment
calumniate vb -ating, -ated to make false or with shoulder straps.
malicious statements about (someone). camomile or chamomile (kam-mo-mile) n
calumny n, pl -nies a false or malicious an sweet-smelling plant used to make herb-
statement; slander. al tea.
Calvary n Christianity the place just outside camouflage (kam-moo-flahzh) n 1 the use
the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus Christ of natural surroundings or artificial aids to
was crucified. conceal or disguise something. ~vb
calve vb calving, calved to give birth to a -flaging, -flaged 2 to conceal by camou-
calf. flage.
calves n the plural of calf. camp1 n 1 a place where people stay in
Calvinism n the theological system of Cal- tents. 2 a collection of huts and other build-
vin, the 16th-century French theologian, ings used as temporary lodgings for mili-
stressing predestination and salvation sole- tary troops or for prisoners of war. 3 a
ly by God’s grace. Calvinist n, adj Calvin- group that supports a particular doctrine:
istic adj the socialist camp. ~vb 4 to stay in a camp,
calypso n, pl -sos a West Indian song with camper n camping n
improvised topical lyrics. camp2 Informal ~adj 1 effeminate or homo-
calyx (kale-ix) n, pl calyxes or calyces sexual. 2 consciously artificial, vulgar, or
(kal-iss-seez) the outer leaves that protect affected. ~vb 3 camp it up to behave in a
the developing bud of a flower. camp manner.
cam n a part of an engine that converts a campaign n 1 a series of coordinated activi-
circular motion into a to-and-fro motion. ties designed to achieve a goal. 2 Mil a num-
camaraderie n familiarity and trust be- ber of operations aimed at achieving a sin-
tween friends. gle objective. ~vb 3 to take part in a cam-
camber n a slight upward curve to the cen-
paign: he paid tribute to all those who’d
campaigned for his release, campaigner n
tre of a road surface.
Cambodian adj 1 of Cambodia. ~n 2 a per- campanile (camp-an-neel-lee) n a bell
son from Cambodia. tower, usually one not attached to another
building.
Cambrian adj Geol of the period of geologi-
cal time about 600 million years ago. campanology n the art of ringing bells,
campanologist n
cambric n a fine white linen fabric.
Cambs Cambridgeshire. campanula n a plant with blue or white bell-
shaped flowers.
camcorder n a combined portable video
camera and recorder. camp bed n a lightweight folding bed.
came vb the past tense of come. camp follower n 1 a person who supports a
particular group or organization without
camel n either of two humped mammals, the being a member of it. 2 a civilian who unof-
dromedary and Bactrian camel, that can ficially provides services to military per-
survive long periods without food or water sonnel.
in desert regions.
camphor n a sweet-smelling crystalline sub-
camellia (kam-meal-ya) n an ornamental stance obtained from the wood of the cam-
shrub with glossy leaves and white, pink, or phor tree, which is used medicinally and in
red flowers. mothballs.
camel’s hair or camelhair n soft cloth, usu-
ally tan in colour, which is made from camphorated adj impregnated with cam-
camel’s hair and is used to make coats. phor.
Camembert (kam-mem-bare) n a soft campion n a red, pink, or white European
creamy cheese. wild flower.
cameo n, pl cameos 1 a brooch or ring with camp oven n Austral & NZ a heavy metal
a profile head carved in relief. 2 a small but pot or box with a lid, used for baking over
important part in a film or play played by a an open fire.
well-known actor or actress. camp site n a place where people can stay
camera n 1 a piece of equipment used for in tents.
taking photographs or pictures for televi- campus n, pl -puses the grounds and build-
sion or cinema. 2 in camera in private. ings of a university or college.
cameraman n, pl -men a man who operates camshaft n a part of an engine consisting of
a camera for television or cinema. a rod to which cams are attached.
camera obscura n a darkened room with an can1 vb, past could 1 be able to: make sure
opening through which images of outside he can breathe easily. 2 be allowed to: you
objects are projected onto a flat surface. can swim in the large pool.
camiknickers pl n a woman’s undergarment can2 n 1 a metal container, usually sealed,
Can. 107 cannabis
for food or liquids. ~vb canning, canned 2 diac; the Crab. 2 tropic of Cancer See trop-
to put (something) into a can. ic (sense 1).
Can. 1 Canada. 2 Canadian. candela (kan-dee-la) n the SI unit of lumi-
Canada Day n (in Canada) July 1, a public nous intensity (the amount of light a source
holiday marking the anniversary of the day gives off in a given direction).
in 1867 when Canada became a dominion. candelabrum or candelabra n, pl -bra,
Canada goose n a greyish-brown North -brums, or-bras a large branched holder for
American goose with a black neck and head. candles or overhead lights.
Canada jay n a grey jay of northern N candid adj honest and straightforward in
America, notorious for stealing. speech or behaviour, candidly adv
Canadian adj 1 of Canada. ~n 2 a person candidate n 1 a person seeking a job or posi-
from Canada. tion. 2 a person taking an examination. 3 a
Canadiana n objects relating to Canadian person or thing regarded as suitable or like-
history and culture. ly for a particular fate or position: someone
Canadian football n a game like American who smokes, drinks, or eats too much is a
football played on a grass pitch between candidate for heart disease, candidacy or
teams of 12 players. candidature n
Canadianism n 1 the Canadian national candied adj coated with or cooked in sugar:
character or spirit. 2 a linguistic feature pe- candied peel.
culiar to Canada or Canadians. candle n 1 a stick or block of wax or tallow
Canadianize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or surrounding a wick, which is burned to
-ising, -ised to make Canadian. produce light. 2 burn the candle at both
Canadian Shield n (in Canada) the wide ends to exhaust oneself by doing too much.
area of Precambrian rock extending over candlelight n the light from a candle or can-
most of central and E Canada: rich in min- dles. candlelit adj
erals. Candlemas n Christianity February 2, the
Canadien or fem Canadienne (kan-ad-ee- Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary,
en) n a French Canadian. candlepower n the luminous intensity of a
canaille (kan-nye) n the masses or rabble, source of light: now expressed in candelas.
canal n 1 an artificial waterway constructed candlestick or candleholder n a holder for
for navigation or irrigation. 2 a passage or a candle.
duct in a person’s body: the alimentary candlewick n cotton with a tufted pattern,
canal. used to make bedspreads and dressing
canalize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -Using, gowns.
-lised 1 to give direction to (a feeling or ac- candour or US candor n honesty and
tivity). 2 to convert into a canal, canaliza- straightforwardness of speech or behav-
tion or -lisation n iour.
canape (kan-nap-pay) n a small piece of candy n, pl -dies Chiefly US & Canad a
bread or toast spread with a savoury top- sweet or sweets.
ping. candyfloss n Brit a light fluffy mass of spun
canard n a false report. sugar, held on a stick.
canary n, pl -naries a small yellow songbird candy-striped adj having narrow coloured
often kept as a pet. stripes on a white background.
canasta n a card game like rummy, played candytuft n a garden plant with clusters of
with two packs of cards. white, pink, or purple flowers.
cancan n a lively high-kicking dance per- cane n 1 the long flexible stems of the bam-
formed by a female group. boo or any similar plant. 2 strips of such
cancel vb -celling, -celled or US -celing, stems, woven to make wickerwork. 3 a
-celed 1 to stop (something that has been bamboo stem tied to a garden plant to sup-
arranged) from taking place. 2 to mark (a port it. 4 a flexible rod used to beat some-
cheque or stamp) with an official stamp to one. 5 a slender walking stick. ~vb caning,
prevent further use. 3 cancel out to make caned 6 to beat with a cane.
ineffective by having the opposite effect: cane sugar n sugar obtained from sugar
economic vulnerability cancels out any pos- cane.
sible political gain, cancellation n
canine (kay-nine) adj 1 of or like a dog. ~n
cancer n 1 a serious disease resulting from a 2 a sharp-pointed tooth between the
malignant growth or tumour, caused by ab- incisors and the molars.
normal and uncontrolled cell division. 2 a
malignant growth or tumour. 3 an evil in- 'canister n a metal container for dry food,
fluence that spreads dangerously: their canker n 1 an ulceration or ulcerous disease.
country would remain a cancer of instabil- 2 something evil that spreads and corrupts,
ity. cancerous adj cannabis n a drug obtained from the dried
Cancer n 1 Astrol the fourth sign of the zo- leaves and flowers of the hemp plant.
canned 108 cap
canned adj 1 preserved in a can. 2 Informal or morals. 2 specialized vocabulary of a
recorded in advance: canned carols. particular group, such as thieves or law-
cannelloni or canneloni pl n tubular pieces yers. ~vb3 to use cant: canting hypocrites.
of pasta filled with meat or cheese. cant2 n 1 a tilted position. ~vb 2 to tilt or
cannery n, pl -neries a place where foods overturn: the engine was canted to one side.
are canned. can’t vbcan not.
cannibal n 1 a person who eats human flesh. cantabile (kan-tah-bill-lay) adv Music flow-
2 an animal that eats the flesh of other ing and melodious.
animals of its kind, cannibalism n cantaloupe or cantaloup n a kind of melon
cannibalize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, with sweet-tasting orange flesh.
-ised to use parts from (one machine or ve- cantankerous adj quarrelsome or bad-
hicle) to repair another. tempered.
canning n the process of sealing food in cans cantata (kan-tah-ta) n a musical setting of a
to preserve it. text, consisting of arias, duets, and cho-
cannon n, pl -nons or -non 1 a large gun ruses.
consisting of a metal tube mounted on a canteen n 1 a restaurant attached to a
carriage, formerly used in battles. 2 an workplace or school. 2 a box containing a
automatic aircraft gun. 3 Billiards a shot in set of cutlery.
which the cue ball strikes two balls succes- canter n 1 a gait of horses that is faster than
sively. ~vb4 cannon into to collide with. a trot but slower than a gallop. ~vb 2 (of a
cannonade n continuous heavy gunfire, horse) to move at a canter.
cannonball n a heavy metal ball fired from a canticle n a short hymn with words from
cannon. the Bible.
cannon fodder n men regarded as expend- cantilever n a beam or girder fixed at one
able in war. end only.
cannot vb can not. cantilever bridge n a bridge made of two
canny adj -nier, -niest shrewd or cautious, cantilevers which meet in the middle.
cannily adv canto (kan-toe) n, pl -tos a main division of
canoe n a light narrow open boat, propelled a long poem.
by one or more paddles, canoeist n canton n a political division of a country,
canoeing n the sport of rowing or racing in such as Switzerland.
a canoe. Cantonese adj 1 of Canton, a port in SE
canon1 n a priest serving in a cathedral. China. ~n 2 (pl -nese) a person from Can-
canon2 n 1 Christianity a Church decree ton. 3 the Chinese dialect of Canton.
regulating morals or religious practices. 2 a cantonment (kan-toon-ment) n a permanent
general rule or standard: the Marx-Engels military camp in British India.
canon. 3 a list of the works of an author cantor n Judaism a man employed to lead
that are accepted as authentic: the Yeats synagogue services.
canon. 4 a piece of music in which a melody Canuck n, adj US & Canad informal Cana-
in one part is taken up in one or more other dian.
parts successively.
canvas n 1 a heavy cloth of cotton, hemp, or
canonical adj 1 conforming with canon law.
2 included in a canon of writings. jute, used to make tents and sails and for
painting on in oils. 2 an oil painting done on
canonical hour n RC Church one of the canvas. 3 under canvas in a tent: sleeping
seven prayer times appointed for each day. under canvas.
canonicals pl n the official clothes worn by canvass vb 1 to try to persuade (people) to
clergy when taking services. vote for a particular candidate or party in
canonize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, an election. 2 to find out the opinions of
-ised RC Church to declare (a dead person) (people) by conducting a survey. ~n 3 the
to be a saint, canonization or -isation n activity of canvassing, canvasser n can-
canon law n the body of laws of a Christian vassing n
Church. canyon n a deep narrow steep-sided valley,
canoodle vb -dling, -died Slang to kiss and caoutchouc (cow-chook) n same as rubber1
cuddle. (sense 1).
canopied adj covered with a canopy: cano- cap n 1 a soft close-fitting covering for the
pied niches. head. 2 Sport a cap given to someone select-
canopy n, pl -pies 1 an ornamental awning ed for a national team. 3 a small flat lid:
above a bed or throne. 2 a rooflike covering petrol cap. 4 a small amount of explosive
over an altar, niche, or door. 3 any large or enclosed in paper and used in a toy gun. 5 a
wide covering: the thick forest canopy. 4 contraceptive device placed over the mouth
the part of a parachute that opens out. 5 of the womb. 6 cap in hand humbly. ~vb
the transparent hood of an aircraft cockpit. capping, capped 7 to cover or top with
cant1 n 1 insincere talk concerning religion something: a thick cover of snow capped
CAP 109 capsicum
the cars. 8 Sport to select (a player) for a litical capital out of the hostage situation. 5
national team: Australia’s most capped a capital letter, -adj 6 Law involving or
player. 9 to impose an upper level on (a punishable by death: a capital offence. 7
tax): charge capping. 10 Informal to outdo denoting the large letter used as the initial
or excel: capping anecdote with anecdote. letter in a sentence, personal name, or place
CAP (in the EU) Common Agricultural Poli- name. 8 Old-fashioned excellent or first-
cy. rate: a capital dinner.
cap. capital. capital2 n the top part of a column or pillar,
capability n, pl -ties the ability or skill to do capital gain n profit from the sale of an
something. asset.
capable adj 1 having the ability or skill to capital goods pl n Econ goods that are
do something: a side capable of winning the themselves utilized in the production of
championship. 2 competent and efficient: other goods.
capable high achievers, capably adv capitalism n an economic system based on
capacious adj having a large capacity or the private ownership of industry.
area. capitalist adj 1 based on or supporting capi-
capacitance n Physics 1 the ability of a ca- talism: capitalist countries. ~n 2 a sup-
pacitor to store electrical charge. 2 a meas- porter of capitalism. 3 a person who owns a
ure of this. business, capitalistic adj
capacitor n Physics a device for storing a capitalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
charge of electricity. -ised 1 capitalize on to take advantage of:
capacity n, pl -ties 1 the ability to contain, to capitalize on the available opportunities.
absorb, or hold something. 2 the maximum 2 to write or print (words) in capital letters.
amount something can contain or absorb: 3 to convert (debt or earnings) into capital
filled to capacity. 3 the ability to do some- stock, capitalization or -isation n
thing: his capacity to elicit great loyalty. 4 a capital levy n a tax on capital or property as
position or function: acting in an official contrasted with a tax on income.
capacity. 5 the maximum output of which
an industry or factory is capable: the refin- capitally adv Old-fashioned in an excellent
ery had a capacity of three hundred thou- manner; admirably.
sand barrels a day. 6 Physics same as ca- capital punishment n the punishment of
pacitance. ~adj 7 of the maximum amount death for committing a serious crime.
or number possible: a capacity crowd. capital stock n 1 the value of the total
caparisoned (kap-par-riss-sond) adj (esp. of shares that a company can issue. 2 the total
a horse) magnificently decorated or capital existing in an economy at a particu-
dressed. lar time.
cape1 n a short sleeveless cloak. capitation n a tax of a fixed amount per
cape2 n a large piece of land that juts out person.
into the sea. capitulate vb -lating, -lated to surrender
Cape n the 1 the Cape of Good Hope. 2 the under agreed conditions, capitulation n
SW region of South Africa’s Cape Province. capo n, pl -pos a device fitted across the
caper n 1 a high-spirited escapade. ~vb 2 strings of a guitar or similar instrument so
to skip about light-heartedly. as to raise the pitch.
capercaillie or capercailzie (kap-per- capon (kay-pon) n a castrated cock fowl
kale-yee) n a large black European wood- fattened for eating.
land grouse. cappuccino (kap-poo-cheen-oh) n, pl -nos
capers pl n the pickled flower buds of a coffee with steamed milk, usually sprinkled
Mediterranean shrub, used in making with powdered chocolate.
sauces. caprice (kap-reess) n 1 a sudden change of
capillarity n Physics a phenomenon caused attitude or behaviour. 2 a tendency to have
by surface tension that results in the sur- such changes.
face of a liquid rising or falling in contact capricious adj having a tendency to sudden
with a solid. unpredictable changes of attitude or behav-
capillary (kap-pill-a-ree) n, pl -laries 1 Anat iour. capriciously adv
one of the very fine blood vessels linking Capricorn n 1 Astrol the tenth sign of the
the arteries and the veins. ~adj 2 (of a zodiac; the Goat. 2 tropic of Capricorn See
tube) having a fine bore. 3 Anat of the ca- tropic (sense 1).
pillaries.
capriole n 1 an upward but not forward leap
capital1 n 1 the chief city of a country, 'made by a horse. ~vb -oling, -oled 2 to
where the government meets. 2 the total perform a capriole.
wealth owned or used in business by an in-
dividual or group. 3 wealth used to produce caps, capital letters.
more wealth by investment. 4 make capital capsicum n a kind of pepper used as a veg-
out of to gain advantage from: to make po- etable or ground to produce a spice.
capsize 110 Carboniferous
capsize vb -sizing, -sized (of a boat) to and milk. 2 burnt sugar, used for colouring
overturn accidentally. and flavouring food.
capstan n a vertical rotating cylinder round caramelize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
which a ship’s rope or cable is wound. -ised to turn into caramel.
capstone n same as copestone (sense 2). carapace n the thick hard upper shell of
capsule n 1 a soluble gelatine case contain- tortoises and crustaceans.
ing a dose of medicine. 2 Bot a plant’s seed carat n 1 a unit of weight of precious stones,
case that opens when ripe. 3 Anat a mem- equal to 0.20 grams. 2 a measure of the pu-
brane or sac surrounding an organ or part. rity of gold in an alloy, expressed as the
4 See space capsule, -adj 5 very concise: number of parts of gold in 24 parts of the
capsule courses. alloy.
capsulize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, caravan n 1 Brit a large enclosed vehicle de-
-ised 1 to state (information) in a highly signed to be pulled by a car or horse and
condensed form. 2 to enclose in a capsule. equipped to be lived in. 2 (in some Eastern
Capt. Captain. countries) a company of traders or other
captain n 1 the person in charge of a ship, travellers journeying together.
boat, or civil aircraft. 2 a middle-ranking caravanning n Brit travelling or holidaying
naval officer. 3 a junior officer in the army. in a caravan.
4 the leader of a team or group, -vb 5 to be caravanserai n (in some Eastern countries)
captain of. captaincy n a large inn enclosing a courtyard, providing
caption n 1 a title, brief explanation, or accommodation for caravans.
comment accompanying a picture, -vb 2 to caraway n a Eurasian plant with seeds that
provide with a caption. are used as a spice in cooking.
captious adj tending to make trivial carbide n Chem a compound of carbon with
criticisms. a metal.
captivate vb -vating, -vated to attract and carbine n a type of light rifle.
hold the attention of; enchant, captivating carbohydrate n any of a large group of
adj energy-producing compounds, including
captive n 1 a person who is kept in confine- sugars and starches, that contain carbon,
ment. —adj 2 kept in confinement. 3 (of an hydrogen, and oxygen.
audience) unable to leave. carbolic acid n a disinfectant derived from
captivity n the state of being kept in con- coal tar.
finement. carbon n 1 a nonmetallic element occurring
captor n a person who captures a person or in three forms, charcoal, graphite, and dia-
animal. mond, and present in all organic com-
capture vb -turing, -tured 1 to take by pounds. Symbol: C 2 short for carbon
force. 2 to succeed in representing (some- paper or carbon copy.
thing elusive) in words, pictures, or music: carbonaceous adj of, resembling, or con-
the Guardian captures the tension of the taining carbon.
crisis. 3 Physics (of an atomic nucleus) to carbonate n a salt or ester of carbonic acid,
acquire (an additional particle). ~n 4 the
act of capturing or the state of being cap- carbonated adj (of a drink) containing car-
tured. bon dioxide; fizzy.
capuchin (kap-yew-chin) n a S American carbon black n powdered carbon produced
monkey with a cowl of thick hair on the top by partial burning of natural gas or petro-
of its head. leum, used in pigments and ink.
Capuchin n 1 a friar belonging to a branch carbon copy n 1 a duplicate obtained by
of the Franciscan Order founded in 1525. using carbon paper. 2 Informal a person or
-adj 2 of this order. thing that is identical or very similar to an-
capybara n the largest living rodent, found other.
in S America. carbon dating n a technique for finding the
car n 1 a motorized road vehicle designed to age of organic materials, such as wood,
carry a small number of people. 2 the pas- based on their content of radioactive car-
senger compartment of a cable car, airship, bon.
lift, or balloon. 3 US & Canad a railway car- carbon dioxide n a colourless odourless in-
riage. combustible gas formed during breathing,
caracal n a lynx with reddish fur, which and used in fire extinguishers and in mak-
inhabits deserts of N Africa and S Asia. ing fizzy drinks.
carafe (kar-raff) n a wide-mouthed bottle carbonic adj containing carbon.
for water or wine. carbonic acid n a weak acid formed when
carambola n a yellow edible star-shaped carbon dioxide combines with water.
fruit that grows on a Brazilian tree. carboniferous adj yielding coal or carbon.
caramel n 1 a chewy sweet made from sugar Carboniferous adj Geol of the period of geo-
carbonize ill career
logical time about 330 million years ago, lors. ~adj 2 fundamentally important;
during which coal seams were formed. principal.
carbonize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, cardinal number n a number denoting quan-
-ised 1 to turn into carbon as a result of tity but not order in a group, for example
partial burning. 2 to coat (a substance) with one, two, or three.
carbon, carbonization or -isation n cardinal points pl n the four main points of
carbon monoxide n a colourless odourless the compass: north, south, east, and west.
poisonous gas formed by the incomplete cardinal virtues pl n the most important
burning of carbon compounds; part of the moral qualities, traditionally justice, pru-
gases that come from a vehicle’s exhaust. dence, temperance, and fortitude.
carbon paper n a thin sheet of paper coated card index n an index in which each item is
on one side with a dark waxy pigment, con- separately listed on systematically ar-
taining carbon, used to make a duplicate of ranged cards.
something as it is typed or written.
cardiogram n an electrocardiogram. See
carbon tetrachloride n a colourless non- electrocardiograph.
flammable liquid used as a solvent, cleaning
fluid, and insecticide. cardiograph n an electrocardiograph, car-
diographer n cardiography n
Carborundum n Trademark an abrasive ma-
terial consisting of silicon carbide. cardiology n the branch of medicine dealing
carboxyl group or radical n Chem the
with the heart and its diseases, cardiolo-
gist n
chemical group -COOH: the functional
group in organic acids. cardiovascular adj of or relating to the
carboy n a large bottle protected by a basket heart and the blood vessels.
or box. cards n 1 any game played with cards, or
carbuncle n a large painful swelling under card games generally. 2 lay one’s cards on
the skin like a boil. the table to declare one’s intentions open-
carburettor or US & Canad carburetor n a
ly. 3 on the cards likely to take place: a
military coup was on the cards. 4 play
device in an internal-combustion engine one’s cards right to handle a situation
that mixes petrol with air and regulates the cleverly.
intake of the mixture into the engine.
carcass or carcase n 1 the dead body of an cardsharp or cardsharper n a professional
animal. 2 Informal a person’s body: ask that card player who cheats.
person to move his carcass. card vote n Brit a vote by delegates in
carcinogen n a substance that produces which each delegate’s vote counts as a vote
cancer, carcinogenic adj by all his or her constituents.
carcinoma n, pl -mas or -mata a malignant care vb caring, cared 1 to be worried or
tumour. concerned: he does not care what people
card1 n 1 a piece of stiff paper or thin card-
think about him. 2 to like (to do something):
board used for identification, reference, anybody care to go out? 3 care for a to look
proof of membership, or sending greetings after or provide for: it is still largely women
who care for dependent family members, b
or messages: a Christmas card. 2 one of a to like or be fond of: he did not care for his
set of small pieces of cardboard, marked concentration to be disturbed; I don’t sup-
with figures or symbols, used for playing
games or for fortune-telling. 3 a small rec- pose you could ever care for me seriously. 4
I couldn’t care less I am completely indif-
tangle of stiff plastic with identifying num- ferent. ~n 5 careful or serious attention;
bers for use as a credit card, cheque card, or caution: treat all raw meat with extreme
charge card. 4 Old-fashioned informal a
witty or eccentric person. ~See also cards. care to avoid food poisoning. 6 protection or
charge: the children are now in the care of a
card2 n 1 a machine or tool for combing fi- state orphanage. 7 trouble or worry: his
bres of cotton or wool to disentangle them mind turned towards money cares. 8 care
before spinning. ~vb 2 to process with of (written on envelopes) at the address of.
such a machine or tool. 9 in or into care Brit (of a child) made the
cardamom n a spice that is obtained from legal responsibility of a local authority by
the seeds of a tropical plant. order of a court. 10 take care to be careful.
cardboard n a thin stiff board made from II take care of to look after: women have
paper pulp. to take greater care of themselves during
card-carrying adj being an official member pregnancy.
of an organization: a card-carrying Con- careen vb to tilt over to one side.
servative. -► Be careful not to confuse careen, “tilt”,
cardiac adj of or relating to the heart, with career, “rush headlong”.
cardigan n a knitted jacket. career n 1 the series of jobs in a profession
cardinal n 1 any of the high-ranking clergy- or occupation that a person has through his
men of the Roman Catholic Church who or her life: he began his theatrical career in
elect the pope and act as his chief counsel- Cardiff. 2 the part of a person’s life spent in
careerist 112 carpet
a particular occupation or type of work: a carjack vb to attack (a driver in a car) in
school career punctuated with exams. ~vb order to rob the driver or to steal the car for
3 to rush in an uncontrolled way. —adj 4 another crime.
having chosen to dedicate his or her life to a Carmelite n 1 a Christian friar or nun be-
particular occupation: a career soldier. longing to the order of Our Lady of Carmel.
► Do not confuse career “rush” with careen -adj 2 of this order.
“tilt”. carminative adj 1 able to relieve flatulence.
careerist n a person who seeks to advance ~n 2 a carminative drug.
his or her career by any means possible, carmine adj vivid red.
careerism n carnage n extensive slaughter of people,
carefree adj without worry or responsibil- carnal adj of a sexual or sensual nature:
ity. carnal knowledge, carnality n
careful adj 1 cautious in attitude or action. 2 carnation n a cultivated plant with clove-
very exact and thorough, carefully adv scented white, pink, or red flowers.
carefulness n
carnelian n a reddish-yellow variety of
careless adj 1 done or acting with insuffi- chalcedony, used as a gemstone.
cient attention. 2 unconcerned in attitude or carnet (kar-nay) n a customs licence permit-
action, carelessly adv carelessness n ting motorists to take their cars across cer-
carer n a person who looks after someone tain frontiers.
who is ill or old, often a relative: the group carnival n 1 a festive period with
offers support for the carers of those with processions, music, and dancing in the
dementia. street. 2 a travelling funfair.
caress n 1 a gentle affectionate touch or carnivore (car-niv-vore) n a meat-eating
embrace. -vb 2 to touch gently and affec- animal, carnivorous (car-niv-or-uss) adj
tionately.
carob n the pod of a Mediterranean tree,
caret (kar-ret) n a symbol (Z) indicating a used as a chocolate substitute.
place in written or printed matter where
something is to be inserted. carol n 1 a joyful religious song sung at
Christmas, —vb -oiling, -oiled or DS-oling,
caretaker n 1 a person employed to look -oled 2 to sing carols. 3 to sing joyfully.
after a place or thing. -adj 2 performing
the duties of an office temporarily: a care- carotene n Biochem any of four orange-red
taker administration. hydrocarbons, found in many plants, con-
verted to vitamin A in the liver.
careworn adj showing signs of stress or
worry. carotid (kar-rot-id) n 1 either of the two ar-
teries that supply blood to the head and
cargo n, pl -goes or esp US -gos goods car- neck. -adj 2 of either of these arteries.
ried by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
carousal n a merry drinking party.
Carib n 1 (pl -ibs or -ib) a member of a group
of American Indian peoples of NE South carouse vb -rousing, -roused to have a
America and the S West Indies. 2 any of the merry drinking party.
languages of these peoples. carousel (kar-roo-sell) n 1 a revolving con-
Caribbean adj of the Caribbean Sea, bound- veyor for luggage at an airport or for slides
ed by Central America, South America, and for a projector. 2 US & Canad a merry-go-
the West Indies, or the surrounding coun- round.
tries and islands. carp1 n, pl carp or carps a large freshwater
caribou n, pl -bous or -bou a large North food fish.
American reindeer. carp2 vb to complain or find fault, carping
caricature n 1 a drawing or description of a adj, n
person which exaggerates characteristic carpal n a wrist bone.
features for comic effect. 2 a description or car park n an area or building reserved for
explanation of something that is so exag- parking cars.
gerated or over-simplified that it is difficult carpel n the female reproductive organ of a
to take seriously: the caricature of Scotland flowering plant.
found on postcards and shortbread tins, carpenter n a person who makes or repairs
—vb -turing, -tured 3 to make a caricature wooden structures.
of. carpentry n the skill or work of a carpenter,
caries (care-reez) n tooth decay. carpet n 1 a heavy fabric for covering
carillon (kar-rill-yon) n 1 a set of bells hung floors. 2 a covering like a carpet: a carpet of
in a tower and played cither from a key- leaves. 3 on the carpet Informal being or
board or mechanically. 2 a tune played on about to be reprimanded. 4 sweep some-
such bells. thing under the carpet to conceal or keep
caring adj 1 feeling or showing care and silent about something that one does not
compassion for other people. 2 of or relat- want to be discovered, -vb -peting, -peted
ing to professional social or medical care: 5 to cover with a carpet or a covering like a
the caring professions.' carpet.
carpetbag 113 cartilage
carpetbag n a travelling bag made of car- fied point: his faint voice carried no farther
peting. than the front few rows. 11 carry the can
carpetbagger n a politician who seeks of- Informal to take all the blame for some-
fice in a place where he or she has no con- thing. -See also carry away, carry for-
nections. ward, etc.
carpeting n carpet material or carpets in carry away vb be or get carried away to be
general. engrossed in or fascinated by something to
car phone n a telephone that operates by the point of losing self-control: he could be
cellular radio for use in a car. carried away by his own rhetoric.
carport n a shelter for a car, consisting of a carrycot n a light portable bed for a baby,
roof supported by posts. with handles and a hood, which usually
carpus n, pl -pi the set of eight bones of the also serves as the body of a pram.
human wrist. carry forward vb to transfer (an amount) to
carrageen n an edible red seaweed of North the next column, page, or accounting peri-
America and N Europe. od.
carriage n 1 Brit one of the sections of a carry off vb 1 to lift and take (someone or
train for passengers. 2 the way a person something) away: the German striker was
holds and moves his or her head and body. carried off after snapping an Achilles ten-
3 a four-wheeled horse-drawn passenger don. 2 to win: who will carry off this year’s
vehicle. 4 the moving part of a machine, honours is unclear. 3 to handle (a situation)
such as a typewriter, that supports and successfully: he had the presence and social
shifts another part. 5 the charge made for ability to carry off the job. 4 to cause to die:
conveying goods. the circulatory disorder which carried off
carriage clock n a style of portable clock, other members of his family.
originally used by travellers. carry on vb 1 to continue: we ’ll carry on ex-
carriageway n Brit the part of a road along actly where we left off. 2 to do, run, or take
which traffic passes in one direction: the part in: the vast trade carried on in the city.
westbound carriageway of the M4. 3 Informal to cause a fuss: I don’t want to
carry on and make a big scene. ~n carry-
carrier n 1 a person, vehicle, or organization on 4 Informal, chiefly Brit a fuss.
that carries something: armoured personnel
carriers. 2 a person or animal that, without carry out vb 1 to follow (an order or instruc-
suffering from a disease, is capable of tion). 2 to accomplish (a task): to carry out
transmitting it to others. 3 short for air- repairs.
craft carrier. carry over vb to extend from one period or
carrier bag n Brit a large plastic or paper situation into another: major debts carried
bag for carrying shopping. over from last year.
carrier pigeon n a homing pigeon used for carry through vb to bring to completion:
carrying messages. these are difficult policies to carry through.
carrion n dead and rotting flesh. carsick adj nauseated from riding in a car.
carrion crow n a scavenging European crow cart n 1 an open horse-drawn vehicle, usual-
with a completely black plumage and bill. ly with two wheels, used to carry goods or
carrot n 1 a long tapering orange root veg- passengers. 2 any small vehicle that is
etable. 2 something offered as an incentive. pulled or pushed by hand. — vb 3 to carry,
carroty adj (of hair) reddish-orange. usually with some effort: men carted bricks
and tiles and wooden boards. —See also
carry vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 to take from cart off.
one place to another. 2 to have with one ha-
bitually, for example in one’s pocket or carte blanche n complete authority: she’s
handbag: to carry a donor card. 3 to trans- got carte blanche to redecorate.
mit or be transmitted: to carry disease. 4 to cartel n an association of competing firms
have as a factor or result: the charge of de- formed in order to fix prices.
sertion carries a maximum penalty of twen- Cartesian adj of Rene Descartes, 17th-
ty years. 5 to be pregnant with: women car- century French philosopher and mathema-
rying Down’s Syndrome babies. 6 to hold tician, or his works.
(one’s head or body) in a specified manner: Cartesian coordinates pin a set of numbers
she always wears a sari and carries herself that determine the location of a point in a
like an Indian. 7 to secure the adoption of (a plane or in space by its distance from two
bill or motion): the resolution was carried fixed intersecting lines.
by fewer than twenty votes. 8 (of a news- carthorse n a large heavily built horse kept
paper or television or radio station) to in-
clude in the contents: several papers car- 'for pulling carts or for farm work.
ried front-page pictures of the Russian Carthusian n 1 a Christian monk or nun be-
president. 9 Maths to transfer (a number) longing to a strict monastic order founded
from one column of figures to the next. 10 in 1084. -adj 2 of this order.
to travel a certain distance or reach a speci- cartilage (kar-till-ij) n a strong flexible tis-
cart off 114 cash-book
sue forming part of the skeleton, carti- flow or fall in a cascade: rays of sunshine
laginous adj cascaded down.
cart off vb to take (someone) somewhere cascara n the bark of a N American shrub,
forcefully: we had been carted off to the se- used as a laxative.
curity police building. case1 n 1 a single instance or example of
cartography n the art of making maps or something: cases of teenage pregnancies. 2
charts, cartographer n cartographic adj a matter for discussion: the case before the
carton n 1 a cardboard box or container. 2 a Ethics Committee. 3 a specific condition or
container of waxed paper in which drinks state of affairs: a sudden-death play-off in
are sold. the case of a draw. 4 a set of arguments
cartoon n 1 a humorous or satirical drawing supporting an action or cause: I put my case
in a newspaper or magazine. 2 same as before the DSS. 5 a person or problem dealt
comic strip. 3 same as animated cartoon, with by a doctor, social worker, or solicitor.
cartoonist n 6 a an action or lawsuit: a rape case, b the
cartouche n 1 an ornamental tablet or panel
evidence offered in court to support a
in the form of a scroll. 2 (in ancient Egypt) claim: he will try to show that the case
an oblong or oval figure containing royal or against his client is largely circumstantial.
7 Grammar a form of a noun, pronoun, or
divine names. adjective showing its relation to other
cartridge n 1 a metal casing containing an words in the sentence: the accusative case.
explosive charge and bullet for a gun. 2 the 8 Informal an amusingly eccentric person. 9
part of the pick-up of a record player that in any case no matter what. 10 in case so
converts the movements of the stylus into as to allow for the possibility that: the
electrical signals. 3 a sealed container of President has ordered a medical team to
film or tape, or ink for a special kind of pen. stand by in case hostages are released. 11 in
cartridge belt n a belt with loops or pockets case of in the event of: in case of a future
for holding cartridges. conflict.
cartridge clip n a metallic container holding case2 n 1 a container, such as a box or chest.
cartridges for an automatic gun. 2 a suitcase. 3 a protective outer covering.
cartridge paper n a type of heavy rough -vb casing, cased 4 Slang to inspect care-
drawing paper. fully (a place one plans to rob).
cartwheel n 1 a sideways somersault sup- case-hardened adj having been made cal-
ported by the hands with legs outstretched. lous by experience: a case-hardened senior
2 the large spoked wheel of a cart. policewoman.
carve vb carving, carved 1 to cut in order to case history n a record of a person’s back-
form something: carving wood. 2 to form ground or medical history.
(something) by cutting: the statue which casein n a protein found in milk, which
was carved by Michelangelo. 3 to slice forms the basis of cheese.
(cooked meat). -See also carve out, carve case law n law established by following ju-
up. carver n dicial decisions made in earlier cases.
carve out vb Informal to make or create: to caseload n the number of cases that some-
carve out a political career. one like a doctor or social worker deals with
carvery n, pl -veries a restaurant where at any one time.
customers pay a set price for unrestricted casement n a window that is hinged on one
helpings of carved meat and other food. side.
carve up vb 1 to divide or share out: in case study n an analysis of a group or per-
1795, Poland was carved up between three son in order to make generalizations about a
empires. ~n carve-up 2 the division or larger group or society as a whole.
sharing out of something: a territorial
carve-up. casework n social work based on close
study of the personal histories and circum-
carving n a figure or design produced by stances of individuals and families, case-
carving stone or wood. worker n
carving knife n a long-bladed knife for carv- cash n 1 banknotes and coins, rather than
ing cooked meat. cheques. 2 Informal money: strapped for
carwash n a place fitted with equipment for cash, -adj 3 of, for, or paid in cash: cash
automatically washing cars. hand-outs, —vb 4 to obtain or pay bank-
caryatid (kar-ree-at-id) n a supporting col- notes or coins for (a cheque or postal
umn in the shape of a female figure. order). -See also cash in on.
Casanova n a promiscuous man. cash-and-carry adj operating on a basis of
casbah n the citadel of a North African city, cash payment for goods that are taken
cascade n 1 a waterfall or scries of away by the purchaser: the-cash-and-carry
waterfalls over rocks. 2 something flowing wholesalers.
or falling like a waterfall: a cascade of cash-book n Book-keeping a journal in
luxuriant hair. — vb -cading, -caded 3 to which all money transactions are recorded.
cash card 115 cast-off
cash card n a card issued by a bank or gery a rigid casing made of plaster of Paris
building society which can be inserted into for immobilizing broken bones while they
a cash dispenser in order to obtain money. heal. 4 a sort, kind, or style: people of an
cash crop n a crop produced for sale rather academic cast of mind. 5 a slight squint in
than for subsistence. the eye. -vb casting, cast 6 to select (an
cash desk n a counter or till in a shop where actor) to play a part in a play or film. 7 to
purchases are paid for. give or deposit (a vote). 8 to express
cash discount n a discount granted to a (doubts or aspersions). 9 to cause to appear:
purchaser who pays within a specified pe- a shadow cast by the grandstand; the gloom
riod. cast by the recession. 10 a to shape (molten
material) by pouring it into a mould, b to
cash dispenser n a computerized device make (an object) by such a process. 11 to
outside a bank which supplies cash when a throw (a fishing line) into the water. 12 to
special card is inserted and the user’s code throw with force: cast into a bonfire. 13 to
number keyed in. direct (a glance): he cast his eye over the
cashew n an edible kidney-shaped nut. horse-chestnut trees. 14 to roll or throw (a
cash flow n the movement of money into dice). 15 cast aside to abandon or reject:
and out of a business. cast aside by her lover. 16 cast a spell a to
cashier1 n a person responsible for handling perform magic, b to have an irresistible in-
cash in a bank, shop, or other business. fluence. ~See also cast around, cast back,
cashier2 vb to dismiss with dishonour from etc.
the armed forces. castanets pl n a musical instrument, used
cash in on vb Informal to gain profit or ad- by Spanish dancers, consisting of curved
vantage from: trying to cash in on the dis- pieces of hollow wood, held between the
pute. fingers and thumb and clicked together.
cashmere n a very fine soft wool obtained cast around or about vb to make a mental
from goats. or visual search: he cast around for a job.
cash on delivery n a system involving cash castaway n a person who has been ship-
payment to the carrier on delivery of mer- wrecked.
chandise. cast back vb to turn (the mind) to the past,
cash register n a till that has a mechanism cast down vb to make (a person) feel dis-
for displaying and adding the prices of the couraged or dejected.
goods sold. caste n 1 any of the four major hereditary
casing n a protective case or covering. classes into which Hindu society is divided.
casino n, pl -nos a public building or room 2 social rank.
where gambling games are played. castellated adj having turrets and battle-
cask n a strong barrel used to hold alcoholic ments, like a castle.
drink. caster n same as castor.
casket n 1 a small box for valuables. 2 US a caster sugar n finely ground white sugar,
coffin. castigate vb -gating, -gated to find fault
Cassandra n someone whose prophecies of with or reprimand (a person) harshly, cas-
doom are unheeded. tigation n
cassava n a starch obtained from the root of casting n an object that has been cast in
a tropical American plant, used to make metal from a mould.
tapioca. casting vote n the deciding vote used by the
casserole n 1 a covered dish in which food chairman of a meeting when an equal num-
is cooked slowly, usually in an oven, and ber of votes are cast on each side.
served. 2 a dish cooked and served in this cast iron n 1 iron containing so much carbon
way: beef casserole. ~vb -roling, -roled 3 that it is brittle and must be cast into shape
to cook in a casserole. rather than wrought, -adj cast-iron 2
cassette n a plastic case containing a reel of made of cast iron. 3 definite or unchal-
film or magnetic tape. lengeable: cast-iron guarantees.
cassia n 1 a tropical plant whose pods yield castle n 1 a large fortified building or set of
a mild laxative. 2 cassia bark a cinnamon- buildings, often built as a residence for a
like spice obtained from the bark of a tropi- ruler or nobleman in medieval Europe. 2
cal Asian tree. same as rook2.
cassock n an ankle-length garment, usually castle in the air or in Spain n a hope or de-
black, worn by some Christian priests. sire unlikely to be realized.
cassowary n, pl -waries a large flightless cast-off adj 1 discarded because no longer
bird of Australia and New Guinea. wanted or needed: cast-off clothing. ~n
cast n 1 the actors in a play collectively. 2 a castoff 2 a person or thing that has been
an object made of material that has been discarded because no longer wanted or
shaped, while molten, by a mould, b the needed, -vb cast off 3 to discard (some-
mould used to shape such an object. 3 Sur- thing no longer wanted or needed). 4 to
cast on 116 catch
untie a ship from a dock. 5 to knot and re- ing details of items for sale. 2 a list of all
move (a row of stitches, esp. the final row) the books of a library. 3 a list of events,
from the needle in knitting. qualities, or things considered as a group: a
cast on vb to make (a row of stitches) on the catalogue of killings. ~vb -loguing,
needle in knitting. -logued or -loging, -loged 4 to enter (an
castor n a small swivelling wheel fixed to a item) in a catalogue. 5 to list a series of
piece of furniture to enable it to be moved (events, qualities, or things): the report
easily in any direction. catalogues two decades of human-rights
castor oil n an oil obtained from the seeds of violations, cataloguer n
an Indian plant, used as a lubricant and catalpa n tree of N America and Asia with
purgative. bell-shaped whitish flowers.
castrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to remove catalyse or US -lyze vb -lysing, -lysed or
the testicles of. 2 to deprive of vigour or -lyzing, -lyzed to influence (a chemical re-
masculinity, castration n action) by catalysis.
casual adj 1 being or seeming careless or catalysis n acceleration of a chemical reac-
nonchalant: he was casual about security. 2 tion by the action of a catalyst, catalytic
occasional or irregular: casual workers. 3 adj
shallow or superficial: casual relationships. catalyst n 1 a substance that speeds up a
4 for informal wear: a casual jacket. 5 hap- chemical reaction without itself undergoing
pening by chance or without planning: a any permanent chemical change. 2 a person
casual comment. ~n 6 an occasional work- or thing that causes an important change to
er. casually adv take place.
casuals pl n 1 informal clothing. 2 young catalytic converter n a device which uses
men wearing expensive casual clothes who catalysts to reduce the quantity of poison-
go to football matches in order to start ous substances emitted by the exhaust of a
fights. motor vehicle.
casualty n, pl -ties 1 a person who is killed catalytic cracker n a unit in an oil refinery
or injured in an accident or war. 2 the hos- in which mineral oils are converted into
pital department where victims of accidents fuels by a catalytic process.
are given emergency treatment. 3 a person catamaran n a boat with twin parallel hulls,
or thing that has suffered as the result of a catamite n a boy kept as a homosexual
particular event or circumstance: 583 job partner.
losses with significant casualties among catapult n 1 a Y-shaped device with a loop
public-sector employees. of elastic fastened to the ends of the prongs,
casuistry n reasoning that is misleading or used by children for firing stones. 2 a de-
oversubtle. casuist n vice used to launch aircraft from a warship.
cat n 1 a small domesticated mammal with ~vb 3 to shoot forwards or upwards vio-
thick soft fur and whiskers. 2 a wild animal lently: traffic catapulted forward with a
related to the cat, such as the lynx, lion, or roar. 4 to cause (someone) suddenly to be in
tiger. 3 let the cat out of the bag to dis- a particular situation: catapulted to star-
close a secret. 4 raining cats and dogs rain- dom.
ing very heavily. 5 set the cat among the cataract n 1 Pathol a a condition in which
pigeons to stir up trouble, catlike adj the lens of the eye becomes partially or to-
catabolism n Biol a metabolic process in tally opaque, b the opaque area. 2 a large
which complex molecules are broken down waterfall.
into simple ones with the release of energy, catarrh (kat-tar) n excessive mucus in the
catabolic adj nose and throat, often experienced during
cataclysm (kat-a-kliz-zum) n 1 a violent or following a cold, catarrhal adj
upheaval of a social, political, or military catastrophe (kat-ass-trof-fee) n a great and
nature: the cataclysm of the Second World sudden disaster or misfortune, catastroph-
War. 2 a disaster such as an earthquake or ic adj
a flood, cataclysmic adj catatonia n a form of schizophrenia in
catacombs (kat-a-koomz) pl n an under- which the sufferer experiences stupor, with
ground burial place consisting of tunnels outbreaks of excitement, catatonic adj
with side recesses for tombs. cat burglar n a burglar who enters buildings
catafalque (kat-a-falk) n a raised platform by climbing through upper windows.
on which a body lies in state before or dur- catcall n a shrill whistle or cry of disap-
ing a funeral. proval or derision.
Catalan adj 1 of Catalonia. ~n 2 a language catch vb catching, caught 1 to seize and
of Catalonia in NE Spain. 3 a person from hold. 2 to capture (a person or a fish or
Catalonia. animal). 3 to surprise in an act: two boys
catalepsy n a trancelike state in which the were caught stealing. 4 to reach (a bus,
body is rigid, cataleptic adj train, or plane) in time to board it. 5 to see
catalogue or US catalog n 1 a book contain- or hear: fans desperate to catch Arsenal
catching 117 Catholic
and Liverpool. 6 to be infected with (an ill- clear and certain: he was categorical in his
ness). 7 to entangle or become entangled. 8 denial, categorically adv
to attract (someone’s attention, imagina- categorize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or
tion, or interest). 9 to comprehend or make -rising, -rised to put in a category, catego-
out: you have to work hard to catch his tone rization or -risation n
and meaning. 10 to reproduce (a quality) category n, pl -ries a class or group of
accurately in a work of art. 11 (of a fire) to things or people with some quality or qual-
start burning. 12 Cricket to dismiss (a ities in common.
batsman) by catching a ball struck by him
before it touches the ground. 13 catch at a cater vb 1 to provide what is needed or
to attempt to grasp, b to take advantage of wanted: operating theatres that can cater
(an opportunity). 14 catch it Informal to be for open-heart surgery. 2 to provide food or
punished. ~n 15 a device such as a hook, services: they cater for vegetarians.
for fastening a door, window, or box. 16 the caterer n a person whose job is to provide
total number of fish caught. 17 Informal a food for social events such as parties and
concealed or unforeseen drawback. 18 an weddings.
emotional break in the voice. 19 Informal a catering n the supplying of food for a social
person considered worth having as a hus- event.
band or wife. 20 Cricket the act of catching caterpillar n 1 the wormlike larva of a
a ball struck by a batsman before it touches butterfly or moth. 2 Trademark Also: cat-
the ground, resulting in him being out. erpillar track an endless track, driven by
-See also catch on, catch out, catch up. cogged wheels, used to propel a heavy vehi-
catching adj infectious. cle such as a bulldozer.
catchment n 1 a structure in which water is caterwaul vb 1 to make a yowling noise like
collected. 2 all the people served by a school a cat. —n 2 such a noise.
or hospital in a particular catchment area. catfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a freshwater
catchment area n 1 the area of land drain- fish with whisker-like barbels around the
ing into a river, basin, or reservoir. 2 the mouth.
area served by a particular school or hospi- catgut n a strong cord made from dried ani-
tal. mals’ intestines, used to string musical in-
catch on vb Informal 1 to become popular or struments and sports rackets.
fashionable. 2 to understand: I was slow to catharsis (kath-thar-siss) n 1 the relief of
catch on to what she was trying to tell me. strong suppressed emotions, for example
catch out vb Informal, chiefly Brit to trap through drama or psychoanalysis. 2 evacu-
(someone) in an error or a lie. ation of the bowels, esp. with the use of a
laxative.
catchpenny adj designed to have instant cathartic adj 1 causing catharsis. ~n 2 a
appeal without regard for quality. drug that causes catharsis.
catch phrase n a well-known phrase or slo- Cathay n a literary or archaic name for
gan associated with a particular entertainer China.
or other celebrity.
cathedral n the principal church of a dio-
catch-22 n a situation in which a person is cese.
frustrated by a set of circumstances that Catherine wheel n a firework that rotates,
prevent any attempt to escape from them. producing sparks and coloured flame.
catch up vb 1 be caught up in to be unwill- catheter (kath-it-er) n a slender flexible
ingly or accidentally involved in: hundreds tube inserted into a body cavity to drain
of civilians have been caught up in the fluid.
clashes. 2 catch up on or with to bring
(something) up to date: he had a lot of cathode n Electronics the negative electrode
paperwork to catch up on. 3 catch up with in an electrolytic cell or in an electronic
to reach or pass (someone or something): valve or tube.
she ran to catch up with him. cathode rays pl n a stream of electrons
emitted from the surface of a cathode in a
catchword n a well-known and frequently vacuum tube.
used phrase or slogan.
cathode-ray tube n a vacuum tube in which
catchy adj catchier, catchiest (of a tune) a beam of electrons is focused onto a fluo-
pleasant and easily remembered. rescent screen to produce a visible image,
catechism (kat-tik-kiz-zum) n instruction used in television receivers and visual dis-
on the doctrine of a Christian Church by a play units.
series of questions and answers. catholic adj (of tastes or interests) covering
catechize or -echise vb -echizing, -echized - a wide range.
or -echising, -echised 1 to instruct in Chris- ► Note that the meaning of catholic can
tianity using a catechism. 2 to question change depending on whether it begins with
(someone) thoroughly, catechist n a capital letter or not.
categorical or categoric adj absolutely Catholic Christianity ~adj 1 of the Roman
cation 118 caviar
Catholic Church. ~n 2 a member of the causative adj producing an effect: bright
Roman Catholic Church. Catholicism n lights seem to be a causative factor in some
cation (kat-eye-on) n a positively charged migraines.
ion. cause n 1 something that produces a par-
catkin n a drooping flower spike found on ticular effect. 2 grounds for action; justifi-
trees such as the birch, hazel, and willow. cation: there is cause for concern. 3 an aim
catmint n a Eurasian plant with scented or principle which an individual or group is
leaves that attract cats. Also: catnip interested in and supports: the Socialist
catnap n 1 a short sleep or doze. ~vb cause. ~vb causing, caused 4 to be the
-napping, -napped 2 to sleep or doze for a cause of. causeless adj
short time or intermittently. cause celebre (kawz sill-leb-ra) n, pl
cat-o’-nine-tails n, pl -tails a rope whip causes celebres (kawz sill-leb-ras) a
with nine knotted thongs, formerly used to controversial legal case, issue, or person.
inflict floggings as a punishment. causeway n a raised path or road across
cat’s cradle n a game played by making pat- water or marshland.
terns with a loop of string between the fin- caustic adj 1 capable of burning or corrod-
gers. ing by chemical action: caustic soda. 2 bit-
Catseyes pl n Trademark, Brit glass re- ter and sarcastic: caustic critics. ~n 3
flectors set into the road at intervals to Chem a caustic substance, caustically adv
indicate traffic lanes by reflecting light caustic soda n same as sodium hydroxide,
from vehicles’ headlights. cauterize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
cat’s paw n a person used by someone else -ised to burn (a wound) with heat or a caus-
to do unpleasant things for him or her. tic agent to prevent infection, cauteriza-
cattle pl n domesticated cows and bulls, tion or -isation n
cattle-cake n concentrated food for cattle in caution n 1 care or prudence, esp. in the face
the form of cakelike blocks. of danger. 2 warning: a word of caution. 3
cattle-grid or NZ cattle-stop n a grid cover- Law chiefly Brit a formal warning given to
ing a hole dug in a road to prevent livestock a person suspected of an offence. ~vb 4 to
crossing while allowing vehicles to pass un- warn or advise: he cautioned against an ab-
hindered. rupt turnaround, cautionary adj
catty adj -tier, -tiest Informal spiteful: her cautious adj showing or having caution,
remarks were amusing and only slightly cautiously adv *
catty, cattiness n cavalcade n a procession of people on
catwalk n 1 a narrow pathway over the horseback or in cars.
stage of a theatre or along a bridge. 2 a nar- cavalier adj 1 showing haughty disregard;
row platform where models display clothes offhand. ~n 2 Old-fashioned a gallant or
in a fashion show. courtly gentleman.
Caucasian or Caucasoid adj 1 of the pre- Cavalier n a supporter of Charles 1 during
dominantly light-skinned racial group of the English Civil War.
humankind. ~n 2 a member of this group. cavalry n the part of an army originally
caucus n, pl -cuses 1 a local committee or mounted on horseback, but now often using
faction of a political party. 2 a political fast armoured vehicles, cavalryman n
meeting to decide future plans. cave n a hollow in the side of a hill or cliff,
caudal adj Zool at or near the tail or back or underground.
part of an animal’s body. caveat (kav-vee-at) n 1 Law a formal notice
caught vb the past of catch. requesting the court not to take a certain
caul n Anat a membrane sometimes covering action without warning the person lodging
a child’s head at birth. the caveat. 2 a caution.
cauldron or caldron n a large pot used for cave in vb 1 to collapse inwards. 2 Informal
boiling. to yield completely under pressure: the
cauliflower n a vegetable with a large head government caved in to the revolutionaries’
of white flower buds surrounded by green demands. ~n cave-in 3 the sudden collapse
leaves. of a roof or piece of ground.
cauliflower ear n permanent swelling and cavel n NZ the drawing of lots among miners
distortion of the ear, caused by repeated for a good place at the coalface.
blows usually received in boxing. caveman n, pl -men 1 a prehistoric cave
caulk vb to fill in (cracks) with paste or dweller. 2 Informal a man who is primitive
some other material. or brutal in behaviour.
causal adj of or being a cause: a causal con- cavern n a large cave.
nection. causally adv cavernous adj like a cavern in vastness,
causation or causality n 1 the production of depth, or hollowness: the cavernous build-
an effect by a cause. 2 the relationship of ing.
cause and effect. caviar or caviare n the salted roc of the
cavil 119 Cellophane
sturgeon, regarded as a delicacy and usual- Ceefax n Trademark the BBC teletext ser-
ly served as an appetizer. vice.
cavil vb -illing, -illed or US -iling, -iled 1 to ceilidh (kay-lee) n an informal social gather-
raise annoying petty objections. ~n 2 a ing in Scotland or Ireland with folk music
petty objection. and country dancing.
caving n the sport of climbing in and explor- ceiling n 1 the inner upper surface of a
ing caves, caver n room. 2 an upper limit set on something
cavity n, pl -ties 1 a hollow space. 2 Dentis- such as a payment or salary. 3 the upper al-
try a decayed area on a tooth. titude to which an aircraft can climb.
cavort vb to skip about; caper. celandine n a wild plant with yellow flow-
caw n 1 the cry of a crow, rook, or raven. ers.
~vb 2 to make this cry. celebrant n a person who performs or takes
cay n a small low island or bank of sand and part in a religious ceremony.
coral fragments. celebrate vb -brating, -brated 1 to hold fes-
cayenne pepper or cayenne n a very hot tivities to mark (a happy event, birthday,
red spice made from the dried seeds of or anniversary). 2 to perform (a solemn or
capsicums. religious ceremony). 3 to praise publicly:
cayman or caiman n, pl -mans a tropical
the novel is justly celebrated as a master-
piece. celebration n celebratory adj
American reptile similar to an alligator.
celebrated adj well known: the celebrated
CB 1 Citizens’ Band. 2 Commander of the musician.
Order of the Bath.
celebrity n, pl -ties 1 a famous person. 2 the
CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
state of being famous.
CBE Commander of the Order of the British celeriac (sill-ler-ree-ak) n a variety of cel-
Empire. ery with a large turnip-like root.
CBI Confederation of British Industry. celerity (sill-ler-rit-tee) n Formal swiftness,
CC or c.c. 1 carbon copy. 2 cubic centimetre. celery n a vegetable with long green crisp
CC 1 County Council. 2 Cricket Club. edible stalks.
CCTV closed-circuit television, celesta n an instrument like a small piano in
cd candela. which key-operated hammers strike metal
Cd Chem cadmium. plates.
CD compact disc. celestial adj 1 heavenly or divine: celestial
CDI compact disc interactive: a system for music. 2 of or relating to the sky or space:
storing a mix of software, data, audio, and celestial objects such as pulsars and
compressed video for interactive use under quasars.
processor control. celestial equator n an imaginary circle
Cdn. Canadian. lying on the celestial sphere in a plane per-
CD player n a device for playing compact pendicular to the earth’s axis.
discs. celestial sphere n an imaginary sphere of
Cdr Commander. infinitely large radius enclosing the uni-
CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory: a
verse.
compact disc used with a computer system celibate adj 1 unmarried or abstaining from
as a read-only optical disc. sex, esp. because of a religious vow of chas-
tity. ~n 2 a celibate person, celibacy n
CDT Central Daylight Time.
cell n 1 Biol the smallest unit of an organism
CD-video n a compact-disc player that, that is able to function independently. 2 a
when connected to a television and a hi-fi, small simple room in a prison, convent, or
produces high-quality stereo sound and monastery. 3 any small compartment, such
synchronized pictures from a compact disc. as a cell of a honeycomb. 4 a small group
Ce Chem cerium. operating as the core of a larger organiza-
cease vb ceasing, ceased 1 to bring or come tion: Communist cells. 5 a device that pro-
to an end. ~n 2 without cease without duces electrical energy by chemical action.
stopping. cellar n 1 an underground room, usually
ceasefire n a temporary period of truce, used for storage. 2 a place where wine is
ceaseless adj without stopping, ceaseless- stored. 3 a stock of bottled wines.
ly adv cellarage n 1 the area of a cellar. 2 a charge
cedar n 1 a coniferous tree with needle-like for storing goods in a cellar.
evergreen leaves and barrel-shaped cones. 2 cello (chell-oh) n, pl-los a large low-pitched
the sweet-smelling wood of this tree. musical instrument of the violin family,
cede vb ceding, ceded to transfer or sur- - held between the knees and played with a
render (territory or legal rights). bow. cellist n
cedilla n a character („) placed underneath a ► It is not necessary to use an apostrophe
c, esp. in French or Portuguese, indicating before the word cello.
that it is to be pronounced (s), not (k). Cellophane n Trademark a thin transparent
cellular 120 centralize
material made from cellulose that is used as objectionable. -vb 2 to ban or cut portions
a protective wrapping, esp. for food. of (a film, letter, or publication).
cellular adj 1 of, consisting of, or resembling censorious adj harshly critical.
a cell or cells: cellular changes. 2 woven censorship n the practice or policy of
with an open texture: cellular blankets. 3 censoring films, letters, or publications.
designed for or using cellular radio: cellular censure n 1 severe disapproval. —vb
phones. -suring, -sured 2 to criticize (someone or
cellular radio n radio communication, used something) severely.
esp. in car phones, based on a network of census n, pl -suses an official periodic
transmitters each serving a small area count of a population including such infor-
known as a cell. mation as sex, age, and occupation.
cellulite n fat deposits under the skin al- cent n a monetary unit worth one hundredth
leged to resist dieting. of the main unit of currency in many coun-
celluloid n 1 a kind of plastic made from cel- tries.
lulose nitrate and camphor, used to make
toys and, formerly, photographic film. 2 the cent. 1 central. 2 century.
cinema or films generally: a Shakespeare centaur n Greek myth a creature with the
play committed to celluloid. head, arms, and torso of a man, and the
cellulose n the main constituent of plant cell lower body and legs of a horse.
walls, used in making paper, rayon, and centenarian n a person who is at least 100
plastics. years old.
cellulose acetate n a nonflammable ma- centenary (sen-teen-a-ree) n, pl -naries a
terial used to make film, lacquers, and arti- 100th anniversary or the celebration of one.
ficial fibres. US equivalent: centennial
cellulose nitrate n a compound used in plas- center n, vb US same as centre.
tics, lacquers, and explosives. centesimal n 1 one hundredth, -adj 2 of or
Celsius adj denoting a measurement on the divided into hundredths.
Celsius scale. centi- prefix 1 denoting one hundredth: cen-
Celsius scale n a scale of temperature in timetre. 2 a hundred: centipede.
which 0° represents the melting point of ice centigrade adj same as Celsius.
and 100° represents the boiling point of ► Scientists now use Celsius in preference to
water. centigrade.
Celt (kelt) n 1 a person from Scotland, Ire- centigram or centigramme n one hun-
land, Wales, Cornwall, or Brittany. 2 a dredth of a gram.
member of a people who inhabited Britain, centilitre or US centiliter n a measure of
Gaul, and Spain in pre-Roman times. volume equivalent to one hundredth of a
Celtic (kel-tik, sel-tik) n 1 a group of lan- litre.
guages that includes Gaelic, Welsh, and centime (son-teem) n a monetary unit
Breton. —adj 2 of the Celts or the Celtic worth one hundredth of a franc.
languages.
centimetre or US centimeter n a unit of
cement n 1 a a fine grey powder made of length equal to one hundredth of a metre.
limestone and clay, mixed with water and
sand to make mortar or concrete, b mortar centipede n a small wormlike creature with
or concrete. 2 something that unites, binds, many legs.
or joins things or people: bone cement; the central adj 1 of, at, or forming the centre of
cement of fear and hatred of the Left. 3 something: eastern and central parts of the
Dentistry a material used for filling teeth. country. 2 main or principal: a central
—vb 4 to join, bind, or cover with cement. 5 issue, centrally adv centrality n
to make (a relationship) stronger: this central bank n a national bank that acts as
would cement a firm alliance between the the government’s banker, controls credit,
army and rebels. and issues currency.
cemetery n, pl -teries a place where dead central government n the government of a
people arc buried. whole country, as opposed to the smaller
cenotaph n a monument honouring soldiers organizations that govern counties, towns,
who died in a war. and districts.
Cenozoic or Caenozoic (see-no-zoh-ik) adj central heating n a system for heating a
Geol of the most recent geological era, be- building by means of radiators or air vents
ginning 65 million years ago, characterized connected to a central source of heat, cen-
by the development and increase of the trally heated adj
mammals. centralism n the principle of bringing a
censer n a container for burning incense. country or an organization under central
censor n 1 a person authorized to examine control, centralist adj
films, letters, or publications, in order to centralize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
ban or cut anything considered obscene or -ised to bring (a country or an organization)
central locking 121 cerium
under central control, centralization or centrist n a person who holds moderate po-
-isation n litical views.
central locking n a system by which all the centurion n (in ancient Rome) the officer in
doors of a motor vehicle are locked auto- command of a century.
matically when the driver’s door is locked century n, pl -ries 1 a period of 100 years. 2
manually. a score of 100 runs in cricket. 3 (in ancient
central nervous system n the part of the Rome) a unit of foot soldiers, originally
nervous system of vertebrates that consists consisting of 100 men.
of the brain and spinal cord. cephalopod (seff-a-loh-pod) n a sea mollusc
central processing unit n the part of a with a head and tentacles, such as the octo-
computer that performs logical and arith- pus.
metical operations on the data. ceramic n 1 a hard brittle material made by
central reservation n Brit the strip that heating clay to a very high temperature. 2
separates the two sides of a motorway or an object made of this material. ~adj 3
dual carriageway. made of ceramic: ceramic tiles.
centre or US center n 1 the middle point or ceramics n the art of producing ceramic ob-
part of something. 2 a place where a speci- jects. ceramicist or ceramist n
fied activity takes place: a shopping centre. Cerberus (sir-ber-uss) n Greek myth a
3 a person or thing that is a focus of inter- three-headed dog who guarded the entrance
est: the centre of a long-running dispute. 4 a to Hades.
place of activity or influence: the parlia- cere n a soft waxy swelling, containing the
ment building was the centre of resistance. nostrils, at the base of the upper beak of a
5 a political party or group that favours parrot.
moderation. 6 Sport a player who plays in
the middle of the field rather than on a cereal n 1 any grass that produces an edible
wing. ~vb -tring, -tred or US -tering, grain, such as oat, wheat, or rice. 2 the
-tered 7 to put in the centre of something. 8 grain produced by such a plant. 3 a break-
centre on to have as a centre or main fast food made from this grain, usually
theme: talks are likely to centre on arms eaten mixed with milk.
control. cerebellum (serr-rib-bell-lum) n, pl -lums or
centreboard or US centerboard n a sup- -la (-la) the back part of the brain, which
plementary keel for a sailing boat or din- controls balance and muscular coordinat-
ghy. ion.
centrefold or US centerfold n a large col- cerebral (serr-rib-ral) adj 1 of the brain: a
oured illustration, often a photograph of a cerebral haemorrhage. 2 involving intelli-
naked or scantily dressed young woman, gence rather than emotions or instinct: the
folded to form the centre pages of a maga- cerebral joys of the literary world.
zine. cerebral palsy n a condition in which the
centre forward n Sport the middle player in limbs and muscles are permanently weak,
the forward line of a team. caused by damage to the brain.
centre half or centre back n Soccer a de- cerebrate (serr-rib-rate) vb -brating,
fender who plays in the middle of the de- -brated Usually facetious to use the mind;
fence. think, cerebration n
centre of gravity n the point in an object cerebrospinal adj of the brain and spinal
around which its mass is evenly distribut- cord: cerebrospinal fluid.
ed. cerebrovascular (serr-rib-roh-vass-kew-
centrepiece or US centerpiece n 1 the most lar) adj of the blood vessels and blood sup-
important item of a group of things: she ply of the brain.
was the centrepiece of this conference. 2 an cerebrum (serr-rib-rum) n, pl -brums or
ornament for the centre of a table. -bra (-bra) the main part of the human
centrifugal (sent-riff-few-gl) ad/ 1 moving brain, associated with thought, emotion,
or tending to move away from a centre. 2 of and personality.
or operated by centrifugal force: centrifu- ceremonial adj 1 of ceremony or ritual. ~n
gal extractors. 2 a system of formal rites; ritual, ceremo-
centrifugal force n a force that acts out- nially adv
wards on any body that rotates or moves ceremonious adj excessively polite or for-
along a curved path. mal. ceremoniously adv
centrifuge n a machine that separates sub- ceremony n, pl -nies 1 a formal act or ritual
stances by the action of centrifugal force. performed for a special occasion: a wedding
centripetal (sent-rip-it-al) adj moving or ^ceremony. 2 formally polite behaviour. 3
tending to move towards a centre. stand on ceremony to insist on or act with
centripetal force n a force that acts in- excessive formality.
wards on any body that rotates or moves cerise (ser-reess) adj cherry-red.
along a curved path. cerium n Chem a steel-grey metallic element
CERN 122 chain saw
found only in combination with other el- CFC chlorofluorocarbon.
ements. Symbol: Ce CFL Canadian Football League,
CERN Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche eg centigram.
Nucleaire: a European organization for re- cgs units pl n a metric system of units based
search in high-energy particle physics. on the centimetre, gram, and second: for
cert n a dead cert Informal something that scientific and technical purposes, replaced
is certain to happen or to be successful. by SI units.
cert, certificate. CH Companion of Honour (a Brit, title).
certain adj 1 positive and confident about ch. 1 chapter. 2 church.
something: he was certain they would Chablis (shab-lee) n a dry white wine made
agree. 2 definitely known: it is by no means around Chablis, France.
certain the tomb still exists. 3 sure or
bound: the cuts are certain to go ahead. 4 cha-cha or cha-Cha-cha n 1 a modern ball-
some but not much: a certain amount. 5 par- room dance from Latin America. 2 music for
ticular: certain aspects. 6 named but not this dance.
known: a running commentary by a certain chaconne n a musical form consisting of a
Mr Fox. 7 for certain without doubt. set of variations on a repeated melodic bass
certainly adv without doubt: he will certain- line.
ly be back. chafe vb chafing, chafed 1 to make sore or
certainty n 1 the condition of being certain. worn by rubbing. 2 to be annoyed or impa-
2 (pl -ties) something established as inevi- tient: the lower castes are chafing against
table. 20 years of servitude.
certifiable adj considered to be legally in- chafer n a large slow-moving beetle.
sane. chaff1 n 1 grain husks separated from the
certificate n an official document stating seeds during threshing. 2 something of little
the details of something such as birth, worth; rubbish: you had to be a very per-
death, or completion of an academic course. ceptive listener to sort the wheat from the
certified adj 1 holding or guaranteed by a chaff of his discourse.
certificate: a certified acupuncturist. 2 de- chaff2 vb to tease good-naturedly.
clared legally insane. chaffinch n a small European songbird with
certify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to confirm or black-and-white wings and, in the male, a
attest to. 2 to guarantee (that certain re- reddish body and blue-grey head.
quired standards have been met). 3 to de- chafing dish n a dish with a heating appa-
clare legally insane, certification n ratus beneath it, for cooking or keeping
certitude n Formal confidence or certainty, food warm at the table.
cervical smear n Med a smear taken from chagrin (shag-grin) n a feeling of annoyance
the neck (cervix) of the womb for detection and disappointment.
of cancer. chagrined adj annoyed and disappointed,
cervix n, pl cervixes or cervices 1 the lower chain n 1 a flexible length of metal links,
part of the womb that extends into the va- used for fastening, binding, or connecting,
gina. 2 Anat the neck, cervical adj or in jewellery. 2 chains anything that
cesium n US same as caesium. restricts or restrains someone: bound by the
cessation n an ending or pause: a cessation chains of duty. 3 a series of connected facts
of hostilities. or events. 4 a number of establishments,
such as hotels or shops, that have the same
cession n the act of ceding territory or legal owner or management. 5 Chem a number of
rights. atoms or groups bonded together so that the
cesspool or cesspit n a covered tank or pit resulting molecule, ion, or radical resembles
for collecting and storing sewage or waste a chain. 6 a row of mountains or islands.
water. ~vb 7 to restrict, fasten or bind with or as
CET Central European Time. if with a chain: the demonstrators chained
cetacean (sit-tay-shun) n a sea creature themselves to railings.
such as a whale or dolphin, which belongs chain gang n US a group of convicted pris-
to a family of fish-shaped mammals and oners chained together.
breathes through a blowhole. chain letter n a letter, often with a request
cetane (see-tane) n a colourless liquid for or promise of money, that is sent to
hydrocarbon, used as a solvent. many people who are asked to send copies
cetane number n a measure of the quality to other people.
of a diesel fuel expressed as the percentage chain mail n same as mail2.
of cetane in it. chain reaction n 1 a series of events, each of
cf compare. which causes the next. 2 a chemical or nu-
Cf Chem californium. clear reaction in which the product of one
CF Canadian Forces. step triggers the following step.
CFB Canadian Forces Base. chain saw n a motor-driven saw in which
chain-smoke 123 chance
the cutting teeth form links in a continuous impregnated with iron salts: a natural cha-
chain. lybeate spring rises at the edge of the lake.
Chain-smoke vb -smoking, -smoked to Chamber n 1 a meeting hall, usually one
smoke continuously, lighting one cigarette used for a legislative or judicial assembly. 2
from the preceding one. chain smoker n a room equipped for a particular purpose: a
Chair n 1 a seat with a back and four legs, decompression chamber. 3 a legislative or
for one person to sit on. 2 an official posi- judicial assembly: the Senate, the upper
tion of authority or the person holding it: chamber of Canada’s parliament. 4 Old-
this lady is the chair of the Birkenhead con- fashioned or poetic a room in a house, esp. a
stituency. 3 a professorship. 4 in the chair bedroom. 5 a compartment or cavity: the
presiding over a meeting. 5 the chair In- heart chambers. 6 a compartment for a car-
formal the electric chair. -vb 6 to preside tridge or shell in a gun. -See also cham-
over (a meeting). bers.
Chair lift n a series of chairs suspended from chamberlain n History an officer who man-
a moving cable for carrying people up a aged the household of a king or nobleman.
slope. chambermaid n a woman employed to clean
chairman n, pl -men a person who is in bedrooms in a hotel.
charge of a company’s board of directors or chamber music n classical music to be per-
a meeting, chairwoman fem n chairman- formed by a small group of musicians.
ship n Chamber of Commerce n an organization
► The use of chairman is sometimes felt to of local business people to promote, regu-
be sexist and the use of chairperson has late, and protect their interests.
been advocated. If this too is unacceptable, chamber pot n a bowl for urine, formerly
it may be better to use a different word, e.g. used in bedrooms.
President. chambers pl n 1 a judge’s room for hearing
chaise (shaze) n a light horse-drawn car- private cases not taken in open court. 2 (in
riage with two wheels. England) the set of rooms used as offices by
chaise longue (long) n, pl chaise longues a barrister.
or chaises longues a couch with a back and chameleon (kam-meal-yon) n a small lizard
a single armrest. that is able to change colour to blend in
chalcedony (kal-sed-don-ee) n, pl -nies a with its surroundings.
form of quartz composed of very fine crys- chamfer (cham-fer) n 1 a bevelled surface
tals, often greyish or blue in colour. at an edge or corner, —vb 2 to cut a cham-
chalet n 1 a type of Swiss wooden house fer on or in.
with a steeply sloping roof. 2 a similar chamois n, pl -ois 1 (sham-wah) a small
house used as a ski lodge or holiday home. mountain antelope of Europe and SW Asia.
chalice (chal-liss) n 1 Poetic a drinking cup 2 (sham-ee) a soft suede leather made from
or goblet. 2 Christianity a gold or silver gob- the skin of this animal or from sheep or
let containing the wine at communion. goats. 3 (sham-ee) Also: chamois leather,
shammy, chammy a piece of such leather
chalk n 1 a soft white rock consisting of cal-
cium carbonate. 2 a piece of chalk, either or similar material, used for cleaning and
white or coloured, used for writing and polishing.
drawing on blackboards. 3 as different as chamomile (kam-mo-mile) n same as
chalk and cheese Informal totally differ- camomile.
ent. 4 not by a long chalk Informal by no champ1 vb 1 to chew noisily. 2 champ at
means: you haven’t finished by a long the bit Informal to be restless or impatient
chalk, —vb 5 to draw or mark with chalk, to do something.
chalky adj champ2 n Informal short for champion
chalk up vb Informal 1 to score or register: (sense 1).
the home side chalked up a 9-1 victory. 2 to champagne n a white sparkling wine pro-
charge or credit (money) to an account. duced around Reims and Epernay, France.
challenge n 1 a demanding or stimulating champers (sham-perz) n Slang champagne,
situation. 2 a call to engage in a contest, champion n 1 a person, plant, or animal that
fight, or argument. 3 a questioning of a has defeated all others in a competition: the
statement or fact. 4 a demand by a sentry Olympic 100 metres champion. 2 someone
for identification or a password. 5 Law a who defends a person or cause: a champion
formal objection to a juror, —vb -lenging, of the downtrodden, —vb 3 to support: he
-lenged 6 to invite or call (someone) to take unceasingly championed equal rights and
part in a contest, fight, or argument. 7 to opportunities, -adj 4 N English dialect ex-
call (a decision or action) into question. 8 to cellent. championship n
order (a person) to stop and be identified. 9 chance n 1 the extent to which something is
Law to make formal objection to (a juror), likely to happen; probability. 2 an oppor-
challenger n challenging adj tunity or occasion to do something: a chance
chalybeate (kal-lib-bee-it) adj containing or to escape rural poverty. 3 a risk or gamble:
chancel 124 chaperone
the government is not in the mood to take -See also change down, changeover,
any more chances. 4 the unknown and un- change up. changeless adj
predictable element that causes something changeable adj changing often, change-
to happen in one way rather than another: ability n
in Buddhism there is no such thing as change down vb to select a lower gear
chance or coincidence. 5 by chance without when driving.
planning: by chance she met an old school changeling n a child believed to have been
friend. 6 on the off chance acting on the exchanged by fairies for the parents’ real
slight possibility: he had called on the child.
agents on the off chance that he might learn
something of value. ~vb chancing, change of life n the menopause,
chanced 7 to risk or hazard: a few changeover n 1 a complete change from one
picnickers chanced the perilous footpath. 8 system, attitude, or product to another.
to do something without planning to: I —vb change over 2 to swap places or ac-
chanced to look down. 9 chance on or upon tivities: the train crews changed over at the
to discover by accident: I chanced upon a frontier.
copy of this book. change up vb to select a higher gear when
chancel n the part of a church containing driving.
the altar and choir. channel n 1 a band of radio frequencies as-
chancellery or chancellory n, pl -leries or signed for the broadcasting of a radio or
-lories 1 the residence or office of a chan-
television signal. 2 a path for an electrical
signal or computer data. 3 a means of ac-
cellor. 2 the office of an embassy or consu- cess or communication: reports coming
late. through diplomatic channels. 4 a broad
chancellor n 1 the head of government in strait connecting two areas of sea. 5 the bed
several European countries. 2 US the presi- or course of a river, stream, or canal. 6 a
dent of a university. 3 Brit & Canad the navigable course through an area of water.
honorary head of a university, chancellor- 7 a groove. ~vb -nelling, -nelled or US
ship n -neling, -neled 8 to direct or convey
Chancellor of the Exchequer n Brit the through a channel or channels: tunnels that
cabinet minister responsible for finance. channel the pilgrims into the area; to chan-
Chancery n (in England) the Lord Chancel- nel funds abroad.
lor’s court, a division of the High Court of Channel n the the English Channel.
Justice. chant vb 1 to repeat (a slogan) over and
chancre (shang-ker) n Pathol a painless over. 2 to sing or recite (a psalm). —n 3 a
ulcer that develops as a primary symptom rhythmic or repetitious slogan repeated
of syphilis. over and over, usually by more than one
person. 4 a religious song with a short sim-
chancy adj chancier, chanciest Informal ple melody in which several words or sylla-
uncertain or risky. bles are sung on one note.
chandelier (shan-dill-eer) n an ornamental chanter n the pipe on a set of bagpipes on
hanging light with branches and holders for which the melody is played.
several candles or bulbs. chanticleer n a name for a cock, used in fa-
chandler n a dealer in a specified trade or bles.
merchandise: a ship’s chandler, chandlery chanty n, pl -ties same as shanty2.
n Chanukah or Hanukkah (hah-na-ka) n an
change n 1 the fact of becoming different. 2 eight-day Jewish festival, held in Decem-
variety or novelty: they wanted to print ber, commemorating the rededication of the
some good news for a change. 3 a different temple by Judas Maccabaeus.
set, esp. of clothes. 4 money exchanged for chaos n complete disorder or confusion,
its equivalent in a larger denomination or in chaotic adj chaotically adv
a different currency. 5 the balance of chap n Informal a man or boy.
money when the amount paid is larger than
the amount due. 6 coins of a small denomi- chapati or chapatti n (in Indian cookery) a
nation. ~vb changing, changed 7 to make kind of flat thin unleavened bread.
or become different. 8 to replace with or chapel n 1 a place of worship with its own
exchange for another: the Swedish Com- altar, in a church or cathedral. 2 a similar
munist Party changed its name to the Left place of worship in a large house or institu-
Party. 9 to give and receive (something) in tion. 3 (in England and Wales) a Noncon-
return: slaves and masters changed places. formist place of worship. 4 (in Scotland) a
10 to give or receive (money) in exchange Roman Catholic church. 5 the members of a
for its equivalent sum in a smaller denomi- trade union in a newspaper office, printing
nation or different currency. 11 to put on house, or publishing firm.
other clothes. 12 to get off one bus, train or chaperone (shap-per-rone) n 1 an older
airliner and on to another: there’s no direct person who accompanies and supervises a
train, so you ’ll need, to change at York. young person or young people on social oc-
chaplain 125 charger
casions. ~vb -oning, -oned 2 to act as a and complex plotting. 2 the act or an in-
chaperone to. stance of characterizing.
chaplain n a clergyman attached to a chapel, characterize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
military body, or institution, chaplaincy n -ising, -ised 1 to be a characteristic of: the
chaplet n a garland worn on the head, violence that characterized the demon-
chapman n, pl -men Old-fashioned a travel- strations. 2 to describe: we have made
ling pedlar. what I would characterize as outstanding
progress.
chapped adj (of the skin) raw and cracked, charade (shar-rahd) n an absurd pretence,
through exposure to cold.
charades n a game in which one team acts
chappie n Informal a man or boy. out each syllable of a word or phrase,
chaps pl n leather leggings without a seat, which the other team has to guess.
worn by cowboys. charcoal n 1 a black form of carbon made by
chapter n 1 a division of a book. 2 a period partially burning wood or other organic
in a life or history: the latest chapter in the matter. 2 a stick of this used for drawing. 3
long and complex tale of British brewing. 3 a drawing done in charcoal. ~adj 4 Also:
a sequence of events: a chapter of acci- charcoal-grey very dark grey.
dents. 4 a branch of some societies or clubs. charge vb charging, charged 1 to ask (an
5 a group of the canons of a cathedral. 6 amount of money) as a price. 2 to enter a
chapter and verse exact authority for an debit against a person’s account for (a pur-
action or statement. chase). 3 to accuse (someone) formally of a
char1 vb charring, charred to blacken by crime in a court of law. 4 to make a rush at
partial burning. or sudden attack upon. 5 to fill (a glass). 6
char2 Informal —n 1 short for charwoman. to cause (an accumulator or capacitor) to
~vb charring, charred 2 to clean other take and store electricity. 7 to fill or satu-
people’s houses as a job. rate with liquid or gas: old mine workings
char3 n Brit old-fashioned slang tea.
charged with foul gas. 8 to fill with a feel-
ing or mood: the emotionally charged at-
char4 n, pl char or chars a troutlike fish of mosphere. 9 Formal to command or assign:
cold lakes and northern seas. the president has charged his foreign minis-
charabanc (shar-rab-bang) n Brit old- ter with trying to open talks. ~n 10 a price
fashioned a coach for sightseeing. charged for something; cost. 11a formal ac-
character n 1 the combination of qualities cusation of a crime in a court of law. 12 an
distinguishing an individual person, group onrush or attack. 13 custody or guardian-
of people, or place: the British character. 2 ship: in the charge of the police. 14 a person
a distinguishing quality or characteristic: or thing committed to someone’s care: a
bodily movements of a deliberate character. nanny reported the cruel father of one of
3 reputation, esp. good reputation: a man of her charges to social workers. 15 a a car-
my Dad’s character and standing in the tridge or shell, b the explosive required to
community. 4 an attractively unusual or in- fire a gun. 16 Physics a the attribute of
teresting quality: the little town was full of matter responsible for all electrical phe-
life and character. 5 a person represented nomena, existing in two forms, positive and
in a play, film, or story. 6 an unusual or negative, b the total amount of electricity
amusing person: quite a character. 7 Infor- stored in a capacitor or an accumulator. 17
mal a person: a flamboyant character. 8 a in charge of in control of and responsible
single letter, numeral, or symbol used in for: in charge of defence and foreign af-
writing or printing. 9 in or out of charac- fairs.
ter typical or not typical of the apparent chargeable adj 1 liable to be taxed or
character of a person, characterless adj charged. 2 liable to result in a legal charge.
character assassination n an attempt to charge card n a card issued by a chain
destroy someone’s good reputation by slan- store, shop, or organization, that enables
der or deliberate misrepresentation of his customers to obtain goods and services for
or her views: he described the accusation as which they pay later.
"an appalling piece of character assassina- charge d’affaires (shar-zhay daf-fair) n, pl
tion ”. charges d’affaires (shar-zhay daf-fair) 1
characteristic n 1 a distinguishing feature the temporary head of a diplomatic mission
or quality. 2 Maths the integral part of a in the absence of the ambassador or minis-
logarithm: the characteristic of 2.4771 is 2. ter. 2 the head of a small or unimportant
-adj 3 typical or representative of some- diplomatic mission.
one or something: the prime minister fought charge hand n a workman ranked just
with characteristic passion, characteristi - below a foreman.
cally adv charge nurse n a nurse in charge of a hospi-
characterization or -isation n 1 the descrip- tal ward.
tion or portrayal of a person by an actor or charger n 1 a device for charging an accu-
writer: a novel full of rich characterization mulator. 2 (in the Middle Ages) a warhorse.
chariot 126 chatter
chariot n a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehi- (1838-48) for social and political reforms
cle used in ancient times for wars and races, demand for which was presented to Parlia-
charioteer n a chariot driver. ment in charters. Chartist n, adj
charisma (kar-rizz-ma) n the quality or chartreuse (shar-truhz) n a green or yellow
power of an individual to attract, influence, liqueur made from herbs.
or inspire people, charismatic (kar-rizz- charwoman n, pl -women Brit a woman
mat-ik) adj whose job is to clean other people’s houses.
charismatic movement n Christianity a chary (chair-ee) adj charier, chariest wary
group that believes in divine gifts such as or careful: chary of interfering.
instantaneous healing and uttering unintel- Charybdis (kar-rib-diss) n 1 a ship-
ligible sounds while in a religious ecstasy. devouring monster in classical mythology,
charitable adj 1 kind or lenient in one’s atti- identified with a whirlpool off the coast of
tude towards others. 2 of or for charity: a Sicily. 2 between Scylla and Charybdis
charitable organization, charitably adv See Scylla.
charity n 1 (pl -ties) an organization set up chase1 vb chasing, chased 1 to pursue (a
to provide help to those in need. 2 the giv- person or animal) persistently or quickly. 2
ing of help, such as money or food, to those to force (a person or animal) to leave a
in need. 3 help given to those in need; alms. place. 3 Informal to court (someone) in an
4 a kindly attitude towards people. unsubtle manner. 4 Informal to rush or run:
charlady n, pl -ladies same as charwoman, chasing around the world. 5 Informal to
charlatan (shar-lat-tan) n a person who pursue (something or someone) energetical-
claims expertise that he or she does not ly in order to obtain results or information.
have. —n 6 the act or an instance of chasing a
Charles’ law n Physics the principle that the person or animal.
volume of a gas varies in proportion to its chase2 vb chasing, chased to engrave or
temperature at constant pressure. emboss (metal).
charleston n a lively dance of the 1920s. chaser n a milder drink drunk after another
Charlie n Brit old-fashioned informal a fool, stronger one, for example beer after whis-
charlock n a weed with hairy leaves and ky.
yellow flowers. chasm (kaz-zum) n 1 a very deep crack in
the ground. 2 a wide difference in interests
charlotte n a dessert made with fruit and or feelings: a deep ph asm separating science
bread or cake crumbs: apple charlotte. from politics.
charm n 1 the quality of attracting, fascinat- chassis (shass-ee) n, pl chassis (shass-eez)
ing, or delighting people. 2 a trinket worn the steel frame, wheels, and mechanical
on a bracelet. 3 a small object worn for sup- parts of a vehicle.
posed magical powers. 4 a magic spell, —vb chaste adj 1 abstaining from sex outside
5 to attract, fascinate, or delight. 6 to influ-
ence or obtain by personal charm: you can marriage or from all sexual intercourse. 2
easily be charmed into changing your mind. (of conduct or speech) pure, decent, or
7 to protect as if by magic: a charmed life. modest: a chaste kiss on the forehead. 3
charmer n charmless adj simple in style: chaste furniture, chastely
adv chastity n
charming adj delightful or attractive,
charmingly adv chasten (chase-en) vb to subdue (someone)
by criticism.
charnel house n (formerly) a building or
vault for the bones of the dead. chastise vb -rising, -tised 1 to scold severe-
ly. 2 Old-fashioned to punish by beating,
charollais (sharr-ol-lay) n a breed of large chastisement n
white beef cattle. chasuble (chazz-yew-bl) n Christianity a
chart n 1 a graph, table, or sheet of informa- long sleeveless robe worn by a priest when
tion in the form of a diagram. 2 a map of the celebrating Mass.
sea or the stars. 3 the charts Informal the chat n 1 an informal conversation, —vb
weekly lists of the best-selling pop records.
-vb 4 to plot the course of. 5 to make a chatting, chatted 2 to have an informal
chart of. 6 to appear in the pop charts. conversation. ~See also chat up.
charter n 1 a formal document granting or chateau (shat-toe) n, pl -teaux (-toe) or
demanding certain rights or liberties: a -teaus a French country house or castle.
children’s charter. 2 the fundamental prin- chatelaine (shat-tell-lane) n (formerly) the
ciples of an organization: the UN Charter. 3 mistress of a large house or castle.
the hire or lease of transportation for pri- chatline n a telephone service enabling call-
vate use. -vb 4 to lease or hire by charter. ers to join in general conversation with
5 to grant a charter to. each other.
chartered accountant n (in Britain) an ac- chat show n Brit a television or radio show
countant who has passed the examinations in which guests are interviewed informally.
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. chattels pl n Old-fashioned possessions,
Chartism n English history a movement chatter vb 1 to speak quickly and continu-
chatterbox 127 cheerleader
ously about unimportant things. 2 (of birds checker n US & Canad 1 same as chequer. 2
or monkeys) to make rapid repetitive high- same as draughtsman (sense 3).
pitched noises. 3 (of the teeth) to click to- checkered adj US & Canad same as cheq-
gether rapidly through cold or fear. ~n 4 uered.
idle talk or gossip. 5 the high-pitched re- checkers n US & Canad same as draughts.
petitive noise made by a bird or monkey. check in vb 1 a to register one’s arrival at a
Chatterbox n Informal a person who talks a hotel or airport, b to register the arrival of
great deal, usually about unimportant (guests or passengers) at a hotel or airport.
things. ~n check-in 2 a the formal registration of
chattering classes n the chattering clas- arrival at a hotel or airport, b the place
ses Informal, often derogatory the members where one registers one’s arrival at a hotel
of the educated sections of society who or airport.
enjoy discussion of political, social, and cul- check list n a list to be referred to for iden-
tural issues. tification or verification.
Chatty adj -tier, -tiest 1 (of a person) fond checkmate n 1 Chess the winning position
of friendly, informal conversation; talka- in which an opponent’s king is under attack
tive. 2 (of a letter) informal and friendly; and unable to escape. 2 utter defeat, -vb
gossipy. -mating, -mated 3 Chess to place the king
chat up vb Brit informal to talk flirtatiously of (one’s opponent) in checkmate. 4 to
to (someone) with a view to starting a ro- thwart or defeat.
mantic or sexual relationship. check out vb 1 to pay the bill and leave a
chauffeur n 1 a person employed to drive a
hotel. 2 to investigate, examine, or look at:
car for someone. -vb 2 to act as driver for he asked if he could check out the old man’s
(someone), chauffeuse fem n theory; start the evening off by checking
out one of the in bars in the city, —n
chauvinism (show-vin-iz-zum) n an irra- checkout 3 a counter in a supermarket,
tional belief that one’s own country, race, where customers pay.
group, or sex is superior: male chauvinism. checkpoint n a place where vehicles or
chauvinist n, adj chauvinistic adj travellers are stopped for identification or
cheap adj 1 costing relatively little; inex- inspection.
pensive. 2 of poor quality; shoddy: planks checkup n a thorough examination to see if
of cheap, splintery pine. 3 not valued high- a person or thing is in good condition.
ly; not worth much: promises are cheap. 4 check up on vb to investigate the back-
Informal mean or despicable: a cheap Jibe, ground of.
—n 5 on the cheap Brit informal at a low
cost, -adv 6 at a low cost, cheaply adv Cheddar n a firm orange or yellowy-white
cheapness n cheese.
cheek n 1 either side of the face below the
cheapen vb 1 to lower the reputation of; de- eye. 2 Informal impudence, boldness, or
grade. 2 to reduce the price of. lack of respect. 3 Informal a buttock. 4
cheap-jack n Informal a person who sells cheek by jowl close together. 5 turn the
cheap and shoddy goods. other cheek to refuse to retaliate, -vb 6
cheapskate n Informal a miserly person, Informal to speak or behave disrespectfully
cheat vb 1 to act dishonestly in order to gain
to someone.
some advantage or profit. 2 cheat on In- cheekbone n the bone at the top of the
formal to be unfaithful to (one’s spouse or cheek, just below the eye.
lover). ~n 3 a person who cheats. 4 a fraud cheeky adj cheekier, cheekiest disrespect-
or deception. ful; impudent, cheekily adv cheekiness n
check vb 1 to examine, investigate, or make cheep n 1 the short weak high-pitched cry
an inquiry into. 2 to slow the growth or < -of a young bird. ~ vb 2 to utter a cheep,
progress of. 3 to stop abruptly. 4 to corre- cheer vb 1 to applaud or encourage with
spond or agree: that all checks with our shouts. 2 cheer up to make or become
data here. ~n 5 a test to ensure accuracy happy or hopeful; comfort or be comforted.
or progress. 6 a means to ensure against ~n 3 a shout of applause or encourage-
fraud or error. 7 a break in progress; stop- ment. 4 a feeling of cheerfulness: the news
page. 8 US same as cheque. 9 Chiefly US & brought little cheer.
Canad the bill in a restaurant. 10 a pattern cheerful adj 1 having a happy disposition. 2
of squares or crossed lines. 11 a single pleasantly bright: a cheerful colour. 3 un-
square in such a pattern. 12 Chess the state grudging: a cheerful giver, cheerfully adv
or position of a king under direct attack. 13 cheerfulness n
in check under control or restraint, -interj - cheerio interj Informal, chiefly Brit a fare-
14 Chiefly US & Canad an expression of well greeting.
agreement. ~See also check in, check out, cheerleader n US & Canad a person who
etc. leads a crowd in cheers, usually at sports
checked adj having a pattern of squares. events.
cheerless 128 cheval glass
cheerless adj dreary or gloomy. her account to the person to whom the
cheers interj Informal, chiefly Brit 1 a cheque is made out.
drinking toast. 2 a farewell greeting. 3 an cheque book n a book of detachable blank
expression of gratitude. cheques issued by a bank.
cheery adj cheerier, cheeriest cheerful, cheque card n a plastic card issued by a
cheerily adv bank guaranteeing payment of a customer’s
cheese1 n 1 a food made from coagulated cheques.
milk curd. 2 a block of this, cheesy adj chequer or US checker n a piece used in
cheese2 n big cheese Slang an important Chinese chequers. -See also chequers.
person. chequered or US checkered adj 1 marked
cheeseburger n a hamburger with a slice of by varied fortunes: a chequered career. 2
cheese melted on top of it. marked with alternating squares of colour.
cheesecake n 1 a dessert with a biscuit- chequers or US checkers n the game of
crumb base covered with a sweet cream- draughts.
cheese mixture and sometimes with a fruit cherish vb 1 to cling to (an idea or feeling):
topping. 2 Slang magazine photographs of cherished notions. 2 to care for.
naked or scantily dressed women. Cherokee n 1 a member of a N American In-
cheesecloth n a light, loosely woven cotton dian people, formerly of the Appalachian
cloth. mountains, now living chiefly in Oklahoma.
cheesed off adj Brit slang bored, disgusted, 2 the language of this people.
or angry. cheroot (sher-root) n a cigar with both ends
cheeseparing adj 1 mean or miserly. ~n 2 cut off squarely.
meanness or miserliness. cherry n, pl -ries 1 a small round soft fruit
cheetah n a large fast-running wild cat of
with red or blackish skin and a hard stone.
Africa and SW Asia, which has a light 2 the tree on which this fruit grows, -adj 3
brown coat with black spots. deep red.
cherry tomato n a miniature tomato, slight-
chef n a cook, usually the head cook, in a ly bigger than a cherry.
restaurant or hotel.
cherub n, pl cherubs or (for sense 1) cheru-
chef-d’oeuvre (shay-durv) n, pl chefs- bim 1 Christianity an angel, often repre-
d’oeuvre (.shay-durv) a masterpiece. sented as a wingeji child. 2 an innocent or
Chelsea Pensioner n an inhabitant of the sweet child, cherubic (chair-roo-bik) adj
Chelsea Royal Hospital in SW London, a chervil n an aniseed-flavoured herb.
home for old and infirm soldiers.
Cheshire cheese n a mild white or pale or-
chem. 1 chemical. 2 chemist. 3 chemistry, ange cheese with a crumbly texture.
chemical n 1 any substance used in or re- chess n a game of skill for two players using
sulting from a reaction involving changes to a chessboard on which chessmen are
atoms or molecules, —adj 2 of or used in moved, with the object is of checkmating
chemistry. 3 of, made from, or using chemi- the opponent’s king.
cals: a chemical additive found in many chessboard n a square board divided into
foods, chemically adv 64 squares of two alternating colours, for
chemical engineering n the applications of playing chess.
chemistry in industrial processes, chemi- chessman n, pl -men a piece used in chess,
cal engineer n
chest n 1 the front of the body, from the
chemical warfare n warfare using weapons neck to the waist. 2 get something off
such as gases and poisons. one’s chest Informal to unburden oneself
chemin de fer (shem-man de fair) n a gam- of worries or secrets by talking about them.
bling game, a variation of baccarat. 3 a heavy box for storage or shipping: a tea
chemise (shem-meez) n a woman’s old- chest.
fashioned loose-fitting slip or dress. chesterfield n a large couch with high pad-
chemist n 1 Brit a shop selling medicines ded sides and back.
and cosmetics. 2 Brit a qualified dispenser chestnut n 1 a reddish-brown edible nut. 2
of prescribed medicines. 3 a specialist in the tree that this nut grows on. 3 a horse of
chemistry. a reddish-brown colour. 4 Informal an old
chemistry n the branch of science concerned or stale joke, -adj 5 dark reddish-brown:
with the composition, properties, and reac- chestnut hair.
tions of substances. chest of drawers n a piece of furniture con-
chemotherapy n the treatment of disease, sisting of a set of drawers in a frame.
often cancer, by means of chemicals. chesty adj chestier, chestiest Brit informal
chenille (shen-neel) n 1 a thick soft tufty suffering from or symptomatic of chest dis-
yarn. 2 a fabric made of this. ease: chesty colds, chestiness n
cheque or US check n a written order to cheval glass (shev-val) n a full-length mir-
someone’s bank to pay money from his or ror mounted so as to swivel within a frame.
chevalier 129 chilli con carne
chevalier (shev-a-leer) n 1 a member of the chieftain n the leader of a tribe or clan,
French Legion of Honour. 2 a chivalrous chief technician n a noncommissioned offic-
man. er in the Royal Air Force.
Cheviot n a large British sheep with a heavy chiffchaff n a European warbler with a
medium-length fleece. yellowish-brown plumage.
chevron (shev-ron) n a V-shaped pattern, chiffon (shif-fon) n a fine see-through fabric
such as those worn on the sleeve of a mili- of silk or nylon.
tary uniform to indicate rank.
chiffonier or chiffonnier (shiff-on-near) n 1
chew vb 1 to work the jaws and teeth in a tall elegant chest of drawers. 2 a wide low
order to grind (food). ~n 2 the act of chew- open-fronted cabinet.
ing. 3 something that is chewed, such as a
sweet or a piece of tobacco. chignon (sheen-yon) n a roll or knot of long
Chewing gum n a flavoured gum which is
hair pinned up at the back of the head.
chewed but not swallowed. chigoe (chig-go) n a tropical flea that bur-
chew over vb to consider carefully. rows into the skin. Also: chigger
chewy adj chewier, chewiest of a consist- chihuahua (chee-wah-wah) n a tiny short-
ency requiring a lot of chewing. haired dog, originally from Mexico.
chez (shay) prep at the home of. chilblain n an inflammation of the fingers or
chianti (kee-ant-ee) n a dry red wine pro- toes, caused by exposure to cold.
duced in Tuscany, Italy. child n, pl children 1 a young human being;
chiaroscuro (kee-ah-roh-skew-roh) n, pl boy or girl. 2 a son or daughter. 3 a childish
-ros the distribution of light and shade in a or immature person. 4 the product of an in-
picture. fluence or environment: a child of the
chic (sheek) adj 1 stylish or elegant. —n 2
Army. 5 with child Old-fashioned pregnant,
childless adj childlessness n
stylishness or elegance.
chicane (shik-kane) n an obstacle placed on childbearing n 1 the process of giving birth
a motor-racing circuit to slow the cars to a child, —adj 2 of childbearing age of
down. an age when women are able to give birth to
children.
chicanery n trickery or deception.
child benefit n Brit a regular government
chick n 1 a baby bird, esp. a domestic fowl. 2 payment to parents of children up to a cer-
Slang a young woman. tain age.
chicken n 1 a domestic fowl bred for its
flesh or eggs. 2 the flesh of this bird used childbirth n the act of giving birth to a child,
for food. 3 Slang a coward, —adj 4 Slang childhood n the time or condition of being a
cowardly. child.
chicken feed n Slang a trifling amount of childish adj 1 immature or silly: childish
money. fighting over who did what. 2 of or like a
chicken-hearted adj easily frightened; child: childish illnesses.
cowardly. ► Note that childish has overtones of foolish
chicken out vb Informal to fail to do some- while childlike suggests an innocent qual-
thing through cowardice. ity.
chickenpox n an infectious viral disease, childlike a<Xz like a child, for example in
usually affecting children, which produces being innocent or trustful.
an itchy rash. child minder n a person who looks after
chicken wire n wire netting. children whose parents are working.
Chickpea n an edible hard yellow pealike children n the plural of child.
seed. child’s play n Informal something that is
chickweed n a common garden weed with easy to do.
small white flowers. chill n 1 a feverish cold. 2 a moderate cold-
chicory n 1 a plant grown for its leaves, ness. 3 a feeling of coldness resulting from a
which are used in salads, and for its roots. 2 cold or damp environment or from sudden
the root of this plant, roasted, dried, and fear, -vb 4 to make (something) cool or
used as a coffee substitute. cold: chilled white wine. 5 to cause (some-
chide vb chiding, chided Old-fashioned to one) to feel cold or frightened, -adj 6 un-
rebuke or scold. pleasantly cold: chill winds, chilling adj
chief n 1 the head of a group or body of peo- chillingly adv
ple. 2 the head of a tribe, -adj 3 most im- chiller n 1 short for spine-chiller. 2 a cool-
portant: the chief suspects. 4 highest in ing or refrigerating device.
rank: the Chief Constable. chilli or chili n 1 (pl chillies or chilies) the
chiefly adv 1 especially or essentially. 2 small red or green hot-tasting pod of a type
mainly or mostly. of capsicum, used in cookery, often in pow-
Chief petty officer n a senior noncommis- dered form. 2 short for chilli con carne.
sioned officer in a navy. chilli con carne n a highly seasoned Mexi-
chill out 130 chiropodist
can dish of meat, onions, beans, and chilli Chinese chequers n a game played with
powder. marbles or pegs on a six-pointed star-
chill out vb Slang, chiefly US to relax or shaped board.
calm oneself. Chinese lantern n a collapsible lantern
chilly adj -tier, -liest 1 causing or feeling made of thin paper.
moderately cold. 2 without warmth; un- Chinese leaves pl n the edible leaves of a
friendly: a chilly reception. Chinese cabbage.
chilly bin n NZ informal a portable insulated Chinese puzzle n a complicated puzzle or
container for packing food and drink in ice. problem.
Chiltern Hundreds pl n (in Britain) a nomi- chink1 n a small narrow opening: a chink of
nal office that an MP applies for in order to light.
resign his seat. chink2 vb 1 to make a light ringing sound.
chime n 1 the musical ringing sound made ~n 2 a light ringing sound.
by a bell or clock. ~vb chiming, chimed 2 chinless wonder n Brit informal a person,
(of a bell) to make a clear musical ringing usually upper-class, lacking strength of
sound. 3 (of a clock) to indicate (the time) character.
by chiming. chinoiserie (sheen-wahz-a-ree) n 1 a style of
chime in vb to say something, usually in decorative art based on imitations of Chi-
agreement, just after someone else has spo- nese motifs. 2 objects in this style.
ken. Chinook n 1 (pl -nook or -nooks) a member
chimera (kime-meer-a) n 1 a wild and unre- of a N American Indian people of the Pacif-
alistic dream or idea. 2 Greek myth a fire- ic coast. 2 the language of this people.
breathing monster with the head of a lion, Chinook salmon n a Pacific salmon valued
body of a goat, and tail of a serpent. as a food fish.
chimerical adj wildly fanciful or imaginary, chinos (chee-nohz) pl n trousers made of a
chime with vb to agree or be consistent kind of hard-wearing cotton.
with. chintz n a printed patterned cotton fabric
chimney n a hollow vertical structure that with a glazed finish, used for curtains and
carries smoke or steam away from a fire or chair coverings.
engine. chintzy adj chintzier, chintziest 1 of or
chimney breast n the walls surrounding the covered with chintz. 2 (of a room or house)
base of a chimney or fireplace. decorated in an excessively fussy or twee
Chimneypot n a short pipe on the top of a way.
chimney. chinwag n Brit informal a chat.
chimney stack n the part of a chimney chip n 1 a thin strip of potato fried in deep
sticking up above a roof. fat. 2 US, Canad, & Austral a potato crisp. 3
chimney sweep n a person who cleans soot Electronics a tiny wafer of semiconductor
from chimneys. material, such as silicon, processed to form
chimp n Informal short for chimpanzee, an integrated circuit. 4 a counter used to
represent money in gambling games. 5 a
chimpanzee n an intelligent small black ape small piece removed by chopping, cutting,
of central W Africa. or breaking. 6 a mark left where a small
chin n the front part of the face below the piece has been broken off something. 7 chip
mouth. off the old block Informal a person who
china1 n 1 ceramic ware of a type originally resembles one of his or her parents in per-
from China. 2 dishes or ornamental objects sonality. 8 have a chip on one’s shoulder
made of china. Informal to be resentful or bear a grudge. 9
china2 n Brit & S African informal a friend when the chips are down Informal at a
or companion. time of crisis. ~vb chipping, chipped 10 to
china clay n same as kaolin. break small pieces from.
Chinaman n, pl -men Old-fashioned or of- chipboard n thin rigid board made of com-
fensive a man from China. pressed wood particles.
Chinatown n a section of a town or city out- chip in vb Informal 1 to contribute to a
side China with a mainly Chinese popula- common fund. 2 to interrupt with a remark.
tion. chipmunk n a squirrel-like striped burrow-
chinchilla n 1 a small S American rodent ing rodent of North America and Asia.
bred in captivity for its soft silvery-grey chipolata n Chiefly Brit a small sausage.
fur. 2 the fur of this animal. Chippendale adj (of furniture) by or in the
chine n 1 a cut of meat including part of the style of Thomas Chippendale, with Chinese
backbone. ~vb chining, chined 2 to cut and Gothic motifs, curved legs, and massive
(meat) along the backbone. carving.
Chinese adj 1 of China. ~n 2 (pl -nese) a chiropodist (kir-rop-pod-ist) n a person who
person from China or a descendant of one. 3 treats minor foot complaints like corns,
any of the languages of China. chiropody n
chiropractic 131 choose
chiropractic (kire-oh-prak-tik) n a system chloroplast n Biol one of the parts of a plant
of treating bodily disorders by manipula- cell that contains chlorophyll.
tion of the spine, chiropractor n chock n 1 a block or wedge of wood used to
chirp vb 1 (of some birds and insects) to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy ob-
make a short high-pitched sound. 2 to speak ject. —vb 2 to fit with or secure by a chock,
in a lively fashion. —n 3 a chirping sound. chock-a-block adj filled to capacity,
chirpy adj chirpier, chirpiest Informal live- chock-full adj completely full.
ly and cheerful, chirpiness n chocolate n 1 a food made from roasted
chirrup vb 1 (of some birds) to chirp repeat- ground cacao seeds, usually sweetened and
edly. ~n 2 a chirruping sound. flavoured. 2 a sweet or drink made from
chisel n 1 a metal tool with a sharp end for this, —adj 3 deep brown, chocolaty adj
shaping wood or stone. -vb -elling, -elled choice n 1 the act of choosing or selecting. 2
or US -eling, -eled 2 to carve or form with a the opportunity or power of choosing: pa-
chisel. rental choice. 3 a person or thing chosen or
chiselled or US chiseled adj finely or sharp- that may be chosen: the president’s choice
ly formed: chiselled angular features. as the new head of the CIA. 4 an alternative
chit1 n a short official note, such as a memo- action or possibility: they had no choice but
randum, requisition, or receipt. Also: chitty to accept. 5 a range from which to select: a
chit2 n Old-fashioned a pert or impudent girl, choice of weapons, —adj 6 of high quality:
choice government jobs.
chitchat n chat or gossip.
choir n 1 an organized group of singers, usu-
chitin (kite-in) n the tough substance form- ally for singing in church. 2 the part of a
ing the outer layer of the bodies of church, in front of the altar, occupied by
arthropods. the choir.
chitterlings pl n the intestines of a pig or choirboy n a boy who sings in a church
other animal prepared as food. choir.
chivalrous adj gallant or courteous, chival- choke vb choking, choked 1 to hinder or
rously adv stop the breathing of (a person or animal)
chivalry n 1 courteous behaviour, esp. by by strangling or smothering. 2 to have trou-
men towards women. 2 the medieval system ble in breathing, swallowing, or speaking. 3
and principles of knighthood, chivalric adj to block or clog up: the old narrow streets
Chives pl n the long slender hollow leaves of become choked to a standstill. 4 to hinder
a small Eurasian plant, used in cooking for the growth of: weeds would outgrow and
their onion-like flavour. choke the rice crop, —n 5 a device in a ve-
chivvy vb -vies, -vying, -vied Brit to harass hicle’s engine that enriches the petrol-air
or nag. mixture by reducing the air supply.
chloral hydrate n a colourless crystalline choke back vbto suppress (tears or anger),
solid used as a sedative. choked adj Informal disappointed or angry:
chlorate n Chem any salt containing the ion I still feel choked about him leaving.
cio3-. choker n a tight-fitting necklace.
chloride n Chem 1 any compound of chlorine choke up vb 1 to block completely. 2
and another element and radical. 2 any salt choked up Informal overcome with emo-
or ester of hydrochloric acid. tion.
chlorinate vb -ating, -ated 1 to disinfect choko n, pl -kos Austral & NZ the cucumber-
(water) with chlorine. 2 Chem to combine or like fruit of a tropical American vine.
treat (a substance) with chlorine: chlorinat- choler (kol-ler) n Archaic anger or bad tem-
ed hydrocarbons, chlorination n per.
chlorine n a poisonous strong-smelling cholera (kol-ler-a) n a serious infectious
greenish-yellow gaseous element, used in disease causing severe diarrhoea and stom-
water purification and as a disinfectant, ach cramps, caught from contaminated
and, combined with sodium, to make com- water or food.
mon salt. Symbol: Cl choleric adj bad-tempered.
chloro- combining form green. cholesterol (kol-lest-er-oll) n a fatty alcohol
chlorofluorocarbon n Chem any of various found in all animal fats, tissues, and fluids,
gaseous compounds of carbon, hydrogen, an excess of which is thought to contribute
chlorine, and fluorine, used as refrigerants to heart and artery disease.
and aerosol propellants, some of which chomp vb to chew (food) noisily.
break down the ozone in the atmosphere. chook n Informal, chiefly Austral & NZ a
chloroform n a sweet-smelling liquid, used hen or chicken.
as a solvent and cleansing agent, and for- choose vb choosing, chose, chosen 1 to se-
merly as an anaesthetic. lect (a person, thing, or course of action)
chlorophyll or US chlorophyl n the green from a number of alternatives. 2 to like or
colouring matter of plants, which enables please: when she did choose to reveal her
them to convert sunlight into energy. secret, the group were initially hushed. 3 to
choosy 132 Christian Science
consider it desirable or proper: I don’t chorus n, pl -ruses 1 a large choir. 2 a piece
choose to read that sort of book. of music to be sung by a large choir. 3 a part
choosy adj choosier, choosiest Informal of a song repeated after each verse. 4 some-
fussy; hard to please. thing expressed by many people at once: a
chop1 vb chopping, chopped 1 (often foil, chorus of boos. 5 the noise made by a group
by down or off) to cut (something) with a of birds or small animals: the dawn chorus.
blow from an axe or other sharp tool. 2 to 6 a group of singers or dancers who per-
cut into pieces. 3 Boxing, karate to hit (an form together in a show. 7 (in ancient
opponent) with a short sharp blow. 4 Brit Greece) a group of actors who commented
informal to dispense with or reduce. 5 Sport on the action of a play. 8 (in Elizabethan
to hit (a ball) sharply downwards. ~n 6 a drama) the actor who spoke the prologue
cutting blow. 7 a slice of mutton, lamb, or and epilogue. 9 in chorus in unison. ~vb
pork, usually including a rib. 8 Sport a 10 to sing or say together.
sharp downward blow or stroke. 9 the chop chorus girl n a young woman who dances or
Slang, chiefly Brit dismissal from employ- sings in the chorus of a show or film.
ment. chose vb the past tense of choose,
chop2 vb chopping, chopped 1 chop and chosen vb 1 the past participle of choose,
change to change one’s mind repeatedly. 2 -adj 2 selected for some special quality:
chop logic to use excessively subtle or in- the chosen one.
volved argument. chough (chuff) n a large black bird of the
chop chop adv Pidgin English quickly, crow family.
chopper n 1 Informal a helicopter. 2 Chiefly choux pastry (shoo) n a very light pastry
Brit a small hand axe. 3 a butcher’s cleaver. made with eggs.
4 a type of bicycle or motorcycle with very chow n 1 a thick-coated dog with a curled
high handlebars. 5 NZ a child’s bicycle. tail, originally from China. 2 Informal food,
choppy adj -pier, -piest (of the sea) fairly chowder n Chiefly US & Canad a thick soup
rough, choppiness n containing clams or fish.
chops pl n 1 the jaws or cheeks. 2 lick one’s chow mein n a Chinese-American dish con-
chops Informal to anticipate something sisting of chopped meat or vegetables fried
with pleasure. with noodles.
chopsticks pl n a pair of thin sticks of chrism n consecrated oil used for anointing
ivory, wood, or plastic, used for eating Chi- in some churches.
nese or other East Asian food. Christ n 1 Jesus of Nazareth (Jesus Christ),
chop suey n a Chinese-style dish of chopped regarded by Christians as the Messiah of
meat, bean sprouts, and other vegetables in Old Testament prophecies. 2 the Messiah of
a sauce. Old Testament prophecies. 3 an image or
choral adj of or for a choir. picture of Christ. ~interj 4 Taboo slang an
chorale (kor-rahl) n 1 a slow stately hymn oath expressing annoyance or surprise.
tune. 2 Chiefly US a choir or chorus. christen vb 1 same as baptize. 2 to give a
chord1 n 1 Maths a straight line connecting name to (a person or thing). 3 Informal to
two points on a curve. 2 Anat same as cord. use for the first time, christening n
3 strike or touch a chord to bring about an Christendom n all Christian people or coun-
emotional response, usually of sympathy. tries.
chord2 n the simultaneous sounding of three Christian n 1 a person who believes in and
or more musical notes. follows Jesus Christ. 2 Informal a person
chordate n any animal that has a long fi- who displays the virtues of kindness and
brous rod just above the gut to support the mercy encouraged in the teachings of Jesus
body, such as the vertebrates. Christ, -adj 3 of Jesus Christ, Christians,
chore n 1 a small routine task. 2 an unpleas- or Christianity. 4 kind or good.
ant task. Christian Era n the period beginning with
chorea (kor-ree-a) n a disorder of the nerv- the year of Christ’s birth.
ous system characterized by uncontrollable Christianity n 1 the religion based on the life
brief jerky movements. and teachings of Christ. 2 Christian beliefs
choreograph vb to compose the steps and or practices. 3 same as Christendom.
dances for (a piece of music or ballet). Christianize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising,
choreography n 1 the composition of steps -ised 1 to convert to Christianity. 2 to fill
and movements for ballet and other danc- with Christian principles, spirit, or outlook.
ing. 2 the steps and movements of a ballet Christianization or -isation n
or dance, choreographer n choreographic Christian name n Brit a personal name for-
adj mally given to Christians at baptism: loose-
chorister n a singer in a church choir, ly used to mean a person’s first name.
chortle vb -tling, -tied 1 to chuckle with Christian Science n the religious system
amusement. ~n 2 an amused chuckle. founded by Mary Baker Eddy (1866), which
Christmas 133 chunk
emphasizes spiritual regeneration and heal- food shortages. 4 Informal very bad: the
ing through prayer. Christian Scientist n play was chronic, chronically adv
Christmas n 1 a Christianity a festival chronicle n 1 a record of events in chrono-
commemorating the birth of Christ, held by logical order. ~vb -cling, -cled 2 to record
most Churches to have occurred on Dec. 25. in or as if in a chronicle, chronicler n
b Also: Christmas Day Dec. 25, as a day of chronological adj 1 (of a sequence of
secular celebrations when gifts and greet- events) arranged in order of occurrence. 2
ings are exchanged. —adj 2 connected with relating to chronology, chronologically
or taking place at the time of year when adv
this festival is celebrated: the Christmas chronology n, pl -gies 1 the arrangement of
holidays. Christmassy adj dates or events in order of occurrence. 2 the
Christmas box n a tip or present given at determining of the proper sequence of past
Christmas, esp. to postmen or tradesmen. events. 3 a table of events arranged in order
Christmas Eve n the evening or the whole of occurrence, chronologist n
day before Christmas Day. chronometer n a timepiece designed to be
Christmas pudding n Brit a rich steamed accurate in all conditions.
pudding containing suet, dried fruit, and chrysalis (kriss-a-liss) n an insect in the
spices. stage between larva and adult, when it is in
Christmas rose n an evergreen plant with a cocoon.
white or pink winter-blooming flowers. chrysanthemum n a garden plant with large
Christmas tree n an evergreen tree or an round flowers made up of many petals.
imitation of one, decorated as part of chub n, pl chub or chubs a common fresh-
Christmas celebrations. water game fish of the carp family with a
chromate n Chem any salt or ester of chro- dark greenish body.
mic acid. chubby adj -bier, -biest plump and round,
chromatic adj 1 of or in colour or colours. 2 chubbiness n
Music a involving the sharpening or chuck1 vb 1 Informal to throw carelessly. 2
flattening of notes or the use of such notes, Informal (sometimes foil, by in or up) to
b of the chromatic scale, chromatically give up; reject: he chucked in his job. 3 to
adv pat (someone) affectionately under the
chromatics n the science of colour, chin. ~n 4 a throw or toss. 5 a pat under
chromatic scale n a twelve-note scale in-
the chin. -See also chuck off, chuck out.
cluding all the semitones of the octave. chuck2 n 1 Also: chuck steak a cut of beef
from the neck to the shoulder blade. 2 a de-
chromatin n Biochem the part of the nucleus vice that holds a workpiece in a lathe or a
of a cell that forms the chromosomes and tool in a drill.
can easily be dyed.
chuck3 n W Canada 1 a large body of water.
chromatography n the technique of sepa- 2 Also: saltchuck the sea.
rating and analysing the components of a
mixture of liquids or gases by slowly pass- chuckle vb -ling, -led 1 to laugh softly or to
ing it through an adsorbing material. oneself. — n 2 a partly suppressed laugh.
chrome n 1 same as chromium. 2 anything chuck off vb (often foil, by at) Austral & NZ
plated with chromium. ~vb chroming, informal to sneer.
chromed 3 to plate or be plated with chro- chuck out vb Informal to throw out.
mium. chuff vb to move while making a puffing
chromite n a brownish-black mineral which sound, as a steam engine.
is the only commercial source of chromium, chuffed adj Informal pleased or delighted: I
chromium n Chem a hard grey metallic el- suppose you ’re feeling pretty chuffed.
ement, used in steel alloys and electroplat- chug n 1 a short dull sound like the noise of
ing to increase hardness and corrosion re- an engine. ~vb chugging, chugged 2 (esp.
sistance. Symbol: Cr of an engine) to operate or move with this
chromosome n any of the microscopic rod- sound.
shaped structures that appear in a cell nu- chukka or chukker n Polo a period of con-
cleus during cell division, consisting of tinuous play, usually 7/2 minutes.
units (genes) that are responsible for the chum n 1 Informal a close friend. — vb
transmission of hereditary characteristics. chumming, chummed 2 chum up with to
chromosphere n a gaseous layer of the form a close friendship with.
sun’s atmosphere extending from the chummy adj -mier, -miest Informal friend-
photosphere to the corona. ly. chummily adv chumminess n
chronic adj 1 (of a disease) developing slow- chump n 1 Informal a stupid person. 2 a
ly or lasting for a long time. 2 (of a bad thick piece of meat. 3 a thick block of wood.
habit or bad behaviour) having continued 4 off one’s chump Brit slang crazy.
for a long time; habitual: chronic drug ad- chunk n 1 a thick solid piece of something. 2
diction. 3 very serious or severe: chronic a considerable amount.
chunky 134 cipher
Chunky adj chunkier, chunkiest 1 thick and Literary a person who guides and informs
short. 2 containing thick pieces. 3 Chiefly sightseers.
Brit (of clothes, esp. knitwear) made of CID (in Britain) Criminal Investigation De-
thick bulky material, chunkiness n partment; the detective division of a police
church n 1 a building for public Christian force.
worship. 2 religious services held in a cider n an alcoholic drink made from fer-
church. 3 a particular Christian denomina- mented apple juice.
tion. 4 Christians collectively. 5 the clergy cigar n a tube-like roll of cured tobacco
as distinguished from the laity. 6 Church leaves for smoking.
institutional religion as a political or social
force: conflict between Church and State. cigarette n a thin roll of shredded tobacco in
thin paper, for smoking.
churchgoer n a person who attends church
regularly. cilium n, pl cilia Biol 1 any of the short
threads projecting from a cell or organism,
Churchman n, pl -men a clergyman. whose rhythmic beating causes movement.
Church of England n the reformed estab- 2 an eyelash, ciliary adj
lished state Church in England, with the C in C Mil Commander in Chief.
sovereign as its temporal head.
cinch (sinch) n 1 Informal an easy task. 2
Church of Scotland n the established Pres- Slang a certainty.
byterian church in Scotland.
cinchona (sing-kone-a) n 1 a South Ameri-
churchwarden n 1 Church of England, Epis- can tree or shrub with medicinal bark. 2 its
copal Church a lay assistant of a parish dried bark which yields quinine. 3 a drug
priest. 2 an old-fashioned long-stemmed to- made from cinchona bark.
bacco pipe made of clay.
cincture n Literary something, such as a belt
churchyard n the grounds round a church, or girdle, that goes around another thing.
used as a graveyard.
cinder n 1 a piece of material that will not
churl n 1 a surly ill-bred person. 2 Archaic a burn, left after burning coal or wood. 2 cin-
farm labourer. ders ashes.
churlish adj surly and rude. Cinderella n a poor, neglected, or unsuccess-
Churn n 1 a machine in which cream is shak- ful person or thing.
en to make butter. 2 a large container for cine camera n a camera for taking moving
milk. ~vb 3 to stir (milk or cream) vigor- pictures.
ously in order to make butter. 4 to move
about violently: a hot tub of churning cinema n 1 a place designed for showing
water. films. 2 the cinema a the art or business of
making films, b films collectively, cin-
churn out vb Informal to produce (some- ematic adj
thing) rapidly and in large numbers.
cinematograph n Chiefly Brit a combined
chute1 (shoot) n a steep sloping channel or camera, printer, and projector, cinematog-
passage down which things may be rapher n cinematographic adj
dropped.
cinematography n the technique of making
chute2 n Informal short for parachute,
films.
chutney n a pickle of Indian origin, made
from fruit, vinegar, spices, and sugar: cineraria n a garden plant with daisy-like
mango chutney. flowers.
chutzpah (hhoots-pa) n US & Canad infor- cinerarium n, pl -raria a place for keeping
mal unashamed self-confidence; impudence, the ashes of the dead after cremation, cin-
erary adj
chyle n a milky fluid formed in the small in-
testine during digestion. cinnabar n 1 a heavy red mineral containing
mercury. 2 a large red-and-black European
chyme n the thick fluid mass of partially di- moth.
gested food that leaves the stomach.
cinnamon n the spice obtained from the
chypre (sheep-ra) n a perfume made from aromatic bark of a tropical Asian tree.
sandalwood.
cinquefoil n 1 a plant with five-lobed com-
Ci curie. pound leaves. 2 an ornamental carving in
Cl Channel Islands. the form of five arcs arranged in a circle.
CIA Central Intelligence Agency; a U.S. bu- Cinque Ports pl n an association of ports on
reau responsible for espionage and intelli- the SE coast of England, with certain an-
gence activities. cient duties and privileges.
cicada (sik-kah-da) n a large broad insect, cipher or cypher (sife-er) n 1 a method of
found in hot countries, that makes a high- secret writing using substitution of letters
pitched drone. according to a key. 2 a secret message. 3 the
cicatrix (sik-a-trix) n, pl cicatrices (sik-a- key to a secret message. 4 a person or thing
trice-eez) the tissue that forms in a wound of no importance. 5 Obsolete the numeral
during healing; scar. zero. ~vb 6 to put (a message) into secret
cicerone (siss-a-rone-ee) n, pl -nes or -ni writing.
circa 135 circus
circa (sir-ka) prep (used with a date) ap- circulation n 1 the flow of blood from the
proximately; about: circa 1788. heart through the arteries, and then back
circadian adj of biological processes that through the veins to the heart, where the
occur regularly at 24-hour intervals. cycle is renewed. 2 the number of copies of
circle n 1 a curved line surrounding a cen- a newspaper or magazine that are sold. 3
tral point, every point of the line being the the distribution of newspapers or
same distance from the centre. 2 the figure magazines. 4 sending or moving around: the
enclosed by such a curve. 3 something circulation of air. 5 in circulation a (of
formed or arranged in the shape of a circle: currency) being used by the public, b (of
they ran round in little circles. 4 a group of people) active in a social or business con-
people sharing an interest, activity, or up- text.
bringing: his judgment is well respected in circum- prefix around; on all sides: circum-
diplomatic circles. 5 Theatre the section of locution.
seats above the main level of the audito- circumcise vb -cising, -cised 1 to remove
rium. 6 a process or chain of events or parts the foreskin of (a male). 2 to cut or remove
that forms a connected whole; cycle. 7 the clitoris of (a female). 3 to perform such
come full circle to arrive back at one’s an operation as a religious rite on (some-
starting point. ~vb -cling, -cled 8 to move one). circumcision n
in a circle (around). 9 to enclose in a circle. circumference n 1 the boundary of a specif-
circlet n a small circle or ring, esp. a circular ic area or figure, esp. of a circle. 2 the dis-
ornament worn on the head. tance round this, circumferential adj
circuit n 1 a complete route or course, esp. circumflex n a mark (-) placed over a vowel
one that is circular or that lies around an to show that it is pronounced in a particular
object. 2 a complete path through which an way, for instance as a long vowel in French.
electric current can flow. 3 a a periodical circumlocution n 1 an indirect way of say-
journey around an area, as made by judges ing something. 2 an indirect expression,
or salesmen, b the places visited on such a circumlocutory adj
journey. 4 a motor-racing track. 5 Sport a
series of tournaments in which the same circumnavigate vb -gating, -gated to sail,
players regularly take part: the profession- fly, or walk right around, circumnaviga-
al golf circuit. 6 a number of theatres or tion n
cinemas under one management. circumscribe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 For-
circuit breaker n a device that stops the mal to limit or restrict within certain
flow of current in an electrical circuit if boundaries: the President’s powers are cir-
there is a fault. cumscribed by the Constitution. 2 Geom to
circuitous (sir-kew-it-uss) adj indirect and
draw a geometric figure around (another
lengthy: a circuitous route. figure) so that the two are in contact but do
not intersect, circumscription n
circuitry (sir-kit-tree) n 1 the design of an
electrical circuit. 2 the system of circuits circumspect adj cautious and careful not to
used in an electronic device. take risks, circumspection n circum-
spectly adv
circular adj 1 of or in the shape of a circle. 2
travelling in a circle. 3 (of an arguments) circumstance n 1 an occurrence or condi-
not valid because a statement is used to tion that accompanies or influences a per-
prove the conclusion and the conclusion to son or event. 2 unplanned events and situa-
prove the statement. 4 (of letters or an- tions which cannot be controlled: a victim
nouncements) intended for general distri- of circumstance. 3 pomp and circumstance
bution. ~n 5 a letter or advertisement sent formal display or ceremony. 4 under or in
to a large number of people at the same no circumstances in no case; never. 5
time, circularity n under the circumstances because of condi-
tions.
circularize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
-ised to distribute circulars to. circumstantial adj 1 (of evidence) strongly
circular saw n a power-driven saw in which
suggesting something but not proving it. 2
a circular disc with a toothed edge is fully detailed.
rotated at high speed. circumstantiate vb -ating, -ated to prove by
circulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to send, go, or giving details.
pass from place to place or person to per- circumvent vb Formal 1 to avoid or get
son: rumours were circulating that the round (a rule, restriction, etc.). 2 to outwit
prime minister was about to resign. 2 to (a person), circumvention n
move through a circuit or system, returning circus n, pl -cuses 1 a travelling company of
to the starting point: regular exercise keeps entertainers such as acrobats, clowns, tra-
the blood circulating around the body. 3 to peze artists, and trained animals. 2 a public
move around the guests at a party, talking performance given by such a company. 3
to different people: it wasn’t like her not to Brit an open place in a town where several
circulate among all the guests, circulatory streets meet. 4 Informal a hectic or well-
adj published situation: her second marriage
cirque 136 civil law
turned into a media circus. 5 (in ancient lemon-scented leaves. 2 the aromatic oil ob-
Rome) an open-air stadium for chariot races tained from this grass.
or public games. 6 a travelling group of pro- citrus fruit n juicy, sharp-tasting fruit such
fessional sportsmen: the Formula One cir- as oranges, lemons, or limes.
cus. city n, pl cities 1 any large town. 2 (in Brit-
cirque (sirk) n a steep-sided semicircular ain) a town that has received this title from
hollow found in mountainous areas. the Crown. 3 the people of a city collective-
cirrhosis (sir-roh-siss) n a chronic progres- ly. 4 (in the U.S. and Canada) a large town
sive disease of the liver, often caused by with its own government established by
drinking too much alcohol. charter from the state or provincial gov-
cirrocumulus (sirr-oh-kew-myew-luss) n, pl ernment.
-li (-lie) a high cloud of ice crystals grouped City n the City 1 the area in central London
into small separate globular masses. in which the United Kingdom’s major finan-
cirrostratus (sirr-oh-strah-tuss) n, pl -ti cial business is transacted. 2 the various fi-
(-tie) a uniform layer of cloud above about nancial institutions in this area.
6000 metres. city editor n (on a newspaper) 1 Brit the
cirrus n, pl -ri 1 a thin wispy cloud found at editor in charge of business news. 2 US &
high altitudes. 2 a plant tendril. 3 a slender Canad the editor in charge of local news.
tentacle in certain sea creatures. city-state n Ancient history a state consist-
CIS Commonwealth of Independent States, ing of a sovereign city and its dependencies,
cisalpine adj on this (the southern) side of civet (siv-vit) n 1 a spotted catlike mammal
the Alps, as viewed from Rome. of Africa and S Asia. 2 the musky fluid pro-
cisco n, pl -coes or -cos a whitefish, esp. the duced by this animal, used in perfumes.
lake herring of cold deep lakes of North civic adj of a city or citizens, civically adv
America. civic centre n Brit a complex of public
cissy n, pl -sies, adj same as sissy. buildings, including recreational facilities
Cistercian n 1 a Christian monk or nun be- and offices of local government.
longing to an especially strict Benedictine civics n the study of the rights and respon-
order, —adj 2 of or relating to this order. sibilities of citizenship.
cistern n 1 a water tank, esp. one which civil adj 1 of or occurring within the state or
holds water for flushing a toilet. 2 an between citizens: civil unrest. 2 of or relat-
underground reservoir. ing to the citizen as an individual: civil
citadel n a fortress in a city. rights. 3 not part of the military, legal or re-
ligious structures of a country: civil avia-
citation n 1 an official commendation or tion. 4 polite or courteous: he seemed very
award, esp. for bravery. 2 the quoting of a civil and listened politely, civilly adv
book or author. 3 a quotation.
civil defence n the organizing of civilians to
cite vb citing, cited 1 to quote or refer to (a deal with enemy attacks.
passage, book, or author). 2 to bring for-
ward as proof. 3 to summon to appear be- civil disobedience n a nonviolent protest,
fore a court of law. 4 to mention or com- such as a refusal to obey laws or pay taxes.
mend (someone) for outstanding bravery. 5 civil engineer n a person qualified to design
to enumerate: the president cited the won- and construct public works, such as roads
ders of the American family. or bridges, civil engineering n
citified adj Often disparaging having the civilian n 1 a person who is not a member of
customs, manners, or dress of city people. the armed forces or police, —adj 2 not re-
citizen n 1 a native or naturalized member lating to the armed forces or police: civilian
of a state or nation. 2 an inhabitant of a city clothes.
or town. civility n, pl -ties 1 polite or courteous be-
citizenry n citizens collectively. haviour. 2 civilities polite words or ac-
tions.
Citizens’ Band n a range of radio frequen-
cies for use by the public for private com- civilization or -lisation n 1 the total culture
munication. and way of life of a particular people, na-
tion, region, or period. 2 a human society
citizenship n the condition or status of a that has a complex cultural, political, and
citizen, with its rights and duties. legal organization. 3 the races collectively
citrate n any salt or ester of citric acid, who have achieved such a state. 4 cities or
citric adj of or derived from citrus fruits or populated areas, as contrasted with sparse-
citric acid. ly inhabited areas. 5 intellectual, cultural,
citric acid n a weak acid found especially in and moral refinement.
citrus fruits and used as a flavouring civilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -Using,
(E330). -lised 1 to bring out of barbarism into a
citron n 1 a lcmon-like fruit of a small Asian state of civilization. 2 to refine, educate, or
tree. 2 the candied rind of this fruit. enlighten, civilized or -lised adj
citronella n 1 a tropical Asian grass with civil law n 1 the law of a state, relating to
civil liberties 137 clapper
private and civilian affairs. 2 a system of moist and sticky, clammily adv clammi-
law based on that of ancient Rome. ness n
civil liberties pl n a person’s rights to free- clamour or US clamor n 1 a loud protest. 2 a
dom of speech and action. loud and persistent noise or outcry. ~vb 3
civil list n (in Britain) the annual amount clamour for to demand noisily. 4 to make a
given by Parliament to the royal household loud noise or outcry, clamorous adj
and the royal family. clamp1 n 1 a mechanical device with mov-
civil marriage n Law a marriage performed able jaws for holding things together tight-
by an official other than a clergyman. ly. 2 See wheel clamp. ~vb 3 to fix or fas-
ten with a clamp. 4 to immobilize (a car) by
civil rights pl n the personal rights of the in- means of a wheel clamp.
dividual citizen to have equal treatment
and equal opportunities. clamp2 n a mound of a harvested root crop,
covered with straw and earth to protect it
civil servant n a member of the civil service, from winter weather.
civil service n the service responsible for clamp down vb 1 clamp down on a to be-
the public administration of the govern- come stricter about, b to suppress (some-
ment of a country. thing regarded as undesirable). ~n clamp-
civil war n war between people of the same down 2 a sudden restriction placed on an
country. activity.
civvies pl n Slang civilian clothes as opposed clam up vb clamming, clammed Informal to
to uniform. keep or become silent.
civvy street n Slang civilian life, clan n 1 a group of families with a common
cl centilitre. surname and a common ancestor, esp.
Cl Chem chlorine. among Scottish Highlanders. 2 an extended
family related by ancestry or marriage:
clack n 1 the sound made by two hard ob- America’s leading political clan, the
jects striking each other. ~vb 2 to make Kennedys. 3 a group of people with common
this sound. characteristics, aims, or interests, clans-
clad vb a past of clothe. man n
cladding n 1 the material used to cover the clandestine adj Formal secret and con-
outside of a building. 2 a protective metal cealed: a base for clandestine activities.
coating attached to another metal. clandestinely adv
cladistics n a method of grouping animals clang vb 1 to make a loud ringing noise, as
by measurable likenesses. metal does when it is struck. ~n 2 a ringing
claim vb 1 to assert as a fact: he had claimed metallic noise.
to be too ill to return. 2 to demand as a right clanger n drop a clanger Informal to make
or as one’s property: you can claim housing a very noticeable mistake.
benefit to help pay your rent. 3 to call for or clangour or US clangor n a loud continuous
need: this problem claims our attention. 4 to clanging sound, clangorous adj
cause the death of: violence which has clank n 1 an abrupt harsh metallic sound.
claimed at least fifty lives. 5 to succeed in ~vb 2 to make such a sound.
obtaining; win: she claimed her fifth Euro- clannish adj (of a group) tending to exclude
pean tour victory with a closing round of outsiders: the villagers can be very clan-
64. ~n 6 an assertion of something as true nish.
or real. 7 an assertion of a right; a demand
for something as due. 8 a right or just title clap1 vb clapping, clapped 1 to applaud by
to something: a claim to fame. 9 anything striking the palms of one’s hands sharply
that is claimed, such as a piece of land together. 2 to place or put quickly or for-
staked out by a miner. 10 a a demand for cibly: in former times he would have been
payment in connection with an insurance clapped in irons or shot. 3 to strike (a per-
policy, b the sum of money demanded, son) lightly with an open hand as in greet-
claimant n ing. 4 to make a sharp abrupt sound like
two objects being struck together. 5 clap
clairvoyance n the alleged power of perceiv- eyes on Informal to catch sight of. ~n 6
ing things beyond the natural range of the the act or sound of clapping. 7 a sharp ab-
senses. rupt sound, esp. of thunder. 8 a light blow.
clairvoyant n 1 a person claiming to have clap2 n Slang gonorrhoea.
the power to foretell future events. ~adj 2 clapped out adj Informal 1 Brit, Austral, &
of or possessing clairvoyance. NZ worn out; dilapidated. 2 Austral & NZ
clam n an edible shellfish with a hinged extremely tired.
shell. See also clam up. ~ clapper n 1 a small piece of metal hanging
clamber vb 1 to climb awkwardly, using inside a bell, which causes it to sound when
hands and feet. ~n 2 a climb performed in struck against the side. 2 like the clappers
this manner. Brit informal extremely quickly: he left,
clammy adj -mier, -miest unpleasantly pedalling like the clappers.
clapperboard 138 claw
clapperboard n a pair of hinged boards which is called classical, or highly rated art
clapped together during film shooting to and literature, which is called classic.
help in synchronizing sound and picture. classical adj 1 of or in a restrained con-
Claptrap n Informal foolish or pretentious servative style: it had been built in the
talk: pseudo-intellectual claptrap. eighteenth century in a severely classical
claque n Formal 1 a group of people hired to style. 2 Music a in a style or from a period
applaud. 2 a group of fawning admirers. marked by stability of form, intellectual-
claret (klar-rit) n 1 a dry red wine, esp. one ism, and restraint, b denoting serious art
from Bordeaux. ~adj 2 purplish-red. music in general. 3 of or influenced by an-
cient Greek and Roman culture. 4 of the
clarify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make or be- form of a language historically used for
come clear or easy to understand. 2 to make formal and literary purposes: classical Chi-
or become free of impurities, esp. by heat- nese. 5 (of an education) based on the hu-
ing: clarified butter, clarification n manities and the study of Latin and Greek,
clarinet n a keyed woodwind instrument classically adv
with a single reed, clarinettist n classicism n 1 an artistic style based on
clarion n 1 an obsolete high-pitched trum- Greek and Roman models, showing emo-
pet. 2 its sound. tional restraint and regularity of form. 2
clarion call n strong encouragement to do knowledge of the culture of ancient Greece
something. and Rome, classicist n
clarity n clearness. classics pl n 1 the study of ancient Greek
clash vb 1 to come into conflict. 2 to be in- and Roman literature and culture. 2 the
compatible. 3 (of dates or events) to coin- classics a those works of literature regard-
cide. 4 (of colours or styles) to look ugly or ed as great or lasting, b the ancient Greek
incompatible together: patterned* fabrics and Latin languages.
which combine seemingly clashing shades classification n 1 placing things systemati-
to great effect. 5 to make a loud harsh cally in categories. 2 a division or category
sound, esp. by striking together. ~n 6 a col- in a classifying system, classificatory adj
lision or conflict. 7 a loud harsh noise. classified adj 1 arranged according to some
clasp n 1 a fastening, such as a catch or system of classification. 2 Government (of
hook, for holding things together. 2 a firm information) not available to people outside
grasp or embrace. ~vb 3 to grasp or em- a restricted group, esp. for reasons of na-
brace tightly. 4 to fasten together with a tional security.
clasp. Classify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to arrange
clasp knife n a large knife with blades or order by classes. 2 Government to de-
which fold into the handle. clare (information) to be officially secret,
class n 1 a group of people sharing a similar classifiable adj
social and economic position. 2 the system classless adj 1 not belonging to a class. 2
of dividing society into such groups. 3 a distinguished by the absence of economic or
group of people or things sharing a common social distinctions: a classless society.
characteristic. 4 a a group of pupils or stu- classmate n a friend or contemporary in the
dents who are taught together, b a meeting same class of a school.
of a group of students for tuition. 5 a classroom n a room in a school where les-
standard of quality or attainment: second sons take place.
class. 6 Informal excellence or elegance, classy adj classier, classiest Informal styl-
esp. in dress, design, or behaviour: a full- ish and sophisticated, classiness n
bodied red wine with real class. 7 Biol one clatter vb 1 to make a rattling noise, as
of the groups into which a phylum is divid- when hard objects hit each other. ~n 2 a
ed, containing one or more orders. 8 in a rattling sound or noise.
class by oneself or in a class of its own
without an equal for ability, talent, etc. clause n 1 a section of a legal document such
~vb 9 to place in a class. as a will or contract. 2 Grammar a group of
words, consisting of a subject and a predi-
class-conscious adj aware of belonging to a cate including a finite verb, that does not
particular social rank. necessarily constitute a sentence, clausal
classic adj 1 serving as a standard or model adj
of its kind; typical: it is a classic symptom claustrophobia n an abnormal fear of being
of iron deficiency. 2 of lasting interest or in a confined space, claustrophobic adj
significance because of excellence: the clas-
sic work on Central America. 3 character- clavichord n an early keyboard instrument
ized by simplicity and purity of form: a with a very soft tone.
classic suit. ~n 4 an author, artist, or work clavicle n cither of the two bones connecting
of art of the highest excellence. 5 a creation the shoulder blades with the upper part of
or work considered as definitive. the breastbone; the collarbone.
► Classic and classical are synonyms except claw n 1 a curved pointed nail on the foot of
in the context of Greek and Roman culture, birds, some reptiles, and certain mammals.
claw back 139 clearing bank
2 a similar part in some invertebrates, such clean up vb 1 to make (something) free from
as a crab’s pincer. -vb 3 to scrape, tear, or dirt. 2 to make tidy or presentable. 3 to rid
dig with claws or nails: she clawed his face (a place) of undesirable people or condi-
with her fingernails. 4 to achieve (some- tions. 4 Informal to make a great profit. —n
thing) only after overcoming great difficul- cleanup 5 the process of cleaning up.
ties: he clawed his way to power and clear adj 1 free from doubt or confusion:
wealth; settlers attempting to claw a living clear evidence of police thuggery. 2 certain
from the desert. in the mind; sure: I am still not clear about
claw back vb 1 to get back (something) with what they can and cannot do. 3 easy to see
difficulty. 2 to recover (a part of a grant or or hear; distinct. 4 perceptive, alert: clear
allowance) in the form of a tax or financial thinking. 5 evident or obvious: it is not clear
penalty. how he died. 6 transparent: clear glass
clay n 1 a very fine-grained earth, soft when doors. 7 free from darkness or obscurity;
moist and hardening when baked, used to bright. 8 (of sounds or the voice) not harsh
make bricks and pottery. 2 earth or mud. 3 or hoarse. 9 even and pure in tone or colour.
Poetic the material of the human body, 10 free of obstruction; open: a clear path
clayey, clayish, or claylike adj runs under the trees. 11 (of weather) free
claymore n a large two-edged broadsword from dullness or clouds. 12 without blemish
used formerly by Scottish Highlanders. or defect: a clear skin. 13 free of suspicion,
clay pigeon n a disc of baked clay hurled guilt, or blame: a clear conscience. 14 (of
into the air from a machine as a target for money) without deduction; net. 15 free
shooting. from debt or obligation. 16 without qualifi-
CLC Canadian Labour Congress. cation or limitation; complete: a clear lead,
clean adj 1 free from dirt or impurities:
-adv 17 in a clear or distinct manner. 18
clean water. 2 habitually hygienic and neat. completely. 19 clear of out of the way of:
3 morally sound: clean living. 4 without ob-
once we were clear of the harbour we head-
ed east. ~n 20 in the clear free of suspi-
jectionable language or obscenity: good cion, guilt, or blame, -vb 21 to free from
clean fun. 5 without anything in it or on it: doubt or confusion. 22 to rid of objects or
a clean sheet of paper. 6 causing little con- obstructions. 23 to make or form (a path)
tamination or pollution: rape seed oil may
by removing obstructions. 24 to move or
provide a clean alternative to petrol. 7 re- pass by or over without contact: he cleared
cently washed; fresh. 8 thorough or com- the fence easily. 25 to make or become free
plete: a clean break with the past. 9 skilful from darkness or obscurity. 26 to rid (one’s
and done without fumbling; dexterous: a throat) of phlegm. 27 a (of the weather) to
clean catch. 10 Sport played fairly and become free from dullness, fog, or rain, b
without fouls. 11 free from dishonesty or (of mist or fog) to disappear. 28 (of a
corruption: clean government. 12 simple cheque) to pass through one’s bank and be
and streamlined in design: the clean lines charged against one’s account. 29 to free
and colourful simplicity of these ceramics. from impurity or blemish. 30 to obtain or
13 (esp. of a driving licence) showing or give (clearance). 31 to prove (someone) in-
having no record of offences. 14 Slang a in- nocent of a crime or mistake. 32 to permit
nocent. b not carrying illegal drugs, weap- (someone) to see or handle classified infor-
ons, etc. —vb 15 to make or become free of mation. 33 to make or gain (money) as prof-
dirt: he wanted to help me clean the room, it. 34 to discharge or settle (a debt). 35
-adv 16 in a clean way. 17 Not standard clear the air to sort out a misunderstand-
completely: she clean forgot to face the ing. -See also clear away, clear off, etc.
camera. 18 come clean Informal to make a clearly adv
revelation or confession, —n 19 the act or
an instance of cleaning: the fridge could do clearance n 1 the act of clearing: slum
with a clean. -See also clean up. clearance. 2 permission for a vehicle or pas-
clean-cut adj 1 clearly outlined. 2 whole- sengers to proceed. 3 official permission to
some in appearance. have access to secret information or areas.
4 space between two parts in motion.
cleaner n 1 a person, device, or substance
that removes dirt. 2 a shop or firm that clearance sale n a sale in which a shop sells
provides a dry-cleaning service. 3 take off unwanted goods at reduced prices.
someone to the cleaners Informal to rob clear away vb to remove (dishes, etc.) from
or defraud someone. the table after a meal.
cleanly adv 1 easily or smoothly. 2 in a fair clear-cut adj 1 easy to distinguish or under-
manner, —adj -lier, -liest 3 habitually clean stand: there is no clear-cut distinction be-
or neat, cleanliness n tween safe and unsafe areas of the city. 2
cleanse vb cleansing, cleansed 1 to remove- clearly outlined.
dirt from. 2 to remove evil or guilt from,
cleanser n clearing n an area with few or no trees or
clean-shaven adj (of men) having the facial shrubs in wooded or overgrown land.
hair shaved off. clearing bank n (in Britain) any bank that
clearing house 140 climate
makes use of the central clearing house in the nave of a church above the roof of the
London. aisle.
clearing house n 1 Banking an institution clergy n, pl -gies priests and ministers as a
where cheques and other commercial pa- group.
pers drawn on member banks are cancelled clergyman n, pl -men a member of the cler-
against each other so that only net balances gy-
are payable. 2 a central agency for the col- cleric n a member of the clergy.
lection and distribution of information or clerical adj 1 of clerks or office work: a
materials. clerical job. 2 of or associated with the cler-
clear off vb Informal to go away: often used gy: a Lebanese clerical leader.
as a command. clerical collar n a stiff white collar with no
clear out vb 1 to remove and sort the con- opening at the front, worn by the clergy in
tents of (a room or container). 2 Informal to certain Churches.
go away: often used as a command. clerihew n a form of comic or satiric verse,
clear up vb 1 to put (a place or thing that is consisting of two couplets and containing
disordered) in order. 2 to explain or solve (a the name of a well-known person.
mystery or misunderstanding). 3 (of an ill- clerk n 1 an employee in an office, bank, or
ness) to become better. 4 (of the weather) to court who keeps records, files, and ac-
become brighter. counts. 2 US & Canad a hotel receptionist. 3
clearway n Brit a stretch of road on which Archaic a scholar. ~vb 4 to work as a
motorists may stop only in an emergency. clerk, clerkship n
cleat n 1 a wedge-shaped block attached to a clerk of works n an employee who oversees
structure to act as a support. 2 a piece of building work.
wood or iron with two projecting ends clever adj 1 displaying sharp intelligence or
round which ropes are fastened. mental alertness. 2 skilful with one’s hands.
cleavage n 1 the space between a woman’s 3 smart in a superficial way. 4 Brit informal
breasts, as revealed by a low-cut dress. 2 a sly or cunning, cleverly adv cleverness n
division or split. 3 (of crystals) the act of clianthus n a plant of Australia and New
splitting or the tendency to split along defi- Zealand with clusters of ornamental scarlet
nite planes so as to make smooth surfaces. flowers.
cleave1 vb cleaving; cleft, cleaved or cliche (klee-shay) n an expression or idea
clove; cleft, cleaved or cloven 1 to split that is no longer effective because of over-
apart: cleave the stone along the fissures. 2 use. cliched or cliche’d adj
to make by or as if by cutting: a two-lane click n 1 a short light often metallic sound.
highway that cleaved its way through the ~vb 2 to make a clicking sound: cameras
northern extremities of the Everglades. clicked and whirred. 3 Also: click on Com-
cleave2 vb cleaving, cleaved to cling or puters to press and release (a button on a
stick: a farmhouse cleaved to the hill. mouse) or select (a particular function) by
cleaver n a heavy knife with a square blade, pressing and releasing a button on a mouse.
used for chopping meat. 4 Informal to become suddenly clear: it
cleavers n a plant with small white flowers wasn't until I saw the photograph that
and sticky fruits. everything clicked into place. 5 Slang (of
clef n Music a symbol placed at the begin-
two people) to get on well together: I met
ning of each stave indicating the pitch of him at a dinner party and we clicked
the music written after it. straight away. 6 Slang to be a great success:
the film cost so much that if it hadn’t
cleft n 1 a narrow opening in a rock. 2 an in- clicked at the box office we’d have been to-
dentation or split. ~adj 3 in a cleft stick in tally wiped out.
a very difficult position. ~vb 4 a past of client n 1 someone who uses the services of
cleave1. a professional person or organization. 2 a
cleft palate n a congenital crack in the mid customer.
line of the hard palate. clientele (klee-on-tell) n customers or cli-
clematis n a climbing plant grown for its ents collectively.
large colourful flowers. cliff n a steep rock face, esp. along the sea-
clemency n mercy. shore.
clement adj 1 (of the weather) mild. 2 mer- cliffhanger n a film, game, etc. which is ex-
ciful. citing and full of suspense because its out-
clementine n a citrus fruit resembling a come is uncertain, cliffhanging adj
tangerine. climacteric n 1 same as menopause. 2 the
clench vb 1 to close or squeeze together (the period in the life of a man corresponding to
teeth or a fist) tightly. 2 to grasp or grip the menopause, during which sexual drive
firmly. ~n 3 a firm grasp or grip. and fertility diminish.
clerestory (clear-store-ee) n, pl -ries a row climate n 1 the typical weather conditions
of windows in the upper part of the wall of of an area. 2 an area with a particular kind
climax 141 cloakroom
of climate. 3 a prevailing trend: the current clinical thermometer n a thermometer for
economic climate, climatic adj climatical- measuring the temperature of the body.
ly adv clink1 vb 1 to make a light sharp metallic
climax n 1 the most intense or highest point sound. ~n 2 such a sound.
of an experience or of a series of events: a clink2 n Slang prison.
striking climax to the year’s efforts to pro- clinker n the fused coal left over in a fire or
mote tourism. 2 a decisive moment in a furnace.
dramatic or other work: the film has a cli-
max set atop a gale-swept lighthouse. 3 an clinker-built adj (of a boat or ship) with a
orgasm. ~vb 4 Not universally accepted to hull made from overlapping planks.
reach or bring to a climax, climactic adj clip1 vb clipping, clipped 1 to cut or trim
climb vb 1 to go up or ascend (stairs, a with scissors or shears. 2 to remove a short
mountain, etc.). 2 to move or go with diffi- section from (a film or newspaper). 3 Brit to
culty: she climbed through a window. 3 to punch a hole in (something, esp. a ticket). 4
rise to a higher point or intensity: I grew in- Informal to strike with a sharp, often slant-
creasingly delirious as my temperature ing, blow. 5 to shorten (a word). ~n 6 the
climbed. 4 to increase in value or amount:1 act of clipping. 7 a short extract from a
the shares climbed 7p to 151p. 5 to ascend film. 8 something that has been clipped. 9
in social position: he climbed the ranks of Informal a sharp, often slanting, blow: a
the organization. 6 (of plants) to grow up- clip on the ear. 10 Informal speed: proceed-
wards by twining, using tendrils or suckers. ing at a smart clip. 11 Austral & NZ the
7 to incline or slope upwards: the road total quantity of wool shorn, as in one place
climbed up through the foothills. 8 climb or season.
into Informal to put on or get into: I clip2 n 1 a device for attaching or holding
climbed into the van. ~n 9 the act or an in- things together. 2 an article of jewellery
stance of climbing. 10 a place or thing to be that can be clipped onto a dress or hat. 3
climbed, esp. a route in mountaineering, short for paperclip or cartridge clip. ~vb
climbable adj climber n climbing n, adj clipping, clipped 4 to attach or hold to-
climb down vb 1 to retreat (from an opinion gether with a clip.
or position). ~n climb-down 2 a retreat clipboard n a portable writing board with a
from an opinion or position. clip at the top for holding paper.
clime n Poetic a region or its climate. clip joint n Slang a nightclub in which cus-
clinch vb 1 to settle (an argument or agree- tomers are overcharged.
ment) decisively. 2 to secure (a nail) by clipped adj (of speech) abrupt, clearly pro-
bending the protruding point over. 3 to en- nounced, and using as few words as pos-
gage in a clinch, as in boxing or wrestling. sible.
~n 4 the act of clinching. 5 Boxing, wres- clipper n a fast commercial sailing ship,
tling a movement in which one or both com- clippers pl n a tool used for clipping and
petitors hold on to the other to avoid cutting.
punches or regain wind. 6 Slang a lovers’ clippie n Brit Old-fashioned informal a bus
embrace. conductress.
clincher n Informal something decisive, such clipping n something cut out, esp. an article
as fact, argument, or point scored. from a newspaper.
cling vb clinging, clung 1 to hold fast or clique (kleek) n a small exclusive group of
stick closely. 2 to be emotionally overde- friends or associates, cliquey, cliquy, or
pendent on. 3 to continue to do or believe in: cliquish adj
he clings to the belief that people are ca-
pable of change, clinging or clingy adj clitoris (klit-or-riss) n a small sexually sen-
sitive organ at the front of the vulva, clito-
clingfilm n a thin polythene material used ral adj
for wrapping food.
Cllr councillor.
clinic n 1 a place in which outpatients are
given medical treatment or advice. 2 a simi- cloaca (kloh-ake-a) n, pl -cae a cavity in
lar place staffed by specialist physicians or most animals, except higher mammals, into
surgeons: an antenatal clinic. 3 Brit a pri- which the alimentary canal and the genital
vate hospital or nursing home. 4 the teach- and urinary ducts open.
ing of medicine to students at the bedside. cloak n 1 a loose sleeveless outer garment,
fastened at the throat and falling straight
clinical adj 1 of or relating to the observa-
tion and treatment of patients directly: from the shoulders. 2 something that covers
or conceals. ~vb 3 to hide or disguise. 4 to
clinical trials of a new drug. 2 of or relating cover with or as if with a cloak.
to a clinic. 3 logical and unemotional: they
have a somewhat clinical attitude to their cloak-and-dagger adj of or involving mys-
children’s upbringing. 4 (of a room or build- tery and secrecy.
ings) plain, simple, and usually unattrac- cloakroom n 1 a room in which coats may be
tive. clinically adv left temporarily. 2 Brit euphemistic a toilet.
clobber 142 closed shop
clobber1 vb Informal 1 to batter. 2 to defeat clonk vb 1 to make a loud dull thud. 2 In-
utterly. 3 to criticize severely. formal to hit. ~n 3 a loud thud.
clobber2 n Brit informal personal belong- close1 vb closing, closed 1 to shut: he lay
ings, such as clothes. back and closed his eyes. 2 to bar, obstruct,
cloche (klosh) n 1 a small glass or plastic or fill up (an entrance, a hole, etc.): the
cover for protecting young plants. 2 a wom- blockades had closed major roads, railways
an’s close-fitting hat. and border crossings. 3 to cease or cause to
clock1 n 1 a device for showing the time, cease giving service: both stores closed at 9
either through pointers that revolve over a p.m.; the Shipping Company closed its of-
numbered dial, or through a display of fig- fices in Bangkok. 4 to end; terminate:
ures. 2 a device with a dial for recording or “Never," she said, so firmly that it closed
measuring. 3 the downy head of a dandelion the subject. 5 (of agreements or deals) to
that has gone to seed. 4 short for time complete or be completed successfully. 6 to
clock. 5 Informal same as speedometer or come closer (to): he was still in second place
mileometer. 6 Brit slang the face. 7 round but closing fast on the leader. 7 to take
the clock all day and all night. ~vb 8 to hold: his small fingers closed around the
record (time) with a stopwatch, esp. in the coin. 8 Stock Exchange to have a value at
calculation of speed. 9 Brit, Austral, & NZ the end of a day’s trading, as specified: the
slang to strike, esp. on the face or head. 10 pound closed four-and-a-half cents higher.
Informal to turn back the mileometer on (a 9 to join the ends or edges of something: to
car) illegally so that its mileage appears close a circuit. ~n 10 the act of closing. 11
less. 11 Brit slang to see or notice. the end or conclusion: the close of play. 12
Brit a courtyard or quadrangle enclosed by
clock2 n an ornamental design on the side of buildings. 13 Scot the entry from the street
a sock. to a tenement building. -See also close
clock in or on vb to register one’s arrival at down, close in, etc.
work on an automatic time recorder. close2 adj 1 near in space or time. 2 inti-
clock out or off vb to register one’s depar- mate: we were such close friends in those
ture from work on an automatic time re- days. 3 near in relationship: the dead man
corder. seems to have had no close relatives. 4 care-
clock up vb to record or reach (a total): he ful, strict, or searching: their research will
has now clocked up over 500 games for the not stand up to close scrutiny. 5 having the
club. parts near together: a close formation. 6
clockwise adv, adj in the direction in which near to the surface; short: an NCO’s haircut,
the hands of a clock rotate. cropped close on top, shaved clean at sides
clockwork n 1 a mechanism similar to that and back. 7 almost equal: a close game. 8
of a spring-driven clock, as in a wind-up not deviating or varying greatly from some-
toy. 2 like clockwork with complete regu- thing: a close resemblance. 9 confined or
larity and precision. enclosed. 10 oppressive, heavy, or airless:
damp, close weather. 11 strictly guarded:
clod n 1 a lump of earth or clay. 2 a dull or he had been placed in close arrest. 12 secre-
stupid person, cloddish adj tive or reticent. 13 miserly; not generous.
clodhopper n Informal 1 a clumsy person. 2 14 restricted as to public admission or
clodhoppers large heavy shoes. membership, -adv 15 closely; tightly. 16
clog vb clogging, clogged 1 to obstruct or near or in proximity, closely adv close-
become obstructed with thick or sticky mat- ness n
ter. 2 to encumber. 3 to stick in a mass. ~n closed adj 1 blocked against entry. 2 only
4 a wooden or wooden-soled shoe. admitting a selected group of people; exclu-
cloisonne (klwah-zon-nay) n a design made sive: he had a fairly closed circle of friends.
by filling in a wire outline with coloured 3 not open to question or debate. 4 Maths a
enamel. (of a curve or surface) completely enclosing
cloister n 1 a covered pillared walkway an area or volume, b (of a set) made up of
within a religious building. 2 a place of reli- members on which a specific operation,
gious seclusion, such as a monastery. ~vb such as addition, gives as its result another
3 to confine or seclude in or as if in a mon- existing member of the set.
astery. closed circuit n a complete electrical circuit
cloistered adj sheltered or protected, through which current can flow.
clomp n, vb same as clump (senses 2, 3). closed-circuit television n a television sys-
clone n 1 a group of organisms or cells of the
tem used within a limited area such as a
same genetic constitution that have been building.
reproduced ascxually from a single plant or close down vb 1 to stop operating or work-
animal. 2 Informal a person who closely re- ing: the factory closed down many years
sembles another. ~vb cloning, cloned 3 to ago. ~n close-down 2 Brit radio, television
produce as a clone. 4 Informal to produce the end of a period of broadcasting.
near copies of (a person), cloning n closed shop n a place of work in which all
close harmony 143 club
workers must belong to a particular trade smoke, dust, etc. 3 a large number of insects
union. or other small animals in flight. 4 something
close harmony n a type of singing in which that darkens, threatens, or carries gloom. 5
all parts except the bass lie close together. in the clouds not in contact with reality. 6
close in vb 1 (of days) to become shorter on cloud nine Informal elated; very happy.
with the approach of winter. 2 close in on 7 under a cloud a under reproach or suspi-
to advance on so as to encircle or surround. cion. b in a state of gloom or bad temper.
close quarters pl n at close quarters a en- -vb 8 to make or become more difficult to
gaged in hand-to-hand combat, b very near see through: my glasses kept clouding up;
together. mud clouded the water. 9 to confuse or im-
close season n the period of the year when
pair: his judgment was no longer clouded by
it is illegal to kill certain game or fish. alcohol. 10 to make or become gloomy or
depressed: insanity clouded the last years
close shave n Informal a narrow escape, of his life. -See also cloud over, cloud-
closet n 1 US a small cupboard. 2 a small less adj
private room. 3 short for water closet. cloudburst n a heavy fall of rain.
—adj 4 private or secret: a closet homosex-
ual. ~vb -eting, -eted 5 to shut away in cloud chamber n Physics an apparatus for
private, esp. in order to talk: he was detecting high-energy particles by observ-
closeted with the President. ing their tracks through a chamber contain-
ing a supersaturated vapour.
close-up n 1 a photograph or film or televi-
sion shot taken at close range. 2 a detailed cloud-cuckoo-land n a place of fantasy or
or intimate view or examination. —vb impractical ideas.
close up 3 to shut entirely: every other cloud over vb 1 (of the sky or weather) to
shop front seemed to be closed up. 4 to become cloudy: it was clouding over and we
draw together: the ranks closed up and thought it would rain. 2 (of a person’s face
marched on. 5 (of wounds) to heal com- or eyes) to suddenly look gloomy or de-
pletely. pressed: Grace’s face clouded over and she
close with vb to engage in battle with (an turned away.
enemy). cloudy adj cloudier, cloudiest 1 covered
closure n 1 the act of closing or the state of with cloud or clouds. 2 (of liquids) opaque
being closed. 2 something that closes or or muddy. 3 confused or unclear, cloudily
shuts. 3 a procedure by which a debate may adv cloudiness n
be stopped and an immediate vote taken. Clout n 1 Informal a fairly hard blow. 2
clot n 1 a soft thick lump formed from liq- power or influence. —vb 3 Informal to hit
uid. 2 Brit informal a stupid person. -vb hard.
clotting, clotted 3 to form soft thick clove1 n a dried closed flower bud of a tropi-
lumps. cal tree, used as a spice.
cloth n, pl cloths 1 a fabric formed by weav- clove2 n a segment of a bulb of garlic.
ing, felting, or knitting fibres. 2 a piece of clove3 vb a past tense of cleave1.
such fabric used for a particular purpose. 3 clove hitch n a knot used to fasten a rope to
the cloth the clergy. a spar or a larger rope.
Clothe vb clothing, clothed or clad 1 to put cloven vb 1 a past participle of cleave1.
clothes on. 2 to provide with clothes. 3 to -adj 2 split or divided.
cover or envelop (something) so as to cloven hoof or foot n the divided hoof of a
change its appearance: a small valley pig, goat, cow, or deer.
clothed in thick woodland.
clover n 1 a plant with three-lobed leaves
clothes pl n 1 articles of dress. 2 Chiefly and dense flower heads. 2 in clover Infor-
Brit short for bedclothes. mal in ease or luxury.
clotheshorse n 1 a frame on which to hang clown n 1 a comic entertainer, usually bi-
laundry for drying or airing. 2 a person who zarrely dressed and made up, appearing in
is extremely concerned with his or her ap- the circus. 2 an amusing person. 3 a clumsy
pearance. rude person, —vb 4 to behave foolishly. 5
clothesline n a piece of rope from which to perform as a clown, clownish adj
clean washing is hung to dry. cloying adj so sweet or pleasurable that it
clothes peg n a small wooden or plastic clip ultimately becomes sickly: cloying senti-
for attaching washing to a clothesline. mentality. cloyingly adv
clothier n a person who makes or sells Club n 1 a group or association of people
clothes or cloth. with common aims or interests. 2 the build-
clothing n 1 garments collectively. 2 some- ing used by such a group. 3 a stout stick
thing that covers or clothes. - used as a weapon. 4 a stick or bat used to
clotted cream n Brit a thick cream made strike the ball in various sports, esp. golf. 5
from scalded milk. an establishment or regular event at which
Cloud n 1 a mass of water or ice particles people dance to records; disco: a new week-
visible in the sky. 2 a floating mass of ly club with resident DJ. 6 a building in
club foot 144 coarse fish
which members go to meet, dine, read, etc. 7 Cm Chem curium.
Chiefly Brit an organization, esp. in a shop, CND Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
set up as a means of saving. 8 a playing CNS Biol central nervous system.
card marked with one or more black trefoil Co Chem cobalt.
symbols. 9 short for Indian club. -vb
clubbing, clubbed 10 to beat with a club. CO 1 Colorado. 2 Commanding Officer.
11 club together to combine resources or Co.1 or co. 1 Company. 2 and co Informal
efforts for a common purpose. and the rest of them: Harold and co.
Club foot n a congenital deformity of the Co.2 County.
foot. co- prefix 1 together; joint or jointly:
clubhouse n the premises of a sports or coproduction. 2 indicating partnership or
other club, esp. a golf club. equality: co-star; copilot. 3 to the same or a
club root n a fungal disease of cabbages and similar degree: coextend. 4 (in mathematics
related plants, in which the roots become and astronomy) of the complement of an
thickened and distorted. angle: cosecant.
cluck n 1 the low clicking noise made by a c/o 1 care of. 2 Book-keeping carried over,
hen. -vb 2 (of a hen) to make a clicking coach n 1 a large comfortable single-decker
sound. 3 to express (a feeling) by making a bus used for sightseeing or long-distance
similar sound: the landlady was clucking travel. 2 a railway carriage. 3 a large four-
feverishly behind them. wheeled enclosed carriage, usually horse-
clue n 1 something that helps to solve a drawn. 4 a trainer or instructor: the coach
problem or unravel a mystery. 2 not have a of the Mexican national team. 5 a tutor who
clue a to be completely baffled, b to be ig- prepares students for examinations, —vb 6
norant or incompetent, —adj 3 clued-up to train or teach, coaching n
shrewd and well-informed. coachman n, pl -men the driver of a horse-
clueless adj Slang helpless or stupid. drawn coach or carriage.
clump n 1 a small group of things or people coachwork n the body of a car.
together. 2 a dull heavy tread, -vb 3 to coagulate (koh-ag-yew-late) vb -lating,
walk or tread heavily. 4 to form into -lated to change from a liquid into a soft
clumps, clumpy adj semisolid mass; clot, coagulant n coagu-
lation n
clumsy adj -sier, -siest 1 lacking in skill or
physical coordination. 2 badly made or coal n 1 a compact black or dark brown rock
done. 3 said or done without thought or consisting largely of carbon formed from
tact: I took the clumsy hint and left, clum- partially decomposed vegetation: a fuel and
sily adv clumsiness n a source of coke, coal gas, and coal tar. 2
clung vb the past of cling.
one or more lumps of coal. 3 coals to New-
castle something supplied to a place where
clunk n 1 a dull metallic sound, -vb 2 to it is already plentiful.
make such a sound. coalesce (koh-a-less) vb-lescing, -lesced to
cluster n 1 a number of things growing, fas- unite or come together in one body or mass,
tened, or occurring close together. 2 a num- coalescence n coalescent adj
ber of people or things grouped together. coalface n the exposed seam of coal in a
-vb 3 to gather or be gathered in clusters. mine.
clutch1 vb 1 to seize with or as if with hands coalfield n an area rich in deposits of coal,
or claws. 2 to grasp or hold firmly. 3 clutch
at to attempt to get hold or possession of. coal gas n a mixture of gases produced by
~n 4 a device that enables two revolving the distillation of bituminous coal and used
shafts to be joined or disconnected, esp. one for heating and lighting.
that transmits the drive from the engine to coalition (koh-a-lish-un) n a temporary alli-
the gearbox in a vehicle. 5 the pedal which ance, esp. between political parties.
operates the clutch in a car. 6 a firm grasp. coal scuttle n a container for holding coal
7 clutches a hands or claws in the act of for a domestic fire.
clutching: his free kick escaped the clutches coal tar n a black tar, produced by the distil-
of the rival goalkeeper, b power or control: lation of bituminous coal, used for making
rescued from the clutches of the Gestapo. drugs and chemical products.
clutch2 n 1 a set of eggs laid at the same coal tit n a small songbird with a black head
time. 2 a group, bunch, or cluster: a clutch with a white patch on the nape.
of gloomy economic reports. coaming n a raised frame round a ship’s
clutch bag n a handbag without handles, hatchway for keeping out water.
clutter vb 1 to scatter objects about (a place) coarse adj 1 rough in texture or structure. 2
in an untidy manner. ~n 2 an untidy heap unrefined or indecent: coarse humour. 3 of
or mass of objects. 3 a state of untidiness. inferior quality, coarsely adv coarseness
Clydesdale n a heavy powerful carthorse, n
originally from Scotland. coarse fish n a freshwater fish that is not of
cm centimetre. the salmon family, coarse fishing n
coarsen 145 cockney
coarsen vb to make or become coarse. a single thread of such a web. cobwebbed
coast n 1 the place where the land meets the adj cobwebby adj
sea. 2 the coast is clear Informal the ob- cobwebs pl n mustiness, confusion, or ob-
stacles or dangers are gone. ~vb 3 to move scurity: her election dusted away the cob-
by momentum or force of gravity, without webs that normally surround the presiden-
the use of power. 4 to proceed without cy-
great effort: they coasted to a 31-9 win in coca n the dried leaves of a S American
the pairs, coastal adj shrub which contain cocaine.
coaster n 1 a small mat placed under a bot- Coca-Cola n Trademark a carbonated soft
tle or glass to protect a table. 2 Brit a small drink.
ship used for coastal trade. cocaine n an addictive drug derived from
coastguard n 1 an organization which aids coca leaves, used as a narcotic and local an-
shipping, saves lives at sea, and prevents aesthetic.
smuggling. 2 a member of this. coccyx (kok-six) n, pl coccyges (kok-
coastline n the outline of a coast. sije-eez) Anat a small triangular bone at
coat n 1 an outer garment with sleeves, cov- the base of the spine in human beings and
ering the body from the shoulders to below some apes.
the waist. 2 the hair, wooi, or fur of an cochineal n a scarlet dye obtained from a
animal. 3 any layer that covers a surface. Mexican insect, used for colouring food.
~ vb 4 to cover with a layer. cochlea (kok-lee-a) n, pl -leae (-lee-ee) Anat
coat hanger n a curved piece of wood, wire, the spiral tube in the internal ear, which
or plastic, fitted with a hook and used to converts sound vibrations into nerve im-
hang up clothes. pulses.
coating n a layer or film spread over a sur- cock n 1 a male bird, esp. of domestic fowl.
face. 2 a stopcock. 3 Taboo slang a penis. 4 the
coat of arms n the heraldic emblem of a hammer of a gun. 5 Brit informal friend:
family or organization. used as a term of address. ~vb 6 to draw
coat of mail n History a protective garment back the hammer of (a gun) so that it is
made of linked metal rings or plates. ready to fire. 7 to lift and turn (part of the
coax vb 1 to persuade (someone) gently. 2 to body) in a particular direction. -See also
obtain (something) by persistent coaxing. 3 cockup.
to work on (something) carefully and pa- cockabully n a small fresh-water fish of
tiently so as to make it function as desired: New Zealand.
I watched him coax the last few drops of cockade n a feather or rosette worn on the
beer out of his glass. hat as a badge.
coaxial (koh-ax-ee-al) adj 1 Electronics (of a cock-a-hoop adj in very high spirits,
cable) transmitting by means of two con- cock-a-leekie n a Scottish soup of chicken
centric conductors separated by an insula- boiled with leeks.
tor. 2 having a common axis. cock-and-bull Story n Informal an obvious-
cob n 1 a male swan. 2 a thickset type of ly improbable story, esp. one used as an ex-
horse. 3 the stalk of an ear of maize. 4 Brit a cuse.
round loaf of bread. 5 Brit a hazel tree or cockatoo n, pl -toos 1 a light-coloured
hazelnut. crested parrot of Australia and the East In-
cobalt n Chem a brittle hard silvery-white dies. 2 Austral & NZ a small farmer or set-
metallic element used in alloys. Symbol: Co tler.
cobber n Austral & NZ friend. cockchafer n a large flying beetle.
cobble n a cobblestone. cocked hat n 1 a hat with three corners and
cobbled adj (of a street or road) paved with a turned-up brim. 2 knock into a cocked
cobblestones. hat Slang to outdo or defeat.
cobbler n a person who makes or mends cockerel n a young domestic cock, less than
shoes. a year old.
cobblers pl n Brit taboo slang nonsense, cocker spaniel n a small spaniel,
cobblestone n a rounded stone used for cockeyed adj Informal 1 crooked or askew.
paving. 2 foolish or absurd. 3 cross-eyed,
cobble together vb -bling, -bled to put to- cockfight n a fight between two gamecocks
gether clumsily: a coalition cobbled togeth- fitted with sharp metal spurs.
er from parties with widely differing aims. cockle n 1 an edible bivalve shellfish. 2 its
COBOL n a high-level computer program- shell. 3 warm the cockles of one’s heart to
ming language designed for general com- make one feel happy.
mercial use. cockleshell n 1 the rounded shell of the
cobra n a highly venomous hooded snake of cockle. 2 a small light boat.
tropical Africa and Asia. cockney n 1 a native of London, esp. of its
cobweb n 1 a web spun by certain spiders. 2 East End. 2 the urban dialect of London or
cockpit 146 coffee
its East End. -adj 3 characteristic of can be communicated secretly or briefly. 2 a
cockneys or their dialect. set of principles or rules: a code of practice.
cockpit n 1 the compartment in an aircraft 3 a system of letters or digits used for iden-
for the pilot and crew. 2 the driver’s com- tification purposes: area code; tax code,
partment in a racing car. 3 Naut a space in a —vb coding, coded 4 to translate or ar-
small vessel containing the wheel and tiller. range into a code.
4 the site of many battles or conflicts: the codeine (kode-een) n a drug made mainly
south of the country is a cockpit of conflict- from morphine, used as a painkiller and
ing interests. 5 an enclosure used for sedative.
cockfights. codex (koh-dex) n, pl -dices (-diss-seez) a
cockroach n a beetle-like insect which is a volume of manuscripts of an ancient text.
household pest. codfish n, pl -fish or-fishes a cod.
cockscomb n same as coxcomb. codger n Informal an old man.
cocksure adj overconfident or arrogant, codicil (cod-iss-ill) n Law an addition to a
cocktail n 1 a mixed alcoholic drink. 2 an will.
appetizer of seafood or mixed fruits. 3 any codify (kode-if-fie) vb -fies, -fying, -fied to
combination of diverse elements: Central organize or collect together (rules or pro-
America was a cocktail of death, poverty, cedures) systematically, codification n
and destruction.
codling n a young cod.
cockup Brit slang ~n 1 something done
badly. —vb cock up 2 to ruin or spoil. cod-liver oil n an oil extracted from fish,
rich in vitamins A and D.
cocky1 adj cockier, cockiest excessively
proud of oneself, cockily adv cockiness n codpiece n History a bag covering the male
genitals, attached to breeches.
cocky2 n, pl cockies Austral & NZ informal
short for cockatoo (sense 2). codswallop n Brit slang nonsense,
COCO n, pl -cos the coconut palm. coeducation n the education of boys and
girls together, coeducational adj
cocoa or cacao n 1 a powder made by roast-
ing and grinding cocoa beans. 2 a hot or cold coefficient n 1 Maths a number or constant
drink made from cocoa powder. placed before and multiplying another
quantity: the coefficient of the term 3xyz is
cocoa bean n a cacao seed. 3. 2 Physics a number or constant used to
cocoa butter n a fatty solid obtained from calculate the behaviour of a given sub-
cocoa beans and used for confectionery and stance under specified conditions.
toiletries. coelacanth (seel-a-kanth) n a primitive ma-
coconut n 1 the fruit of a type of palm tree rine fish, thought to be extinct until a living
(coconut palm), which has a thick fibrous specimen was discovered in 1938.
oval husk and a thin hard shell enclosing
edible white flesh. The hollow centre is coelenterate (seel-lent-a-rate) n any inver-
filled with a milky fluid (coconut milk). 2 tebrate that has a saclike body with a single
the flesh of the coconut. opening, such as a jellyfish or coral.
coconut matting n coarse matting made coeliac disease (seel-ee-ak) n a disease
from the husk of the coconut. which makes the digestion of food difficult,
cocoon n 1 a silky protective covering pro- coenobite (seen-oh-bite) n a member of a
duced by a silkworm or other insect larva, religious order in a monastic community.
in which the pupa develops. 2 a protective coequal adj, n equal.
covering. -vb 3 to wrap in or protect as if coerce (koh-urss) vb -ercing, -erced to
in a cocoon. compel or force, coercion n
COCOtte n a small fireproof dish in which coercive adj using force or authority to
individual portions of food are cooked and make a person do something against his or
served. her will.
cod1 n, pl cod or cods a large food fish coeval (koh-eev-al) adj, n contemporary,
found in the North Atlantic. coevally adv
cod2 adj Brit slang having the character of coexist vb 1 to exist together at the same
an imitation or parody: the chorus were time or in the same place. 2 to exist together
dressed in exuberant cod-medieval cos- in peace despite differences, coexistence n
tumes. coexistent adj
COD cash (in the US collect) on delivery, coextensive adj covering the same area,
coda (kode-a) n Music the final part of a either literally or figuratively: the concepts
musical movement or work. of “the nation” and “the people" are not co-
coddle vb -dling, -died 1 to pamper or over- extensive.
protect. 2 to cook (eggs) in water just below C of E Church of England.
boiling point. coffee n 1 a drink made from the roasted
code n 1 a system of letters, symbols, or and ground seeds of a tall tropical shrub. 2
prearranged signals, by which information Also called: coffee beans the beanlike
coffee bar 147 colander
seeds of this shrub. 3 the shrub yielding coherent adj 1 logical and consistent. 2 ca-
these seeds. ~adJ4 medium-brown. pable of intelligible speech. 3 cohering or
coffee bar n a cafe; snack bar. sticking together. 4 Physics (of two or more
coffee house n a place where coffee is waves) having the same frequency and a
served, esp. one that was a fashionable constant fixed phase difference, coherence
meeting place in 18th-century London. n
coffee mill n a machine for grinding roasted cohesion n 1 sticking together. 2 Physics
coffee beans. the force that holds together the atoms or
coffee table n a small low table. molecules in a solid or liquid, cohesive adj
coffee-table book n a large expensive illus- cohort n 1 a band of associates. 2 a tenth
trated book. part of an ancient Roman Legion.
coffer n 1 a chest for storing valuables. 2 coif n 1 a close-fitting cap worn in the Mid-
coffers a store of money. 3 an ornamental dle Ages. 2 a hairstyle. ~vb coiffing,
sunken panel in a ceiling or dome. coiffed 3 to arrange (the hair).
coiffeur n a hairdresser, coiffeuse fem n
cofferdam n a watertight enclosure pumped
dry to enable construction work or ship re- coiffure n a hairstyle.
pairs to be done. coil1 vb 1 to wind or be wound into loops. 2
coffered adj (of a ceiling or dome) decorated to move in a winding course. ~n 3 some-
with ornamental sunken panels. thing wound in a connected series of loops.
coffin n a box in which a corpse is buried or
4 a single loop of such a series. 5 a contra-
cremated. ceptive device in the shape of a coil, insert-
ed in the womb. 6 an electrical conductor
cog n 1 one of the teeth on the rim of a wound into a spiral, to provide inductance.
gearwheel. 2 a gearwheel, esp. a small one.
3 an unimportant person in a large organi- coil2 n mortal coil the troubles of the world,
zation or process. coin n 1 a metal disc used as money. 2 metal
currency collectively. ~vb 3 to invent (a
cogent (koh-jent) adj forcefully convincing,
cogency n
new word or phrase). 4 to make or stamp
(coins). 5 coin it in or coin money Informal
cogitate (koj-it-tate) vb -tating, -tated to to make money rapidly.
think deeply about (something), cogitation coinage n 1 coins collectively. 2 the curren-
n cogitative adj cy of a country. 3 a newly invented word or
cognac (kon-yak) n high-quality French phrase. 4 the act of coining.
brandy. coincide vb -ciding, -cided 1 to happen at
cognate adj 1 derived from a common origi- the same time. 2 to agree or correspond ex-
nal form: cognate languages. 2 related to or actly: what she had said coincided exactly
descended from a common ancestor. ~n 3 a with his own thinking. 3 to occupy the same
cognate word or language. 4 a relative, place in space.
cognation n
coincidence n 1 a chance occurrence of
cognition n Formal 1 the processes of get- simultaneous or apparently connected
ting knowledge, including perception, intui- events. 2 a coinciding.
tion and reasoning. 2 the results of such a coincident adj 1 having the same position in
process, cognitive adj space or time. 2 coincident with in exact
cognizance or cognisance n Formal 1 agreement with.
knowledge or understanding. 2 take cogni- coincidental adj resulting from coincidence;
zance of to take notice of. 3 the range or not intentional, coincidentally adv
scope of knowledge or understanding, cog-
nizant or cognisant adj coir n coconut fibre, used in making rope
and matting.
cognomen (kog-noh-men) n, pl -nomens or
-nomina (-nom-min-a) Formal 1 a nick- coitus (koh-it-uss) or coition (koh-ish-un) n
name. 2 a surname. 3 an ancient Roman’s sexual intercourse, coital adj
third name or nickname. coke1 n 1 a solid fuel left after gas has been
cognoscenti (kon-yo-shen-tee) pl n, sing -te distilled from coal. ~vb coking, coked 2 to
(-tee) connoisseurs. become or convert into coke.
cogwheel n same as gearwheel. coke2 n Slang cocaine.
cohabit vb to live together as husband and Coke n Trademark short for Coca-Cola.
wife without being married, cohabitation col n the lowest point of a ridge connecting
n two mountain peaks.
cohabitee n a person who lives with, and Col. Colonel.
has a sexual and romantic relationship cola n 1 a soft drink flavoured with an ex-
with, someone to whom he or she is not - tract from the nuts of a tropical tree. 2 the
married. W African tree whose nuts contain this ex-
cohere vb -hering, -hered 1 to hold or stick tract.
firmly together. 2 to be logically connected colander n a bowl with a perforated bottom
or consistent. for straining or rinsing foods.
cold 148 collation
cold adj 1 low in temperature: the cold coley n Brit an edible fish with white or
March wind; cans of cold beer. 2 not hot grey flesh.
enough: eat your food before it gets cold! 3 colic n severe pains in the stomach and
lacking in affection or enthusiasm. 4 not af- bowels, colicky adj
fected by emotion: the cold truth. 5 dead. 6
(of a trail or scent in hunting) faint. 7 (of a colitis (koh-lie-tiss) n inflammation of the
colour) giving the impression of coldness. 8 colon, usually causing diarrhoea and lower
Slang unconscious. 9 Informal (of a seeker) abdominal pain.
far from the object of a search. 10 cold collaborate vb -rating, -rated 1 to work
comfort little or no comfort. 11 have or get with another or others on a joint project. 2
cold feet to be or become fearful or reluc- to cooperate with an enemy invader, col-
tant. 12 in cold blood deliberately and laboration n collaborative adj collabo-
without mercy. 13 leave someone cold In- rator n
formal to fail to excite or impress someone. collage (kol-lahzh) n 1 an art form in which
14 throw cold water on Informal to dis- various materials or objects are glued onto
courage. ~n 15 the absence of heat. 16 a a surface to make a picture. 2 a picture
viral infection of the nose and throat char- made in this way. collagist n
acterized by catarrh and sneezing. 17 the collagen n a protein found in cartilage and
sensation caused by loss or lack of heat. 18 bone that yields gelatine when boiled.
(out) in the cold Informal neglected or ig-
nored. -adv 19 Informal unrehearsed or collapse vb -lapsing, -lapsed 1 to fall down
unprepared: he played his part cold, coldly or cave in suddenly. 2 to fail completely: a
adv coldness n package holiday company which collapsed
last year. 3 to fall down from lack of
cold-blooded adj 1 callous or cruel. 2 Zool strength, exhaustion, or illness: he col-
(of all animals except birds and mammals) lapsed with an asthma attack. 4 to sit down
having a body temperature that varies ac- and rest because of tiredness or lack of en-
cording to the temperature of the surround- ergy: she collapsed in front of the telly
ings. when she got home. 5 to fold compactly,
cold chisel n a toughened steel chisel. esp. for storage. ~n 6 the act of falling
cold cream n a creamy preparation used for down or falling to pieces. 7 a sudden failure
softening and cleansing the skin. or breakdown.
cold frame n an unheated wooden frame collapsible adj able to be folded up for stor-
with a glass top, used to protect young age.
plants. collar n 1 the part of a garment round the
cold front n Meteorol the boundary line be- neck. 2 a band of leather, rope, or metal
tween a warm air mass and the cold air placed around an animal’s neck. 3 Biol a
pushing it from beneath and behind. ringlike marking around the neck of a bird
cold-hearted adj lacking in feeling or or animal. 4 a cut of meat, esp. bacon, from
warmth, cold-heartedness n the neck of an animal. 5 a ring or band
cold shoulder Informal ~n 1 give someone around a pipe, rod, or shaft, —vb Informal
the cold shoulder to snub someone, —vb 6 to seize; arrest. 7 to catch in order to
cold-shoulder 2 to treat with indifference. speak to. 8 to take for oneself.
cold snap n a short period of cold and frosty collarbone n same as clavicle.
weather. collate vb -lating, -lated 1 to examine and
cold sore n a cluster of blisters near the compare carefully. 2 to gather together and
lips, caused by a virus. put in order, collator n
cold storage n 1 the storage of things in a collateral n 1 security pledged for the re-
refrigerated place. 2 Informal a state of payment of a loan. 2 a person, animal, or
temporary disuse: the idea has been in cold plant descended from the same ancestor as
storage ever since. another but through a different line, -adj
3 descended from a common ancestor but
cold sweat n Informal coldness and sweat- through different lines. 4 additional but
ing as a bodily reaction to fear or nervous- subordinate: a spokeswoman said that there
ness. was no collateral information to dispute the
cold turkey n Slang a method of curing drug assurances the government had been given.
addiction by the sudden withdrawal of all 5 situated or running side by side: collateral
doses. ridges of mountains.
cold war n a state of political hostility be- collateral damage n Mil unintentional civil-
tween two countries without actual war- ian casualties or damage to civilian proper-
fare. ty caused by military action: to minimize
cole n any of various plants such as the collateral damage maximum precision in
cabbage and rape. bombing is required.
coleslaw n a salad dish of shredded raw collation n 1 the act or result of collating. 2
cabbage in a dressing. Formal a light meal.
colleague 149 colony
colleague n a fellow worker, esp. in a pro- colliery n, pl -lieries Chiefly Brit a coal mine
fession. and its buildings.
collect1 vb 1 to gather together or be gath- collision n 1 a violent crash between moving
ered together. 2 to gather (objects, such as objects. 2 the conflict of opposed ideas or
stamps) as a hobby or for study. 3 to go to a wishes.
place to fetch (a person or thing). 4 to re- collision course n 1 a trajectory of move-
ceive payments of (taxes, dues, or contribu- ment likely to result in a collision. 2 a
tions). 5 to regain control of (oneself or course of action likely to result in a serious
one’s emotions). disagreement or confrontation: the union is
collect2 n Christianity a short prayer said on an inevitable collision course with the
during certain church services. government.
collected adj 1 calm and self-controlled. 2 collocate vb -eating, -cated (of words) to
brought together into one book or set of occur together regularly, collocation n
books: the collected works of Dickens. colloid n a mixture of particles of one sub-
collection n 1 things collected or accumulat- stance suspended in a different substance,
ed. 2 the act or process of collecting. 3 a colloidal adj
sum of money collected, as in church. 4 a collop n a small slice of meat.
regular removal of letters from a postbox. colloquial adj suitable for informal speech
collective adj 1 done by or characteristic of or writing, colloquially adv
individuals acting as a group: the army’s colloquialism n 1 a colloquial word or
collective wisdom regarding peacekeeping. phrase. 2 the use of colloquial words and
~n 2 a group of people working together on phrases.
an enterprise and sharing the benefits from colloquium n, pl -quiums or -quia an aca-
it. collectively adv demic conference or seminar.
collective bargaining n negotiation between colloquy n, pl -quies Formal a conversation
a trade union and an employer on the wages or conference, colloquist n
and working conditions of the employees. collude vb -luding, -luded to cooperate se-
collective noun n a noun that is singular in cretly or dishonestly with someone.
form but that refers to a group of people or collusion n secret or illegal agreement or co-
things, as crowd or army. operation. collusive adj
collectivism n the theory that the state collywobbles pl n Slang 1 an intense feeling
should own all means of production, col- of nervousness. 2 an upset stomach.
lectivist adj cologne n a perfumed toilet water.
collectivize or -vise vb -vizing, -vized or colon1 n, pl -Ions the punctuation mark (:)
-vising, -vised to organize according to the used before an explanation or an example, a
theory of collectivism, collectivization or list, or an extended quotation.
-visation n
colon2 n, pl -Ions or -la the part of the large
collector n 1 a person who collects objects intestine connected to the rectum, colonic
as a hobby. 2 a person employed to collect adj
debts, rents, or tickets. colonel n a senior commissioned officer in
collector’s item n an object highly valued the army or air force, colonelcy n
by collectors for its beauty or rarity. colonial adj 1 of or inhabiting a colony or
colleen n Irish a girl. colonies. 2 of a style of architecture popular
college n 1 an institution of higher or fur- in North America in the 17th and 18th cen-
ther education that is not a university. 2 a turies: a colonial mansion. ~n 3 an inhabit-
self-governing section of certain univer- ant of a colony.
sities. 3 Brit a name given to some second- colonial goose n NZ old-fashioned stuffed
ary schools. 4 an organized body of people roast mutton.
with specific rights and duties: the presi- colonialism n the policy of acquiring and
dent is elected by an electoral college. 5 a maintaining colonies, esp. for exploitation,
body organized within a particular profes- colonialist n, adj
sion, concerned with regulating standards.
colonist n a settler in or inhabitant of a
6 the staff and students of a college.
colony.
collegian n a member of a college, colonize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
collegiate adj 1 of a college or college stu- -nising, -nised 1 to establish a colony in (an
dents. 2 (of a university) composed of vari- area). 2 to settle in (an area) as colonists,
ous colleges. colonization or -nisation n
collide vb -liding, -lided 1 to crash together colonnade n a row of evenly spaced col-
violently. 2 to conflict or disagree. .umns, usually supporting a roof, colon-
collie n a silky-haired dog used for herding naded adj
sheep and cattle. colony n, pl -nies 1 a group of people who
collier n Chiefly Brit 1 a coal miner. 2 a ship settle in a new country but remain under
designed to carry coal. the rule of their homeland. 2 the territory
colophon 150 comber
occupied by such a settlement. 3 a group of richly varied colours. 2 vivid or distinctive
people with the same nationality or inter- in character.
ests, forming a community in a particular colouring or US coloring n 1 the application
place: an artists’ colony. 4 Zool a group of of colour. 2 something added to give colour.
the same type of animal or plant living or 3 appearance with regard to shade and col-
growing together. 5 Bacteriol a group of our. 4 the colour of a person’s complexion.
microorganisms when grown on a culture colourless or US colorless adj 1 without
medium. colour: a colourless gas. 2 dull and uninter-
colophon n a publisher’s symbol on a book, esting: a colourless personality. 3 grey or
color n, vb US same as colour. pallid in tone or hue: a watery sun hung low
Colorado beetle n a black-and-yellow beetle in the colourless sky.
that is a serious pest of potatoes. colours or US colors pl n 1 the flag of a
coloration or colouration n arrangement of country, regiment, or ship. 2 Brit sport a
colours: a red coloration of the eyes. badge or other symbol showing membership
coloratura n Music 1 a part for a solo singer
of a team, esp. at a school or college. 3 nail
one’s colours to the mast to commit one-
which has much complicated ornamentation self publicly to a course of action. 4 show
of the basic melody. 2 a soprano who spe- one’s true colours to display one’s true na-
cializes in such music. ture or character.
colossal adj 1 very large in size: the turbu- colour sergeant n a sergeant who carries
lent rivers and colossal mountains of New the regimental, battalion, or national col-
Zealand. 2 very serious or significant: a co- ours.
lossal legal blunder.
colour supplement n Brit an illustrated
colossus n, pl -si or -suses 1 a very large magazine accompanying a newspaper.
statue. 2 a huge or important person or colt n 1 a young male horse or pony. 2 Sport
thing.
a young and inexperienced player.
colostomy n, pl -mies an operation to form coltsfoot n, pl -foots a weed with yellow
an opening from the colon onto the surface flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
of the body, for emptying the bowel.
columbine n a plant that has brightly col-
colour or US color n 1 a property of things oured flowers with five spurred petals.
that results from the particular wave-
lengths of light which they reflect or give column n 1 an upright pillar usually having
out, producing a sensation in the eye. 2 a a cylindrical shaft, a base, and a capital. 2 a
colour, such as a red or green, that pos- form or structure in the shape of a column:
sesses hue, as opposed to black, white, or a column of smoke. 3 a vertical division of a
grey. 3 a substance, such as a dye, that newspaper page. 4 a regular feature in a
gives colour. 4 the skin complexion of a paper: a cookery column. 5 a vertical ar-
person. 5 the use of all the colours in paint- rangement of numbers. 6 Mil a narrow for-
ing, drawing, or photography. 6 the distinc- mation in which individuals or units follow
tive tone of a musical sound. 7 details one behind the other, columnar adj
which give vividness or authenticity: I columnist n a journalist who writes a regu-
walked the streets and absorbed the local lar feature in a newspaper.
colour. 8 semblance or pretext: under colour com- or con- prefix used with a main word
of. -vb 9 to apply colour to (something). to mean together; with; jointly: commingle.
10 to influence or distort: anger coloured coma n a state of unconsciousness from
her judgment. 11 to become red in the face, which a person cannot be aroused, caused
esp. when embarrassed or annoyed. 12 to by injury, disease, or drugs.
give a convincing appearance to: he col- comatose adj 1 in a coma. 2 sound asleep,
oured his account of what had happened. comb n 1 a toothed instrument for disentan-
~See also colours. gling or arranging hair. 2 a tool or machine
colour bar n racial discrimination by whites that cleans and straightens wool or cotton.
against non-whites. 3 a fleshy serrated crest on the head of a
colour-blind adj unable to distinguish be- domestic fowl. 4 a honeycomb, —vb 5 to
tween certain colours, esp. red and green, use a comb on. 6 to search with great care:
colour blindness n police combed the streets for the missing
coloured or US colored adj having a colour girl.
or colours other than black or white: col- combat n 1 a fight or struggle, -vb -bating,
oured glass bottles; a peach-coloured outfit -bated 2 to fight: a coordinated approach to
with matching hat. combating the growing drugs problem.
Coloured or NS Colored n 1 Old-fashioned a combative adj
person who is not White. 2 in South Africa, combatant n 1 a person taking part in a
a person of racially mixed parentage or de- combat, -adj 2 engaged in or ready for
scent. -adj 3 S Africa of mixed White and combat.
non-White parentage. combe n same as coomb,
colourful or US colorful adj 1 with bright or comber n a long curling wave.
combination 151 come out
combination n 1 the act of combining or come at vb to attack: he came at me with an
state of being combined. 2 people or things axe.
combined. 3 the set of numbers or letters comeback n Informal 1 a return to a former
that opens a combination lock. 4 a motor- position or status. 2 a response or retalia-
cycle with a sidecar. 5 Maths an arrange- tion. -vb come back 3 to return, esp. to
ment of the members of a set into specified the memory. 4 to become fashionable again,
groups without regard to order in the come between vb to cause the estrange-
group. ment or separation of (two people).
combination lock n a lock that can only be come by vb to find or obtain, esp. acciden-
opened when a set of dials is turned to show tally: Graham filled him in on how he came
a specific sequence of numbers or letters. by the envelope.
combinations pl n Brit a one-piece under- Comecon (kom-meek-on) n (formerly) an
garment with long sleeves and legs. economic league of Soviet-oriented Com-
combine vb -bining, -bined 1 to join togeth- munist nations.
er. 2 to form a chemical compound. —n 3 an comedian or fem comedienne n 1 an enter-
association of people or firms for a common tainer who tells jokes. 2 a person who per-
purpose. 4 short for combine harvester. forms in comedy.
combine harvester n a machine used to
comedown n 1 a decline in status or pros-
reap and thresh grain in one process. perity. 2 Informal a disappointment, -vb
combings pl n the loose hair or fibres re- come down 3 (of prices) to become lower. 4
moved by combing. to reach a decision: a 1989 court ruling
combining form n a part of a word that oc- came down in favour of three councils who
curs only as part of a compound word, such wanted Sunday trading banned. 5 to be
as anthropo- in anthropology. handed down by tradition or inheritance. 6
combo n, pl -bos a small group of jazz musi- come down with to begin to suffer from
cians. (illness). 7 come down on to reprimand
combustible adj capable of igniting and sharply. 8 come down to to amount to: at
burning easily. the end the case came down to the one sim-
combustion n 1 the process of burning. 2 a ple issue. 9 come down in the world to lose
chemical reaction in which a substance status or prosperity.
combines with oxygen to produce heat and comedy n, pl -dies 1 a humorous film, play,
light. or broadcast. 2 such works as a genre. 3 the
come vb coming, came, come 1 to move humorous aspect of life or of events. 4 (in
towards a place considered near to the classical literature) a play which ends hap-
speaker or hearer: come and see me as soon pily-
as you can. 2 to arrive or reach: turn left come forward vb 1 to offer one’s services. 2
and continue until you come to a cattle-grid; to present oneself.
he came to Britain in the 1920s. 3 to occur: come-hither adj Informal flirtatious and se-
Christmas comes but once a year. 4 to hap- ductive: a come-hither look.
pen as a result: no good will come of this. 5 come in vb 1 to prove to be: it came in use-
to occur to the mind: the truth suddenly ful. 2 to become fashionable or seasonable.
came to me. 6 to reach a specified point, 3 to finish a race (in a certain position). 4 to
state, or situation: a dull brown dress that be received: news is coming in of a fire in
came down to my ankles; he ’d come to a de- Hull. 5 (of money) to be received as income.
cision. 7 to be produced: it also comes in 6 to be involved in a situation: where do I
other colours. 8 come from to be or have come in? 7 come in for to be the object of:
been a resident or native (of): my mother she came in for a lot of criticism.
comes from Greenock. 9 to become: it was come into vb 1 to enter. 2 to inherit.
like a dream come true. 10 Slang to have an
orgasm. 11 Brit informal to play the part of: comely adj -lier, -liest Old-fashioned good-
don’t come the innocent with me. 12 (sub- looking. comeliness n
junctive use) when a specified time arrives: come of vb to result from: nothing came of
come next August. 13 as ... as they come it.
the most characteristic example of a type: come off vb 1 to emerge from a situation in
he’s an arrogant swine and as devious as a certain position: the people to have come
they come. 14 come again? Informal what off worst are the poor. 2 Informal to take
did you say? 15 come to light to be re- place. 3 Informal to have the intended ef-
vealed. —interj 16 an exclamation express- fect: it was a gamble that didn’t come off.
ing annoyance or impatience: come now.' come-on n 1 Informal a lure or enticement.
~See also come about, come across, etc. —vb come on 2 (of power or water) to start
come about vb to happen. _running or functioning. 3 to make progress:
come across vb 1 to meet or find by acci- my plants are coming on nicely. 4 to begin: I
dent. 2 to communicate the intended mean- think I’ve got a cold coming on. 5 to make
ing or impression. 3 come across as to give an entrance on stage.
a certain impression. come out vb 1 to be made public or re-
come over 152 commedia dell’arte
vealed: it was only then that the truth came comic adj 1 humorous; funny. 2 of or relat-
out. 2 to be published or put on sale: their ing to comedy. ~n 3 a comedian. 4 a maga-
latest album which came out last month. 3 zine containing eomic strips.
Also: come out of the closet to reveal comical adj causing amusement, often be-
something formerly concealed, esp. that one cause of being ludicrous or ridiculous: an
is a homosexual. 4 Chiefly Brit to go on enthusiasm comical to behold, comically
strike. 5 to declare oneself: the report has adv
come out in favour of maintaining child comic opera n an opera with speech and
benefit. 6 to end up or turn out: this wine singing that tells an amusing story.
consistently came out top in our tastings; comic Strip n a sequence of drawings in a
the figures came out exactly right. 7 come newspaper or magazine, telling a humorous
out in to become covered with (a rash or
spots). 8 come out with to say or disclose: story or an adventure.
she came out with a remark that left me coming adj 1 (of time or events) approach-
speechless. 9 to enter society formally. ing or next: in the coming weeks. 2 likely to
come over vb 1 to influence or affect: I be important in the future: he was regarded
don’t know what’s come over me. 2 to com- as a coming man at the Foreign Office. 3
municate the intended meaning or impres- have it coming to one Informal to deserve
sion. 3 to give a certain impression. 4 to what one is about to suffer. ~n 4 arrival or
change sides or opinions. 5 Informal to feel approach.
a particular sensation: it makes him come comity n, pl -ties Formal friendly politeness,
o ver sligh tly queasy. esp. between different countries.
come round vb 1 to recover consciousness. comma n the punctuation mark (,) indicat-
2 to change one’s opinion. ing a slight pause and used where there is a
comestibles pin food. list of items or to separate the parts of a
sentence.
comet n a heavenly body that travels round
the sun, leaving a long bright trail behind it. command vb 1 to order or compel. 2 to have
authority over. 3 to deserve and get: a pub-
come through vb to survive or endure (an lic figure who commands almost universal
illness or difficult situation) successfully. respect. 4 to look down over: the house
come to vb 1 to regain consciousness. 2 to commands a magnificent view of the sea
amount to (a total figure). and the islands. ~n 5 an authoritative in-
come up vb 1 to be mentioned or arise: we struction that something must be done. 6
hope that the difficulties that have arisen the authority to command. 7 knowledge;
in the past will not keep coming up. 2 to be control: a fluent command of French. 8 a
about to happen: the club has important military or naval unit with a specific func-
games coming up at Leicester and Birming- tion. 9 Computers a part of a program con-
ham. 3 come up against to come into con- sisting of a coded instruction to the com-
flict with. 4 come up in the world to rise in puter to perform a specified function.
status. 5 come up to to meet a standard. 6 commandant n an officer in charge of a
come up with to produce or propose: he has place or group of people.
a knack for coming up with great ideas. commandeer vb 1 to seize for military use.
come upon vb to meet or encounter unex- 2 to take as if by right: he commandeered
pectedly. the one waiting taxi outside the station.
comeuppance n Informal deserved pun- commander n 1 an officer in command of a
ishment. military group or operation. 2 a middle-
comfit n a sugar-coated sweet. ranking naval officer. 3 a high-ranking
comfort n 1 a state of physical ease or well- member of some orders of knights.
being. 2 relief from suffering or grief. 3 a commander-in-chief n, pl commanders-in-
person or thing that brings ease. 4 com- chief the supreme commander of a nation’s
forts things that make life easier or more armed forces.
pleasant: the comforts of home. ~vb 5 to commanding adj 1 being in charge: the
soothe or console. 6 to bring physical ease commanding officer. 2 in a position or
to. comforting adj situation where success looks certain: a
comfortable adj 1 giving comfort; relaxing. commanding lead. 3 having the air of
2 free from trouble or pain. 3 Informal well- authority: a commanding voice. 4 having a
off financially. 4 not afraid or embarrassed: wide view.
he was not comfortable expressing sympa- commandment n a divine command, esp.
thy. comfortably adv one of the Ten Commandments in the Old
comforter n 1 a person or thing that com- Testament.
forts. 2 a baby’s dummy. 3 Brit a woollen commando n, pl -dos or -does a a military
scarf. unit trained to make swift raids in enemy
comfrey n a tall plant with bell-shaped blue, territory, b a member of such a unit.
purple, or white flowers. commedia dell’arte (kom-made-ee-a dell-
comfy ac(/-fier, -fiest Informal comfortable. art-tay) n a form of improvised comedy
commemorate 153 commodore
popular in Italy in the 16th century, with commiserate vb -ating, -ated (usually foil,
stock characters and a stereotyped plot. by with) to express sympathy or pity (for),
commemorate vb -rating, -rated to honour commiseration n
or keep alive the memory of: a series of commissar n formerly, an official respon-
events to commemorate the end of the Sec- sible for political education in Communist
ond World War. commemoration n com- countries.
memorative adj commissariat n a military department in
commence vb-mencing, -menced to begin, charge of food supplies.
commencement n 1 the beginning; start. 2 commissary n, pl -saries 1 US a shop sup-
US & Canad a graduation ceremony. plying food or equipment, as in a military
commend vb 1 to praise in a formal manner: camp. 2 a representative or deputy.
the Judge commended her bravery. 2 to rec- commission n 1 an order for a piece of
ommend: he commended the scheme warm- work, esp. a work of art or a piece of writ-
ly. 3 to entrust: I commend my child to your ing. 2 a duty given to a person or group to
care, commendable adj commendation n perform. 3 the fee or percentage paid to a
commensurable adj 1 measurable by the salesperson for each sale made. 4 a group of
same standards. 2 Maths a having a com- people appointed to perform certain duties:
mon factor, b having units of the same di- the Equal Opportunities Commission. 5 the
mensions and being related by whole num- act of committing a sin or crime. 6 Mil the
bers. commensnrability n rank or authority officially given to an of-
commensurate adj 1 corresponding in de- ficer. 7 authority to perform certain duties.
gree, size, or value. 2 commensurable. 8 in or out of commission in or not in
comment n 1 a remark, criticism, or obser- working order. ~vb 9 to place an order for:
vation. 2 a situation or event that expresses a report commissioned by the United Na-
some feeling: a sad comment on the nature tions; a new work commissioned by the BBC
of many relationships. 3 talk or gossip. 4 a Symphony Orchestra. 10 Mil to give a com-
note explaining or criticizing a passage in a mission to. 11 to prepare (a ship) for active
text. 5 no comment I decline to say any- service. 12 to grant authority to.
thing about the matter. ~vb 6 to remark or commissionaire n Chiefly Brit a uniformed
express an opinion. doorman at a hotel, theatre, or cinema.
commentary n, pl -taries 1 a spoken accom- commissioned officer n a military officer
paniment to an event, broadcast, or film. 2 a holding a rank by a commission.
series of explanatory notes on a subject. commissioner n 1 an appointed official in a
commentate vb -tating, -tated to act as a government department or other organiza-
commentator. tion. 2 a member of a commission.
commentator n 1 a person who provides a commit vb -mitting, -mitted 1 to perform (a
spoken commentary for a broadcast, esp. of crime or error). 2 to hand over or allocate:
a sporting event. 2 an expert who reports the British promised to commit four divi-
on and analyses a particular subject. sions to Europe. 3 to pledge to a cause or a
commerce n 1 the buying and selling of course of action. 4 to send (someone) to
goods and services. 2 Literary social rela- prison or hospital. 5 commit to memory to
tions. memorize. 6 commit to paper to write
commercial adj 1 Of or engaged in com- down.
merce: commercial exploitation of sport. 2 commitment n 1 dedication to a cause or
sponsored or paid for by an advertiser: principle. 2 an obligation, responsibility, or
commercial radio. 3 having profit as the promise that restricts freedom of action. 3
main aim: this is a more commercial, acces- the act of committing or state of being
sible album than its predecessor. ~n 4 a committed.
radio or television advertisement. committal n the official consignment of a
commercialism n 1 the principles and prac- person to a prison or mental hospital.
tices of commerce. 2 exclusive or inappro- committed adj having pledged oneself to a
priate emphasis on profit. particular belief or course of action: a com-
commercialize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or mitted pacifist.
-ising, -ised 1 to make commercial. 2 to ex- committee n a group of people appointed to
ploit for profit, esp. at the expense of qual- perform a specified service or function.
ity. commercialization or -isation n commode n 1 a chair with a hinged flap
commercial traveller n a travelling sales- concealing a chamber pot. 2 a chest of
man. drawers.
commie n, pl -mies, adj Informal & offen- commodious ac(/ with plenty of space.
sive Communist. 'Commodity n, pl -ties something that can be
commingle vb -gling, -gled to mix or be bought or sold.
mixed. commodore n 1 Brit a senior commissioned
commis n, pl -mis an apprentice waiter or officer in the navy. 2 the president of a
chef. yacht club.
common 154 community centre
common adj 1 frequently encountered: a government in Belgium, France, Italy, and
fairly common plant; this disease is most Switzerland.
common in kittens and young cats. 2 wide- commune2 vb -muning, -muned commune
spread among people in general: common with a to experience strong emotion for:
practice. 3 belonging to two or more people: communing with nature, b to talk intimate-
we share common interests. 4 belonging to ly with.
the whole community: common property. 5 communicable adj 1 capable of being com-
low-class, vulgar, or coarse. 6 Maths belong- municated. 2 (of a disease) capable of being
ing to two or more: the lowest common de- passed on easily.
nominator. 7 not belonging to the upper
classes: the common people. 8 common or communicant n Christianity a person who
garden Informal ordinary. ~n 9 a piece of receives Communion.
open land belonging to all the members of a communicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to ex-
community. 10 in common shared, in joint change (thoughts) or make known (infor-
use. ~See also Commons, commonly adv mation or feelings) by speech, writing, or
commonality n, pl -ties 1 the sharing of other means. 2 (usually foil, by to) to
common attributes. 2 the ordinary people. transmit (to): the reaction of the rapturous
audience communicated itself to the per-
commonalty n, pl -ties 1 the ordinary peo- formers. 3 to have a sympathetic mutual
ple. 2 the members of an incorporated soci- understanding. 4 Christianity to receive
ety. Communion, communicator n communi-
common cold n same as cold (sense 16). cative adj
commoner n a person who does not belong communicating adj making or having a di-
to the nobility. rect connection from one room to another:
common fraction n same as simple frac- the suite is made up of three communicating
tion. rooms; the communicating door.
common law n 1 law based on judges’ communication n 1 the exchange of infor-
decisions and custom, as distinct from writ- mation, ideas, or feelings. 2 something
ten laws, -adj common-law 2 (of a rela- communicated, such as a message. 3 com-
tionship) regarded as a marriage through munications means of travelling or sending
being long-standing. messages.
Common Market n same as European communication cord n Brit a chain in a
Union. train which may tje pulled by a passenger to
commonplace adj 1 so common or frequent stop the train in an emergency.
as not to be worth commenting on: foreign communion n 1 a sharing of thoughts, emo-
holidays have now become commonplace. 2 tions, or beliefs. 2 communion with strong
dull or unoriginal: a commonplace observa- feelings for: private communion with na-
tion. —n 3 a cliche. 4 an ordinary thing. ture. 3 a religious group with shared beliefs
common room n Chiefly Brit a sitting room and practices: the Anglican communion.
for students or staff in schools or colleges. Communion n Christianity 1 a ritual com-
commons pl n 1 Brit shared food or rations. memorating Christ’s Last Supper by the
2 short commons reduced rations. consecration of bread and wine. 2 the con-
Commons n the Commons same as House secrated bread and wine. Also called: Holy
of Commons. Communion
common sense n 1 good practical under- communique (kom-mune-ik-kay) n an offi-
standing. -adj common-sense 2 inspired cial announcement.
by or displaying this. communism n the belief that private own-
common time n Music a time signature with ership should be abolished and all work and
four crotchet beats to the bar; four-four property should be shared by the commu-
time. nity. communist n, adj
commonwealth n the people of a state or Communism n 1 a political movement based
nation viewed politically. upon the writings of Karl Marx that advo-
Commonwealth n the Commonwealth a cates communism. 2 the political and social
Official name: the Commonwealth of Na- system established in countries with a rul-
tions an association of sovereign states ing Communist Party. Communist n, adj
that are or at some time have been ruled by community n, pl -ties 1 all the people living
Britain, b the official title of the federated in one district. 2 a group of people with
states of Australia. shared origins or interests: the local Jewish
commotion n noisy disturbance. community. 3 a group of countries with cer-
communal adj 1 belonging to or used by a tain interests in common. 4 the public; soci-
community as a whole. 2 of a commune, ety. 5 a group of interdependent plants and
communally adv animals inhabiting the same region.
commune1 n 1 a group of people living to- community centre n a building used by a
gether and sharing possessions and respon- community for social gatherings or activi-
sibilities. 2 the smallest district of local ties.
community charge 155 compel
community charge n the formal name for er extent. In English the comparative is
poll tax. marked by the suffix -er or the word more.
community college n US & Canad a non- ~n 4 the comparative form of an adjective
residential college offering two-year or adverb, comparatively adv
courses of study. compare vb -paring, -pared 1 to examine in
community service n organized unpaid order to observe resemblances or differ-
work intended for the good of the commu- ences: the survey compared the health of
nity: often used as a punishment for minor three groups of children. 2 compare to to
criminals. declare to be like: one ambulance driver
commutative adj Maths giving the same re- compared the carnage to an air crash. 3
sult irrespective of the order of the num- (usually foil, by withj to resemble: his
bers or symbols. storytelling compares with the likes of Le
commutator n a device used to change al- Carre. 4 to bear a specified relation when
ternating electric current into direct cur- examined: this full-flavoured white wine
rent. compares favourably with more expensive
French wines. 5 compare notes to ex-
commute vb -muting, -muted 1 to travel change opinions. —n 6 beyond compare
some distance regularly between one’s without equal.
home and one’s place of work. 2 Law to re-
duce (a sentence) to one less severe. 3 to Comparison n 1 a comparing or being com-
substitute. 4 to pay (an annuity or pension) pared. 2 likeness or similarity: there is no
at one time, instead of in instalments, comparison at all between her and Cath-
commutable adj commutation n erine. 3 Grammar the positive, compara-
commuter n a person who regularly travels
tive, and superlative forms of an adjective
a considerable distance to work. or adverb. 4 in comparison to or with
compared to. 5 bear or stand comparison
compact1 adj 1 closely packed together. 2 with to be able to be compared with (some-
neatly fitted into a restricted space. 3 con- thing else), esp. favourably: his half-dozen
cise; brief. ~vb 4 to pack closely together. best novels can stand comparison with
~n 5 a small flat case containing a mirror anyone’s.
and face powder, compactly adv com-
pactness n compartment n 1 one of the sections into
which a railway carriage is sometimes di-
compact2 n a contract or agreement, vided. 2 a separate section: filing the infor-
compact disc n a small digital audio disc on mation away in some compartment of his
which the sound is read by an optical laser mind. 3 a small storage space: the ice-
system. making compartment of the fridge.
companion n 1 a person who associates compartmentalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
with or accompanies someone: a travelling -ising, -ised to put into categories or sec-
companion. 2 a woman paid to live or travel tions.
with another woman. 3 a guidebook or
handbook. 4 one of a pair, companionship compass n 1 an instrument for finding di-
n rection, with a magnetized needle which
points to magnetic north. 2 limits or range:
companionable adj friendly and pleasant to within the compass of a normal sized book
be with, companionably adv such a comprehensive survey is not pos-
companionway n a ladder from one deck to sible. 3 compasses an instrument used for
another in a ship. drawing circles or measuring distances,
company n, pl -nies 1 a business organiza- that consists of two arms, joined at one end.
tion. 2 a group of actors. 3 a small unit of ► The drawing instrument is technically a
troops. 4 the officers and crew of a ship. 5 pair of compasses and some people insist on
the fact of being with someone: I enjoy her this usage.
company. 6 a number of people gathered compassion n a feeling of distress and pity
together. 7 a guest or guests. 8 a person’s for the suffering or misfortune of another.
associates. 9 keep someone company to compassionate adj showing or having com-
accompany someone. 10 part company to passion. compassionately adv
disagree or separate.
company sergeant-major n Mil the senior compassionate leave n leave from work
noncommissioned officer in a company. granted on the grounds of family illness or
bereavement.
comparable adj 1 worthy of comparison. 2
able to be compared (with), comparability compatible adj 1 able to exist together har-
n moniously. 2 consistent: his evidence is
fully compatible with the other data. 3 (of
comparative adj 1 relative: despite the im- pieces of equipment) capable of being used
portance of his discoveries, he died in com- together, compatibility n
parative poverty. 2 involving comparison:
comparative religion. 3 Grammar the form compatriot n a fellow countryman or
of an adjective or adverb that indicates that countrywoman.
the quality denoted is possessed to a great- compel vb -pelling, -pelled 1 to force (to be
compelling 156 complex number
or do something). 2 to obtain by force: his complacency n extreme self-satisfaction,
performance compelled attention. complacent adj complacently adv
compelling adj 1 arousing strong interest: a complain vb 1 to express resentment or dis-
compelling new novel. 2 convincing: com- pleasure. 2 complain of to state that one is
pelling evidence. suffering from a pain or illness: he com-
compendious adj brief but comprehensive, plained of breathing trouble and chest
compendium n, pl -diums or-dia 1 Brit a se-
pains. 3 to make a formal protest: he com-
plained to the police about his rowdy neigh-
lection of different table games in one con- bours.
tainer. 2 a concise but comprehensive sum-
mary. complainant n Law a plaintiff.
compensate vb -sating, -sated 1 to make complaint n 1 the act of complaining. 2 a
amends to (someone), esp. for loss or injury. reason for complaining. 3 a mild illness. 4 a
2 to cancel out the effects of (something): formal protest.
the car’s nifty handling fails to compensate complaisant (kom-play-zant) adj willing to
for its many flaws. 3 to serve as compensa- please or oblige, complaisance n
tion for (injury or loss), compensatory adj complement n 1 a person or thing that com-
compensation n 1 payment made as repara- pletes something. 2 a complete amount or
tion for loss or injury. 2 the act of making number: a full complement of staff nurses
amends for something. and care assistants. 3 the officers and crew
compere Brit ~n 1 a person who introduces needed to man a ship. 4 Grammar a word or
a stage, radio, or television show. ~vb words added to the verb to complete the
-pering, -pered 2 to be the compere of. meaning of the predicate in a sentence, as a
compete vb -peting, -peted 1 to take part in fool in He is a fool or that he would come in
(a contest or competition). 2 to strive (to I hoped that he would come. 5 Maths the
achieve something or to be successful): able angle that when added to a specified angle
to compete on the international market. produces a right angle. ~vb 6 to complete
or form a complement to.
competence or competency n 1 the ability
to do something well or effectively. 2 a suf- complementary adj 1 forming a complete or
ficient income to live on. 3 the state of being balanced whole. 2 forming a complement.
legally competent or qualified. complementary medicine n same as alter-
competent adj 1 having sufficient skill or native medicine..
knowledge: he was a very competent engi- complete adj 1 thorough; absolute: it was a
neer. 2 suitable or sufficient for the pur- complete shambles. 2 perfect in quality or
pose: it was a competent performance, but kind: he is the complete modern footballer.
hardly a remarkable one. 3 having valid 3 finished. 4 having all the necessary parts.
legal authority: lawful detention after con- 5 complete with having as an extra feature
viction by a competent court. or part: a mansion complete with swimming
competition n 1 the act of competing; rival- pool. ~vb -pleting, -pleted 6 to finish. 7 to
ry: competition for places was keen. 2 an make whole or perfect, completely adv
event in which people compete. 3 the oppo- completion n
sition offered by competitors. 4 people complex adj 1 made up of interconnected
against whom one competes. parts. 2 intricate or complicated. 3 Maths of
competitive adj 1 involving rivalry: the in- or involving complex numbers. ~n 4 a
creasingly competitive computer industry. whole made up of related parts: a leisure
2 characterized by an urge to compete: her complex including a gymnasium, squash
naturally competitive spirit. 3 of good courts, and a 20-metre swimming pool. 5
enough value to be successful against com- Psychoanal a group of unconscious feelings
mercial rivals: we offer worldwide flights that influences a person’s behaviour. 6 In-
at competitive prices, competitiveness n formal an obsession or phobia: I have never
had a complex about my height.
competitor n a person, team, or firm that
competes. complex fraction n Maths a fraction in
which the numerator or denominator or
compile vb -piling, -piled 1 to collect and both contain fractions.
arrange (information) from various
sources. 2 Computers to convert (commands complexion n 1 the colour and general ap-
for a computer) from the language used by pearance of the skin of a person’s face. 2
the person using it into machine code suit- character or nature: the political complex-
able for the computer, using a compiler, ion of the government.
compilation n complexity n, pl -ties 1 the state or quality
compiler n 1 a person who compiles infor- of being intricate or complex. 2 something
mation. 2 a computer program which con- complicated.
verts a high-level programming language complex number n any number of the form
into the machine language used by a com- a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and
puter. i= V-i-
compliance 157 comprise
compliance n 1 complying. 2 a tendency to plants. -vb 3 to make (vegetable matter)
do what others want, compliant adj into compost.
complicate vb -eating, -cated to make or composure n the state of being calm or un-
become complex or difficult to deal with. worried.
complicated adj difficult to understand or compote n fruit stewed with sugar or in a
deal with. syrup.
complication n 1 something which makes a compound1 n 1 Chem a substance that con-
situation more difficult to deal with: an tains atoms of two or more chemical el-
added complication is the growing concern ements held together by chemical bonds. 2
for the environment. 2 a medical condition any combination of two or more parts, fea-
arising as a consequence of another. tures, or qualities. 3 a word formed from
complicity n, pl -ties the fact of being an ac- two existing words or combining forms.
complice in a crime. -vb 4 to combine so as to create a com-
compliment n 1 an expression of praise. 2 pound. 5 to make by combining parts or fea-
compliments formal greetings. -vb 3 to tures: the film’s score is compounded from
express admiration for. surging strings, a heavenly chorus and
complimentary adj 1 expressing praise. 2 jazzy saxophones. 6 to intensify by an
free of charge. added element: the problems of undertaking
comply vb -plies, -plying, -plied to act in relief work are compounded by continuing
accordance (with a rule, order, or request). civil war. 7 Law to agree not to prosecute in
return for payment: to compound a crime,
component n 1 a constituent part or feature —adj 8 composed of two or more parts or
of a whole. 2 Maths one of a set of two or elements. 9 Music with a time in which the
more vectors whose resultant is a given number of beats per bar is a multiple of
vector. -adj 3 forming or functioning as a three: such tunes are usually in a form of
part or feature. compound time, for example six-four.
comport vb Formal 1 to behave (oneself) in compoundable adj
a specified way. 2 comport with to suit or compound2 n a fenced enclosure containing
be appropriate to. comportment n buildings, such as a camp for prisoners of
compose vb -posing, -posed 1 to put to- war.
gether or make up. 2 to be the component
elements of. 3 to create (a musical or liter- compound fracture n a fracture in which
ary work). 4 to calm (oneself). 5 to arrange the broken bone pierces the skin.
artistically. 6 Printing to set up (type). compound interest n interest paid on a sum
► For sense 2 the usual idiom is: it is/was and its accumulated interest.
composed of. comprehend vb 1 to understand. 2 to in-
composed adj (of people) in control of their clude. comprehensible adj
feelings. comprehension n 1 understanding. 2 inclu-
composer n a person who writes music, sion.
composite adj 1 made up of separate parts. comprehensive adj 1 of broad scope or con-
2 (of a plant) with flower heads made up of tent. 2 (of car insurance) providing protec-
many small flowers, such as the dandelion. tion against most risks, including third-
3 Maths capable of being factorized: a com- party liability, fire, theft, and damage. 3 of
posite function. —n 4 something composed the comprehensive school system. ~n 4 a
of separate parts. 5 a composite plant. comprehensive school.
Composite adj of a style of classical archi- comprehensive school n Chiefly Brit a sec-
tecture which combines elements of the ondary school for children of all abilities.
Ionic and Corinthian styles. compress vb 1 to squeeze together. 2 to
composite school n Canad a secondary condense. ~n 3 a cloth or pad applied firm-
school which offers both academic courses ly to some part of the body to cool inflam-
and vocational training. mation or relieve pain.
composition n 1 the act of putting together compression n 1 the act of compressing. 2
or composing. 2 something composed. 3 the the reduction in volume and increase in
things or parts which make up a whole. 4 a pressure of the fuel mixture in an internal-
work of music, art, or literature. 5 the har- combustion engine before ignition.
monious arrangement of the parts of a work compressor n a device that compresses a
of art. 6 a written exercise; an essay. 7 gas.
Printing the act or technique of setting up comprise vb -prising, -prised 1 to be made
type. up of: the group comprised six French
compositor n a person who arranges type diplomats, five Italians and three Bul-
for printing. - garians. 2 to form or make up: women
compos mentis adj sane. comprised 57 per cent of all employees, but
compost n 1 a mixture of decaying plants less than 10 per cent of managers.
and manure, used as a fertilizer. 2 soil ► Comprise is not followed by of but directly
mixed with fertilizer, used for growing by its object.
compromise 158 concert
compromise (kom-prom-mize) n 1 settle- or grant (something, such as a right). 3 to
ment of a dispute by concessions on each acknowledge defeat in (a contest or argu-
side: everyone pleaded for compromise; the ment).
compromise was only reached after hours conceit n 1 an excessively high opinion of
of hard bargaining. 2 the terms of such a oneself. 2 Literary a far-fetched or clever
settlement. 3 something midway between comparison.
different things. -vb -mising, -mised 4 to conceited adj having an excessively high
settle (a dispute) by making concessions. 5 opinion of oneself, conceitedness n
to put (oneself or another person) in a dis- conceivable adj capable of being under-
honourable position, -adj 6 being, or hav- stood, believed, or imagined, conceivably
ing the nature or, a compromise: a compro- adv
mise solution, compromising adj
conceive vb -ceiving, -ceived 1 to imagine
comptroller n a financial controller, or think. 2 to consider in a certain way: we
compulsion n 1 an irresistible urge to per- must do what we conceive to be right. 3 to
form some action. 2 compelling or being form in the mind. 4 to become pregnant.
compelled. concentrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to focus
compulsive adj 1 resulting from or acting all one’s attention, thoughts, or efforts on
from a compulsion. 2 irresistible or absorb- something: she tried hard to concentrate,
ing. compulsively adv but her mind kept flashing back to the pre-
compulsory adj required by regulations or vious night. 2 to bring or come together in
laws. large numbers or amounts in one place: a
compulsory purchase n the enforced pur- flawed system that concentrates power in
chase of a property by a local authority or the hands of the few. 3 to make (a liquid)
government department. stronger by removing water from it. —n 4 a
compunction n a feeling of guilt or regret, concentrated substance, concentrated adj
computation n a calculation involving num- concentration n 1 intense mental applica-
bers or quantities, computational adj tion. 2 the act of concentrating. 3 something
compute vb -puting, -puted to calculate (an that is concentrated. 4 the amount or pro-
answer or result), often by using a comput- portion of a substance in a mixture or solu-
er. tion.
computer n an electronic device that pro- concentration caqip n a prison camp for ci-
cesses data according to a set of instruc- vilian prisoners, as in Nazi Germany.
tions. concentric adj having the same centre: con-
computer game n a game played on a home centric circles.
computer by manipulating a joystick or concept n an abstract or general idea: one of
keys in response to the graphics on the the basic concepts of quantum theory.
screen. conception n 1 a notion, idea, or plan. 2 the
computerize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or fertilization of an egg by a sperm in the Fal-
-ising, -ised 1 to equip with a computer. lopian tube followed by implantation in the
2 to control or perform (operations) by womb. 3 origin or beginning: the gap be-
means of a computer, computerization or tween the conception of an invention and
-isation n its production.
computing n 1 the activity of using comput- conceptual adj of or based on concepts,
ers and writing programs for them. 2 the conceptualize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
study of computers and their application. -ising, -ised to form a concept or idea of.
comrade n 1 a fellow member of a union or conceptualization or -isation n
a socialist political party. 2 a companion, concern n 1 anxiety or worry: the current
comradely adj comradeship n concern over teenage pregnancies. 2 some-
con1 Informal ~n 1 same as confidence thing that is of interest or importance to a
trick, —vb conning, conned 2 to swindle person. 3 regard or interest: a scrupulous
or defraud. concern for client confidentiality. 4 a busi-
con2 n See pros and cons. ness or firm, —vb 5 to worry or make anx-
ious. 6 to involve or interest: he had con-
con3 n Slang a convict. verted the building into flats without con-
Con Politics Conservative, cerning himself with the niceties of plan-
con- prefix See com-. ning permission. 7 to be relevant or impor-
concatenation n Formal a series of linked tant to.
events. concerned adj 1 interested or involved: I
concave adj curving inwards like the inside have spoken to the person concerned and he
surface of a ball, concavity n has no recollection of saying such a thing. 2
conceal vb 1 to cover and hide. 2 to keep se- worried or anxious: we are increasingly
cret. concealment n concerned for her safety.
concede vb -ceding, -ceded 1 to admit concerning prep about; regarding,
(something) as true or correct. 2 to give up concert n 1 a performance of music by play-
concerted 159 condense
ers or singers in front of an audience. 2 in ent ingredients. 2 to invent or make up (a
concert a working together, b (of musicians story or plan), concoction n
or singers) performing live. concomitant adj 1 existing or along with
concerted adj decided or planned by mutual (something else). ~n 2 something which is
agreement: a concerted effort. concomitant.
concertina n 1 a small musical instrument concord n 1 agreement or harmony. 2
similar to an accordion. —vb -naing, -naed peaceful relations between nations. 3 Music
2 to collapse or fold up like a concertina. a harmonious combination of musical notes,
concerto (kon-chair-toe) n, pl -tos or -ti concordant adj
(-tee) a large-scale composition for an or- concordance n 1 a state of harmony or
chestra and one or more soloists. agreement. 2 an alphabetical list of words
concert pitch n the internationally agreed in a literary work, with the context and
pitch to which concert instruments are often the meaning.
tuned for performance. concordat n Formal a treaty or agreement,
concession n 1 any grant of rights, land, or such as one between the Vatican and anoth-
property by a government, local authority, er state.
or company. 2 a reduction in price for a cer- concourse n 1 a large open space in a public
tain category of person: fare concessions place, where people can meet: a crowded
for senior citizens. 3 the act of yielding or concourse at Heathrow airport. 2 a crowd.
conceding. 4 something conceded. 5 Canad a concrete n 1 a building material made of
a land subdivision in a township survey, b cement, sand, stone and water that hardens
same as concession road, concessionary to a stonelike mass. —vb -creting, -creted 2
adj to cover with concrete, —adj 3 made of
concessionaire n someone who holds a con- concrete. 4 specific as opposed to general. 5
cession. relating to things that can be perceived by
concession road n Canad one of a series of the senses, as opposed to abstractions.
roads separating concessions in a township, concretion n 1 a solidified mass. 2 the act of
conch n, pl conchs or conches 1 a marine solidifying.
mollusc with a large brightly coloured spi- concubine (kon-kew-bine) n 1 Old-
ral shell. 2 its shell. fashioned a woman living with a man as his
concierge (kon-see-airzh) n (in France) a wife, but not married to him. 2 a secondary
caretaker in a block of flats. wife in polygamous societies, concubinage
conciliate vb -ating, -ated to try to end a n
disagreement with or pacify (somebody), concupiscence (kon-kew-piss-enss) n For-
conciliation n conciliator n mal strong sexual desire, concupiscent adj
conciliatory adj intended to end a disagree- concur vb -curring, -curred to agree; be in
ment. accord.
concise adj brief and to the point, concise- concurrence n 1 agreement. 2 simultaneous
ly adv conciseness or concision n occurrence.
conclave n 1 a secret meeting. 2 RC Church concurrent adj 1 taking place at the same
a private meeting of cardinals to elect a time or place. 2 meeting at, approaching, or
new pope. having a common point: concurrent lines. 3
conclude vb -eluding, -eluded 1 to decide by in agreement, concurrently adv
reasoning: the investigation concluded that concuss vb to injure (the brain) by a fall or
key data for the paper were faked. 2 to blow.
come or bring to an end: the festival concussion n 1 a brain injury caused by a
concludes on December 19th. 3 to arrange blow or fall, usually resulting in loss of con-
or settle finally: officials have refused to sciousness. 2 violent shaking.
comment on the failure to conclude an condemn vb 1 to express strong disapprov-
agreement. al of. 2 to pronounce sentence on in a court
conclusion n 1 a final decision, opinion, or of law. 3 to force into a particular state: a
judgment based on reasoning: the obvious system that condemns most of our
conclusion is that something is being cov- youngsters to failure. 4 to judge or declare
ered up. 2 end or ending. 3 outcome or re- (something) unfit for use. 5 to indicate the
sult: if you take that strategy to its logical guilt of: everything the man had said con-
conclusion you end up with communism. 4 demned him, morally if not technically.
in conclusion finally. 5 jump to conclu- condemnation n condemnatory adj
sions to come to a conclusion too quickly, ~ condensation n 1 anything that has con-
without sufficient thought or evidence. densed from a vapour, esp. on a window. 2
conclusive adj putting an end to doubt: the act of condensing, or the state of being
there is no conclusive proof of this, con- condensed.
clusively adv condense vb -densing, -densed 1 to express
concoct vb 1 to make by combining differ- in fewer words. 2 to increase the density of;
condensed milk 160 confess
concentrate. 3 to change from a gas to a liq- 3 to carry out: the police are conducting an
uid or solid. investigation into the affair. 4 to behave
condensed milk n milk thickened by evapo- (oneself). 5 to control (an orchestra or
ration, with sugar added. choir) by the movements of the hands or a
condenser n 1 an apparatus for reducing baton. 6 to accompany and guide (people or
gases to their liquid or solid form by the a party): a conducted tour. 7 to transmit
removal of heat. 2 same as capacitor. 3 a (heat or electricity).
lens that concentrates light. conductance n the ability of a specified
condescend vb 1 to behave patronizingly body to conduct electricity.
towards one’s supposed inferiors. 2 to do conduction n the transmission of heat or
something as if it were beneath one’s dig- electricity.
nity. condescending adj condescension n conductivity n the property of transmitting
condiment n any seasoning for food, such as heat, electricity, or sound.
salt, pepper, or sauces. conductor n 1 a person who conducts an or-
condition n 1 a particular state of being: the chestra or choir. 2 an official on a bus who
human condition; the van is in very poor collects fares. 3 US & Canad a railway offi-
condition. 2 conditions circumstances: cial in charge of a train. 4 something that
worsening weather conditions; the govern- conducts electricity or heat, conductress
ment pledged to improve living and working fem n
conditions. 3 a necessary requirement for conduit (kon-dew-it) n 1 a route or system
something else to happen: food is a neces- for transferring things from one place to
sary condition for survival. 4 a restriction another: a conduit for smuggling cocaine
or a qualification. 5 a term of an agreement: into the United States. 2 a channel or tube
the conditions of the lease are set out. 6 for carrying a fluid or electrical cables.
state of physical fitness, esp. good health: cone n 1 a geometric solid consisting of a
she is in a serious condition in hospital; out circular or oval base, tapering to a point. 2
of condition. 7 an ailment: a heart condi- a cone-shaped wafer shell used to contain
tion. 8 on condition that provided that. ice cream. 3 the scaly fruit of a conifer tree.
—vb 9 to accustom or alter the reaction of 4 a plastic cone used as a temporary traffic
(a person or animal) to a particular stimu- marker on roads. 5 a type of cell in the reti-
lus or situation. 10 to treat with a condi- na, sensitive to colour and bright light.
tioner. 11 to make fit or healthy. 12 to in- coney n same as cony.
fluence or determine the form that some-
thing takes: he argued that the failure of confab n Informal a conversation,
Latin American industry was conditioned confabulation n Formal a conversation,
by international economic structures, con- confection n 1 any sweet food, such as a
ditioning n, adj cake or a sweet. 2 Old-fashioned an elabo-
conditional adj 1 depending on other fac- rate piece of clothing.
tors. 2 Grammar expressing a condition on confectioner n a person who makes or sells
which something else depends, for example confectionery.
“If he comes” is a conditional clause in the confectionery n, pl -eries 1 sweets and
sentence “If he comes I shall go”. chocolates collectively. 2 the art or business
conditioner n a thick liquid used when of a confectioner.
washing to make hair or clothes feel softer. confederacy n, pl -cies a union of states or
condo n, pl -dos US & Canad informal a people joined for a common purpose.
condominium building or apartment. confederate n 1 a state or individual that is
condolence n sympathy expressed for part of a confederacy. 2 an accomplice or
someone in grief or pain, condole vb conspirator, -adj 3 united; allied, -vb
condom n a rubber sheath worn on the -ating, -ated 4 to unite in a confederacy.
penis or in the vagina during sexual inter- Confederate adj of or supporting those
course to prevent conception or infection. American states which withdrew from the
condominium n, pl -urns 1 US & Canad a an USA in 1860-61, leading to the U.S. Civil
apartment building in which each apart- War.
ment is individually owned, b an apartment confederation n 1 a union or alliance of
in such a building. 2 joint rule of a state by states or groups. 2 confederating or being
two or more other states. confederated. 3 a federation.
condone vb -doning, -doned to overlook or confer vb -ferring, -ferred 1 to discuss to-
forgive (an offence or wrongdoing). gether. 2 to grant or give: the power con-
condor n a very large rare S American vul- ferred by wealth, conferment n confer-
ture. rable adj
conducive adj (often foil, by to) likely to conference n a meeting for formal consulta-
lead to or produce (a result). tion or discussion.
conduct n 1 behaviour. 2 the management confess vb 1 to admit (a fault or crime). 2 to
or handling of an activity or business, -vb admit to be true, esp. reluctantly. 3 Christi-
confession 161 confusion
anity to declare (one’s sins) to God or to a confirmed adj long-established in a habit or
priest, so as to obtain forgiveness. condition: a confirmed bachelor.
confession n 1 something confessed. 2 an confiscate vb -eating, -cated to seize (prop-
admission of one’s faults, sins, or crimes. 3 erty) by authority, confiscation n
confession of faith a formal public state- conflagration n a large destructive fire,
ment of religious beliefs. conflate vb -flating, -flated to combine or
confessional n 1 Christianity a small room blend into a whole, conflation n
or enclosed stall in a church where a priest conflict n 1 opposition between ideas or in-
hears confessions. —adj 2 of or suited to a terests. 2 a struggle or battle. —vb 3 to be
confession. incompatible, conflicting adj
confessor n 1 Christianity a priest who confluence n 1 a place where rivers flow
hears confessions and gives spiritual ad- into one another. 2 a gathering, confluent
vice. 2 History a person who demonstrates adj
his Christian religious faith by the holiness conform vb 1 to comply with accepted
of his life: Edward the Confessor. standards, rules, or customs. 2 to be like or
confetti n small pieces of coloured paper in accordance with: people tend to absorb
thrown at weddings. ideas that conform with their existing be-
confidant or fem confidante n a person to liefs, and reject those that do not.
whom private matters are confided. conformation n 1 the general shape of an
confide vb -fiding, -fided 1 confide in to object. 2 the arrangement of the parts of an
tell (something) in confidence to. 2 Formal object.
to entrust into another’s keeping. conformist adj 1 a (of a person) behaving or
confidence n 1 trust in a person or thing. 2 thinking like most other people rather than
belief in one’s own abilities. 3 trust or a in an original or unconventional way: a shy
trustful relationship: she won first the con- and conformist type of boy. b (of an organi-
fidence, then the admiration, of her bosses. zation or society) expecting everyone to be-
4 something confided, such as a secret. 5 in have in the same way: the school was a dull,
confidence as a secret. conformist place for staff and students
alike. ~n 2 a person who behaves or thinks
confidence trick n a swindle in which the like most other people rather than in an
swindler gains the victim’s trust in order to original or unconventional way.
cheat him or her.
conformity n, pl -ities 1 compliance in ac-
confident adj 1 having or showing certainty: tions or behaviour with certain accepted
we are now confident that this technique rules, customs, or standards. 2 likeness.
works. 2 sure of oneself, confidently adv confound vb 1 to astound or bewilder. 2 to
confidential adj 1 spoken or given in confi- fail to distinguish between. 3 confound it!
dence. 2 entrusted with another’s secret af- damn it!
fairs: a confidential secretary. 3 suggestive confounded adj 1 Informal damned: what a
of intimacy: a halting, confidential manner. confounded nuisance! 2 bewildered; con-
confidentiality n confidentially adv fused: her silent, utterly confounded
confiding adj trusting: a close and confiding daughter.
relationship, confidingly adv confrere (kon-frair) n a colleague.
configuration n 1 the arrangement of the confront vb 1 (of a problem or task) to pres-
parts of something. 2 the form or outline of ent itself to. 2 to meet face to face in hostil-
such an arrangement. ity or defiance. 3 to present (someone) with
confine vb -fining, -fined 1 to keep within something, esp. in order to accuse or criti-
bounds. 2 to restrict the free movement of: cize: she finally confronted him with her
a nasty dose of flu which confined her to suspicions.
bed for days. —n 3 confines boundaries or confrontation n a serious argument or fight.
limits. Confucianism n the teachings of Confucius
confinement n 1 being confined. 2 the peri- (551-479 bc ), the ancient Chinese philoso-
od of childbirth. pher, which emphasize moral order. Con-
confirm vb 1 to prove to be true or valid. 2 fucian n, adj Confucianist n
to reaffirm (something), so as to make (it) confuse vb -fusing, -fused 1 to fail to dis-
more definite: she confirmed that she is tinguish between one thing and another. 2
about to resign as leader of the council. 3 to to perplex or disconcert. 3 to make unclear:
strengthen: this cruise confirmed my first he confused his talk with irrelevant detail.
impressions of the boat’s performance. 4 to 4 to throw into disorder, confusing adj
formally make valid. 5 to administer the confusingly adv
rite of confirmation to. confused adj 1 lacking a clear understand-
confirmation n 1 the act of confirming. 2 ing of something. 2 disordered and difficult
something that confirms. 3 a rite in several to understand or make sense of: a confused
Christian churches that admits a baptized dream.
person to full church membership. confusion n 1 mistaking one person or thing
confute 162 conker
for another. 2 bewilderment. 3 lack of clar- finding is congruous with Adam’s 1982
ity. 4 disorder. study, congruity n
confute vb -futing, -futed to prove to be conical adj in the shape of a cone.
wrong, confutation n conic section n a figure, either a circle, el-
conga n 1 a Latin American dance per- lipse, parabola, or hyperbola, formed by the
formed by a number of people in single file. intersection of a plane and a cone.
2 a large single-headed drum played with conifer n a tree or shrub bearing cones and
the hands. ~vb -gaing, -gaed 3 to dance the evergreen leaves, such as the fir or larch,
conga. coniferous adj
congeal vb to change from a liquid to a conjecture n 1 the formation of conclusions
semisolid state. from incomplete evidence. 2 a guess. ~vb
congenial adj 1 friendly, pleasant, or agree- during, -tured 3 to form (an opinion or
able: he found the Botanic Gardens a most conclusion) from incomplete evidence, con-
congenial place for strolling. 2 having a jectural adj
similar disposition or tastes, congeniality conjugal (kon-jew-gal) adj of marriage: con-
n jugal rights.
congenital adj (of an abnormal condition) conjugate vb (kon-jew-gate) -gating, -gated
existing at birth but not inherited: congeni- 1 Grammar to give the inflections of (a
tal heart disease, congenitally adv verb). 2 (of a verb) to undergo inflection
conger n a large sea eel. according to a specific set of rules. 3 Formal
to combine: a country in which conjugating
congested adj 1 crowded to excess. 2 Marxism with Christianity has actually
clogged or blocked, congestion n been tried. ~n (kon-jew-git) 4 Formal
conglomerate n 1 a large corporation made something formed by conjugation: haemo-
up of many different companies. 2 a thing globin is a conjugate of a protein with an
composed of several different elements. 3 a iron-containing pigment.
type of rock consisting of rounded pebbles conjugation n 1 Grammar a inflection of a
or fragments held together by silica or clay. verb for person, number, tense, voice and
~vb -ating, -ated 4 to form into a mass. mood, b the complete set of the inflections
~adj 5 made up of several different el- of a given verb. 2 a joining.
ements. 6 (of rock) consisting of rounded
pebbles or fragments held together by silica conjunction n 1 joining together. 2 simulta-
or clay, conglomeration n neous occurrence of events. 3 a word or
group of words that connects words,
congratulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to express phrases, or clauses; for example and, if, and
one’s pleasure to (a person) at his or her but. 4 Astron the apparent nearness of two
success or good fortune. 2 congratulate heavenly bodies to each other, conjunc-
oneself to consider oneself clever or fortu- tional adj
nate (as a result of): she congratulated her- conjunctiva n, pl -vas or -vae the delicate
self on her own business acumen, con- mucous membrane that covers the eyeball
gratulatory adj and inner eyelid, conjunctival adj
congratulations pl n, interj expressions of conjunctive adj 1 joining or joined. 2 used as
pleasure or joy on another’s success or good a conjunction: a conjunctive adverb. ~n 3 a
fortune. word or words used as a conjunction.
congregate vb -gating, -gated to collect to- conjunctivitis n inflammation of the con-
gether in or as a crowd. junctiva.
congregation n a group of worshippers, conjuncture n a combination of events, esp.
congregational adj one that leads to a crisis.
Congregationalism n a system of Protest- conjure vb -juring, -jured 1 to perform
ant church government in which each tricks that appear to be magic. 2 to summon
church is self-governing. Congregational- (a spirit or demon) by magic. 3 Formal or
ist adj, n literary to appeal earnestly to: I conjure
congress n a formal meeting of representa- you by all which you profess: answer me!
tives for discussion, congressional adj conjuring n
Congress n the federal legislature of the conjure up vb 1 to create an image in the
US, consisting of the House of Representa- mind: the name Versailles conjures up a
tives and the Senate. Congressional adj past of sumptuous grandeur. 2 to produce
Congressman n Congresswoman fem n as if from nowhere: he conjured up a fabu-
congruent adj 1 agreeing or corresponding. lous opening goal.
2 Geom identical in shape and size: congru- conjuror or conjurer n a person who per-
ent triangles, congruence n forms magic tricks for people’s entertain-
congruous adj Formal 1 appropriate or in ment.
keeping: an elegant, though not altogether conk Slang ~n 1 the head or nose. ~vb 2 to
congruous, wing was added to the house in strike (someone) on the head or nose.
1735. 2 corresponding or agreeing: this conker n same as horse chestnut (sense 2).
conkers 163 consequential
conkers n Brit a game in which a player Cons. Conservative.
swings a horse chestnut (conker), threaded consanguineous adj Formal related by
onto a string, against that of another player birth, consanguinity n
to try to break it. conscience n 1 the sense of right and wrong
conk out vb Informal 1 (of a machine or car) that governs a person’s thoughts and ac-
to break down. 2 to become tired or fall tions. 2 a feeling of guilt: he showed no hint
asleep suddenly. of conscience over the suffering he had in-
con man n Informal a person who swindles flicted. 3 in (all) conscience in fairness. 4
someone by means of a confidence trick. on one’s conscience causing feelings of
connect vb 1 to link or be linked: high blood guilt.
pressure is closely connected to heart dis- conscience-stricken adj feeling guilty be-
ease. 2 to put into telephone communication cause of having done something wrong.
with. 3 (of two public vehicles) to have the conscientious adj 1 painstaking or thor-
arrival of one timed to occur just before the ough in one’s work. 2 governed by con-
departure of the other, for the convenience science. conscientiously adv conscien-
of passengers. 4 to associate in the mind: he tiousness n
had always connected sex with violence conscientious objector n a person who re-
and attacks rather than loving and concern. fuses to serve in the armed forces on moral
5 to relate by birth or marriage: she was or religious grounds.
distantly connected with the Wedgwood
family, connective adj conscious adj 1 alert and awake. 2 aware of
one’s surroundings and of oneself. 3 aware
connection or connexion n 1 a relationship (of something): he was conscious of a need
or association. 2 a link or bond. 3 a link be- to urinate. 4 deliberate or intentional: a
tween two components in an electric circuit. conscious attempt. 5 of the part of the mind
4 a an opportunity to transfer from one that is aware of a person’s self, surround-
public vehicle to another, b the vehicle ings, and thoughts, and that to a certain ex-
scheduled to provide such an opportunity. 5 tent determines choices of action. ~n 6 the
an influential acquaintance. 6 a relative. 7 conscious part of the mind, consciously
logical sequence in thought or expression. 8 adv consciousness n
a telephone link. 9 Slang a supplier of il- conscript n 1 a person who is enrolled for
legal drugs, such as heroin. 10 in connec- compulsory military service. ~vb 2 to
tion with with reference to: a number of
enrol (someone) for compulsory military
people have been arrested in connection service.
with the explosion.
conscription n compulsory military service,
connective tissue n body tissue that sup-
ports organs, fills the spaces between them, consecrate vb -crating, -crated 1 to make
and forms tendons and ligaments. or declare sacred or for religious use. 2 to
devote or dedicate (something) to a specific
conning tower n the raised observation purpose. 3 Christianity to sanctify (bread
tower containing the periscope on a subma- and wine) to be received as the body and
rine. blood of Christ, consecration n
connivance n encouragement or permission consecutive adj following in order without
of wrongdoing. interruption: three consecutive nights of ri-
connive vb -niving, -nived 1 connive at to oting. consecutively adv
allow or encourage (wrongdoing) by ignor- consensus n general or widespread agree-
ing it. 2 to conspire. ment.
connoisseur (kon-noss-sir) n a person with ► Note the spelling of this word, often con-
special knowledge of the arts, food, or fused with that of census. In view of its
drink. meaning, it is redundant to say “a consen-
connotation n an additional meaning or as- sus of opinion”.
sociation implied by a word: the German consent n 1 agreement, permission, or ap-
term carries a connotation of elitism, con- proval. 2 age of consent the age at which
note vb sexual intercourse is permitted by law.
connubial (kon-new-bee-al) adj Formal of ~vb 3 to permit or agree (to), consenting
marriage: connubial bliss. adj
conquer vb 1 to defeat (an opponent or op- consequence n 1 a logical result or effect. 2
ponents). 2 to overcome (a difficulty or significance or importance: we said little of
feeling). 3 to gain possession of (a place) by consequence to each other; a woman of lit-
force or war. conquering adj conqueror n tle consequence. 3 in consequence as a re-
conquest n 1 the act of conquering. 2 a per- sult. 4 take the consequences to accept
son or thing that has been conquered. 3 a - whatever results from one’s action.
person whose affections have been won. consequent adj 1 following as an effect. 2
conquistador n, pl-dors or-dores one of the following as a logical conclusion.
Spanish conquerors of Mexico and Peru in consequential adj 1 important or signifi-
the 16th century. cant. 2 following as a result.
consequently 164 conspiracy
consequently adv as a result; therefore, been consigned to history. 3 to put (in a
conservancy n environmental conservation, specified place or situation): only a few
conservation n 1 protection and careful months ago such demands would have con-
management of the environment and natu- signed the student leaders to prisons and
ral resources. 2 protection from change, labour camps. 4 to address or deliver
loss, or injury. 3 Physics the principle that (goods): a cargo of oil drilling equipment
the quantity of a specified aspect of a sys- consigned to Saudi Arabia, consignee n
tem, such as momentum or charge, remains consignor n
constant, conservationist n consignment n 1 a shipment of goods. 2 the
conservative adj 1 favouring the preserva- act or an instance of consigning: the goods
tion of established customs and values, and are sent to Hong Kong for onward consign-
opposing change. 2 moderate or cautious: a ment to customers in the area.
conservative estimate. 3 conventional in consist vb 1 consist of to be made up of. 2
style: people in this area are conservative in consist in to have as its main or only part:
their tastes. —n 4 a conservative person, his madness, if he is mad, consists in believ-
conservatism n ing that he is a sundial.
Conservative adj 1 of or supporting the consistency n, pl -encies 1 degree of thick-
Conservative Party, the major right-wing ness or smoothness. 2 being consistent.
political party in Britain, which believes in consistent adj 1 holding to the same princi-
private enterprise and capitalism. 2 of or ples. 2 in agreement, consistently adv
supporting a similar right-wing party in consolation n 1 a person or thing that is a
other countries. —n 3 a supporter or mem- comfort in a time of sadness or distress. 2 a
ber of the Conservative Party. consoling or being consoled.
conservatoire (kon-serv-a-twahr) n a consolation prize n something given to con-
school of music. sole the loser of a game.
conservatory n, pl -tories 1 a greenhouse console1 vb -soling, -soled to comfort
attached to a house. 2 a conservatoire. (someone) in sadness or distress, consol-
conserve vb -serving, -served 1 to protect able adj
from harm, decay, or loss. 2 to preserve console2 n 1 a panel of controls for electron-
(fruit or other food) with sugar. ~n 3 fruit ic equipment. 2 a cabinet for a television or
preserved by cooking in sugar. audio equipment. 3 an ornamental bracket
consider vb 1 to be of the opinion that. 2 to used to support a wall fixture. 4 the
think carefully about (a problem or deci- desklike case of an organ, containing the
sion). 3 to bear in mind: Corsica is well pedals, stops, and keys.
worth considering for those seeking a consolidate vb -dating, -dated 1 to make or
peaceful holiday in beautiful surroundings. become stronger or more stable. 2 to com-
4 to have regard for or care about: you must bine into a whole, consolidation n con-
try to consider other people's feelings more. solidator n
5 to discuss (something) in order to make a consomme (kon-som-may) n a thin clear
decision. 6 to look at: he considered her and meat soup.
she forced herself to sit calmly under his consonance n Formal agreement or harmo-
gaze. ny.
considerable adj 1 large enough to reckon consonant n 1 a a speech sound made by
with: a considerable number of people. 2 a partially or completely blocking the breath
lot of: he was in considerable pain, consid- streams, for example b or f. b a letter repre-
erably adv senting this, -adj 2 consonant with in
considerate adj thoughtful towards other keeping or agreement with: an individualis-
people. tic style of religion, more consonant with
consideration n 1 careful thought. 2 a fact liberal society. 3 harmonious: this highly-
to be taken into account when making a de- dissonant chord is followed by a more con-
cision. 3 thoughtfulness for other people. 4 sonant one.
payment for a service. 5 take into consid- consort vb 1 consort with to keep company
eration to bear in mind. 6 under consid- with, -n 2 a husband or wife of a reigning
eration being currently discussed. monarch. 3 a small group of voices or in-
considered adj 1 presented or thought out struments.
with care: a considered opinion. 2 thought consortium n, pl -tia an association of busi-
of in a specified way: highly considered. ness firms.
considering conj, prep 1 taking (a specified conspectus n Formal a survey or summary,
fact) into account: considering the mileage conspicuous adj 1 clearly visible. 2 note-
the car had done, it was lasting well, -adv worthy or striking: conspicuous bravery.
2 Informal taking into account the circum- conspicuously adv
stances: it’s not bad considering. conspiracy n, pl -cies 1 a secret plan to
consign vb 1 to give into the care or charge carry out an illegal or harmful act. 2 the act
of. 2 to put irrevocably: those events have of making such plans.
conspire 165 consume
conspire vb -spiring, -spired 1 to plan a son’s freedom of action. 2 repression of
crime together in secret. 2 to act together as natural feelings. 3 a forced unnatural man-
if by design: the weather and the recession ner.
conspired to hit wine production and sales. constrict vb 1 to make smaller or narrower
conspirator n conspiratorial adj by squeezing. 2 to limit or restrict, con-
constable n a police officer of the lowest strictive adj
rank. constriction n 1 a feeling of tightness in
constabulary n, pl -laries Chiefly Brit the some part of the body, such as the chest. 2 a
police force of an area. narrowing. 3 something that constricts.
constant adj 1 continuous: she has endured constrictor n 1 a snake that coils around
constant criticism, mockery and humilia- and squeezes its prey to kill it. 2 a muscle
tion. 2 unchanging: the average speed of the that contracts an opening.
winds remained constant over this period. 3 construct vb 1 to build or put together. 2
faithful. ~n 4 Maths, physics a quantity or Geom to draw (a figure) to specified re-
number which remains invariable: the ve- quirements. 3 to compose (an argument or
locity of light is a constant. 5 something sentence). ~n 4 a complex idea resulting
that is unchanging, constancy n constant- from the combination of simpler ideas. 5
ly adv something formulated or built systematical-
constellation n 1 a group of stars which ly. constructor n
form a pattern and are given a name. 2 a construction n 1 the act of constructing or
group of people or things: the constellation manner in which a thing is constructed. 2
of favourable circumstances. something that has been constructed. 3 the
consternation n a feeling of anxiety or dis- business or work of building houses or
may. other structures. 4 Formal an interpreta-
constipated adj unable to empty one’s bow- tion: the financial markets will put the
els. worst possible construction on any piece of
constipation n a condition in which empty- news which might affect them. 5 Grammar
ing one’s bowels is difficult. the way in which words are arranged in a
constituency n, pl -cies 1 the area repre- sentence, clause, or phrase, constructional
sented by a Member of Parliament. 2 the adj
voters in such an area. constructive adj 1 useful and helpful: con-
constituent n 1 a person living in an MP’s structive criticism. 2 Law deduced by infer-
constituency. 2 a component part, -adj 3 ence; not openly expressed, constructively
forming part of a whole: the constituent adv
parts of the universe. 4 having the power to construe vb -struing, -strued 1 to interpret
make or change a constitution of a state: a the meaning of (something): her indiffer-
constituent assembly. ence was construed as rudeness. 2 to ana-
constitute vb -tuting, -tuted 1 to form or lyse the grammatical structure of (a sen-
make up: the amazing range of crags that tence). 3 to combine (words) grammatically.
constitute the Eglwyseg Mountains. 2 to set 4 Old-fashioned to translate literally.
up (an institution) formally. consul n 1 an official representing a state in
constitution n 1 the principles on which a a foreign country. 2 one of the two chief
state is governed. 2 the Constitution (in magistrates in ancient Rome, consular adj
certain countries) the statute embodying consulship n
such principles. 3 a person’s state of health. consulate n 1 the workplace and official
4 the make-up or structure of something: home of a consul. 2 the position or period of
changes in the very constitution of society. office of a consul.
constitutional adj 1 of a constitution. 2 consult vb 1 to ask advice from or discuss
authorized by or in accordance with the matters with (someone): he never consults
Constitution of a nation: constitutional his wife about what he’s about to do. 2 to
monarchy. 3 inherent in the nature of a per- refer to for information: he consulted his
son or thing: a constitutional sensitivity to watch.
cold, —n 4 a regular walk taken for the consultant n 1 a specialist doctor with a sen-
good of one’s health, constitutionally adv ior position in a hospital. 2 a specialist who
constitutive adj 1 forming a part of some- gives expert professional advice, consul-
thing. 2 with the power to appoint or estab- tancy n
lish. consultation n 1 the act of consulting. 2 a
constrain vb 1 to compel or force: he felt meeting for discussion or the seeking of ad-
constrained to apologize. 2 to limit, restrict, vice. consultative adj
or inhibit: the mobility of workers is con- - consulting adj acting as an adviser on pro-
strained by the serious housing shortage. fessional matters: consulting engineers.
constrained adj embarrassed or unnatural: consulting room n a room in which a doctor
his constrained expression. sees patients.
constraint n 1 something that limits a per- consume vb -suming, -sumed 1 to eat or
consumer 166 contention
drink. 2 to use up. 3 to destroy: the ship vent from spreading or going beyond fixed
blew up and was consumed by flames. 4 to limits: the blockade was too weak to con-
obsess: he was consumed with Jealousy over tain the French fleet, containable adj
the ending of their affair, consumable adj container n 1 an object used to hold or store
consuming adj things in. 2 a large standard-sized box for
consumer n a person who buys goods or transporting cargo by lorry or ship.
uses services. containerize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
consumer durables pl n manufactured -ising, -ised 1 to pack (cargo) in large
products that have a relatively long life, standard-sized containers. 2 to fit (a port,
such as cars or televisions. ship, or lorry) to carry goods in standard-
consumer goods pl n goods bought for per- sized containers. containerization or
sonal needs rather than those required for -isation n
the production of other goods or services. containment n the prevention of the spread
consumerism n 1 the belief that a high level of something harmful.
of consumer spending is desirable and ben- contaminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to make
eficial to the economy: the obsessive con- impure; pollute. 2 to make radioactive,
sumerism of the 80s. 2 protection of the contaminant n contamination n
rights of consumers. contemn vb Formal to regard with con-
consummate vb (kon-sum-mate) -mating, tempt.
-mated 1 to make (a marriage) legal by sex- contemplate vb -plating, -plated 1 to think
ual intercourse. 2 to complete or fulfil. deeply about. 2 to consider as a possibility.
-adj (kon-sum-mit) 3 supremely skilled: a 3 to look at thoughtfully. 4 to meditate,
consummate craftsman. 4 complete or ex- contemplation n
treme: consummate skill; consummate igno- contemplative adj 1 of or given to contem-
rance. consummation n plation. ~n 2 a person dedicated to reli-
consumption n 1 the quantity of something gious contemplation.
consumed or used: for such a powerful car, contemporaneous adj happening at the
fuel consumption is modest. 2 the act of eat- same time, contemporaneity n
ing or drinking something: this meat is unfit
for human consumption. 3 Econ purchase of contemporary adj 1 existing or occurring at
goods and services for personal use. 4 Old- the present time. 2 living or occurring in the
fashioned tuberculosis of the lungs. same period. 3 mO'dern in style or fashion. 4
of approximately the same age. ~n, pl
consumptive adj 1 wasteful or destructive. -raries 5 a person or thing living at the
2 of tuberculosis of the lungs. ~n 3 a per- same time or of approximately the same age
son with tuberculosis of the lungs. as another.
cont. continued. contempt n 1 scorn. 2 hold in contempt to
contact n 1 the state or act of communica- scorn or despise. 3 deliberate disrespect for
tion: the airport lost contact with the plane the authority of a court of law: contempt of
shortly before the crash. 2 the state or act court.
of touching: rugby is a game of hard physi- contemptible adj deserving to be despised
cal contact. 3 an acquaintance who might be or hated: a contemptible lack of courage.
useful in business. 4 a connection between
two electrical conductors in a circuit. 5 a contemptuous adj showing or feeling strong
person who has been exposed to a conta- dislike or disrespect, contemptuously adv
gious disease. ~vb 6 to come or be in com- contend vb 1 contend with to deal with. 2
munication or touch with. to assert. 3 to compete or fight. 4 to argue
contact lens n a small lens placed on the earnestly, contender n
eyeball to correct defective vision. content1 n 1 contents everything inside a
contagion n 1 the passing on of disease by container. 2 contents a list of chapters at
contact. 2 a contagious disease. 3 a corrupt- the front of a book. 3 the meaning or sub-
ing influence that tends to spread. stance of a piece of writing, often as distin-
contagious adj 1 (of a disease) capable of guished from its style or form. 4 the amount
being passed on by contact. 2 (of a person) of a substance contained in a mixture: the
capable of passing on a transmissible dis- high fat content of the British diet.
ease. 3 spreading from person to person: content2 adj 1 satisfied with things as they
contagious enthusiasm. are. 2 willing to accept a situation or a pro-
contain vb 1 to hold or be capable of hold- posed course of action. ~vb 3 to satisfy
ing: the bag contained a selection of men's (oneself or another person). ~n 4 peace of
clothing. 2 to have as one of its ingredients mind, contentment n
or constituents: tea and coffee both contain contented adj satisfied with one’s situation
appreciable amounts of caffeine. 3 to con- or life, contentedly adv contentedness n
sist of: the book contains 13 very different contention n 1 disagreement or dispute. 2 a
and largely separate chapters. 4 to check or point asserted in argument. 3 bone of con-
restrain (feelings or behaviour). 5 to pre- tention a point of dispute.
contentious 167 contraction
contentious adj 1 causing disagreement. 2 continue vb -tinuing, -tinned 1 to remain or
tending to quarrel, contentiousness n cause to remain in a particular condition or
contest n 1 a game or match in which people place. 2 to carry on (doing something): we
or teams compete. 2 a struggle for power or continued kissing; heavy fighting continued
control. —vb 3 to dispute: he has said he until Thursday afternoon. 3 to resume after
will not contest the verdict. 4 to take part in an interruption: we’ll continue after lunch.
(a contest or struggle for power): all parties 4 to go on to a further place: the road con-
which meet the legal requirements will be tinues on up the hill.
allowed to contest the election, contest- continuity n, pl -ties 1 a smooth develop-
able adj ment or sequence. 2 the arrangement of
contestant n a person who takes part in a scenes in a film so that they follow each
contest. other logically and without breaks.
context n 1 the circumstances relevant to an continuo n, pl -tinuos Music a continuous
event or fact. 2 the words before and after a bass accompaniment played usually on a
word or passage in a piece of writing that keyboard instrument.
contribute to its meaning: taken out of con- continuous adj 1 without end: a continuous
text, lines like these sound ridiculous, but, process. 2 not having any breaks or gaps in
as part of a scrupulously written play, they it: a continuous line of boats; continuous
are just right, contextual adj rain, continuously adv
contiguous adj Formal very near or touch- continuum n, pl -tinua or -tinuums a con-
ing. _ tinuous series or whole, no part of which is
continent1 n one of the earth’s large noticeably different from the parts immedi-
landmasses (Asia, Australia, Africa, Eu- ately next to it, although the ends or ex-
rope, North and South America, and Ant- tremes of it are very different from each
arctica). continental adj other: the continuum from minor misbehav-
continent2 adj 1 able to control one’s blad- iour to major crime.
der and bowels. 2 sexually restrained, con- contort vb to twist or bend out of shape,
tinence n contortion n
Continent n the Continent the mainland of contortionist n a performer who contorts
Europe as distinct from the British Isles. his or her body to entertain others.
Continental adj contour n 1 an outline. 2 same as contour
continental breakfast n a light breakfast of line, —vb 3 to shape so as to form or follow
coffee and rolls. the contour of something.
continental climate n a climate with hot contour line n a line on a map or chart join-
summers, cold winters, and little rainfall, ing points of equal height or depth.
typical of the interior of a continent. contra- prefix 1 against or contrasting:
continental drift n Geol the theory that the contraceptive. 2 (in music) lower in pitch:
earth’s continents drift gradually over the contrabass.
surface of the planet, due to currents in its contraband n 1 smuggled goods, —adj 2 (of
mantle. goods) smuggled.
continental quilt n Brit a large quilt used as contraception n the deliberate use of artifi-
a bed cover in place of the top sheet and cial or natural means to prevent pregnancy.
blankets. contraceptive n 1 a device, such as a con-
continental shelf n the gently sloping shal- dom, that is used to prevent pregnancy.
low sea bed surrounding a continent. —adj 2 providing or relating to contracep-
contingency n, pl -cies 1 an unknown or un- tion: the contraceptive pill.
foreseen future event or condition. 2 some- contract n 1 a formal agreement between
thing dependent on a possible future event. two or more parties. 2 a document setting
contingent n 1 a group of people with a out a formal agreement, —vb 3 to make a
common interest, that represents a larger formal agreement with (a person or compa-
group: a contingent of European scientists. ny) to do or deliver (something). 4 to enter
2 a military group that is part of a larger into (a relationship or marriage) formally:
force: the force includes a contingent of the she had contracted an alliance with a
Foreign Legion, -adj 3 (foil, by on or upon) wealthy man. 5 to make or become smaller,
dependent on (something uncertain). 4 narrower, or shorter. 6 to become affected
happening by chance. by (an illness). 7 to draw (muscles) together
continual adj 1 occurring without interrup- or (of muscles) to be drawn together. 8 to
tion. 2 recurring frequently, continually shorten (a word or phrase) by omitting let-
adv ters or syllables, usually indicated in writ-
continuance n 1 the act of continuing. 2 du- ing by an apostrophe, contractible adj
ration. contract bridge n the most common variety
continuation n 1 the act of continuing. 2 a of bridge, in which only tricks bid and won
part or thing added, such as a sequel. 3 a count towards the game.
renewal of an interrupted action or process. contraction n 1 a contracting or being con-
contractor 168 convener
tracted. 2 a shortening of a word or group ticle) for a publication, contribution n
of words, often marked by an apostrophe, contributory adj contributor n
for example I’ve come for I have come. 3 contrite adj full of guilt or regret, contrite-
contractions Med temporary shortening ly adv contrition n
and tensing of the uterus during pregnancy contrivance n 1 an ingenious device. 2 an
and labour. elaborate or deceitful plan. 3 the act or
contractor n a person or firm that supplies power of contriving.
materials or labour for other companies. contrive vb -triving, -trived 1 to make hap-
contract out vb Brit to agree not to take pen: he had already contrived the murder
part in a scheme. of King Alexander. 2 to devise or construct
contractual adj of or in the nature of a con- ingeniously: he contrived a plausible reason
tract. to fly back to London; he contrived a hook
contradict vb 1 to declare the opposite of (a from a bent nail.
statement) to be true. 2 (of a fact or state- control n 1 power to direct something: the
ment) to suggest that (another fact or province is mostly under guerrilla control. 2
statement) is wrong, contradiction n a curb or check: import controls. 3 controls
instruments used to operate a machine. 4 a
contradictory adj (of facts or statements) standard of comparison used in an experi-
inconsistent. ment. 5 an experiment used to verify an-
contradistinction n a distinction made by other by having all aspects identical except
contrasting different qualities, contradis- for the one that is being tested. ~vb
tinctive adj -trolling, -trolled 6 to have power over: the
contraflow n a flow of road traffic going gland which controls the body’s metabolic
alongside but in an opposite direction to the rate. 7 to limit or restrain: he could not con-
usual flow. trol his jealousy. 8 to regulate or operate (a
contralto n, pl -tos or -ti 1 the lowest female machine), controllable adj
voice. 2 a singer with such a voice. controller n 1 a person who is in charge. 2 a
contraption n Informal a strange-looking person in charge of the financial aspects of
device or gadget. a business.
contrapuntal adj Music of or in counter- control tower n a tall building at an airport
point. from which air traffic is controlled.
controversy n, pk-sies argument or debate
contrariwise adv 1 from a contrasting point concerning a matter about which there is
of view. 2 in the opposite way. strong disagreement, controversial adj
contrary n, pl -ries 1 on or to the contrary ► Note that the stress used always to be on
in opposition to what has just been said or the first syllable, “kon”, but is now more
implied. ~adj 2 opposed; completely dif- often on the second syllable, “trov”.
ferent: a contrary view, based on equally contumacy (kon-tume-mass-ee) n, pl -cies
good information. 3 perverse; obstinate. 4 Literary obstinate disobedience, contuma-
(of the wind) unfavourable. ~adv contra- cious (kon-tume-may-shuss) adj
ry to 5 in opposition or contrast to: contra-
ry to popular belief. 6 in conflict with: con- contumely (kon-tume-mill-ee) n, pl -lies Lit-
trary to nature, contrariness n erary 1 scornful or insulting treatment. 2 a
humiliating insult.
contrast n 1 a difference which is clearly contusion n Formal a bruise, contuse vb
seen when two things are compared. 2 a
person or thing showing differences when conundrum n 1 a puzzling question or prob-
compared with another. 3 the degree of dif- lem. 2 a riddle whose answer contains a
ference between the colours in a photo- pun.
graph or television picture. ~vb 4 to com- conurbation n a large heavily populated
pare or be compared in order to show the urban area formed by the growth and mer-
differences between (things): he contrasts ging of towns.
that society with contemporary America. 5 convalesce vb -lescing, -lesced to recover
contrast with to be very different from: health after an illness or operation.
her speed of reaction contrasted with her convalescence n 1 gradual return to health
husband’s vagueness, contrasting adj after illness or an operation. 2 the period
contravene vb -vening, -vened Formal to during which such recovery occurs, conva-
break (a rule or law), contravention n lescent n, adj
contretemps (kon-tra-tahn) n, pl -temps an convection n the transmission of heat
embarrassing minor disagreement. caused by movement of molecules from cool
contribute vb -uting, -uted (often foil, by
regions to warmer regions of lower density.
to) 1 to give (support or money) for a com- convector n a heating device which gives
mon purpose or fund. 2 to supply (ideas or out hot air.
opinions). 3 contribute to to be partly re- convene vb -vening, -vened to gather or
sponsible (for): his own unconvincing play summon for a formal meeting.
contributed to his defeat. 4 to write (an ar- convener or convenor n a person who calls
convenience 169 convulse
or chairs a meeting: the shop stewards' made after a try by kicking the ball over the
convener at the factory. crossbar from a place kick.
convenience n 1 the quality of being suit- convert vb 1 to change or adapt. 2 to cause
able or convenient. 2 at your convenience (someone) to change in opinion or belief. 3
at a time suitable to you. 3 an object that is to change (a measurement) from one system
useful: a house with every modern conveni- of units to another. 4 to change (money)
ence. 4 Euphemistic, chiefly Brit a public into a different currency. 5 Rugby to make
toilet. a conversion after (a try). ~n 6 a person
convenience food n food that needs little who has been converted to another belief or
preparation and can be used at any time. religion, converter or convertor n
convenient adj 1 suitable or opportune. 2 convertible adj 1 capable of being convert-
easy to use. 3 nearby. ed. 2 Finance (of a currency) freely ex-
convent n 1 a building where nuns live. 2 a changeable into other currencies. ~n 3 a
school in which the teachers are nuns. 3 a car with a folding or removable roof.
community of nuns. convex adj curving outwards like the out-
conventicle n a secret or unauthorized reli- side surface of a ball, convexity n
gious meeting. convey vb 1 to communicate (information).
convention n 1 the established view of what 2 to carry or transport from one place to
is thought to be proper behaviour. 2 an ac- another. 3 (of a channel or path) to transfer
cepted rule or method: a convention used by or transmit. 4 Law to transfer (the title to
printers. 3 a formal agreement or contract property), conveyable adj conveyor n
between people and nations. 4 a large for- conveyance n 1 Old-fashioned a vehicle. 2
mal assembly of a group with common in- Law a a transfer of the legal title to proper-
terests. ty. b the document effecting such a trans-
conventional adj 1 following the accepted fer. 3 the act of conveying: the conveyance
customs and lacking originality. 2 estab- of cycles on peak hour trains, conveyancer
lished by accepted usage or general agree- n
ment. 3 (of weapons or warfare) not nu- conveyancing n the branch of law dealing
clear. conventionally adv with the transfer of ownership of property.
conventionality n, pl -ties 1 the quality of conveyor belt n an endless moving belt
being conventional. 2 something conven- driven by rollers and used to transport ob-
tional. jects, esp. in a factory.
conventionalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or convict vb 1 to declare (someone) guilty of
-ising, -ised to make conventional. an offence. ~n 2 a person serving a prison
converge vb -verging, -verged 1 to move sentence.
towards or meet at the same point. 2 (of conviction n 1 a firmly held belief or opin-
opinions or effects) to move towards a ion. 2 an instance of being found guilty of a
shared conclusion or result, convergence n crime: he had several convictions for petty
convergent adj theft. 3 a convincing or being convinced. 4
conversant adj conversant with having carry conviction to be convincing.
knowledge or experience of. convince vb -vincing, -vinced to persuade
conversation n informal talk between two by argument or evidence, convinced adj
or more people. convincible adj convincing adj
conversational adj 1 of or used in conversa- convivial adj sociable or lively: a convivial
tion: conversational French. 2 resembling atmosphere; convivial company, convivial-
informal spoken language: the author’s ity n
easy, conversational style. convocation n Formal a large formal meet-
conversationalist n a person with a speci- ing.
fied ability at conversation: a brilliant con- convoke vb -voking, -voked Formal to call
versationalist. together.
conversation piece n something, such as an convoluted adj 1 coiled or twisted. 2 (of an
unusual object, that provokes conversation. argument or sentence) complex and diffi-
converse1 vb -versing, -versed to have a cult to understand.
conversation. convolution n 1 a coil or twist. 2 an intricate
converse2 adj 1 reversed or opposite. ~n 2 or confused matter or condition. 3 a convex
a statement or idea that is the opposite of fold in the surface of the brain.
another, conversely adv convolvulus n, pl -luses or -li a twining
conversion n 1 a change or adaptation. 2 plant with funnel-shaped flowers and tri-
Maths a calculation in which a weight, vol- _ angular leaves.
ume, or distance is worked out in a differ- convoy n a group of vehicles or ships travel-
ent system of measurement: the conversion ling together.
from Fahrenheit to Celsius. 3 a change to convulse vb -vulsing, -vulsed 1 to shake or
another belief or religion. 4 Rugby a score agitate violently. 2 (of muscles) to undergo
convulsion 170 copestone
violent spasms. 3 Informal to be overcome coomb or coombe n a short valley or deep
(with laughter or rage), convulsive adj hollow.
convulsion n 1 a violent muscular spasm. 2 coon n 1 Informal short for raccoon. 2 Of-
a violent upheaval. 3 convulsions Informal fensive slang a Negro or Australian Ab-
uncontrollable laughter: I was in convul- origine. 3 S African offensive a person of
sions. mixed race.
cony or coney n, pl -nies or-neys 1 a rabbit. coop1 n 1 a cage or pen for poultry or small
2 rabbit fur. animals. ~vb 2 coop up to confine in a re-
COO vb cooing, cooed 1 (of a dove or pigeon) stricted place.
to make a soft murmuring sound. 2 bill and coop2 or co-op (koh-op) n a cooperative so-
coo to murmur softly or lovingly. ~n 3 a ciety or a shop run by a cooperative society,
cooing sound. ~interj 4 Brit slang an ex- cooper n a person who makes or repairs
clamation of surprise or amazement, coo- barrels or casks.
ing adj, n cooperate or co-operate vb 1 to work or
cooee interj a call used to attract attention, act together. 2 to assist or be willing to as-
cook vb 1 to prepare (food) by heating or sist. cooperation or co-operation n
(of food) to be prepared in this way. 2 Slang cooperative or co-operative adj 1 willing to
to alter or falsify (figures or accounts): she cooperate. 2 (of an enterprise or farm)
had cooked the books. ~n 3 a person who owned and managed collectively. ~n 3 a
prepares food for eating. ~See also cook cooperative organization.
up. cooperative society n a commercial enter-
cook-chill n a method of food preparation prise owned and run by customers or work-
used by caterers, in which cooked dishes ers, in which the profits are shared among
are chilled rapidly and reheated as re- the members.
quired. coopt or co-opt (koh-opt) vb to add (some-
cooker n 1 an apparatus for cooking heated one) to a group by the agreement of the ex-
by gas or electricity. 2 Brit an apple suit- isting members.
able for cooking but not for eating raw. coordinate or co-ordinate vb -nating,
cookery n the art or practice of cooking, -nated 1 to bring together and cause to
cookery book or cookbook n a book con- work together efficiently. ~n 2 Maths any
taining recipes. of a set of numbers defining the location of
cookie n, pl cookies 1 US & Canad a biscuit. a point with reference to a system of axes.
2 that’s the way the cookie crumbles In- ~adj 3 of or involving coordination. 4 of or
formal that is how things inevitably are. 3 involving the use of coordinates: coordinate
Informal a person: a real tough cookie. geometry, coordination or co-ordination
n coordinator or co-ordinator n
cook up vb Informal to invent (a story or
scheme). coordinates or co-ordinates pl n clothes
designed to be worn together.
cool adj 1 moderately cold: it should be
served cool, even chilled. 2 comfortably coot n 1 a small black water bird. 2 Old-
free of heat: it was one of the few cool days fashioned a foolish person.
that summer. 3 calm and unemotional: a cop Slang ~n 1 a policeman. 2 not much
cool head. 4 indifferent or unfriendly: the cop of little value or worth. ~vb copping,
idea met with a cool response. 5 calmly im- copped 3 to take or seize. 4 cop it to get
pudent. 6 Informal (of a large sum of into trouble or be punished: he copped it
money) without exaggeration: a cool mil- after he was spotted driving a car without a
lion. 7 Informal sophisticated or elegant. 8 seat belt. ~See also cop out.
(of a colour) having violet, blue, or green copal n a resin used in varnishes,
predominating. 9 Informal, chiefly US & copartner n a partner or associate, copart-
Canad marvellous. ~vb 10 to make or be- nership n
come cooler. 11 to calm down. ~n 12 cool- cope1 vb coping, coped 1 to deal successful-
ness: in the cool of the evening. 13 Slang ly (with): well-nourished people cope better
calmness; composure: he lost his cool and with stress. 2 to tolerate or endure: the abil-
wantonly kicked the ball away, coolly adv ity to cope with his pain.
coolness n cope2 n a large ceremonial cloak worn by
coolant n a fluid used to cool machinery some Christian priests.
while it is working. cope3 vb coping, coped to provide (a wall)
cool drink n S African a soft drink. with a coping.
cooler n a container for making or keeping copeck n same as kopeck.
things cool. Copernican (kop-per-nik-an) adj of the
coolie n Old-fashioned, offensive an un- theory that the earth and the planets rotate
skilled Oriental labourer. round the sun.
cooling tower n a tall hollow structure in a copestone n 1 Also called: coping stone a
factory or power station, inside which hot stone used to form a coping. 2 the stone at
water cools as it trickles down. the top of a building or wall.
copier 171 cordon bleu
copier n a person or machine that copies, ly according to the rules. 4 trite or unorigi-
copilot n the second pilot of an aircraft, nal.
coping n a layer of rounded or sloping copycat n Informal a person who imitates or
bricks on the top of a wall. copies someone.
coping saw n a handsaw with a U-shaped copyist n 1 a person who makes written
frame, used for cutting curves in wood. copies. 2 an imitator: although the songs are
copious (kope-ee-uss) adj existing or pro- derivative, it is unfair to dismiss the band
duced in large quantities, copiously adv as mere copyists.
cop out Slang ~vb 1 to avoid taking re- copyright n 1 the exclusive legal right to re-
sponsibility or committing oneself. —n cop- produce and control an original literary,
out 2 a way or an instance of avoiding re- musical, or artistic work, —vb 2 to take out
sponsibility or commitment. a copyright on. —adj 3 protected by copy-
right.
copper1 n 1 a soft reddish metallic element,
copy typist n a typist who types from writ-
used in such alloys as brass and bronze.
Symbol: Cu 2 Informal any copper or bronze ten or typed drafts rather than dictation.
coin. 3 Chiefly Brit a large metal container copywriter n a person employed to write
used to boil water. -adj 4 reddish-brown. advertising copy.
copper2 n Slang a policeman. coquette n a woman who flirts, coquetry n
coquettish adj
copper beech n a European beech with
reddish leaves. coracle n a small round boat made of wicker
covered with skins.
copper-bottomed adj financially reliable,
Coral n 1 the stony substance formed by the
copperhead n a poisonous American snake skeletons of marine animals called polyps,
with a reddish-brown head. often forming an island or reef. 2 any of the
copperplate n 1 an elegant handwriting polyps whose skeletons form coral, —adj 3
style. 2 a polished copper plate engraved orange-pink.
for printing. 3 a print taken from such a cor anglais n, pl cors anglais Music an alto
plate. woodwind instrument of the oboe family.
copper sulphate n a blue crystalline copper corbel n Archit a stone or timber support
salt used in electroplating and in plant sticking out of a wall.
sprays. Corbie n Scot a raven or crow.
coppice n a small group of trees or bushes cord n 1 string or thin rope made of twisted
growing close together. strands. 2 Anat a structure in the body re-
copra n the dried oil-yielding kernel of the sembling a rope: the vocal cords. 3 a ribbed
coconut. fabric like corduroy. 4 US & Canad an elec-
copse n same as coppice. trical flex. 5 a unit for measuring cut wood,
Copt n 1 a member of the Coptic Church, a equal to 128 cubic feet, —adj 6 (of fabric)
part of the Christian Church which was ribbed. —See also cords.
founded in Egypt. 2 an Egyptian descended cordate adj heart-shaped.
from the ancient Egyptians. corded adj 1 tied or fastened with cord. 2
Coptic n 1 the language of the Copts, de- (of a fabric) ribbed. 3 (of muscles) standing
scended from Ancient Egyptian and surviv- out like cords.
ing only in the Coptic Church, -adj 2 of the cordial adj 1 warm and friendly: a cordial
Copts or the Coptic Church. atmosphere. 2 heartfelt or sincere: I devel-
copula n, pl -las or -lae a verb, such as be, oped a cordial dislike for the place. ~n 3 a
that is used to link the subject with the drink with a fruit base: lime cordial, cordi-
complement of a sentence, as in he became ally adv
king. cordiality n warmth of feeling.
copulate vb -lating, -lated to have sexual cordite n a smokeless explosive used in guns
intercourse, copulation n and bombs.
copy n, pl copies 1 a thing made to look ex- cordless adj (of an electrical appliance such
actly like another. 2 a single specimen of a as a kettle or telephone) powered by an in-
book, magazine, or record of which there ternal battery or kept in a holder which is
are many others exactly the same. 3 written connected to the mains, so that there is no
material for printing. 4 the text of an ad- cable connecting the appliance itself to the
vertisement. 5 Journalism informal suitable electrical mains.
material for an article: disasters are always cordon n 1 a chain of police, soldiers, or ve-
good copy, —vb copies, copying, copied 6 hicles guarding an area. 2 an ornamental
to make a copy (of). 7 to act or try to be like braid or ribbon. 3 Horticulture a fruit tree
another. - trained to grow as a single stem bearing
copybook n 1 a book of specimens of hand- fruit, —vb 4 cordon off to put or form a
writing for imitation. 2 blot one’s copy- cordon round.
book Informal to spoil one’s reputation by a cordon bleu (bluh) adj (of cookery or cooks)
mistake or indiscretion, -adj 3 done exact- of the highest standard: a cordon bleu chef.
cordon sanitaire 172 corona
cordon sanitaire n 1 a line of buffer states corned beef n cooked beef preserved in
shielding a country. 2 a guarded line isolat- salt.
ing an infected area. cornelian n same as carnelian.
cords pl n trousers made of corduroy, corner n 1 the place or angle formed by the
corduroy n a heavy cotton fabric with a meeting of two converging lines or surfaces.
velvety ribbed surface. 2 the space within the angle formed, as in a
corduroys pl n trousers made of corduroy, room. 3 the place where two streets meet. 4
core n 1 the central part of certain fleshy a sharp bend in a road. 5 a remote place:
fruits, containing the seeds. 2 the central or far-flung corners of the world. 6 any se-
essential part of something: the historic cluded or private place. 7 Sports a free kick
core of the city. 3 a piece of magnetic soft or shot taken from the corner of the field. 8
iron inside an electromagnet or transform- cut corners to take the shortest or easiest
er. 4 Geol the central part of the earth. 5 a way at the expense of high standards. 9
cylindrical sample of rock or soil, obtained turn the corner to pass the critical point of
by the use of a hollow drill. 6 Physics the an illness or a difficult time, —adj 10 on or
region of a nuclear reactor containing the in a corner: a corner seat, —vb 11 to force
fissionable material. 7 Computers the main (a person or animal) into a difficult or ines-
internal memory of a computer. —vb cor- capable position. 12 (of a vehicle or its
ing, cored 8 to remove the core from driver) to turn a corner. 13 to obtain a mo-
(fruit). nopoly of.
co-respondent n Law a person with whom corner shop n a small general shop serving
someone being sued for divorce is claimed a neighbourhood.
to have committed adultery. cornerstone n 1 an indispensable part or
corgi n a short-legged sturdy dog. basis: the food we eat is one of the
coriander n 1 a European plant, cultivated cornerstones of good health. 2 a stone at the
for its aromatic seeds. 2 the dried seeds of corner of a wall.
this plant used as a flavouring. cornet n 1 a brass instrument of the trumpet
Corinthian adj 1 of Corinth, a port in S family. 2 Brit a cone-shaped ice-cream
Greece. 2 of a style of classical architecture wafer, cornetist n
characterized by a bell-shaped capital with corn exchange n a building where corn is
carved leaf-shaped ornaments. ~n 3 a per- bought and sold.
son from Corinth. cornflakes pl n -a breakfast cereal made
cork n 1 the thick light porous outer bark of from toasted maize.
a Mediterranean oak. 2 a piece of cork used cornflour n a fine maize flour, used for
as a stopper. 3 Bot the outer bark of a thickening sauces.
woody plant. —vb 4 to stop up (a bottle) cornflower n a small plant with blue flow-
with a cork. ers.
corkage n a charge made at a restaurant for cornice (korn-iss) n 1 a decorative moulding
serving wine bought elsewhere. round the top of a wall or building. 2 Archit
corked adj (of wine) spoiled through being the projecting mouldings at the top of a col-
stored in a bottle with a decayed cork. umn.
corker n Old-fashioned slang a splendid or Cornish adj 1 of Cornwall, —n 2 a Celtic
outstanding person or thing. language of Cornwall, extinct by 1800. -pl
corkscrew n 1 a device for pulling corks n 3 the Cornish the people of Cornwall.
from bottles, usually consisting of a pointed Cornish pasty n a pastry case with a filling
metal spiral attached to a handle, -adj 2 of meat and vegetables.
like a corkscrew in shape, -vb 3 to move in cornucopia (korn-yew-kope-ee-a) n 1 a
a spiral or zigzag course. great abundance: a cornucopia of rewards.
corm n the scaly bulblike underground stem 2 a symbol of plenty, consisting of a horn
of certain plants. overflowing with fruit and flowers.
cormorant n a large dark-coloured long- corny adj cornier, corniest Slang unoriginal
necked sea bird. or oversentimental.
corn1 n 1 a cereal plant such as wheat, oats, corolla n the petals of a flower collectively,
or barley. 2 the grain of such plants. 3 US, corollary (kor-oll-a-ree) n, pl -laries 1 a
Canad, & NZ maize. 4 Slang something un- proposition that follows directly from an-
original or oversentimental. other that has been proved. 2 a natural con-
corn2 n a painful hardening of the skin of sequence.
the toes, caused by pressure. corona (kor-rone-a) n, pl -nas or -nae (-nee)
corncob n the core of an ear of maize, to 1 a circle of light around a luminous body,
which the kernels are attached. usually the moon. 2 the outermost part of
corncrake n a brown bird with a harsh grat- the sun’s atmosphere, visible as a faint halo
ing cry. during a total eclipse. 3 a long cigar with
cornea (korn-ee-a) n the transparent mem- blunt ends. 4 Bot a crownlike part of some
brane covering the eyeball, corneal adj flowers on top of the seed or on the inner
coronary 173 corrugated iron
side of the corolla. 5 Physics an electrical dicate the errors in (something). 5 to rebuke
glow appearing around the surface of a or punish in order to improve: I stand cor-
charged conductor. rected. 6 to make conform to a standard,
coronary (kor-ron-a-ree) adj 1 Anat of the correctly adv correctness n
arteries that supply blood to the heart. ~n, correction n 1 an act or instance of correct-
pl -naries 2 a coronary thrombosis. ing. 2 an alteration correcting something:
coronary thrombosis n a condition where corrections to the second proofs. 3 a reproof
the blood flow to the heart is blocked by a or punishment, correctional adj
clot in a coronary artery. corrective adj intended to put right some-
coronation n the ceremony of crowning a thing that is wrong: corrective action.
monarch. correlate vb -lating, -lated 1 to place or be
coroner n a public official responsible for placed in a mutual relationship: water con-
the investigation of violent, sudden, or sus- sumption is closely correlated to the num-
picious deaths. ber of people living in a house. ~n 2 either
coronet n 1 a small crown worn by princes of two things mutually related, correla-
or peers. 2 a band of jewels worn as a head- tion n
dress. Correlative adj 1 having a mutual relation-
corpora pl n the plural of corpus. ship. 2 Grammar (of words, usually con-
corporal1 n a noncommissioned officer in an junctions) corresponding to each other and
army. occurring regularly together, for example
corporal2 adj of the body. neither and nor.
corporal punishment n physical punish- correspond vb 1 to be consistent or compat-
ment, such as caning. ible (with). 2 to be similar (to). 3 to commu-
nicate (with) by letter, corresponding adj
corporate adj 1 relating to business correspondingly adv
corporations: corporate finance. 2 shared
by a group. 3 forming a corporation; incor- correspondence n 1 communication by let-
porated. ters. 2 the letters exchanged in this way. 3
relationship or similarity.
corporation n 1 a large business or compa-
ny. 2 a city or town council. 3 Informal a correspondence course n a course of study
large paunch, corporative adj conducted by post.
corporatism n organization of a state on the correspondent n 1 a person who communi-
lines of a business enterprise, with substan- cates by letter. 2 a person employed by a
tial government management of the econo- newspaper or news service to report on a
my. special subject or from a foreign country.
corporeal (kore-pore-ee-al) adj of the corridor n 1 a passage in a building or a
physical world rather than the spiritual. train. 2 a strip of land or airspace that pro-
corps (kore) n, pl corps 1 a military unit vides access through the territory of a for-
with a specific function: medical corps. 2 an eign country. 3 corridors of power the
organized body of people: the diplomatic higher levels of government or the Civil
corps. Service.
corps de ballet n the members of a ballet corrie n (in Scotland) a circular hollow on
company. the side of a hill.
corpse n a dead body, esp. of a human corrigendum (kor-rij-end-um) n, pl -da (-da)
being. 1 an error to be corrected. 2 a slip of paper
corpulent adj fat or plump, corpulence n
inserted into a book after printing, listing
corrections.
corpus n, pl -pora a collection of writings,
such as one by a single author or on a spe- corroborate vb -rating, -rated to support (a
cific topic: the rich corpus of British folk fact or opinion) by giving proof, corrobo-
song. ration n corroborative adj
corpuscle n a red blood cell (see erythro- corroboree n Austral 1 a native gathering
cyte) or white blood cell (see leucocyte), or dance of festive or warlike character. 2
corpuscular adj any noisy gathering.
corral US & Canad ~n 1 an enclosure for corrode vb -roding, -roded 1 to eat away or
cattle or horses. ~vb -railing, -railed 2 to be eaten away by chemical action or rust-
put in a corral. ing. 2 to destroy gradually: rumours corrod-
ing the public’s affection for the royal fami-
corrasion n Geol erosion of rocks caused by
fragments transported over them by water, ly-
wind, or ice. corrosion n 1 the process by which some-
correct adj 1 free from error; true: the cor- _ thing, esp. a metal, is corroded. 2 the result
rect answer. 2 in conformity with accepted of corrosion, corrosive adj
standards: in most cultures there is a strong corrugate vb -gating, -gated to fold into al-
sense of correct sexual conduct. ~vb 3 to ternate grooves and ridges, corrugation n
make free from or put right errors. 4 to in- corrugated iron n a thin sheet of iron or
corrupt 174 costume
steel, formed with alternating ridges and —adj 2 done or used to improve the ap-
troughs. pearance of the face or body. 3 improving in
corrupt adj 1 open to or involving bribery or appearance only: glossy brochures are part
other dishonest practices: corrupt prac- of a cosmetic exercise.
tices. 2 morally depraved. 3 (of a text or cosmetic surgery n surgery performed to
data) made unreliable by errors or improve the appearance, rather than for
alterations. -vb 4 to make corrupt, cor- medical reasons.
ruptive adj cosmic adj 1 of or relating to the whole uni-
corruptible adj capable of being corrupted, verse: the cosmic order. 2 occurring in or
corruption n 1 dishonesty and illegal behav- coming from outer space: cosmic dust.
iour. 2 the act of corrupting morally or sex- cosmogony n, pl -nies the study of the ori-
ually. 3 the process of rotting or decaying. 4 gin of the universe.
an unintentional or unauthorized alteration cosmology n the study of the origin and na-
in a text or data. 5 an altered form of a ture of the universe, cosmological adj
word. cosmologist n
corsage (kore-sahzh) n a small bouquet cosmonaut n the Russian name for an as-
worn on the bodice of a dress. tronaut.
corsair n 1 a pirate. 2 a pirate ship. 3 a pri- cosmopolitan adj 1 composed of people or
vateer. elements from many different countries or
corse n Archaic a corpse. cultures. 2 having lived and travelled in
corselet n 1 a woman’s one-piece undergar- many countries. —n 3 a cosmopolitan per-
ment, combining corset and bra. 2 a piece of son. cosmopolitanism n
armour to cover the trunk. cosmos n the universe considered as an or-
corset n 1 a close-fitting undergarment dered system.
worn by women to shape the torso. 2 a simi- Cossack n 1 a member of a S Russian peo-
lar garment worn by either sex to support ple, famous as horsemen and dancers, -adj
and protect the back, corsetry n 2 of the Cossacks: a Cossack dance.
cortege (kore-tayzh) n a funeral procession, cosset vb -seting, -seted to pamper or pet.
cortex (kore-tex) n, pl -tices (-tiss-seez) cost n 1 the amount of money, time, or ener-
Anat the outer layer of the brain or some gy required to obtain or produce something.
other internal organ, cortical adj 2 suffering or sacrifice: these were crucial
cortisone n a steroid hormone used in treat- truths which rugby never grasped, to its
ing rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and skin cost. 3 the amount paid for a commodity by
diseases. its seller: to sell at cost. 4 costs Law the ex-
corundum n a hard mineral used as an abra- penses of a lawsuit. 5 at all costs regard-
sive, and of which the ruby and sapphire less of any cost or effort involved. 6 at the
are precious forms. cost of at the expense of losing: a man
whose public triumphs were attained at the
coruscate vb -eating, -cated Formal to emit cost of private happiness. -vb costing,
flashes of light; sparkle, coruscating adj cost 7 to be obtained or obtainable in ex-
coruscation n change for: calls cost 36p a minute cheap
corvette n a lightly armed escort warship, rate, 48p at other times. 8 to involve the
corymb n Bot a flat-topped flower cluster loss or sacrifice of: a fall which almost cost
with the stems growing progressively him his life. 9 to estimate the cost of pro-
shorter towards the centre. ducing something.
cos1 or cos lettuce n a lettuce with a long cost accounting n the recording and con-
slender head and crisp leaves. trolling of all the costs involved in running
cos2 cosine. a business, cost accountant n
cosec (koh-sek) cosecant. costal adj of the ribs.
cosecant (koh-seek-ant) n (in trigonom- cost-effective adj providing adequate fi-
etry) the ratio of the length of the hypot- nancial return in relation to outlay.
enuse to that of the opposite side in a right- costermonger n Brit a person who sells
angled triangle. fruit and vegetables from a barrow in the
cosh Brit ~n 1 a heavy blunt weapon, often street.
made of hard rubber. ~vb 2 to hit on the costive adj Old-fashioned having or causing
head with a cosh. constipation.
cosignatory n, pl -ries a person or country costly adj -lier, -liest 1 expensive. 2 involv-
that signs a document jointly with others. ing great loss or sacrifice: a bitter and cost-
cosine (koh-sine) n (in trigonometry) the ly war. costliness n
ratio of the length of the adjacent side to cost of living n the average cost of the basic
that of the hypotenuse in a right-angled tri- necessities of life, such as food, housing,
angle. and clothing.
cosmetic n 1 anything applied to the face or costume n 1 a style of dressing, including
body in order to improve the appearance. all the clothes and accessories, typical of a
costume jewellery 175 counsel
particular country or period. 2 the clothes couch n 1 a piece of upholstered furniture
worn by an actor or performer: a jester’s for seating more than one person. 2 a bed on
costume. 3 short for swimming costume. which patients of a doctor or a psychoana-
~vb -turning, -turned 4 to provide with a lyst lie during examination or treatment.
costume: she was costumed by many of the ~vb 3 to express in a particular style of
great Hollywood designers, costumed adj language: a proclamation couched in splen-
costume jewellery n inexpensive but at- didly archaic phraseology. 4 Archaic (of an
tractive jewellery. animal) to crouch, as when preparing to
costumier n a make or supplier of theatrical leap.
or fancy dress costumes. couchette (koo-shett) n a bed converted
cosy or US cozy adj -sier, -siest or US -zier, from seats on a train or ship.
-ziest 1 warm and snug. 2 intimate and couch grass n a grassy weed which spreads
friendly: a cosy chat. ~n, pl -sies or US quickly.
-zies 3 a cover for keeping things warm: a couch potato n Slang a lazy person whose
tea cosy, cosiness or US coziness n only hobby is watching television and
cot1 n 1 a bed with high sides for a baby or videos.
very young child. 2 a small portable bed. cougar (koo-gar) n same as puma.
cot2 n 1 Literary or archaic a small cottage. cough vb 1 to expel air abruptly and noisily
2 a cote. from the lungs. 2 (of an engine or other ma-
cot3 cotangent. chine) to make a sound similar to this. ~n 3
cotangent n (in trigonometry) the ratio of an act or sound of coughing. 4 an illness
the length of the adjacent side to that of the which causes frequent coughing.
opposite side in a right-angled triangle. cough up vb 1 Informal to give up (money
cot death n the unexplained sudden death or information). 2 to bring up into the
of a baby while asleep. mouth by coughing: to cough up blood.
cote or cot n a small shelter for birds or could vb used: 1 to make the past tense of
animals. can1. 2 to make the subjunctive mood of
coterie (kote-er-ee) n a small exclusive can1, esp. in polite requests or condition-
group of friends or people with common in- al sentences: could I have a word with you,
terests. please? 3 to indicate the suggestion of a
cotoneaster (kot-tone-ee-ass-ter) n a gar- course of action: we could make a fortune
den shrub with red berries. from selling players, but that would not be
cottage n a small simple house, usually in in the long term interests of the club. 4 to
the country, cottager n indicate a possibility: it could simply be a
cottage cheese n a mild soft white cheese spelling mistake.
made from skimmed milk curds. Couldn’t could not.
cottage industry n a craft industry in which coulis (koo-lee) n a thin puree of vegetables
employees work at home. or fruit, usually served as a sauce sur-
cottage pie n a dish of minced meat topped rounding a dish: rum truffle cake with
with mashed potato. raspberry coulis.
cotter1 n Machinery a bolt or wedge that is coulomb (koo-lom) n the SI unit of electric
used to secure parts of machinery. charge.
cotter2 n Scot & history a farm labourer oc- coulter (kole-ter) n a vertical blade on a
cupying a cottage and land rent-free. plough in front of the ploughshare.
cotter pin n Machinery a split pin used to council n 1 a group meeting for discussion or
hold parts together and fastened by having consultation. 2 a legislative or advisory
the ends spread apart after it is inserted. body: the United Nations Security Council.
cotton n 1 the soft white downy fibre sur- 3 Brit the local governing authority of a
rounding the seeds of a plant grown in town or county. ~adj 4 of or provided by a
warm climates, used to make cloth and local council: a council house.
thread. 2 cloth or thread made from cotton councillor or US councilor n a member of a
fibres, cottony adj council.
cotton bud n a small stick with cotton wool council tax n (in Britain) a tax based on the
tips used for cleaning the ears, applying relative value of property levied to fund
make-up, etc. local council services.
cotton on vb Informal to understand or real- counsel n 1 advice or guidance. 2 discussion
ize the meaning (of): it has taken the world or consultation: when it was over they took
20 years to cotton on to this idea. counsel of their consciences. 3 a barrister or
cotton wool n Chiefly Brit absorbent fluffy group of barristers who conduct cases in
cotton, used for surgical dressings and to court and advise on legal matters. ~vb
apply creams to the skin. -selling, -selled or US -seling, -seled 4 to
cotyledon (kot-ill-ee-don) n the first leaf give advice or guidance to. 5 to recommend
produced by a plant embryo. or urge, counselling or US counseling n
counsellor 176 country and western
counsellor or US counselor n 1 an adviser. counterespionage n activities to counteract
2 US a lawyer who conducts cases in court. enemy espionage.
count1 vb 1 to say numbers in ascending counterfeit adj 1 made in imitation of some-
order up to and including: count from one to thing genuine with the intent to deceive or
ten. 2 to add up or check (each thing in a defraud: counterfeit currency. 2 pretended:
group) in order to find the total: he counted counterfeit friendship. ~n 3 an imitation
the money he had left. 3 to be important: designed to deceive or defraud, -vb 4 to
it's the thought that counts. 4 to consider: make a fraudulent imitation of. 5 to feign:
he can count himself lucky. 5 to take into surprise is an easy emotion to counterfeit.
account or include: the time he’d spent in counterfoil n Brit the part of a cheque or re-
prison on remand counted towards his sen- ceipt kept as a record.
tence. 6 not counting excluding. 7 Music to counterintelligence n activities designed to
keep time by counting beats. ~n 8 the act frustrate enemy espionage.
of counting. 9 the number reached by count-
ing: a high pollen count. 10 Law one of a countermand vb to cancel (a previous
number of charges. 11 keep or lose count order).
to keep or fail to keep an accurate record of countermeasure n action taken to counter-
items or events. 12 out for the count un- act some other action.
conscious. ~See also count against, counterpane n a bed covering,
countdown, etc. countable adj counterpart n 1 a person or thing comple-
count2 n a middle-ranking European noble- mentary to or corresponding to another. 2 a
man. duplicate of a legal document.
count against vb to have an effect or influ- counterpoint n 1 the harmonious combining
ence that makes something more unlikely: of two or more parts or melodies. 2 a melo-
his age counts against him getting promo- dy or part combined in this way. —vb 3 to
tion. set in contrast.
countdown n the act of counting backwards counterpoise vb -poising, -poised to oppose
to zero to time exactly an operation such as with something of equal weight or effect.
the launching of a rocket. counterproductive adj having an effect op-
countenance n 1 Literary the face or facial posite to the one intended.
expression. -vb -nancing, -nanced 2 to
support or tolerate. countersign vb 1 to sign (a document al-
ready signed by'another) as confirmation.
counter1 n 1 a long flat surface in a bank or ~n 2 the signature so written.
shop, on which business is transacted. 2 a
small flat disc used in board games. 3 a disc countersink vb -sinking, -sank, -sunk to
or token used as an imitation coin. 4 under drive (a screw) into a shaped hole so that
the counter (of the sale of goods) illegal. its head is below the surface.
counter2 n an apparatus for counting things. countertenor n 1 an adult male voice with
an alto range. 2 a singer with such a voice.
counter3 vb 1 to say or do (something) in re-
taliation or response. 2 to oppose or act countess n 1 a woman holding the rank of
against. 3 to return the attack of (an oppo- count or earl. 2 the wife or widow of a
nent). -adv 4 in an opposite or opposing count or earl.
direction or manner. 5 run counter to to be countless adj too many to count.
in direct contrast with, —adj 6 opposing or count noun n a noun that may be preceded
opposite. —n 7 something that is contrary by an indefinite article and can be used in
or opposite to something else. 8 an opposing the plural, such as telephone or thing.
action. 9 a return attack, such as a blow in count on vb to rely or depend on.
boxing. count out vb 1 Informal to exclude. 2 to de-
counter- prefix 1 against or opposite: clare (a boxer) defeated when he has not
counterattack. 2 complementary or corre- risen from the floor within ten seconds.
sponding: counterpart. countrified adj having an appearance or
counteract vb to act against or neutralize, manner associated with the countryside ra-
counteraction n counteractive adj ther than a town.
counterattack n 1 an attack in response to country n, pl -tries 1 an area distinguished
an attack, -vb 2 to make a counterattack by its people, culture, language, or govern-
(against). ment. 2 the territory of a nation or state. 3
counterbalance n 1 a weight or influence the people of a nation or state. 4 the part of
that balances or neutralizes another, -vb the land that is away from cities or indus-
-ancing, -anced 2 to act as a counterbalance trial areas. 5 a person’s native land. 6 same
to. as country and western. 7 across country
counterblast n an aggressive response to a not keeping to roads. 8 go to the country
verbal attack. Chiefly Brit to dissolve Parliament and hold
counterclockwise adv, adj US & Canad a general election.
same as anticlockwise. country and western or country music n
country club 177 court martial
popular music based on American White usually horizontal layer of building ma-
folk music. terial, such as bricks or tiles, at one level in
country club n a club in the country, which a building. 9 a mode of conduct or action:
has sporting and social facilities. the safest course of action was to do noth-
country dance n a type of British folk dance ing. 10 the natural development of a se-
performed in rows or circles. quence of events: allow the fever to run its
countryman n, pl -men 1 a person from course. 11 a period of time: over the course
one’s own country. 2 a person who lives in of the last two years. 12 as a matter of
the country, countrywoman fem n course as a natural or normal consequence
or event. 13 in the course of in the process
countryside n land away from the cities, of. 14 in due course at the natural or ap-
county n, pl -ties 1 a division of a country. propriate time. 15 of course a (adv) as ex-
—adj 2 Brit informal upper-class. pected; naturally, b (interj) certainly; defi-
coup (koo) n 1 a brilliant and successful ac- nitely. —vb coursing, coursed 16 (of a liq-
tion. 2 a coup d’etat. uid) to run swiftly. 17 to hunt with hounds
coup de grace (koo de grahss) n, pl coups that follow the quarry by sight and not
de grace (koo de grahss) a final or decisive scent.
action. coursebook n a book that is used as part of
coup d’etat (koo day-tah) n, pl coups an educational course.
d’etat (kooz day-tah) a sudden violent or courser1 n 1 a person who courses hounds. 2
illegal overthrow of a government. a hound trained for coursing.
coupe (koo-pay) n a sports car with two courser2 n Literary a swift horse; steed,
doors and a sloping fixed roof. coursework n work done by a student and
couple n 1 two people who are married or assessed as part of an educational course.
romantically involved. 2 two partners in a coursing n hunting with hounds trained to
dance or game. 3 a couple of a a pair of: a hunt game by sight.
couple of guys, b Informal a few. a couple
of weeks, -pron 4 a couple a two. b In- court n 1 Law a a judicial body which hears
formal a few: give him a couple, —vb and makes decisions on legal cases, b the
-pling, -pled 5 to connect or link: an in- room or building in which such a body
grained sense of shame, coupled with a fear meets. 2 a marked area used for playing a
of ridicule. 6 Literary to have sexual inter- racket game. 3 an area of ground wholly or
course. partly surrounded by walls or buildings. 4 a
couplet n two successive lines of verse, usu-
name given to some short street, blocks of
ally rhyming and of the same metre. flats, or large country houses as a part of
their address: Carlton Court. 5 the resi-
coupling n a device for connecting things, dence or retinue of a sovereign. 6 any for-
such as railway carriages. mal assembly held by a sovereign. 7 go to
coupon n 1 a piece of paper entitling the court to take legal action. 8 hold court to
holder to a discount or free gift. 2 a detach- preside over a group of admirers. 9 out of
able slip that can be used as a commercial court without a trial or legal case. 10 pay
order form. 3 Brit a football pools entry court to to give flattering attention to.
form. —vb 11 to attempt to gain the love of. 12 to
courage n 1 the ability to face danger or pay attention to (someone) in order to gain
pain without fear. 2 the courage of one’s favour. 13 to try to obtain (something): he
convictions the confidence to act according has not courted controversy, but he has cer-
to one’s beliefs. tainly attracted it. 14 to make oneself open
courageous adj showing courage, coura- or vulnerable to: courting disaster.
geously adv court card n (in a pack of playing cards) a
courgette n a type of small vegetable mar- king, queen, or jack.
row. courteous adj polite and considerate in
courier n 1 a person who looks after and manner, courteously adv courteousness
guides travellers. 2 a person paid to deliver n
urgent messages. courtesan (kore-tiz-zan) n History a mis-
course n 1 a complete series of lessons or tress or high-class prostitute.
lectures: a training course. 2 a sequence of courtesy n, pl -sies 1 politeness; good man-
medical treatment prescribed for a period ners. 2 a courteous act or remark. 3 by
of time: a course of antibiotics. 3 an onward courtesy of with the consent of.
movement in time or space: during the courthouse n a public building in which
course of his career he worked with many courts of law are held.
leading actors. 4 a route or direction taken:
the ships were blown off course by a gale. 5 _ courtier n an attendant at a royal court.
the path or channel along which a river courtly adj -lier, -liest 1 ceremoniously po-
moves. 6 an area on which a sport is played lite. 2 of or suitable for a royal court,
or a race is held: a golf course. 7 any of the courtliness n
successive parts of a meal. 8 a continuous, court martial n, pl court martials or courts
courtship 178 cowboy
martial 1 the trial of a member of the up for) to provide an alibi (for): can my men
armed forces charged with breaking mili- count on your friends at City Hall to cover
tary law. ~vb court-martial, -tialling, for us? ~n 16 anything which covers. 17 a
-tialled or US -tialing, -tialed 2 to try by blanket or bedspread. 18 the outside of a
court martial. book or magazine. 19 a pretext or disguise:
courtship n the courting of an intended he claimed UN resolutions were being used
spouse or mate. as a cover for planned American aggres-
court shoe n a low-cut shoe for women, sion. 20 an envelope or other postal wrap-
without laces or straps. ping: under plain cover. 21 an individual
table setting. 22 insurance. 23 a cover ver-
courtyard n an open area of ground sur- sion. 24 the covers Cricket the area rough-
rounded by walls or buildings. ly at right angles to the pitch on the off side
couscous (kooss-kooss) n 1 a type of semo- and about halfway to the boundary. 25
lina used in North African cookery. 2 a break cover to come out from a shelter or
spicy North African dish, consisting of hiding place. 26 take cover to make for a
steamed semolina served with a stew. place of safety or shelter. 27 under cover
cousin n the child of one’s aunt or uncle. protected or in secret. -See also cover-up.
Also called: first cousin covering adj, n
couture (koo-toor) n high-fashion designing coverage n Journalism the amount of re-
and dressmaking. porting given to a subject or event.
couturier n a person who designs fashion cover charge n a fixed service charge added
clothes for women. to the bill in a restaurant.
covalency or US covalence n Chem 1 the cover girl n an attractive woman whose pic-
ability to form a bond in which two atoms ture appears on the cover of a magazine.
share a pair of electrons. 2 the number of covering letter n an accompanying letter
covalent bonds which a particular atom can sent as an explanation.
make with others, covalent adj coverlet n same as bedspread.
cove1 n a small bay or inlet. cover note n Brit a temporary certificate
cove2 n Old-fashioned, slang a fellow; chap, from an insurance company giving proof of
coven (kuv-ven) n a meeting of witches, a current policy.
covenant (kuv-ven-ant) n 1 a formal agree- covert adj 1 concealed or secret. ~n 2 a
ment to make an annual payment to char- thicket or woodland providing shelter for
ity. 2 Law a formal sealed agreement. 3 game. 3 Ornithol any of the small feathers
Bible God’s promise to the Israelites and on the wings and tail of a bird that sur-
their commitment to worship him alone. round the bases of the larger feathers,
~vb 4 to agree by a legal covenant, cov- covertly adv
enanter n cover-up n 1 concealment or attempted con-
Covenanter n Scot history a person uphold- cealment of a mistake or crime. — vb cover
ing either of two 17th-century covenants to up 2 to cover completely. 3 to attempt to
establish and defend Presbyterianism. conceal (a mistake or crime).
Coventry n send someone to Coventry to cover version n a version by a different art-
punish someone by refusing to speak to him ist of a previously recorded musical item.
or her. covet vb -eting, -eted to long to possess
cover vb 1 to place something over so as to (something belonging to another person).
protect or conceal. 2 to put a garment on; covetous adj jealously longing to possess
clothe. 3 to extend over or lie thickly on the something, covetously adv covetousness
surface of: the ground was covered with n
dry leaves. 4 (sometimes foil, by up) to covey (kuv-vee) n 1 a small flock of grouse
screen or conceal; hide from view. 5 to or partridge. 2 a small group of people.
travel over. 6 to protect (an individual or cow1 n 1 the mature female of cattle. 2 the
group) by taking up a position from which mature female of various other mammals,
fire may be returned if those being protect- such as the elephant or whale. 3 Not in
ed are fired upon. 7 to keep a gun aimed at. technical use any domestic species of cattle.
8 a to insure against loss or risk, b to pro- 4 Informal, offensive a disagreeable wom-
vide for (loss or risk) by insurance. 9 to in- an.
clude or deal with: the course covers ac- COW2 vb to frighten or subdue with threats,
counting, economics, statistics, law and coward n a person who is easily frightened
computer applications. 10 to act as reporter and avoids dangerous or difficult situa-
or photographer on (a news event) for a
newspaper or magazine. 11 (of a sum of tions. cowardly adj
money) to be enough to pay for (some- cowardice n lack of courage,
thing). 12 Music to record a cover version cowbell n a bell hung around a cow’s neck,
of. 13 Sport to guard or obstruct (an oppo- cowboy n 1 (in the U.S. and Canada) a ranch
nent, team-mate, or area). 14 cover for to worker who herds and tends cattle, usually
deputize for (a person). 15 (foil, by for or on horseback. 2 a conventional character of
cowcatcher 179 crack up
Wild West folklore or films. 3 Informal an coachman cracked his whip. 4 (of the voice)
irresponsible or unscrupulous worker or to become harsh or change pitch suddenly.
businessman, cowgirl fem n 5 Informal to fail or break down: he had
cowcatcher n a fender on the front of a lo- cracked under the strain of losing his job. 6
comotive to clear the track of animals or to yield or cease to resist: he had cracked
other obstructions. under torture. 7 to hit with a forceful or re-
cow cocky n Austral & NZ a one-man dairy sounding blow. 8 to break into or force
farmer. open: it’ll take me longer if I have to crack
cower vbto cringe or shrink in fear. the safe myself. 9 to solve or decipher (a
code or problem). 10 Informal to tell (a
cowl n 1 a loose hood. 2 a monk’s hooded
robe. 3 a cover fitted to a chimney to in- joke). 11 to break (a molecule) into smaller
crease ventilation and prevent draughts, molecules or radicals by heat or catalysis as
cowled adj
in the distillation of petroleum. 12 to open
(a bottle) for drinking. 13 crack it Informal
cowlick n a tuft of hair which stands up to achieve something. —n 14 a sudden
over the forehead. sharp noise. 15 a break or fracture without
cowling n a streamlined detachable metal complete separation of the two parts. 16 a
covering around an engine. narrow opening or fissure. 17 Informal a
co-worker n a fellow worker. sharp blow. 18 crack of dawn daybreak. 19
cow parsley n a hedgerow plant with a broken or cracked tone of voice. 20 In-
umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. formal an attempt. 21 Informal a gibe or
cowpat n a pool of cow dung. joke. 22 Slang a highly addictive form of co-
cowpox n a contagious disease of cows, the caine. 23 a fair crack of the whip Informal
virus of which is used to make smallpox a fair chance or opportunity, -adj 24 Slang
vaccine. first-class or excellent: crack troops. -See
cowrie n, pl -ries the glossy brightly-marked also crack down, crack up.
shell of a marine mollusc. crackbrained adj idiotic or crazy: a crack-
cowslip n a European wild plant with yel- brained scheme.
low flowers. crack down vb 1 crack down on to take se-
cox n 1 a coxswain. —vb 2 to act as cox- vere measures against. ~n crackdown 2
swain of (a boat). severe or repressive measures.
coxcomb or cockscomb n 1 the comb of a cracked adj 1 damaged by cracking. 2
domestic cock. 2 Informal a conceited harsh-sounding. 3 Informal crazy.
dandy. cracker n 1 a thin crisp unsweetened bis-
coxswain (kok-sn) n the person who steers cuit. 2 a decorated cardboard tube, pulled
a lifeboat or rowing boat. apart with a bang, containing a paper hat
coy adj 1 affectedly shy and modest. 2 un-
and a joke or a toy. 3 a small explosive
willing to give information, coyly adv firework. 4 Brit, Austral, & NZ slang an ex-
cellent or notable thing or person.
coyness n
coyote (koy-ote-ee) n, pl -otes or -ote a crackers adj Brit slang insane.
small wolf of the deserts and prairies of cracking adj 1 get cracking Informal to
North America. start doing something immediately. 2 a
coypu n, pl -pus or -pu a beaver-like am- cracking pace Informal a high speed.
phibious rodent, bred for its fur. ~adv, adj 3 Brit informal first-class: five
cracking good saves, —n 4 the oil-refining
cozen vb Literary to cheat or trick, cozen- process in which heavy oils are broken
age n down into smaller molecules by heat or ca-
CpI Corporal. talysis.
Cr Chem chromium. crackle vb -ling, -led 1 to make small sharp
crab n 1 an edible shellfish with five pairs popping noises. ~n 2 a crackling sound,
of legs, the first pair modified into pincers. crackly adj
2 short for crab louse. 3 catch a crab Row- crackling n 1 a series of small sharp popping
ing to make a stroke in which the oar misses noises. 2 the crisp browned skin of roast
the water or digs too deeply, causing the pork.
rower to fall backwards. crackpot Informal —n 1 an eccentric per-
crab apple n a kind of small sour apple, son. —adj 2 eccentric: crackpot philoso-
crabbed adj 1 (of handwriting) cramped phies.
and hard to read. 2 bad-tempered. crack up vb 1 Informal to have a physical or
crabby adj -bier, -biest bad-tempered. mental breakdown. 2 to begin to break into
crab louse n a parasitic louse living in the pieces: there are worrying reports of build-
pubic area of humans. ings cracking up as the earth dries out and
crack vb 1 to break or split without com- foundations move. 3 not all it is cracked
plete separation of the parts. 2 to break up to be Informal not as good as people
with a sudden sharp sound. 3 to make or have claimed it to be. ~n crackup 4 Infor-
cause to make a sudden sharp sound: the mal a physical or mental breakdown.
-cracy 180 crash-land
-cracy n combining form indicating a type of skull. 2 the part of the skull that encloses
government or rule: plutocracy; mobocracy. the brain.
See also -crat. crank n 1 a device for transmitting or con-
cradle n 1 a baby’s bed on rockers. 2 a place verting motion, consisting of an arm proj-
where something originates: the cradle of ecting at right angles from a shaft. 2 a han-
civilization. 3 a supporting framework or dle incorporating a crank, used to start an
structure. 4 a platform or trolley in which engine or motor. 3 Informal an eccentric or
workmen are suspended on the side of a odd person. ~vb 4 to turn with a crank. 5
building or ship. ~vb -dling, -died 5 to hold to start (an engine) with a crank.
gently as if in a cradle. crankcase n the metal case that encloses
cradle-snatcher n Informal a person who the crankshaft in an internal-combustion
marries or has a sexual relationship with engine.
someone much younger than himself or her- crankpin n a short cylindrical pin in a
self. crankshaft, to which the connecting rod is
craft n 1 an occupation requiring skill or attached.
manual dexterity. 2 skill or ability. 3 cun- crankshaft n a shaft with one or more
ning or guile. 4 (pl craft) a boat, ship, air- cranks, to which the connecting rods are at-
craft, or spacecraft. ~vb 5 to make skilful- tached.
ly. cranky adj crankier, crankiest Informal 1
craftsman or fem craftswoman n, pl -men eccentric. 2 bad-tempered, crankiness n
or -women 1 a skilled worker. 2 a skilled cranny n, pl -nies a narrow opening.
artist, craftsmanship n
crap1 Slang ~n 1 nonsense. 2 junk. 3 Taboo
crafty adj -tier, -tiest skilled in deception, faeces. ~vb crapping, crapped 4 Taboo to
craftily adv craftiness n defecate, crappy adj
crag n a steep rugged rock or peak, craggy crap2 n same as craps,
adj
crake n Zool a bird of the rail family, such crape n same as crepe.
as the corncrake. craps n 1 a gambling game played with two
cram vb cramming, crammed 1 to force dice. 2 shoot craps to play this game.
(more people or things) into (a place) than crapulent or crapulous adj Literary given to
it can hold. 2 to eat or feed to excess. 3 to or resulting from excessive eating or drink-
study hard just before an examination. ing. crapulence n
crammer n a person or school that prepares crash n 1 a collision involving a vehicle or
pupils for an examination. vehicles. 2 a sudden descent of an aircraft
cramp1 n 1 a sudden painful contraction of a as a result of which it crashes. 3 a sudden
muscle. 2 temporary stiffness of a muscle loud noise. 4 a breaking and falling to
group from overexertion: writer’s cramp. 3 pieces. 5 the sudden collapse of a business
severe stomach pain. 4 a clamp for holding or stock exchange. ~vb 6 to cause (a vehi-
masonry or timber together. ~vb 5 to af- cle or aircraft) to collide with another vehi-
fect with a cramp. cle, the ground, or some other object or (of
vehicles or aircraft) to be involved in a col-
cramp2 vb 1 to confine or restrict. 2 cramp lision. 7 to make or cause to make a loud
someone’s style Informal to prevent some- smashing noise. 8 to drop with force and
one from impressing another person or break into pieces with a loud noise. 9 to
from behaving naturally: shyness will break or smash into pieces with a loud
cramp their style. noise. 10 (of a business or stock exchange)
cramped adj 1 closed in. 2 (of handwriting) to collapse or fail suddenly. 11 to move vio-
small and irregular. lently or noisily. 12 (of a computer system
crampon n a spiked iron plate strapped to a or program) to fail suddenly because of a
boot for climbing on ice. malfunction. 13 Brit informal to gate-crash.
cranberry n, pl -ries a sour edible red berry, ~adj 14 requiring or using great effort in
crane n 1 a machine for lifting and moving order to achieve results quickly: a crash
heavy objects, usually by suspending them course.
from a movable projecting arm. 2 a large crash barrier n a safety barrier along the
wading bird with a long neck and legs. ~vb centre of a motorway, around a racetrack,
craning, craned 3 to stretch out (the neck) or at the side of a dangerous road.
in order to see something. crash dive n 1 a sudden steep emergency
crane fly n a fly with long legs, slender dive by a submarine. ~vb crash-dive,
wings, and a narrow body. -diving, -dived 2 to perform a crash dive.
cranesbill n a plant with pink or purple crash helmet n a helmet worn by motor-
flowers. cyclists to protect the head in case of a
cranial adj of or relating to the skull, crash.
craniology n the scientific study of the crashing adj Informal extreme: a crashing
human skull. bore.
cranium n, pl -niums or -nia Anat 1 the crash-land vb (of an aircraft) to land in an
crass 181 credible
emergency, causing damage, crash-landing creak vb 1 to make or move with a harsh
n squeaking sound. ~n 2 a harsh squeaking
crass adj stupid and insensitive: the enquiry sound, creaky adj creakiness n
is crass and naive, crassly adv crassness cream n 1 the fatty part of milk, which rises
n to the top. 2 a cosmetic or medication that
-crat n combining form indicating a support- resembles cream in consistency. 3 any of
er or member of a particular form of gov- various foods resembling or containing
ernment: autocrat; democrat, -cratic or cream. 4 the best part of something, —adj 5
-cratical adj combining form yellowish-white. — vb 6 to beat (foodstuffs)
crate n 1 a large container made of wooden to a light creamy consistency. 7 to remove
slats, used for packing goods. 2 Slang an old the cream from (milk). 8 to prepare or cook
car or aeroplane. ~vb crating, crated 3 to (foodstuffs) with cream or milk. 9 cream
put in a crate, crateful n off to take away the best part of. creamy
crater n 1 the bowl-shaped opening in a vol- ad]
cano or a geyser. 2 a cavity made by the cream cheese n a type of very rich soft
impact of a meteorite or an explosion. 3 a white cheese.
roughly circular cavity on the surface of creamer n a powdered milk substitute for
the moon and some planets. ~vb 4 to make coffee.
or form craters in (a surface, such as the creamery n, pl -eries a place where dairy
ground), cratered adj products are made or sold.
cravat n a scarf worn round the neck in- cream of tartar n a purified form of the tar-
stead of a tie. tar produced in wine-making, an ingredient
crave vb craving, craved 1 to desire in- in baking powder.
tensely: a vulnerable, unhappy girl who crease n 1 a line made by folding or press-
craved affection. 2 Formal to beg or plead ing. 2 a wrinkle or furrow, esp. on the face.
for: may I crave your lordship’s indulgence? 3 Cricket any of four lines near each wicket
craving n marking positions for the bowler or bats-
craven adj 1 cowardly. ~n 2 a coward. man. —vb creasing, creased 4 to make or
craw n 1 the crop of a bird. 2 the stomach of become wrinkled or furrowed, creasy adj
an animal. 3 stick in one’s craw Informal create vb -ating, -ated 1 to cause to come
to be difficult for one to agree with or ac- into existence. 2 to be the cause of. 3 to ap-
cept. point to a new rank or position. 4 Brit slang
crawfish n, pl -fish or -fishes same as cray- to make an angry fuss.
fish. creation n 1 a creating or being created. 2
crawl vb 1 to move on one’s hands and something brought into existence or creat-
knees. 2 (of insects, worms or snakes) to ed.
creep slowly. 3 to move very slowly. 4 to Creation n Christianity 1 God’s act of bring-
act in a servile manner. 5 to be or feel as if ing the universe into being. 2 the universe
covered with crawling creatures: the kind as thus brought into being by God.
of smile that made your hair stand on end creative adj 1 having the ability to create. 2
and your flesh crawl. ~n 6 a slow creeping imaginative or inventive, creativity n
pace or motion. 7 Swimming a stroke in creator n a person who creates.
which the feet are kicked like paddles while Creator n the Creator God.
each arm in turn reaches forward and pulls creature n 1 an animal, bird, or fish. 2 a per-
back through the water. son. 3 a person or thing controlled by an-
crayfish or esp US crawfish n, pl -fish or other.
-fishes an edible freshwater shellfish like a creche n Chiefly Brit a day nursery for very
lobster. young children.
crayon n 1 a small stick or pencil of coloured credence (kreed-enss) n belief in the truth
wax or clay. *-vb 2 to draw or colour with or accuracy of a statement: the question is,
a crayon. how much credence to give to their ac-
craze n 1 a short-lived fashion or enthusi- counts?
asm. ~vb crazing, crazed 2 to make mad. 3 credentials pl n 1 something that entitles a
Ceramics, metallurgy to develop or cause to person to credit or confidence. 2 a docu-
develop fine cracks: you must prevent the ment giving evidence of the bearer’s iden-
drill crazing the glazed surface of the tile. tity or qualifications.
crazed adj 1 wild and uncontrolled in behav- credibility gap n the difference between
iour. 2 (of porcelain) having fine cracks. claims or statements made and the true
crazy adj -zier, -ziest Informal 1 ridiculous. facts.
2 crazy about extremely fond of. 3 ex- -credible adj 1 capable of being believed;
tremely annoyed or upset. 4 insane, crazily convincing: there is no credible evidence. 2
adv craziness n trustworthy or reliable: the latest claim is
crazy paving n Brit a form of paving on a the only one to involve a credible witness.
path, made of irregular slabs of stone. credibility n
credit 182 crescendo
credit n 1 a the system of allowing custom- tributary. 3 up the creek Slang in a diffi-
ers to receive goods or services before pay- cult position.
ment. b the time allowed for paying for creel n a wickerwork basket used by
such goods or services. 2 reputation for fishermen.
trustworthiness in paying debts. 3 a the creep vb creeping, crept 1 to move quietly
positive balance in a person’s bank account, and cautiously. 2 to crawl with the body
b the sum of money that a bank makes near to or touching the ground. 3 to have
available to a client in excess of any depos- the sensation of something crawling over
it. 4 a sum of money or equivalent purchas- the skin, from fear or disgust: she makes
ing power, available for a person’s use. 5 my flesh creep. 4 (of plants) to grow along
Accounting a acknowledgment of a sum of the ground or over rocks. —n 5 a creeping
money by entry on the right-hand side of an movement. 6 Slang an obnoxious or servile
account, b an entry or total of entries on person.
this side. 6 praise or approval, as for an creeper n 1 a plant, such as ivy, that grows
achievement or quality: you must give him by creeping. 2 US & Canad same as tree
credit for his perseverance. 7 a person or creeper.
thing who is a source of praise or approval: creeps pl n give someone the creeps In-
he is a credit to his family. 8 influence or
reputation based on the good opinion of formal to give someone a feeling of fear or
others: he acquired credit within the com- disgust.
munity. 9 belief or confidence in someone or creepy adj creepier, creepiest Informal
something: this theory is now gaining credit causing a feeling of fear or disgust, creepi-
among the scientific community. 10 Educa- ness n
tion a distinction awarded to an examina- creepy-crawly n, pl -crawlies Brit informal
tion candidate obtaining good marks, b cer- a small crawling creature.
tification that a section of an examination cremate vb -mating, -mated to burn (a
syllabus has been satisfactorily completed. corpse) to ash. cremation n
11 on credit with payment to be made at a crematorium n, pl -riums or -ria a building
future date. -vb -iting, -ited 12 Account- where corpses are cremated.
ing a to enter (an item) as a credit in an ac- creme de la creme n the very best: the
count. b to acknowledge (a payer) by mak- creme de la creme of cities.
ing such an entry. 13 credit with to attrib- cr&me de menthe n a liqueur flavoured
ute to: credit us with some intelligence. 14 with peppermint.-
to believe. -See also credits. crenellated or US crenelated adj having
creditable adj deserving praise or honour, battlements, crenellation or US crenela-
creditably adv tion n
credit account n Brit a credit system in creole n 1 a language developed from a mix-
which shops allow customers to obtain ture of different languages which has be-
goods and services before payment. come the main language of a place, -adj 2
credit card n a card issued by banks or of or relating to a creole.
shops, allowing the holder to buy on credit. Creole n 1 (in the West Indies and Latin
creditor n a person or company to whom America) a native-born person of mixed
money is owed. European and African descent. 2 (in the
credit rating n an evaluation of the ability Gulf States of the U.S.) a native-born per-
of a person or business to repay money lent. son of French descent. 3 the French creole
spoken in the Gulf States, -adj 4 of or re-
credits pl n a list of people responsible for lating to any of these peoples: Creole cook-
the production of a film, programme, or ing.
record. creosote n 1 a thick dark liquid made from
creditworthy adj (of a person or a business) coal tar and used for preserving wood. 2 a
regarded as deserving credit on the basis of colourless liquid made from wood tar and
earning power and previous record of debt used as an antiseptic, -vb -soting, -soted 3
repayment, creditworthiness n to treat with creosote.
credo n, pl -dos a creed. crepe (krayp) n 1 a thin light fabric with a
credulity n willingness to believe something crinkled texture. 2 a very thin pancake,
on little evidence. often folded around a filling. 3 a type of
credulous adj 1 too willing to believe: he has rubber with a wrinkled surface, used for
convinced only a few credulous American the soles of shoes.
intellectuals. 2 arising from or showing cre- crepe paper n paper with a crinkled tex-
dulity: credulous optimism. ture, used for decorations.
creed n 1 a system of beliefs or principles. 2 crept vb the past of creep.
a formal statement of the essential parts of crepuscular adj 1 of or like twilight. 2 (of
Christian belief. animals) active at twilight.
creek n 1 a narrow inlet or bay. 2 US, Cres. Crescent.
Canad, Austral & NZ a small stream or crescendo (krish-end-oh) n, pl -dos 1 a
crescent 183 criterion
gradual increase in loudness. 2 a musical cried vb the past of cry.
passage that gradually gets louder, —adv 3 crier n an official who makes public an-
gradually getting louder. nouncements.
crescent n 1 the curved shape of the moon crime n 1 an act prohibited and punished by
when in its first or last quarter. 2 Chiefly law. 2 unlawful acts collectively. 3 Informal
Brit a crescent-shaped street, —adj 3 a disgraceful act: to be a woman writing
crescent-shaped. music is neither a crime against nature nor
cress n a plant with strong-tasting leaves, a freakish rarity.
used in salads and as a garnish. criminal n 1 a person guilty of a crime, —adj
crest n 1 the top of a mountain, hill, or 2 of or relating to crime or its punishment. 3
wave. 2 a tuft or growth of feathers or skin Informal senseless or disgraceful, crimi-
on the top of a bird’s or animal’s head. 3 a nally adv criminality n
heraldic design or figure used on a coat of criminology n the scientific study of crime,
arms and elsewhere. 4 an ornamental plume criminologist n
or emblem on top of a helmet, -vb 5 to crimp vb 1 to fold or press into ridges. 2 to
come or rise to a high point. 6 to lie at the curl (hair) tightly with curling tongs. 3
top of. 7 to reach the top of (a hill or wave), Chiefly US informal to restrict or hinder: a
crested adj slowdown in the US economy could crimp
crestfallen adj disappointed or disheart- some big Swedish concerns' profits, —n 4
ened. the act or result of crimping.
Cretaceous adj Geol of the period of geo- Crimplene n Trademark a crease-resistant
logical time about 135 million years ago, at synthetic fabric.
the end of which the dinosaurs died out. crimson adj deep purplish-red.
cretin n 1 a person afflicted with cretinism.
cringe vb cringing, cringed 1 to shrink or
2 Informal a very stupid person, cretinous flinch in fear: he cringed and shrank
adj
against the wall. 2 to behave in a submis-
cretinism n physical and mental retardation sive or timid way: women who cringe be-
caused by a thyroid deficiency. fore abusive husbands. 3 Informal to be
cretonne n a heavy printed cotton or linen very embarrassed: I cringe every time I see
fabric, used in furnishings. that old photo of me. —n 4 the act of
crevasse n a deep open crack in a glacier, cringing.
crevice n a narrow crack or gap in rock. crinkle vb -kling, -kled 1 to become slightly
crew1 n 1 the people who man a ship or air- creased or folded. ~n 2 a crease or fold,
craft. 2 a group of people working together: crinkly adj
a film crew. 3 Informal any group of people. crinoline n a petticoat stiffened with hoops
—vb 4 to serve as a crew member on a ship to make the skirt stand out.
or boat. cripple n 1 a person who is lame or disabled.
crew2 vb Archaic a past of crow2, 2 a person with a mental or social problem:
crew cut n a closely cut haircut for men. an emotional cripple, —vb -pling, -pled 3 to
crewel n a loosely twisted worsted yarn, make a cripple of. 4 to damage (something),
used in embroidery, crewelwork n crippled adj crippling adj
crew neck n a plain round neckline, crew- crisis n, pl -ses 1 a crucial stage or turning
neck or crew-necked adj point in the course of anything. 2 a time of
crib n 1 a piece of writing stolen from else- extreme trouble or danger.
where. 2 a translation or list of answers crisp adj 1 fresh and firm: a crisp green
used by students, often dishonestly. 3 a salad. 2 dry and brittle: bake until crisp and
baby’s cradle. 4 a rack or manger for fod- golden brown. 3 clean and neat: crisp white
der. 5 a model of the manger scene at Beth- cotton. 4 (of weather) cold but invigorating:
lehem. 6 short for cribbage. —vb cribbing, a crisp autumn day. 5 clear and sharp: the
cribbed 7 to copy (someone’s work) dis4£ telescope is designed to provide the first
honestly. 8 to confine in a small space. crisp images of distant galaxies. 6 lively or
cribbage n a card game for two to four brisk: the service is crisp and efficient. ~n
players, who each try to win a set number 7 Brit a very thin slice of potato fried till
of points before the others. crunchy, —vb 8 to make or become crisp,
crick Informal —n 1 a painful muscle spasm crisply adv crispness n
or cramp in the neck or back, —vb 2 to crispbread n a thin dry biscuit made of
cause a crick in. wheat or rye.
cricket1 n 1 a game played by two teams of crispy adj crispier, crispiest hard and
eleven players using a ball, bats, and wick- crunchy, crispiness n
ets. 2 not cricket Informal not fair play. _ crisscross vb 1 to move in or mark with a
cricketer n crosswise pattern, —adj 2 (of lines) cross-
cricket2 n a jumping insect like a grass- ing one another in different directions.
hopper, which produces a chirping sound criterion n, pl -ria or -rions a standard by
by rubbing together its forewings. which something can be judged or decided.
critic 184 cross
► It is incorrect to use criteria as a singular, bent or curved place or thing: she held the
though this use is often found. puppy in the crook of her arm. 3 a bishop’s
critic n 1 a professional judge of art, music, or shepherd’s staff with a hooked end. ~vb
or literature. 2 a person who finds fault and 4 to bend or curve.
criticizes. crooked adj 1 bent or twisted. 2 set at an
critical adj 1 very important or dangerous: angle. 3 Informal dishonest or illegal,
this was a critical moment in her career. 2 crookedly adv crookedness n
so seriously ill or injured as to be in danger croon vb to sing, hum, or speak in a soft low
of dying: he is in a critical condition in hos- tone, crooner n
pital. 3 fault-finding or disparaging: the ar- crop n 1 a cultivated plant, such as a cereal,
ticle is highly critical of the government. 4 vegetable, or fruit plant. 2 the season’s
examining and judging analytically and total yield of farm produce. 3 any group of
without bias: he submitted the plans to things appearing at one time: a remarkable
critical examination. 5 of a critic or criti- crop of new Scottish plays. 4 the handle of
cism. 6 Physics denoting a constant value at a whip. 5 short for riding crop. 6 a
which the properties of a system undergo pouchlike part of the gullet of a bird, in
an abrupt change: the critical temperature which food is stored or prepared for diges-
above which the material loses its super- tion. 7 a short cropped hairstyle. ~vb
conductivity. 7 (of a nuclear power station cropping, cropped 8 to cut (something)
or reactor) having reached a state in which very short. 9 to produce or harvest as a
a nuclear chain reaction becomes self- crop. 10 (of animals) to feed on (grass). 11
sustaining. critically adv to clip part of (the ear or ears) of (an ani-
criticism n 1 fault-finding or censure. 2 an mal), esp. for identification. ~See also
analysis of a work of art or literature. 3 the crop up.
occupation of a critic. 4 a work that sets out cropper n come a cropper Informal a to fail
to analyse. completely, b to fall heavily.
criticize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or crop up vb Informal to occur or appear un-
-cising, -cised 1 to find fault with. 2 to ana- expectedly.
lyse (something).
croquet (kroh-kay) n a game played on a
critique n 1 a critical essay or commentary. lawn in which balls are hit through hoops.
2 the act or art of criticizing.
croak vb 1 (of a frog or crow) to make a low croquette (kroh-kett) n a fried cake of
hoarse cry. 2 to utter or speak with a croak. mashed potato, m^at, or fish.
3 Slang to die. ~n 4 a low hoarse sound, crosier n same as crozier.
croaky adj cross vb 1 to move or go across (something):
Croatian (kroh-ay-shun) adj 1 of Croatia. she crossed the street to the gallery. 2 to
~n 2 a person from Croatia. 3 the dialect of meet and pass: further south, the way is
Serbo-Croatian spoken in Croatia. crossed by Brewer Street. 3 Brit to draw
crochet (kroh-shay) vb -cheting, -cheted 1 two parallel lines across (a cheque) and so
to make (a piece of needlework) by looping make it payable only into a bank account. 4
and intertwining thread with a hooked nee- to mark with a cross or crosses. 5 to cancel
dle. ~n 2 work made by crocheting. or delete with a cross or with lines: she
crossed out the first three words. 6 to place
crock1 n an earthenware pot or jar. across or crosswise: he sat down and
crock2 n old crock Slang, chiefly Brit a per- crossed his legs. 7 to make the sign of the
son or thing that is old or broken-down. cross upon as a blessing. 8 to annoy or
crockery n china dishes or earthenware anger someone by challenging or opposing
vessels collectively. their wishes and plans. 9 to interbreed or
crocodile n 1 a large amphibious tropical cross-fertilize. 10 Football to pass (the ball)
reptile. 2 Brit informal a line of children from a wing to the middle of the field. 11
walking two by two. (of each of two letters in the post) to be sent
crocodile tears pl n an insincere show of before the other is received. 12 (of tele-
grief. phone lines) to interfere with each other so
crocus n, pi -cuses a plant with white, yel- that several callers are connected together
low, or purple flowers in spring. at one time. 13 cross one’s fingers to fold
croft n a small farm worked by one family in one finger across another in the hope of
Scotland, crofter n crofting adj, n bringing good luck. 14 cross one’s heart to
croissant (krwah-son) n a flaky crescent- promise by making the sign of a cross over
shaped bread roll. one’s heart. 15 cross one’s mind to occur to
one briefly or suddenly. ~n 16 a structure,
cromlech n 1 a circle of prehistoric standing symbol, or mark consisting of two intersect-
stones. 2 No longer in technical use a dol- ing lines. 17 an upright post with a bar
men. across it, used in ancient times as a means
crone n a witchlike old woman, of execution. 18 a representation of the
crony n, pl -nies a close friend. Cross on which Jesus Christ was executed
crook n 1 Informal a dishonest person. 2 a as an emblem of Christianity. 19 a symbol
Cross 185 croupier
(X) used as a signature or error mark. 20 crossing n 1 a place where a street, railway,
the sign of the cross a sign made with the or river may be crossed. 2 the place where
hand by some Christians to represent the one thing crosses another. 3 a journey
Cross. 21 a medal or monument in the shape across water.
of a cross. 22 the place in a town or village cross-legged ac(/ sitting with one leg
where a cross has been set up. 23 Biol a the crossed over the other.
process of crossing; hybridization, b a hy-
crosspatch n Informal a bad-tempered per-
brid. 24 a mixture of two things. 25 a hin- son.
drance or misfortune: we’ve all got our own
cross to bear. 26 Football a pass of the ball cross-ply adj (of a tyre) having the fabric
from a wing to the middle of the field, -adj cords in the outer casing running diagonally
27 angry. 28 lying or placed across: a cross to stiffen the sidewalls.
beam, crossly adv crossness n cross-purposes pl n at cross-purposes
Cross n the Cross a the cross on which misunderstanding each other in a discus-
Jesus Christ was crucified, b Christianity. sion.
cross- combining form 1 indicating action cross-question vb to cross-examine,
from one individual or group to another: cross-refer vb -referring, -referred to refer
cross-cultural; cross-refer. 2 indicating from one part of something to another.
movement or position across something: cross-reference n 1 a reference within a
crosscurrent; crosstalk. 3 indicating a text to another part of the text, -vb
crosslike figure or intersection: crossbones. -referencing, -referenced 2 to cross-refer.
crossbar n 1 a horizontal beam across a pair crossroad n US & Canad 1 a road that cros-
of goalposts. 2 the horizontal bar on a man’s ses another road. 2 a road that connects one
bicycle. main road to another.
cross-bench n Brit a seat in Parliament for crossroads n 1 the point at which roads
a member belonging to neither the govern- cross one another. 2 at the crossroads at
ment nor the opposition, cross-bencher n the point at which an important choice has
crossbill n a finch that has a bill with to be made.
crossed tips. cross section n 1 Maths a surface formed
crossbow n a weapon consisting of a bow by cutting across a solid, usually at right
fixed across a wooden stock, which releases angles to its longest axis. 2 a random sam-
an arrow when the trigger is pulled. ple regarded as representative. cross-
crossbreed vb -breeding, -bred 1 to pro- sectional adj
duce (a hybrid animal or plant) by crossing cross-stitch n an embroidery stitch made
two different species. ~n 2 a hybrid animal from two crossing stitches.
or plant. crosstalk n 1 Brit rapid or witty talk. 2 un-
crosscheck vb 1 to check the accuracy of wanted signals transferred between com-
(something) by using a different method. munication channels.
~n 2 a crosschecking. crosswise or crossways adj, adv 1 across:
cross-country adj, adv 1 by way of open slice the celery crosswise. 2 in the shape of
country or fields. ~n 2 a long race held a cross.
over open ground. crossword puzzle or crossword n a puzzle
crosscut vb -cutting, -cut 1 to cut across. in which vertically and horizontally cross-
—adj 2 cut across. ~n 3 a transverse cut or ing words suggested by clues are written
course. into a grid of squares.
cross-examine vb -examining, -examined crotch n 1 the forked part of the human
1 Law to question (a witness for the oppos- body between the legs. 2 the corresponding
ing side) in order to check his or her testi- part of a pair of trousers or pants. 3 any
mony. 2 to question closely or relentlessly, forked part formed by the joining of two
cross-examination n cross-examiner n things: the crotch of the tree, crotched adj
cross-eyed adj with one or both eyes turn- crotchet n Music a note having the time
ing inwards towards the nose. value of a quarter of a semibreve.
cross-fertilize or -lise vb -lizing or -lising, crotchety adj Informal bad-tempered,
-lized or -Used to fertilize (an animal or crouch vb 1 to bend low with the legs and
plant) by fusion of male and female repro- body pulled close together. ~n 2 this posi-
ductive cells from different individuals of tion.
the same species, cross-fertilization or croup1 (kroop) n a throat disease of chil-
-lisation n dren, with a hoarse cough and laboured
crossfire n 1 Mil gunfire crossing another breathing.
line of fire. 2 a lively exchange of ideas or croup2 (kroop) n the hindquarters of a
opinions. horse.
crosshatch vb Drawing to shade with two croupier (kroop-ee-ay) n a person who col-
or more sets of parallel lines that cross one lects bets and pays out winnings at a gam-
another. bling table.
crouton 186 crunch
crouton n a small piece of fried or toasted crucifixion n a method of execution by fas-
bread served in soup. tening to a cross, normally by the hands and
crow1 n 1 a large black bird with a harsh feet.
call. 2 as the crow flies in a straight line. Crucifixion n 1 the Crucifixion the crucify-
crow2 vb 1 (past crowed or crew) (of a ing of Christ. 2 a representation of this.
cock) to utter a shrill squawking sound. 2 to cruciform adj shaped like a cross.
boast about one’s superiority. 3 (of a baby) crucify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to put to
to utter cries of pleasure. ~n 4 a crowing death by crucifixion. 2 to treat cruelly. 3
sound. Slang to defeat or ridicule totally.
crowbar n a heavy iron bar used as a lever, crud n Slang a sticky or encrusted sub-
crowd n 1 a large number of things or people stance. cruddy adj
gathered together. 2 a particular group of crude adj 1 rough and simple: crude farm
people: we got to know a French crowd implements. 2 tasteless or vulgar. 3 in a
from Lyons. 3 the crowd the masses. ~vb natural or unrefined state. ~n 4 short for
4 to gather together in large numbers. 5 to crude oil. crudely adv crudity or crude-
press together into a confined space. 6 to ness n
fill or occupy fully. 7 Informal to make crude oil n unrefined petroleum.
(someone) uncomfortable by coming too crudites (crew-dit-tay) pl n a selection of
close, crowded adj raw vegetables often served with a variety
crown n 1 a monarch’s ornamental head- of dips before a meal.
dress, usually made of gold and jewels. 2 a cruel adj 1 deliberately causing pain without
wreath for the head, given as an honour. 3 pity. 2 causing pain or suffering, cruelly
the highest or central point of something adv cruelty n
arched or curved: the crown of the head. 4 a cruet n 1 a small container for pepper, salt,
the enamel-covered part of a tooth project- etc., at table. 2 a set of such containers on a
ing beyond the gum. b a substitute crown, stand.
usually of gold or porcelain, fitted over a cruise n 1 a sail taken for pleasure, stopping
decayed or broken tooth. 5 a former British at various places. ~vb cruising, cruised 2
coin worth 25 pence. 6 the outstanding to sail about from place to place for pleas-
quality or achievement: the last piece is the ure. 3 (of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship) to
crown of the evening. ~vb 7 to put a crown travel at a moderate and efficient speed. 4
on the head of (someone), to proclaim him to proceed steadily or easily: they cruised
or her monarch. 8 to put on the top of. 9 to into the final of the qualifying competition.
reward. 10 to form the topmost part of. 11
to put the finishing touch to (a series of cruise missile n a low-flying subsonic mis-
events): he crowned a superb display with sile that is guided throughout its Bight.
three goals. 12 to attach a crown to (a cruiser n 1 a large fast warship armed with
tooth). 13 Slang to hit over the head. 14 medium-calibre weapons. 2 Also called:
Draughts to promote (a draught) to a king cabin cruiser a motorboat with a cabin.
by placing another draught on top of it. cruiserweight n Boxing same as light
Crown n the Crown the power or institution heavyweight.
of the monarchy. crumb n 1 a small fragment of bread or
crown colony n a British colony controlled other dry food. 2 a small bit or scrap: a
by the Crown. crumb of comfort.
crown court n a local criminal court in Eng- crumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to break into
land and Wales. crumbs or fragments. 2 to fall apart or
Crown Derby n a type of fine porcelain
decay. ~n 3 a baked pudding consisting of
stewed fruit with a crumbly topping: rhu-
made at Derby. barb crumble, crumbly adj crumbliness n
crown jewels pl n the jewellery used by a crumby adj crumbier, crumbiest 1 full of
sovereign on ceremonial occasions. crumbs. 2 same as crummy.
crown prince n the male heir to a sovereign crummy adj -mier, -miest Slang 1 of very
throne, crown princess n bad quality: a crummy hotel. 2 unwell: I felt
crow’s feet pl n wrinkles at the outer corn- really crummy.
ers of the eye. crumpet n Chiefly Brit 1 a light soft yeast
crow’s nest n a lookout platform fixed at cake, eaten buttered. 2 Slang sexually at-
the top of a ship’s mast. tractive women collectively.
Crozier or crosier n a hooked staff carried crumple vb -pling, -pled 1 to crush or be-
by bishops as a symbol of office. come crushed into untidy wrinkles or creas-
crucial adj 1 of exceptional importance. 2 es. 2 to collapse in an untidy heap: her fa-
Slang very good, crucially adv ther lay crumpled on the floor. ~n 3 an un-
crucible n a pot in which metals or other tidy crease or wrinkle, crumply adj
substances arc melted. crunch vb 1 to bite or chew with a noisy
crucifix n a model cross with a figure of crushing sound. 2 to make a crisp or brittle
Christ upon it. sound. ~n 3 a crunching sound. 4 the
crupper 187 cubbyhole
crunch Informal the critical moment or cryogenics n the branch of physics con-
situation, crunchy adj crunchiness n cerned with very low temperatures and
crupper n 1 a strap that passes from the their effects, cryogenic a<Jj
back of a saddle under a horse’s tail. 2 the crypt n a vault or underground chamber,
horse's rump. such as one beneath a church, used as a bur-
crusade n 1 any of the medieval military ial place.
expeditions undertaken by European Chris- cryptic adj having a hidden or secret mean-
tians to recapture the Holy Land from the ing; puzzling: no-one knew what he meant
Muslims. 2 a vigorous campaign in favour by that cryptic remark, cryptically adv
of a cause. ~vb -sading, -saded 3 to take cryptogam n Bot a plant that reproduces by
part in a crusade, crusader n spores not seeds.
cruse n a small earthenware container for cryptography n the art of writing in and
liquids. deciphering codes, cryptographer n cryp-
crush vb 1 to press or squeeze so as to in- tographic adj
jure, break, or put out of shape. 2 to break crystal n 1 a solid with a regular internal
or grind into small pieces. 3 to control or structure and symmetrical arrangement of
subdue by force. 4 to extract (liquid) by faces. 2 a single grain of a crystalline sub-
pressing: crush a clove of garlic. 5 to defeat stance. 3 a very clear and brilliant glass. 4
or humiliate utterly. 6 to crowd together. something made of crystal. 5 crystal glass
~n 7 a dense crowd. 8 the act of crushing. articles collectively. 6 Electronics a crystal-
9 Informal an infatuation: I had a teenage line element used in certain electronic de-
crush on my French teacher. 10 a drink vices, such as a detector or oscillator, -adj
made by crushing fruit: orange crush. 7 bright and clear: the crystal waters of the
crush barrier n a barrier put up to separate pool.
sections of large crowds and prevent crush- crystal ball n the glass globe used in crystal
ing. gazing.
crust n 1 the hard outer part of bread. 2 the crystal gazing n 1 the act of staring into a
baked shell of a pie or tart. 3 any hard outer crystal ball supposedly in order to see fu-
layer: a thin crust of snow. 4 the solid outer ture events. 2 the act of trying to foresee or
shell of the earth. ~vb 5 to cover with or predict, crystal gazer n
form a crust. crystalline adj 1 of or like crystal or crys-
crustacean n 1 an animal with a hard outer tals. 2 clear.
shell and several pairs of legs, which usual- crystallize, crystalize, or -ise vb -izing,
ly lives in water, such as a crab or lobster. -ized or -ising, -ised 1 to make or become
~adj 2 of crustaceans. definite. 2 to form into crystals. 3 to pre-
crusty adj crustier, crustiest 1 having a serve (fruit) in sugar. crystallization,
crust. 2 rude or irritable, crustiness n crystalization, or -isation n
crutch n 1 a long staff with a rest for the crystallography n the science of crystal
armpit, used by a lame person to support structure.
the weight of the body. 2 something that crystalloid n a substance that in solution
supports. 3 Brit same as crotch (sense 1). can pass through a membrane.
crutchings pl n Austral & NZ the wool Cs Chem caesium.
clipped from a sheep’s hindquarters. CSE (formerly) Certificate of Secondary
crux n, pl cruxes or cruces a crucial or deci- Education: an examination the first grade
sive point. pass of which was an equivalent to a GCE O
cry vb cries, crying, cried 1 to shed tears. 2 level.
to make a loud vocal sound, usually to ex- CS gas n a gas causing tears and painful
press pain or fear or to appeal for help. 3 to breathing, used to control civil
utter loudly or shout. 4 (of an animal or disturbances.
bird) to utter loud characteristic sounds. 5 CST Central Standard Time.
cry for to appeal urgently for. ~n, pl cries CT Connecticut.
6 a fit of weeping. 7 the act or sound of cry- CTV Canadian Television (Network Limit-
ing. 8 the characteristic utterance of an ed).
animal or bird. 9 an urgent appeal: a cry for
help. 10 a public demand: a cry for more Cu Chem copper.
law and order on the streets. 11 a far cry cu. cubic.
from something very different from. 12 in cub n 1 the young of certain mammals, such
full cry a in eager pursuit, b in the middle as the lion or bear. 2 a young or inexperi-
of talking or doing something. -See also enced person. — vb cubbing, cubbed 3 to
cry off. give birth to (cubs).
crying adj a crying shame something that Cub n short for Cub Scout.
demands immediate attention. Cuban adj 1 from Cuba. ~n 2 a person from
cry off vb Informal to withdraw from an ar- Cuba.
rangement. cubbyhole n a small enclosed space or room.
cube 188 cumbersome
cube n 1 an object with six equal square cuff link n one of a pair of decorative
faces. 2 the product obtained by multiply- fastenings for shirt cuffs.
ing a number by itself twice: the cube of 2 is cuisine (quiz-zeen) n 1 a style of cooking:
8. -vb cubing, cubed 3 to find the cube of Italian cuisine. 2 the range of food served in
(a number). 4 to cut into cubes. a restaurant.
cube root n the number or quantity whose cul-de-sac n, pl culs-de-sac or cul-de-sacs a
cube is a given number or quantity: 2 is the road with one end blocked off.
cube root of 8. culinary adj of the kitchen or cookery,
cubic adj 1 a having three dimensions, b cull vb 1 to choose or gather. 2 to remove or
having the same volume as a cube with kill (the inferior or surplus) animals from a
length, width, and depth each measuring herd. ~n 3 the act of culling.
the given unit: a cubic metre. 2 having the
shape of a cube. 3 Maths involving the culminate vb -nating, -nated to reach the
cubes of numbers. highest point or climax: the parade
cubicle n an enclosed part of a large room, culminated in a memorial service, culmina-
screened for privacy. tion n
cubic measure n a system of units for the culottes pl n women’s flared trousers cut to
measurement of volumes. look like a skirt.
cubism n a style of art, begun in the early culpable adj deserving blame, culpability n
20th century, in which objects are repre- culprit n the person guilty of an offence or
sented by geometrical shapes, cubist adj, n misdeed.
cubit n an ancient measure of length based cult n 1 a specific system of religious wor-
on the length of the forearm. ship. 2 a sect devoted to the beliefs of a
cuboid adj 1 shaped like a cube. ~n 2 Maths cult. 3 devoted attachment to a person,
a geometric solid whose six faces are idea, or activity. 4 a popular fashion: the
rectangles. bungee-jumping cult, -adj 5 very popular
Cub Scout or Cub n a member of the junior among a limited group of people: a cult TV
branch of the Scout Association. series.
cuckold Literary or old-fashioned ~n 1 a cultivate vb -vating, -vated 1 to prepare
man whose wife has been unfaithful to him. (land) to grow crops. 2 to grow (plants). 3
-vb 2 to make a cuckold of. to develop or improve (something) by giv-
cuckoo n, pl cuckoos 1 a migratory bird ing special attention to it: he tried to culti-
with a characteristic two-note call, noted vate a reputation for fairness. 4 to try to
for laying its eggs in the nests of other develop a friendship with (a person).
birds. ~adj 2 Informal insane or foolish. cultivated adj well-educated: a civilized and
cuckoopint n a plant with arrow-shaped cultivated man.
leaves, purple flowers, and red berries. cultivation n 1 the act of cultivating. 2 cul-
cuckoo spit n a white frothy mass produced ture or refinement.
on plants by the larvae of some insects. cultivator n a farm implement used to break
cucumber n 1 a long fruit with thin green up soil and remove weeds.
rind and crisp white flesh, used in salads. 2 culture n 1 the ideas, customs, and art of a
as cool as a cucumber calm and self- particular society. 2 a particular civiliza-
possessed. tion at a particular period. 3 a developed
cud n 1 partially digested food which a ru- understanding of the arts. 4 development or
minant brings back into its mouth to chew improvement by special attention or train-
again. 2 chew the cud to think deeply. ing: physical culture. 5 the cultivation and
cuddle vb -dling, -died 1 to hug or embrace rearing of plants or animals. 6 a growth of
fondly. 2 cuddle up to lie close and snug. bacteria for study, —vb -turing, -tured 7 to
—n 3 a fond hug. cuddly adj grow (bacteria) in a special medium, cul-
tural adj
cudgel n a short thick stick used as a weap-
on. cultured adj 1 showing good taste or man-
cue1 n 1 a signal to an actor or musician to
ners. 2 artificially grown or synthesized.
begin speaking or playing. 2 a signal or re- cultured pearl n a pearl artificially grown in
minder. 3 on cue at the right moment. -vb an oyster shell.
cueing, cued 4 to give a cue to. culture shock n Sociol the feelings of isola-
cue2 n 1 a long tapering stick used to hit the tion and anxiety experienced by a person on
balls in billiards, snooker, or pool. -vb first coming into contact with a culture
cueing, cued 2 to hit (a ball) with a cue. very different from his or her own.
cuff1 n 1 the end of a sleeve. 2 US, Canad & culvert n a drain or pipe that crosses under
Austral a turn-up on trousers. 3 off the a road or railway.
cuff Informal impromptu: he delivers many cum prep with: a small living-cum-dining
speeches off the cuff. room.
cuff2 vb 1 to strike with an open hand. —n 2 cumbersome or cumbrous adj 1 awkward
a blow with an open hand. because of size or shape. 2 difficult because
cumin 189 curium
of complexity: the cumbersome appeals cur n 1 a vicious mongrel dog. 2 a contempt-
procedure. ible person.
cumin or cummin n 1 the spicy-smelling curable adj capable of being cured, curabil-
seeds of a Mediterranean herb, used in ity n
cooking. 2 the plant from which these seeds Curasao (kew-rah-so) n an orange-flavoured
are obtained. liqueur.
cummerbund n a wide sash worn round the curacy (kew-rah-see) n, pl -cies the work or
waist, esp. with a dinner jacket. position of a curate.
cumquat n same as kumquat. curare (kew-rah-ree) n a poisonous resin ob-
cumulative (kew-myew-la-tiv) adj growing tained from a South American tree, used as
in amount, strength, or effect by small a muscle relaxant in medicine.
steps: the cumulative effect of twelve years curate n a clergyman who assists a vicar or
of war. parish priest.
cumulus (kew-myew-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) a Curative adj 1 able to cure, -n 2 something
thick or billowing white or dark grey cloud. able to cure.
cuneiform (kew-nif-form) n 1 an ancient curator n the person in charge of a museum
system of writing using wedge-shaped or art gallery, curatorial adj curatorship
characters, —adj 2 written in cuneiform. n
cunnilingus n the kissing and licking of a curb n 1 something that restrains or holds
woman’s genitals by her sexual partner. back. 2 a horse’s bit with an attached chain
cunning adj 1 clever at deceiving. 2 made or strap, used to check the horse. 3 a raised
with skill. ~n 3 cleverness at deceiving. 4 edge that strengthens or encloses, —vb 4 to
skill or ingenuity. control or restrain. ~See also kerb.
curd n 1 coagulated milk, used in making
cunt n Taboo 1 the female genitals. 2 Offen- cheese or as a food. 2 any similar substance:
sive slang a stupid or obnoxious person. bean curd.
cup n 1 a small bowl-shaped drinking con- curd cheese n a mild smooth white cheese
tainer with a handle. 2 the contents of a made from skimmed milk curds.
cup. 3 something shaped like a cup: a bra
with padded cups. 4 a cup-shaped trophy curdle vb -dling, -died 1 to turn into curd;
awarded as a prize. 5 a sporting contest in coagulate. 2 make someone’s blood curdle
which a cup is awarded to the winner. 6 a to fill someone with horror.
mixed drink with fruit juice or wine as a Cure vb curing, cured 1 to get rid of (an
base: claret cup. 7 one’s lot in life: his cup of ailment or problem). 2 to restore (someone)
bitterness was full to overflowing. 8 some- to health. 3 to preserve (meat or fish) by
one’s cup of tea Informal someone’s chosen salting or smoking. 4 to preserve (leather or
or preferred thing, —vb cupping, cupped 9 tobacco) by drying. 5 to vulcanize (rubber).
to form (the hands) into the shape of a cup. —n 6 a restoration to health. 7 medical
10 to hold in cupped hands. treatment that restores health. 8 a means of
restoring health or improving a situation. 9
cupboard n a piece of furniture or a recess
with a door, for storage. a curacy.
cure-all n something supposed to cure all
cupboard love n a show of love put on in ailments or problems.
order to gain something.
curette or curet n 1 a surgical instrument
Cup Final n 1 the annual final of the FA or for scraping tissue from body cavities, —vb
Scottish Cup soccer competition. 2 the final -retting, -retted 2 to scrape with a curette,
of any cup competition. curettage n
Cupid n 1 the Roman god of love, represent- curfew n 1 a law which states that people
ed as a winged boy with a bow and arrow. 2 must stay inside their houses after a specif-
a picture or statue of Cupid. ic time at night. 2 the time set as a deadline
cupidity (kew-pid-it-ee) n Formal strong de- by such a law. 3 History the ringing of a bell
sire for wealth or possessions. at a fixed time, as a signal for putting out
cupola (kew-pol-la) n 1 a domed roof or ceil- fires and lights.
ing. 2 a small dome on the top of a roof. 3 an Curia n, pl -riae the court and government of
armoured revolving gun turret on a war- the Roman Catholic Church, curial adj
ship. curie n the standard unit of radioactivity,
cupreous (kew-pree-uss) adj of or contain- curio (kew-ree-oh) n, pl -rios a rare or un-
ing copper. usual thing valued as a collector’s item.
cupric (kew-prick) adj of or containing cop- curiosity n, pl -ties 1 eagerness to know or
per in the divalent state. _ find out. 2 a rare or unusual thing.
cupronickel (kew-proh-nik-el) n a copper curious adj 1 eager to learn or know. 2 eager
alloy containing up to 40 per cent nickel. to find out private details. 3 unusual or pe-
cup tie n Sport an eliminating match be- culiar. curiously adv
tween two teams in a cup competition. curium (kew-ree-um) n Chem a silvery-
curl 190 curve
white metallic radioactive element artifi- currycomb n a ridged comb used for groom-
cially produced from plutonium. Symbol: ing horses.
Cm curse vb cursing, cursed 1 to swear or
curl vb 1 to twist (hair) or (of hair) to grow swear at (someone). 2 to call on supernatu-
in coils or ringlets. 2 to twist into a spiral or ral powers to bring harm to (someone or
curve. 3 to play the game of curling. 4 curl something). ~n 3 a profane or obscene ex-
one’s lip to show contempt by raising a pression, usually of anger. 4 an appeal to a
corner of the lip. ~n 5 a coil of hair. 6 a supernatural power for harm to come to a
curved or spiral shape. ~See also curl up. person. 5 harm resulting from a curse. 6
curly adj something that causes great trouble or
curler n 1 a pin or small tube for curling harm. 7 the curse Informal menstruation or
hair. 2 a person who plays curling. a menstrual period.
curlew n a large wading bird with a long cursed adj 1 under a curse: he is now sick
downward-curving bill. after being cursed by the witch doctor. 2
curlicue n an intricate ornamental curl or cursed with having (something unfortu-
twist. nate or unwanted): their new-born son had
curling n a game played on ice, in which
been cursed with a genetic defect.
heavy stones with handles are slid towards cursive adj 1 of handwriting or print in
a target circle. which letters are joined in a flowing style.
~n 2 a cursive letter or printing type.
curl up vb 1 to lie or sit with legs drawn up.
2 to be embarrassed or horrified. cursor n 1 a movable point of light that
curmudgeon n a bad-tempered or mean per-
shows a specific position on a visual display
son. curmudgeonly adj unit. 2 the sliding part of a slide rule or
other measuring instrument.
currant n 1 a small dried seedless raisin. 2 a cursory adj hasty and usually superficial,
small round acid berry, such as the redcur- cursorily adv
rant.
curt adj so blunt and brief as to be rude,
currency n, pl -cies 1 the system of money curtly adv curtness n
or the actual coins and banknotes in use in a
particular country. 2 general acceptance or curtail vb 1 to cut short: the opening round
use: ideas that had gained currency during was curtailed by heavy rain. 2 to restrict: a
the early 1960s. plan to curtail drinks advertising, curtail-
ment n
current adj 1 of the immediate present: cur-
rent affairs; the current economic climate. 2 curtain n 1' a piece of material hung at an
most recent or up-to-date: the current edi- opening or window to shut out light or to
tion. 3 commonly accepted: current thinking provide privacy. 2 a hanging cloth that
on this issue. 4 circulating and valid at conceals all or part of a theatre stage from
present: current coins. ~n 5 a flow of the audience. 3 the end of a scene or a per-
water or air in a particular direction. 6 formance in the theatre, marked by the fall
Physics a flow or rate of flow of electric or closing of the curtain. 4 the rise or open-
charge through a conductor. 7 a general ing of the curtain at the start of a perfor-
trend or drift: two opposing currents of mance. 5 something forming a barrier or
thought, currently adv screen: a curtain of rain. ~vb 6 to shut off
or conceal with a curtain. 7 to provide with
current account n a bank account from curtains.
which money may be drawn at any time
using a chequebook or computerized card. curtain call n Theatre a return to the stage
by performers to receive applause.
curriculum n, pl -la or-lums 1 all the courses
of study offered by a school or college. 2 a curtain-raiser n 1 Theatre a short play per-
course of study in one subject at a school or formed before the main play. 2 a minor
college: the sixth-form history curriculum. event happening before a major one.
curricular adj curtains pl n Informal death or ruin; the
curriculum vitae (vee-tie) n, pl curricula end.
vitae an outline of someone’s educational curtsy or curtsey n, pl -sies or -seys 1 a
and professional history, prepared for job woman’s formal gesture of respect made by
applications. bending the knees and bowing the head.
curry1 n, pl -ries 1 a dish of Indian origin ~vb -sies, -sying, -sied or -seys, -seying,
consisting of meat or vegetables in a hot -seyed 2 to make a curtsy.
spicy sauce. 2 curry seasoning or sauce. 3 curvaceous adj Informal (of a woman) hav-
curry powder a mixture of spices for mak- ing a curved shapely body.
ing curry. ~vb -ries, -Tying, -ried 4 to pre- curvature n the state or degree of being
pare (food) with curry powder. curved.
curry2 vb -ries, -Tying, -ried 1 to groom (a curve n 1 a continuously bending line with
horse). 2 to dress (leather) after it has been no straight parts. 2 something that curves
tanned. 3 curry favour to ingratiate oneself or is curved. 3 curvature. 4 Maths a system
with an important person. of points whose coordinates satisfy a given
curvet 191 cutaway
equation. 5 a line representing data on a port, airport, or border where baggage and
graph. -vb curving, curved 6 to form into freight are examined for dutiable goods.
or move in a curve, curvy adj cut vb cutting, cut 1 to open up or penetrate
curvet n 1 a horse’s low leap with all four (a person or thing) with a sharp instrument.
feet off the ground. -vb -vetting, -vetted 2 (of a sharp instrument) to penetrate or
or-veting, -veted 2 to make such a leap. open up (a person or thing). 3 to divide or
curvilinear adj consisting of or bounded by a be divided with or as if with a sharp in-
curved line. strument. 4 to trim. 5 to abridge or shorten.
cushion n 1 a bag filled with a soft material, 6 to reduce or restrict: cut your intake of
used to make a seat more comfortable. 2 fried foods. 7 to form or shape by cutting. 8
something that provides comfort or absorbs to reap or mow. 9 Sports to hit (the ball) so
shock. 3 the resilient felt-covered rim of a that it spins and swerves. 10 to hurt the
billiard table. -vb 4 to protect from injury feelings of (a person): her rudeness cut me
or shock. 5 to lessen the effects of. 6 to pro- to the core. 11 Informal to pretend not to
vide with cushions. cushiony adj recognize. 12 Informal to absent oneself
from without permission: he found the
cushy adj cushier, cushiest Informal easy: course boring, and was soon cutting classes.
a cushyjob. 13 to stop (doing something): cut the non-
cusp n 1 a small point on the grinding or sense. 14 to dilute or adulterate: heroin cut
chewing surface of a tooth. 2 a point where with talcum powder. 15 to make a sharp or
two curves meet. 3 Astrol any division be- sudden change in direction: the path cuts to
tween houses or signs of the zodiac. 4 the right just after you pass the quarry. 16
Astron either of the points of a crescent to grow (teeth) through the gums. 17 Films
moon. a to call a halt to a shooting sequence, b cut
cuss Informal ~n 1 a curse or oath. 2 an to to move quickly to (another scene). 18
annoying person. -vb 3 to swear or swear Films to edit (film). 19 to switch off (a light
at. or engine). 20 to make (a commercial re-
cussed (kuss-id) adj Informal 1 obstinate: cording): he cut his first solo album in 1971.
the older she got the more cussed she be- 21 Cards a to divide (the pack) at random
came. 2 same as cursed, cussedness n into two parts after shuffling, b to pick
cards from a spread pack to decide the
custard n 1 a sauce made of milk and sugar dealer or who plays first. 22 cut a dash to
thickened with cornflour. 2 a baked sweet- make a stylish impression. 23 cut a person
ened mixture of eggs and milk. dead Informal to ignore a person complete-
custodian n the person in charge of a public ly. 24 cut and run Informal to escape quick-
building, custodianship n ly from a difficult situation. 25 cut both
custody n, pi-dies 1 the act of keeping safe. ways a to have both good and bad effects, b
2 imprisonment prior to being tried, custo- to serve both sides of an argument. 26 cut
dial adj it fine Informal to allow little margin of
custom n 1 a long-established activity, ac- time or space. 27 cut no ice Informal to fail
tion, or festivity: the Scottish New Year to make an impression. 28 cut one’s teeth
custom of first-footing. 2 the long- on Informal to get experience from. ~n 29
established habits or traditions of a society. the act of cutting. 30 a stroke or incision
3 a usual practice or habit: she held his made by cutting. 31 a piece cut off. 32 a
hand more tightly than was her custom in channel or path cut or hollowed out. 33 a
public. 4 regular use of a shop or business. reduction: a pay cut. 34 a deletion in a text,
-adj 5 made to the specifications of an in- film, or play. 35 Informal a portion or
dividual customer: a custom car; custom- share. 36 the style in which hair or a gar-
tailored suits. -See also customs. ment is cut. 37 a direct route; short cut. 38
customary adj 1 usual. 2 established by cus- Sports a stroke which makes the ball spin
tom. customarily adv customariness n and swerve. 39 Films an immediate transi-
tion from one shot to the next. 40 Brit a
custom-built or -made adj made according canal. 41 a cut above Informal superior to;
to the specifications of an individual cus- better than, -adj 42 made or shaped by
tomer. cutting. 43 reduced by cutting: the shop has
customer n 1 a person who buys goods or hundreds of suits, all at cut prices. 44 adul-
services. 2 Informal a person with whom terated or diluted. 45 cut and dried Infor-
one has to deal: a tricky customer. mal settled in advance. ~See also cut
custom house n a government office where across, cutback, etc.
customs are collected. cut across vb 1 to go against (ordinary
customize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, restrictions or expectations): this dilemma
-ised to make (something) according to a has cut across class divisions. 2 to cross or
customer’s individual requirements. traverse.
customs n 1 duty charged on imports or cutaneous (kew-tane-ee-uss) adj of the
exports. 2 the government department re- skin.
sponsible for collecting this. 3 the area at a Cutaway adj (of a drawing or model) having
cutback 192 Cyclops
part of the outside omitted to reveal the in- rooting or grafting. 3 a passage cut through
side. high ground for a road or railway. 4 the
cutback n 1 a decrease or reduction. —vb editing process of a film, -adj 5 (of a re-
cut back 2 to shorten by cutting. 3 to make mark) likely to hurt the feelings. 6 keen;
a reduction: we may cut back on other ex- piercing: a cutting wind. 7 designed for cut-
penditure. ting: the hatchet’s blade is largely stone,
cut down vb 1 to fell. 2 to make a reduction: but its cutting edge is made of copper.
cut down on the amount of salt you eat. 3 to cutting edge n the leading position in any
kill. 4 cut someone down to size to cause field; forefront: the cutting edge of space
someone to feel less important or to be less technology.
conceited. cuttlefish n, pl -fish or -fishes a flat
cute adj 1 appealing or attractive. 2 Infor- squidlike mollusc which squirts an inky
mal clever or shrewd, cuteness n fluid when in danger.
cut glass n 1 glass with patterns cut into the cut up vb 1 to cut into pieces. 2 be cut up
surface, —adj cut-glass 2 upper-class; re- Informal to be very upset. 3 cut up rough
fined: a cut-glass accent. Brit informal to become angry or violent.
cuticle (kew-tik-kl) n 1 hardened skin round CV curriculum vitae.
the base of a fingernail or toenail. 2 same as cwm (koom) n (in Wales) a valley.
epidermis. cwt hundredweight.
cut in vb 1 to interrupt. 2 to move in front of cyanic acid n a colourless poisonous volatile
another vehicle, leaving too little space. liquid acid.
cutlass n a curved one-edged sword former- cyanide n any of a number of highly poison-
ly used by sailors. ous substances containing a carbon-
cutler n a person who makes or sells cutlery, nitrogen group of atoms.
cutlery n knives, forks, and spoons, used for cyanogen n a poisonous colourless flam-
eating. mable gas.
cutlet n 1 a small piece of meat taken from cyanosis n Pathol a blue discoloration of the
the neck or ribs. 2 a flat croquette of skin, caused by a deficiency of oxygen in
chopped meat or fish. the blood.
cut off vb 1 to remove or separate by cut- cybernetics n the branch of science in
ting. 2 to stop the supply of. 3 to interrupt which electronic and mechanical systems
(a person who is speaking), esp. during a are studied and compared to biological sys-
telephone conversation. 4 to bring to an tems. cybernetic adj
end. 5 to disinherit: cut off without a cyclamen (sik-la-men) n a plant with white,
penny. 6 to intercept so as to prevent re- pink, or red flowers, with turned-back pet-
treat or escape, —n cutoff 7 the point at als.
which something is cut off; limit. 8 Chiefly cycle vb -cling, -cled 1 to ride a bicycle. 2 to
US a short cut. 9 a device to stop the flow of occur in cycles, —n 3 a bicycle. 4 a motor-
a fluid in a pipe. cycle. 5 a complete series of recurring
cut out vb 1 to shape by cutting. 2 to delete events. 6 the time taken or needed for one
or remove. 3 Informal to stop doing (some- such series. 7 a single complete movement
thing). 4 (of an engine) to cease to operate in an electrical, electronic, or mechanical
suddenly. 5 (of an electrical device) to process. 8 a set of plays, songs, or poems
switch off, usually automatically. 6 be cut about a figure or event, cycling n
out for to be suited or equipped for: you’re cyclical or cyclic adj 1 occurring in cycles. 2
not cut out for this job. 7 have one’s work Chem (of an organic compound) containing
cut out to have as much work as one can a closed ring of atoms.
manage, —n cutout 8 a device that auto- cyclist n a person who rides a bicycle.
matically switches off a circuit or engine as cyclo- or before a vowel cycl- combining
a safety device. 9 something that has been form 1 indicating a circle or ring: cyclotron.
cut out from something else. 2 Chem denoting a cyclical compound: cy-
cut-price or esp US cut-rate adj 1 at a re- clopropane.
duced price. 2 offering goods or services at cyclometer (sike-lom-it-er) n a device that
prices below the standard price. records the number of revolutions made by
cutter n 1 a person or tool that cuts. 2 a a wheel and the distance travelled.
small fast boat. cyclone n 1 a body of moving air below
cutthroat adj 1 fierce or ruthless in competi- normal atmospheric pressure, which often
tion: the cutthroat world of international brings rain. 2 a violent tropical storm, cy-
finance. 2 (of a card game) played by three clonic adj
people: cutthroat poker. ~n 3 a murderer. cyclopedia or cyclopaedia n same as ency-
4 Brit a razor with a long blade that folds clopedia.
into its handle. Cyclops n, pl Cyclopes or Cyclopses Clas-
cutting n 1 an article cut from a newspaper sical myth one of a race of giants having a
or magazine. 2 a piece cut from a plant for single eye in the middle of the forehead.
cyclotron 193 Czechoslovak
cyclotron n an apparatus, used in atomic re- cypher (sife-er) n, vbsame as cipher,
search, which accelerates charged particles cypress n 1 an evergreen tree with dark
by means of a strong vertical magnetic green leaves. 2 the wood of this tree.
field. Cypriot adj 1 of Cyprus. ~n 2 a person from
cyder n same as cider, Cyprus. 3 the dialect of Greek spoken in
cygnet n a young swan. Cyprus.
cylinder n 1 a solid or hollow body with cir- Cyrillic adj of the Slavic alphabet devised
cular equal ends and straight parallel sides. supposedly by Saint Cyril, now used pri-
2 a container or other object shaped like a marily for Russian and Bulgarian.
cylinder. 3 the chamber in an internal- cyst (sist) n 1 Pathol an abnormal membra-
combustion engine within which the piston nous sac containing fluid or diseased mat-
moves. 4 the rotating mechanism of a re- ter. 2 Anat any normal sac in the body.
volver, containing cartridge chambers, cy-
lindrical adj cystic fibrosis n a congenital disease, usual-
cymbal n a percussion instrument consisting ly affecting young children, which causes
of a round brass plate which is struck breathing disorders and malfunctioning of
against another or hit with a stick, cymbal- the pancreas.
ist n cystitis (siss-tite-iss) n inflammation of the
cyme n Bot a flower cluster which has a bladder, causing a desire to urinate fre-
single flower on the end of each stem and of quently, accompanied by a burning sensa-
which the central flower blooms first, cy- tion.
mose adj -cyte n combining form indicating a cell:
Cymric (kim-rik) adj 1 of Wales. ~n 2 the leucocyte.
Celtic language of Wales. cytology (site-ol-a-jee) n the study of plant
cynic (sin-ik) n a person who believes that and animal cells, cytological adj cytolo-
people always act selfishly. gist n
Cynic n a member of an ancient Greek philo- cytoplasm n the protoplasm of a cell exclud-
sophical school that had contempt for ing the nucleus, cytoplasmic adj
worldly things. Cynicism n czar (zahr) n same as tsar.
cynical adj 1 believing that people always Czech adj 1 of the Czech Republic. ~n 2 a
act selfishly. 2 sarcastic or sneering, cyni- person from the Czech Republic. 3 the lan-
cally adv guage of the Czech Republic.
cynicism n the attitude or beliefs of a cynic, Czechoslovak or Czechoslovakian adj 1 of
cynosure (sin-oh-zyure) n Literary a centre the former Czechoslovakia. ~n 2 a person
of interest or attention. from the former Czechoslovakia.
 D
d 1 Physics density. 2 deci-. dahlia (day-lya) n a garden plant with
D 1 Music the second note of the scale of C showy flowers.
major. 2 Chem deuterium. 3 the Roman nu- Dail Eireann (doil air-in) or Dail n (in the
meral for 500. Republic of Ireland) the lower chamber of
d. 1 Brit (before decimalization) penny or parliament.
pennies. 2 died. 3 daughter. daily adj 1 occurring every day or every
dab1 vb dabbing, dabbed 1 to pat lightly weekday: there have been daily airdrops of
and quickly. 2 to apply with short tapping food, blankets, and water. 2 of or relating to
strokes: dabbing antiseptic on cuts. —n 3 a a single day or to one day at a time: her
small amount of something soft or moist. 4 home help comes in on a daily basis; exer-
a light stroke or tap. 5 dabs Slang, chiefly cise has become part of our daily lives,
Brit fingerprints. -adv 3 every day. ~n, pl -lies 4 a daily
newspaper. 5 Brit informal a woman em-
dab2 n a small flatfish covered with rough
toothed scales. ployed to clean someone’s house.
dainty adj -tier, -tiest 1 delicate, pretty, or
dabble vb -bling, -bled 1 to be involved in elegant, —n, pl -ties 2 a small choice cake
an activity in a superficial way: she dabbles or sweet, daintily adv
in right-wing politics. 2 to splash (one’s toes
or fingers) in water, dabbler n daiquiri (dak-eer-ee) n, pl -ris an iced drink
containing rum, lime juice, and sugar.
dab hand n Brit informal a person who is
particularly skilled at something: a dab dairy n, pl dairies 1 a company or shop that
hand with a needle and thread. sells milk and milk products. 2 a place
where milk and cream are stored or made
dace n, pl dace or daces a freshwater fish into butter and cheese, -adj 3 of milk or
of the carp family. milk products: dairy produce.
dachshund n a small dog with short legs and dairy cattle n cows reared mainly for their
a long body. milk.
dactyl n Prosody a metrical foot of three dais (day-iss) n ajaised platform in a hall or
syllables, one long followed by two short, meeting place used by a speaker.
dactylic adj
daisy n, pl -sies a small low-growing flower
dad ordaddy n Informal father. with a yellow centre and pinkish-white pet-
Dada or Dadaism n an art movement of the als.
early 20th century that systematically used daisy chain n a string of daisies joined to-
arbitrary and absurd concepts. Dadaist n, gether by their stems to make a necklace.
adj
daisy wheel n a flat disc in a word processor
daddy-longlegs n a crane fly. with radiating spokes for printing charac-
dado (day-doe) n, pl -does or -dos 1 the ters.
lower part of an interior wall, often sepa- dal1 n same as dhal.
rated by a rail, that is decorated differently
from the upper part. 2 Archit the part of a dal2 decalitre(s).
pedestal between the base and the cornice. Dalai Lama n the chief lama and (until 1959)
daemon (deem-on) n same as demon, ruler of Tibet.
daffodil n 1 a spring plant with yellow dale n an open valley.
trumpet-shaped flowers. -adj 2 brilliant dalliance n Old-fashioned flirtation.
yellow. dally vb -lies, -lying, -lied 1 Old-fashioned to
daft adj Informal, chiefly Brit 1 foolish or waste time or dawdle. 2 dally with to deal
crazy. 2 daft about very enthusiastic frivolously with: to dally with someone’s
about: he’s daft about football. affections.
dag n Austral & NZ informal a person with a Dalmatian n a large dog with a smooth white
good sense of humour. coat and black spots.
dagga (duhh-a) n S African marijuana. dam1 n 1 a barrier built across a river to
dagger n 1 a short knifelike weapon with a create a lake. 2 a lake created by such a
double-edged pointed blade. 2 a character barrier, —vb damming, dammed 3 to block
(t) used to indicate a cross-reference. 3 at up (a river) by a dam.
daggers drawn in a state of open hostility. dam2 n the female parent of an animal such
4 look daggers to glare with hostility. as a sheep or horse.
daguerreotype (dag-gair-oh-type) n a type dam3 decametre(s).
of early photograph produced on chemical- damage vb -aging, -aged 1 to harm or in-
ly treated silver. jure. —n 2 injury or harm caused to a per-
damages 195 dare
son or thing. 3 Informal cost: what’s the wish in an overeager manner, —n 6 a social
damage? damaging adj meeting arranged for dancing. 7 a series of
damages pl n Law money awarded as com- rhythmical steps and movements in time to
pensation for injury or loss. music. 8 a piece of music in the rhythm of a
damask n a heavy fabric with a pattern particular dance, dancer n dancing n, adj
woven into it, used for tablecloths, cur- D and C n Med dilatation of the cervix and
tains, etc. curettage of the uterus: a minor operation
dame n Slang a woman. to clear the womb or remove tissue for di-
Dame n (in Britain) the title of a woman agnosis.
who has been awarded the Order of the dandelion n a wild plant with yellow rayed
British Empire or another order of chivalry, flowers and deeply notched leaves.
damn interj 1 Slang an exclamation of an- dander n get one’s dander up Slang to be-
noyance. -adv, adj also damned 2 Slang come angry.
extreme or extremely: a damn good idea, dandified adj dressed like or resembling a
—vb 3 to condemn as bad or worthless. 4 to dandy.
curse. 5 (of God) to condemn to hell or eter- dandle vb -dling, -died to move (a young
nal punishment. 6 to prove (someone) child) up and down on one’s knee.
guilty. 7 damn with faint praise to praise dandruff n loose scales of dry dead skin
so unenthusiastically that the effect is con- shed from the scalp.
demnation. —n 8 not give a damn Informal dandy n, pl -dies 1 a man who is greatly
not care, damning adj concerned with the elegance of his appear-
damnable adj very unpleasant or annoying, ance. -adj -dier, -diest 2 Informal very
damnably adv good or fine.
damnation interj 1 an exclamation of anger. dandy-brush n a stiff brush used for groom-
—n 2 Theol eternal punishment. ing a horse.
damned adj 1 condemned to hell, -adv, adj Dane n a person from Denmark.
Slang 2 extreme or extremely: a damned danger n 1 the possibility that someone may
good try. 3 used to indicate amazement or be injured or killed. 2 someone or something
refusal: I’m damned if I’ll do it! that may cause injury or harm. 3 a likeli-
damnedest n do one’s damnedest Informal hood that something unpleasant will hap-
to do one’s best: I’m doing my damnedest to pen: cities in China faced the danger of se-
make myself clear. rious flooding.
damp adj 1 slightly wet. ~n 2 slight wet- danger money n extra money paid to com-
ness; moisture, —vb 3 to make slightly wet. pensate for the risks involved in dangerous
4 damp down a to reduce the intensity of work.
(someone’s emotions or reactions): they dangerous adj likely or able to cause injury
attempted to damp down protests, b to re- or harm, dangerously adv
duce the flow of air to (a fire) to make it
bum more slowly, damply adv dampness dangle vb -gling, -gled 1 to hang loosely. 2
n to display (something attractive) as an en-
ticement.
dampcourse or damp-proof course n a
layer of waterproof material built into the Danish adj 1 of Denmark. ~n 2 the language
base of a wall to prevent moisture rising. of Denmark.
dampen vb 1 to reduce the intensity of. 2 to Danish blue n a white cheese with blue
make damp. veins and a strong flavour.
damper n 1 put a damper on to produce a Danish pastry n a rich puff pastry filled
depressing or inhibiting effect on. 2 a mov- with apple, almond paste, etc. and topped
able plate to regulate the draught in a stove with icing.
or furnace. 3 the pad in a piano or harpsi- dank adj (esp. of cellars or caves) unpleas-
chord that deadens the vibration of each antly damp and chilly.
string as its key is released. dapper adj (of a man) neat in appearance
damsel n Archaic or poetic a young woman, and slight in build.
damson n a small blue-black edible plumlike dappled adj 1 marked with spots of a dif-
fruit that grows on a tree. ferent colour; mottled. 2 covered in patches
dan n Judo, karate 1 any of the 10 black-belt of light and shadow.
grades of proficiency. 2 a competitor enti- dapple-grey n a horse with a grey coat and
tled to dan grading. darker coloured spots.
dance vb dancing, danced 1 to move the Darby and Joan n an happily married elder-
feet and body rhythmically in time to ly couple.
music. 2 to perform (a particular dance): to dare vb daring, dared 1 to be courageous
dance a tango. 3 to skip or leap. 4 to move in enough to try (to do something). 2 to chal-
a rhythmical way: their reflection danced in lenge (someone) to do something risky. 3 I
the black waters. 5 dance attendance on dare say a it is quite possible, b probably.
someone to carry out someone’s slightest ~n 4 a challenge to do something risky.
daredevil 196 daub
► When dare is used in a question or as a dasher n Canad the ledge along the top of
negative, it does not take an -s: He dare not the boards of an ice hockey rink.
come. dashing adj stylish and attractive: a splen-
daredevil n 1 a recklessly bold person. —adj didly dashing character.
2 recklessly bold or daring. dash off vb to write down or finish off
daring adj 1 willing to do things that may be hastily.
dangerous. ~n 2 the courage to do things dassie n S African a hyrax, esp. a rock
that may be dangerous, daringly adv hyrax.
dark adj 1 having little or no light. 2 (of a dastardly adj Old-fashioned mean and cow-
colour) reflecting little light: dark brown. 3 ardly.
(of hair or skin) brown or black. 4 (of DAT digital audio tape,
thoughts or ideas) gloomy or sad. 5 sinister
or evil: a dark deed. 6 sullen or angry: a dat. dative.
dark scowl. 7 secret or mysterious: keep it data n 1 a series of observations, measure-
dark. ~n 8 absence of light; darkness. 9 ments, or facts; information. 2 Computers
night or nightfall. 10 in the dark in igno- the numbers, digits, characters, and sym-
rance. darkly adv darkness n bols operated on by a computer.
dark age n a period of ignorance or barba- ► Data is a Latin plural word but it is gener-
rism. ally used as a singular word in English.
Dark Ages n the period of European history database n a store of information in a form
between 500 and 1000 a d . that can be easily handled by a computer.
darken vb 1 to make or become dark or data capture n a process for converting in-
darker. 2 to make gloomy, angry, or sad. formation into a form that can be handled
dark horse n a person who reveals little by a computer.
about himself or herself, esp. someone who data processing n a sequence of operations
has unexpected talents. performed on data, esp. by a computer, in
darkroom n a darkened room in which order to extract or interpret information.
photographs are developed. date1 n 1 a specified day of the month. 2 the
darling n 1 a person very much loved: used particular day or year when an event hap-
as a term of address. 2 a favourite: the dar- pened. 3 a an appointment, esp. with a per-
ling of the gossip columns, -adj 3 beloved. son of the opposite sex. b the person with
4 pleasing: a darling piano accompaniment. whom the appointment is made. 4 to date
up to now. -vb gating, dated 5 to mark (a
darn1 vb 1 to mend a hole in (a knitted gar- letter or cheque) with the date. 6 to assign a
ment) with a series of interwoven stitches. date of occurrence or creation to. 7 to re-
—n 2 a patch of darned work on a garment. veal the age of: that dress dates her. 8 to-
darn2 interj, adj, adv, vb, n Euphemistic make or become old-fashioned: it’s the
same as damn. freshest look this year but may date quick-
darnel n a weed that grows in grain fields. ly. 9 Informal, chiefly US & Canad to be a
dart n 1 a small narrow pointed missile that boyfriend or girlfriend of. 10 date from or
is thrown or shot, as in the game of darts. 2 date back to to have originated at (a speci-
a sudden quick movement. 3 a tapered tuck fied time).
made in dressmaking, —vb 4 to move or date2 n the dark-brown, sweet tasting fruit
throw swiftly and suddenly, darting adj of the date palm.
dartboard n a circular board used as the dated adj unfashionable; outmoded,
target in the game of darts. dateless adj likely to remain fashionable or
darts n a game in which darts are thrown at interesting regardless of age.
a dartboard. dateline n Journalism information placed at
Darwinism or Darwinian theory n the theo- the top of an article stating the time and
ry of the origin of animal and plant species place the article was written.
by evolution. Darwinian adj, n Darwinist Date Line n short for International Date
n, adj Line.
dash vb 1 to move hastily; rush. 2 to hurl; date palm n a tall palm grown in tropical
crash: deep-sea rollers dashing spray over regions for its fruit.
jagged rocks. 3 to frustrate: prospects for
peace have been dashed. ~n 4 a sudden date rape n the act of a man raping a
quick movement. 5 a small amount: a dash woman or pressuring her into having sex
of milk. 6 a mixture of style and courage: while they are on a date together.
the commander’s dash did not impress him. dative n Grammar the grammatical case in
7 the punctuation mark (—), used to indi- certain languages that expresses the indi-
cate a change of subject. 8 the symbol (-), rect object.
used in combination with the symbol dot (.) datum n, pl -ta a single piece of information
in Morse code. -See also dash off. usually in the form of a fact or statistic.
dashboard n the instrument panel in a car, daub vb 1 to smear (paint or mud) quickly
boat, or aircraft. or carelessly over a surface. 2 to paint (a
daughter 197 dead
picture) clumsily or badly. 3 a crude or daylight robbery n Informal blatant over-
badly done painting. charging.
daughter n 1 a female child. 2 a girl or daylights pl n Informal 1 beat the living
woman who comes from a certain place or is daylights out of someone to beat someone
connected with a certain thing: a daughter soundly. 2 scare the living daylights out
of the church, —adj 3 Biol denoting a cell, of someone to frighten someone greatly.
chromosome, etc. produced by the division daylight-saving time n time set one hour
of one of its own kind. 4 Physics (of a nu- ahead of the local standard time, to provide
clide) formed from another nuclide by extra daylight in the evening in summer.
radioactive decay, daughterly adj Day of Atonement n same as Yom Kippur.
daughter-in-law n, pl daughters-in-law the day release n Brit a system whereby work-
wife of one’s son. ers go to college one day a week for voca-
daunting adj intimidating or worrying: this tional training.
project grows more daunting every day. day return n a reduced fare for a train or
dauntless adj fearless; not discouraged, bus journey travelling both ways in one
dauphin (daw-fin) n formerly, the eldest son day.
of the king of France. day room n a communal living room in a
davenport n 1 Chiefly Brit a writing desk hospital or similar institution.
with drawers at the side. 2 US & Canad a daytime n the time from sunrise to sunset,
large sofa.
day-to-day adj routine; everyday.
davit (dav-vit) n a crane, usually one of a
pair, on the side of a ship for lowering or daze vb dazing, dazed 1 to cause to be in a
hoisting a lifeboat. state of confusion or shock. ~n 2 a state of
confusion or shock: in a daze, dazed adj
Davy Jones’s locker n the ocean’s bottom,
regarded as the grave of those lost or bur- dazzle vb -zling, -zled 1 to impress greatly:
ied at sea. she was dazzled by his wit. 2 to blind for a
short time by sudden excessive light: he
Davy lamp n same as safety lamp. passed two cars and they dazzled him with
dawdle vb -dling, -died to walk slowly or their headlights. —n 3 bright light that
lag behind. dazzles, dazzling adj aazzlingly adv
dawn n 1 daybreak. 2 the beginning of some- dB or db decibel(s).
thing. -vb 3 to begin to grow light after DC 1 direct current. 2 District of Columbia.
the night. 4 to begin to develop or appear. 5
dawn on or upon to become apparent (to DD Doctor of Divinity.
someone). D-day n the day selected for the start of
dawn chorus n the singing of birds at dawn, some operation.
day n 1 the period of 24 hours from one DDS or DDSc Doctor of Dental Surgery or
midnight to the next. 2 the period of light Science.
between sunrise and sunset. 3 the part of a DDT n dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; an
day occupied with regular activity, esp. insecticide, now banned in the United King-
work. 4 a period or point in time: in days dom.
gone by; in Shakespeare’s day. 5 a day of DE Delaware.
special observance: Christmas Day. 6 a time de- prefix indicating: 1 removal: dethrone. 2
of success or recognition: his day will come. reversal: declassify. 3 departure from: de-
7 all in a day’s work part of one’s normal camp.
activity. 8 at the end of the day in the deacon n Christianity 1 (in episcopal
final reckoning. 9 call it a day to stop work churches) an ordained minister ranking
or other activity. 10 day in, day out every immediately below a priest. 2 (in some Pro-
day without changing. 11 that’ll be the day testant churches) a lay official who assists
a that is most unlikely to happen, b 1 look the minister.
forward to that.
deactivate vb -vating, -vated to make (a
daybreak n the time in the morning when bomb or other explosive device) harmless.
light first appears.
dead adj 1 no longer alive. 2 not endowed
day centre n a place that provides care with life; inanimate. 3 no longer in use or
where elderly or handicapped people can finished: a dead language; a dead match. 4
spend the day. unresponsive. 5 (of a limb) numb. 6 com-
daydream n 1 a pleasant fantasy indulged plete or absolute: there was dead silence. 7
in while awake. —vb 2 to indulge in idle Informal very tired. 8 (of a place) lacking
fantasy, daydreamer n activity. 9 Electronics a drained of electric
Day-Glo adj (of a colour) luminous in day- charge, b not connected to a source of elec-
light: Day-Glo pink. tric charge. 10 Sport (of a ball) out of play.
daylight n 1 light from the sun. 2 daytime. 3 'll dead from the neck up Informal stupid.
daybreak. 4 see daylight to realize that the 12 dead to the world Informal fast asleep.
end of a difficult task is approaching. ~See ~n 13 a period during which coldness or
also daylights. darkness is most intense: the dead of win-
deadbeat 198 death certificate
ter. -adv 14 Informal extremely: dead deaf-and-dumb adj Offensive unable to
easy. 15 suddenly and abruptly: stop dead. hear or speak.
16 dead on exactly right. deafen vb to make deaf, esp. momentarily
deadbeat n Informal, chiefly US & Canad a by a loud noise, deafening adj
lazy or socially undesirable person. deaf-mute n a person who is unable to hear
dead beat adj Informal exhausted. or speak.
dead duck n Slang something that is deal1 n 1 an agreement or transaction. 2 a
doomed to failure. particular type of treatment received: a fair
deaden vb to make (something) less intense: deal. 3 a large amount: the land alone is
drugs deaden the pain; heavy curtains worth a good deal. 4 Cards a player’s turn
deadened the echo, deadening adj to distribute the cards. 5 big deal Slang an
dead end n 1 a cul-de-sac. 2 a situation in important matter: often used sarcastically.
which further progress is impossible: ef- —vb dealing, dealt (delt) 6 to inflict (a
forts to free the hostages had reached a blow) on. 7 Slang to sell any illegal drug. 8
dead end. deal in to engage in commercially. 9 deal
deadhead n US & Canad 1 Informal a per- out to apportion or distribute. ~See also
son who does not pay on a bus, at a game, deal with.
etc. 2 Informal a commercial vehicle travel- deal2 n 1 a plank of softwood timber. 2 the
ling empty. 3 Slang a dull person. 4 a log sawn wood of various coniferous trees.
sticking out of the water. dealer n 1 a person or organization whose
dead heat n a tie for first place between two business involves buying and selling things.
or more participants in a race or contest. 2 Slang a person who sells illegal drugs. 3
dead letter n 1 a letter that cannot be deliv- Cards the person who distributes the cards.
ered or returned due to lack of information. dealings pl n business relations with a per-
2 a law or rule that is no longer enforced. son or organization.
deadline n a time or date by which a job or dealt vb the past of deal1.
task must be completed. deal with vb 1 to take action on: he was not
deadlock n a point in a dispute at which no competent to deal with the legal aspects. 2
agreement can be reached. to be concerned with: I do not wish to deal
deadlocked adj having reached a deadlock, with specifics. 3 to do business with.
dead loss n Informal a useless person or dean n 1 the chief administrative official of
thing. a college or university faculty. 2 Chiefly
deadly adj -tier, -liest 1 likely to cause
Church of England the chief administrator
death: deadly poison. 2 Informal extremely of a cathedral or collegiate church.
boring, —adv, adj 3 like or suggestive of deanery n, pl -eries 1 a place where a dean
death: deadly pale. 4 extremely: she was lives. 2 the parishes presided over by a
being deadly serious. rural dean.
deadly nightshade n a poisonous plant with dear n 1 (often used in direct address)
purple bell-shaped flowers and black ber- someone regarded with affection, —adj 2
ries. beloved; precious. 3 a highly priced, b
dead man’s handle or pedal n a safety de- charging high prices. 4 a form of address
vice which only allows equipment to oper- used at the beginning of a letter before the
ate when a handle or pedal is being pressed. name of the recipient: Dear Mr Anderson. 5
dear to important or close to. -interj 6 an
dead march n solemn funeral music played exclamation of surprise or dismay: oh dear,
to accompany a procession. I’ve broken it. —adv 7 dearly: her errors
dead marine n Austral & NZ informal an have cost her dear, dearly adv
empty beer bottle. dearth (dirth) n an inadequate amount;
dead-nettle n a plant with leaves like scarcity.
nettles but without stinging hairs. death n 1 the permanent end of life in a per-
deadpan adj, adv with a deliberately emo- son or animal. 2 an instance of this: his
tionless face or manner. sudden death. 3 ending or destruction. 4 at
dead reckoning n a method of establishing death’s door likely to die soon. 5 catch
one’s position using the distance and direc- one’s death (of cold) Informal to contract
tion travelled. a severe cold. 6 like death warmed up In-
dead set adv firmly decided: he is dead set formal looking or feeling very ill or very
on leaving. tired. 7 put to death to execute. 8 to death
dead weight n 1 a heavy weight or load. 2 a until dead, b very much: I had probably
the difference between the loaded and the scared him to death.
unloaded weights of a ship. deathbed n the bed in which a person dies
dead wood n Informal people or things that or is about to die.
are no longer useful. deathblow n a thing or event that destroys
deaf adj 1 unable to hear. 2 deaf to refusing hope.
to listen or take notice of. deafness n death certificate n a document signed by a
death duty 199 decanter
doctor certifying the death of a person and a sum owing by entry on the left side of an
stating the cause of death if known. account, b an entry or the total of entries on
death duty n the former name for inherit- this side. ~vb -iting, -ited 3 to charge (an
ance tax. account) with a debt. 4 Accounting to rec-
death knell n something that heralds death ord (an item) as a debit in an account.
or destruction. debonair or debonnaire a<jj (of a man) con-
deathless adj everlasting because of fine fident, charming, and well-dressed.
qualities: highbrow, deathless, and often debouch vb 1 (esp. of troops) to move into a
endless prose. more open space. 2 (of a river, glacier, etc.)
deathly adj 1 resembling death: a deathly to flow into a larger area or body, de-
pallor. 2 deadly. bouchment n
death mask n a cast taken from the face of debrief vb to interrogate (a soldier, diplo-
a person who has recently died. mat, etc.) on the completion of a mission,
death rate n the ratio of deaths in an area or debriefing n
group to the population of that area or debris (deb-ree) n 1 fragments of something
group. destroyed; rubble. 2 a mass of loose stones
death row n US part of a prison where and earth.
convicts awaiting execution are imprisoned, debt n 1 a sum of money owed. 2 bad debt a
death’s-head n a human skull or a repre- debt that is unlikely to be paid. 3 in debt
sentation of one. owing money. 4 in someone’s debt grateful
deathtrap n a place or vehicle considered to someone for his or her help: I couldn’t
very unsafe. have managed without you - I’m in your
death warrant n 1 the official authorization debt.
for carrying out a sentence of death. 2 sign debt of honour n a debt that is morally but
one’s (own) death warrant to cause one’s not legally binding.
own destruction. debtor n a person who owes money.
deathwatch beetle n a beetle that bores debug vb -bugging, -bugged Informal 1 to
into wood and produces a tapping sound. locate and remove defects in (a computer
deb n Informal a debutante. program). 2 to remove concealed
debacle (day-bah-kl) n something that ends microphones from (a room or telephone).
in a disastrous failure, esp. because it has debunk vb Informal to expose the falseness
not been properly planned. of: many commonly held myths are de-
debar vb -barring, -barred to prevent bunked by the book, debunker n
(someone) from doing something. debut (day-byoo) n the first public appear-
debase vb -basing, -based to lower in qual- ance of a performer.
ity, character, or value, debasement n debutante (day-byoo-tont) n a young upper-
debatable adj not absolutely certain: her class woman who is formally presented to
motives are highly debatable. society.
debate n 1 a discussion. 2 a formal discus- Dec. December.
sion, as in a parliament, in which opposing decade n a period of ten years.
arguments are put forward. ~vb -bating, decadence (deck-a-denss) n a decline in
-bated 3 to discuss (something) formally. 4 morality or culture, decadent ac(/
to consider (possible courses of action). decaf (dee-kaf) Informal ~n 1 decaffeinat-
debauch (dib-bawch) vb to make someone ed coffee. —adj 2 decaffeinated.
bad or corrupt, esp. sexually. decaffeinated (dee-kaf-fin-ate-id) adj with
debauched adj immoral; sexually corrupt, the caffeine removed: decaffeinated tea.
debauchery n corrupt or socially unaccep- decagon n Geom a figure with ten sides,
table behaviour. decagonal adj
debenture n a long-term bond, bearing fixed decahedron (deck-a-heed-ron) n a solid fig-
interest and usually unsecured, issued by a ure with ten plane faces, decahedral adj
company or governmental agency, deben-
tured adj decalitre or US decaliter n a measure of
volume equivalent to 10 litres.
debenture stock n shares issued by a com-
pany, guaranteeing a fixed return at regu- Decalogue n same as Ten Commandments,
lar intervals. decametre or US decameter n a unit of
debilitate vb -tating, -tated to make gradu- length equal to ten metres.
ally weaker, debilitation n debilitating decamp vb to leave secretly or suddenly.
adj decant vb 1 to pour (a liquid, esp. wine)
debility n, pl -ties a state of weakness, esp. from one container to another. 2 to rehouse
caused by illness. .(people) while their homes are being reno-
debit n 1 the money, or a record of the vated.
money, withdrawn from a person’s bank decanter n a stoppered bottle into which a
account. 2 Accounting a acknowledgment of drink is poured for serving.
decapitate 200 declaim
decapitate vb -tating, -tated to behead, decided to stay on. 2 to cause to reach a de-
decapitation n cision. 3 to settle (a question): possible
decapod n 1 a creature, such as a crab, with profits decided the issue. 4 to influence the
five pairs of walking limbs. 2 a creature, outcome of (a contest) decisively: the goal
such as a squid, with eight short tentacles that decided the match came just before
and two longer ones. half-time.
decarbonize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or decided adj 1 definite or noticeable: a de-
-ising, -ised to remove carbon from (an cided improvement. 2 strong and definite:
internal-combustion engine), decarboniza- he has decided views on the matter, decid-
tion or -isation n edly adv
decathlon n an athletic contest in which deciduous adj 1 (of a tree) shedding all
each athlete competes in ten different leaves annually. 2 (of antlers or teeth)
events, decathlete n being shed at the end of a period of growth.
decay vb 1 to decline gradually in health, decilitre or US deciliter n a measure of vol-
prosperity, or quality. 2 to rot or cause to ume equivalent to one tenth of a litre.
rot. 3 Physics (of an atomic nucleus) to decimal n 1 a fraction written in the form of
undergo radioactive disintegration. ~n 4 a dot followed by one or more numbers, for
the process of something rotting: too much example -2=5f0. ~adj 2 relating to or using
sugar can cause tooth decay. 5 the state powers of ten. 3 expressed as a decimal.
brought about by this process. 6 Physics decimal currency n a system of currency in
disintegration of a nucleus, occurring spon- which the units are parts or powers of ten.
taneously or as a result of electron capture. decimalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
decease n Formal death. -ised to change (a system or number) to the
deceased adj Formal 1 dead. ~n 2 a dead decimal system. decimalization or
person: the deceased. -isation n
deceit n behaviour intended to deceive, decimal point n the dot between the unit
deceitful adj full of deceit. and the fraction of a number in the decimal
system.
deceive vb -ceiving, -ceived 1 to mislead by
lying. 2 deceive oneself to refuse to ac- decimal system n a number system with a
knowledge something one knows to be true. base of ten, in which numbers are exp-
3 to be unfaithful to (one’s sexual partner). ressed by combinations of the digits 0 to 9.
decelerate vb -ating, -ated to slow down, decimate vb -mating, -mated to destroy or
deceleration n kill a large proportion of. decimation n
December n the twelfth month of the year, decimetre or US decimeter n a unit of
length equal to one tenth of a metre.
decencies pl n generally accepted stand-
ards of good behaviour. decipher vb 1 to make out the meaning of
(something obscure or illegible). 2 to con-
decency n conformity to the prevailing vert from code into plain text, decipher-
standards of what is right. able adj
decennial adj 1 lasting for ten years. 2 oc- decision n 1 a choice or judgment made
curring every ten years. about something. 2 the act of making up
decent adj 1 conforming to an acceptable one’s mind. 3 the ability to make quick and
standard or quality: a decent living wage; definite decisions.
he’s made a few decent films. 2 polite or re- decisive adj 1 having great influence on the
spectable: he’s a decent man. 3 fitting or result of something: the decisive goal was
proper: that’s the decent thing to do. 4 con- scored in the closing minutes. 2 having the
forming to conventions of sexual behav- ability to make quick decisions, decisively
iour. 5 Informal kind; generous: she was adv decisiveness n
pretty decent to me. decently adv deck n 1 an area of a ship that forms a floor,
decentralize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or at any level. 2 a similar area in a bus. 3
-ising, -ised to reorganize into smaller local same as tape deck. 4 US a pack of playing
units, decentralization or -isation n cards. 5 clear the decks Informal to pre-
deception n 1 the act of deceiving someone pare for action, as by removing obstacles.
or the state of being deceived. 2 something deck chair n a folding chair with a wooden
that deceives; trick. frame and a canvas seat.
deceptive adj likely or designed to deceive, deckle edge n a rough edge on paper, often
deceptively adv deceptiveness n left as ornamentation, deckle-edged adj
deci- combining form denoting one tenth: deck out vb to make more attractive by
decimetre. decorating: the village was decked out in
decibel n a unit for comparing two power the blue-and-white flags.
levels or measuring the intensity of a declaim vb 1 to speak loudly and dramati-
sound. cally. 2 declaim against to protest against
decide vb -ciding, -cided 1 to reach a deci- loudly and publicly, declamation n de-
sion: we must decide on suitable action; he clamatory adj
declaration 201 deduct
declaration n 1 a firm, emphatic statement. sons, radioactivity, etc. decontamination
2 an official announcement or statement, n
declaratory adj decor (day-core) n a style or scheme of inte-
declare vb -daring, -dared 1 to state firmly rior decoration and furnishings in a room or
and forcefully. 2 to announce publicly or house.
officially: a state of emergency has been de- decorate vb -rating, -rated 1 to make more
clared. 3 to state officially that (someone or attractive by adding some ornament or col-
something) is as specified: he was declared our. 2 to paint or wallpaper. 3 to confer a
fit to play. 4 to acknowledge (dutiable mark of distinction, esp. a medal, upon,
goods or income) for tax purposes. 5 Cards decorative adj decorator n
to decide (the trump suit) by making the decoration n 1 an addition that makes
winning bid. 6 Cricket to bring an innings to something more attractive or ornate. 2 the
an end before the last batsman is out. 7 de- way in which a room or building is decorat-
clare for or against to state one’s support ed. 3 something, esp. a medal, conferred as
or opposition for something. a mark of honour.
declassify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to state of- decorous (deck-or-uss) adj polite, calm, and
ficially that (information or a document) is sensible in behaviour. decorously adv
no longer secret, declassification n decorousness n
declension n Grammar changes in the form decorum (dik-core-um) n polite and socially
of nouns, pronouns, or adjectives to show correct behaviour.
case, number, and gender.
decoy n 1 a person or thing used to lure
declination n 1 Astron the angular distance someone into danger. 2 an image of a bird or
of a star or planet north or south from the animal, used to lure game into a trap or
celestial equator. 2 the angle made by a within shooting range. ~vb 3 to lure into
compass needle with the direction of the danger by means of a decoy.
geographical north pole.
decrease vb -creasing, -creased 1 to make
decline vb -dining, -dined 1 to become or become less in size, strength, or quantity.
smaller, weaker, or less important. 2 to po- ~n 2 a lessening; reduction. 3 the amount
litely refuse to accept or do (something). 3 by which something has been diminished,
Grammar to list the inflections of (a noun, decreasing adj decreasingly adv '
pronoun, or adjective). ~n 4 a gradual
weakening or loss. decree n 1 a law made by someone in
authority. 2 a judgment of a court. ~vb de-
declivity n, pl -ties a downward slope, de- creeing, decreed 3 to order by decree.
clivitous adj
decree absolute n the final decree in di-
declutch vb to disengage the clutch of a vorce proceedings, which leaves the parties
motor vehicle. free to remarry.
decoct vb to extract the essence from (a decree nisi n a provisional decree in divorce
substance) by boiling, decoction n proceedings, which will later be made abso-
decode vb -coding, -coded to convert from lute unless cause is shown why it should
code into ordinary language, decoder n not.
decoke vb -coking, -coked same as decar- decrepit adj weakened or worn out by age
bonize. or long use. decrepitude n
decolletage (day-kol-tahzh) n a low-cut decretal n RC Church a papal decree.
dress or neckline. decry vb -cries, -crying, -cried to express
decollete (day-kol-tay) adj (of a woman’s open disapproval of.
garment) low-cut. dedicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to devote
decommission vb to dismantle (an indus- (oneself or one’s time) wholly to a special
trial plant or nuclear reactor) to an extent purpose or cause. 2 to inscribe or address (a
such that it can be safely abandoned. book, piece of music, etc.) to someone as a
decompose vb -posing, -posed 1 to rot. 2 to token of affection or respect. 3 to play (a
break up or separate into constituent parts, record) on radio for someone as a greeting.
decomposition n 4 to set apart for sacred uses.
decompress vb 1 to free from pressure. 2 to dedicated adj 1 devoted to a particular
return (a diver) to normal atmospheric purpose or cause. 2 Computers designed to
pressure, decompression n fulfil one function.
decompression sickness n a disorder dedication n 1 wholehearted devotion. 2 an
characterized by severe pain and difficulty inscription in a book dedicating it to a per-
in breathing caused by a sudden and sus- son.
tained change in atmospheric pressure. deduce vb -ducing, -duced to reach (a con-
decongestant n a drug that relieves nasal clusion) by reasoning from evidence; work
congestion. out. deducible adj
decontaminate vb -nating, -nated to make deduct vb to subtract (a number, quantity,
(a place or object) safe by removing poi- or part).
deductible 202 defer
deductible adj 1 capable of being deducted. defalcate vb -eating, -cated Law to make
2 US tax-deductible. wrong use of funds entrusted to one. de-
deduction n 1 the act or process of subtract- falcation n
ing. 2 something that is deducted. 3 Logic a defame vb -faming, -famed to attack the
a process of reasoning by which a conclu- good reputation of. defamation n de-
sion necessarily follows from a set of gen- famatory (dif-fam-a-tree) adj
eral premises, b a conclusion reached by default n 1 a failure to do something, esp. to
this process, deductive adj meet a financial obligation or to appear in
deed n 1 something that is done. 2 a notable court. 2 Computers an instruction to a com-
achievement. 3 action as opposed to words. puter to select a particular option unless
4 Law a legal document, esp. one concerning the user specifies otherwise. 3 by default
the ownership of property. happening because something else has not
deed box n a strong box in which deeds and happened: they gained a colony by default
other documents are kept. because no other European power wanted
deed poll n Law a deed made by one party it. 4 in default of in the absence of. -vb 5
only, esp. to change one’s name. to fail to fulfil an obligation, esp. to make
deejay n Informal a disc jockey. payment when due. defaulter n
deem vb to judge or consider: common sense defeat vb 1 to win a victory over. 2 to
is deemed to be a virtue. thwart or frustrate: this accident has de-
deep adj 1 extending or situated far down feated all his hopes of winning. ~n 3 the
from a surface: a deep ditch. 2 extending or act of defeating or state of being defeated.
situated far inwards, backwards, or side- defeatism n a ready acceptance or expecta-
ways. 3 of a specified dimension down- tion of defeat, defeatist n, adj
wards, inwards, or backwards: six metres defecate vb -eating, -cated to discharge
deep. 4 coming from or penetrating to a waste from the body through the anus,
great depth. 5 difficult to understand. 6 of defecation n
great intensity: deep doubts. 7 deep in to- defect n 1 an imperfection or blemish, -vb
tally absorbed in: deep in conversation. 8 2 to desert one’s country or cause to join the
(of a colour) intense or dark. 9 low in pitch: opposing forces, defection n defector n
a deep laugh. 10 go off the deep end In- defective adj imperfect or faulty: defective
formal to lose one’s temper. 11 in deep hearing.
water Informal in a tricky position or in defence or US defense n 1 resistance
trouble. —n 12 any deep place on land or against attack. 2-something that provides
under water. 13 the deep a Poetic the such resistance. 3 an argument or piece of
ocean, b Cricket the area of the field rela- writing in support of something that has
tively far from the pitch. 14 the most pro- been criticized or questioned. 4 a country’s
found, intense, or central part: the deep of military resources. 5 Law a defendant’s de-
winter. —adv 15 late: deep into the night. nial of the truth of a charge. 6 Law the de-
16 profoundly or intensely: deep down I fendant and his or her legal advisers collec-
was afraid it was all my fault, deeply adv tively. 7 Sport the players in a team whose
deepen vb to make or become deeper or function is to prevent the opposing team
more intense. from scoring. 8 defences fortifications, de-
deep-freeze n 1 same as freezer. —vb fenceless or US defenseless adj
-freezing, -froze, -frozen 2 to freeze or keep defend vb 1 to protect from harm or danger.
in a deep-freeze. 2 to support in the face of criticism: I spoke
deep-fry vb -fries, -frying, -fried to cook in up to defend her. 3 to represent (a defend-
hot oil deep enough to completely cover the ant) in court. 4 to protect (a title or champi-
food. onship) against a challenge, defender n
deep-laid adj (of a plan) carefully worked defendant n a person accused of a crime,
out and kept secret. defensible adj capable of being defended
deep-rooted or deep-seated adj (of ideas, because believed to be right, defensibility
beliefs, etc.) firmly fixed or held. n
deer n, pl deer or deers a large hoofed defensive adj 1 intended for defence. 2
mammal that lives wild in parts of Britain. guarding against criticism or exposure of
deerstalker n a cloth hat with peaks at the one’s failings: he can be highly defensive
front and back and earflaps. and wary. ~n 3 on the defensive in a posi-
de-escalate vb to reduce the intensity of (a tion of defence, as in being ready to reject
problem or situation), de-escalation n criticism, defensively adv
def adj deffer, deffest Slang very good, defer1 vb -ferring, -ferred to delay until a
deface vb -facing, -faced to deliberately future time; postpone: payment was de-
spoil the surface or appearance of. de- ferred indefinitely, deferment or deferral
facement n n
de facto adv 1 in fact. —adj 2 existing in defer2 vb -ferring, -ferred defer to to com-
fact, whether legally recognized or not. ply with the wishes (of).
deference 203 dehydrate
deference n polite and respectful behav- an organ or part. 2 the state of being de-
iour. formed.
deferential acij showing respect, deferen- defraud vb to cheat out of money, property,
tially adv or a right to do something.
defiance n open resistance to authority or defray vb to provide money to cover costs or
opposition, defiant adj expenses, defrayal n
deficiency n, pl -cies 1 the state of being de- defrock vb to deprive (a priest) of ecclesias-
ficient. 2 a lack or shortage. tical status.
deficiency disease n any condition, such as defrost vb 1 to make or become free of frost
scurvy, caused by a lack of vitamins or or ice. 2 to thaw (frozen food) by removing
other essential substances. from a deep-freeze.
deficient adj 1 lacking some essential. 2 in- deft adj quick and skilful in movement; dex-
adequate in quantity or quality. terous. deftly adv deftness n
deficit n the amount by which a sum is defunct adj no longer existing or working
lower than that expected or required. properly.
defile1 vb -filing, -filed 1 to make foul or defuse or US sometimes defuze vb -fusing,
dirty. 2 to make unfit for ceremonial use. -fused or -fuzing, -fuzed 1 to remove the
defilement n fuse of (an explosive device). 2 to reduce
the tension in (a difficult situation): I said it
defile2 n a narrow pass or gorge. in a bid to defuse the situation.
define vb -fining, -fined 1 to describe the defy vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to resist openly
nature of. 2 to state precisely the meaning and boldly. 2 to elude in a baffling way: his
of. 3 to show clearly the outline of: the pic- actions defy explanation. 3 Formal to chal-
ture was sharp and cleanly defined. 4 to fix lenge (someone to do something).
with precision; specify: define one’s duties.
definable adj degenerate adj 1 having deteriorated to a
lower mental, moral, or physical level. ~n
definite adj 1 firm, clear, and precise: I have 2 a degenerate person. ~vb -ating, -ated 3
very definite views on this subject. 2 hav- to become degenerate, degeneracy n
ing precise limits or boundaries. 3 known
for certain: it’s definite that they have won. degeneration n 1 the process of degenerat-
definitely adv ing. 2 Biol the loss of specialization or func-
tion by organisms.
definite article n Grammar the word “the”,
degenerative adj (of a disease or condition)
definition n 1 a statement of the meaning of getting steadily worse.
a word or phrase. 2 a description of the es- degrade vb -grading, -graded 1 to reduce to
sential qualities of something. 3 the quality dishonour or disgrace. 2 to reduce in status
of being clear and distinct. 4 sharpness of or quality. 3 Chem to decompose into atoms
outline. or smaller molecules, degradation n de-
definitive adj 1 final and unable to be grading adj
questioned or altered: a definitive verdict. 2 degree n 1 a stage in a scale of relative
most complete, or the best of its kind: the amount or intensity: this task involved a
book was hailed as the definitive Dickens greater degree of responsibility. 2 an aca-
biography, definitively adv demic award given by a university or col-
deflate vb -flating, -flated 1 to collapse or lege on successful completion of a course. 3
cause to collapse through the release of gas. Grammar any of the forms of an adjective
2 to take away the self-esteem or conceit used to indicate relative amount or inten-
from. 3 to cause deflation of (an economy). sity. 4 a unit of temperature. Symbol: ° 5 a
deflation n 1 Econ a reduction in economic measure of angle equal to one three-
activity resulting in lower levels of output hundred-and-sixtieth of the circumference
and investment. 2 a feeling of sadness fol- of a circle. Symbol: ° 6 a unit of latitude or
lowing excitement, deflationary adj longitude. Symbol: 0 7 by degrees little by
deflect vb to turn or cause to turn aside little; gradually.
from a course, deflection n deflector n dehisce vb -hiscing, -hisced (of the seed
deflower vb Literary to deprive (a woman) capsules of some plants) to burst open
of her virginity. spontaneously, dehiscence n dehiscent
defoliate vb -ating, -ated to deprive (a adj
plant) of its leaves, defoliant n defolia- dehumanize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
tion n -ised 1 to deprive of the qualities thought of
as being best in human beings, such as
deforestation n the cutting down or de- kindness. 2 to make (an activity) mechani-
struction of forests. cal or routine, dehumanization or -isation
deform vb to put (something) out of shape ~n
or spoil its appearance. dehydrate vb -drating, -drated 1 to remove
deformed adj disfigured or misshapen, water from (food) in order to preserve it. 2
deformity n, pl -ties 1 Pathol a distortion of be dehydrated (of a person) to become
de-ice 204 delivery
weak or ill through losing too much water to consider (something) deeply; think over,
from the body, dehydration n deliberately adv deliberative adj
de-ice vb de-icing, de-iced to free of ice. deliberation n 1 careful consideration. 2
de-icer n calmness and absence of hurry. 3
deify (day-if-fie) vb -fies, -fying, -fied to deliberations formal discussions.
treat or worship (someone or something) as delicacy n, pl -cies 1 fine or subtle quality,
a god. deification n construction, etc.: delicacy of craftsman-
deign (dane) vb to do something that one ship. 2 fragile or graceful beauty. 3 some-
considers beneath one’s dignity: she did not thing that is considered particularly nice to
deign to reply. eat. 4 frail health. 5 refinement of feeling,
manner, or appreciation: the delicacy of the
deindustrialization or -sation n a decline in orchestra’s playing. 6 requiring careful or
the importance of a country’s manufactur- tactful treatment.
ing industry.
delicate adj 1 fine or subtle in quality or
deism (dee-iz-zum) n belief in the existence workmanship. 2 having a fragile beauty. 3
of God based only on natural reason, with- (of colour, smell, or taste) pleasantly subtle.
out reference to revelation, deist n, adj de- 4 easily damaged; fragile. 5 precise or sensi-
istic adj tive in action: the delicate digestive system.
deity (dee-it-ee) n, pl -ties 1 a god or god- 6 requiring tact: a delicate matter. 7 show-
dess. 2 the state of being divine. ing consideration for the feelings of other
Deity n the God. people, delicately adv
deja vu (day-zhah voo) n a feeling of having delicatessen n a shop selling unusual or
experienced before something that is hap- imported foods, often already cooked or
pening at the present moment. prepared.
dejected adj in low spirits; downhearted, delicious adj 1 very appealing to taste or
dejectedly adv dejection n smell. 2 extremely enjoyable, deliciously
de jure adv according to law. adv
deke Canad slang ~vb deking, deked 1 (in delight n 1 extreme pleasure. 2 something or
ice hockey or box lacrosse) to draw (a de- someone that causes this. ~vb 3 to please
fending player) out of position by faking a greatly. 4 delight in to take great pleasure
shot or movement. ~n 2 such a shot or in. delightful adj delightfully adv
movement. delighted adj greatly pleased.
dekko n Brit slang have a dekko have a delimit vb -iting,v-ited to mark or lay down
look. the limits of. delimitation n
delay vb 1 to put (something) off to a later delineate (dill-lin-ee-ate) vb -ating, -ated 1
time. 2 to slow up or cause to be late. 3 a to to show by drawing. 2 to describe in words,
hesitate in doing something, b to deliberate- delineation n
ly take longer than necessary to do some- delinquent n 1 someone, esp. a young per-
thing. ~n 4 the act of delaying. 5 a period son, who breaks the law. ~adj 2 repeatedly
of inactivity or waiting before something breaking the law. delinquency n
happens or continues. deliquesce vb -quescing, -quesced (esp. of
delectable adj delightful or very attractive, certain salts) to dissolve in water absorbed
delectation n Formal great pleasure and en-
from the air. deliquescence n deliques-
cent adj
joyment.
delirious adj 1 suffering from delirium. 2
delegate n 1 a person chosen to represent wildly excited and happy, deliriously adv
others at a conference or meeting. ~vb
-gating, -gated 2 to entrust (duties or pow- delirium n 1 a state of excitement and men-
ers) to another person. 3 to appoint as a tal confusion, often with hallucinations. 2
representative. violent excitement.
delegation n 1 a group chosen to represent delirium tremens (trem-enz) n a severe
others. 2 the act of delegating. condition characterized by delirium and
trembling, caused by chronic alcoholism.
delete vb -leting, -leted to remove or cross deliver vb 1 to carry (goods or mail) to a
out (something printed or written), de- destination. 2 to hand over: the tenants
letion n
were asked to deliver up their keys. 3 to aid
deleterious (del-lit-eer-ee-uss) adj Formal in the birth of (offspring). 4 to present (a
harmful or injurious. lecture or speech). 5 to release or rescue
Delft n tin-glazed earthenware which origi- (from captivity or danger). 6 to strike (a
nated in Delft in the Netherlands, typically blow) suddenly. 7 Informal Also: deliver
with blue decoration on a white ground. the goods to produce something promised,
Also: delftware deliverance n
deliberate adj 1 carefully thought out in delivery n, pl -eries 1 a the act of delivering
advance; intentional. 2 careful and unhur- goods or mail, b something that is delivered.
ried: a deliberate gait. ~vb -ating, -ated 3 2 the act of giving birth to a baby. 3 manner
dell 205 democratic
or style in public speaking: her delivery dementia (dim-men-sha) n a state of serious
was clear and humorous. 4 Cricket the act mental deterioration.
or manner of bowling a ball. demerara sugar n brown crystallized cane
dell n a small wooded hollow. sugar from the West Indies.
delouse vb -lousing, -loused to rid (a per- demerit n 1 a fault or disadvantage. 2 US &
son or animal) of lice. Canad a mark given against a student for
Delphic adj obscure or ambiguous, like the failure or misconduct.
ancient Greek oracle at Delphi. demesne (dim-mane) n 1 land surrounding
delphinium n, pl -iums or -ia a large garden a house or manor. 2 Property law the pos-
plant with spikes of blue flowers. session of one’s own property or land. 3 a
delta n 1 the fourth letter in the Greek al- region or district; domain.
phabet (A, 3). 2 the flat area at the mouth of demi- combining form 1 half: demirelief. 2
some rivers where the main stream splits of less than full size, status, or rank: demi-
up into several branches. god.
delude vb -luding, -luded to make someone demigod n 1 a a being who is part mortal,
believe something that is not true. part god. b a lesser deity. 2 a godlike per-
deluge (del-lyooj) n 1 a great flood of water. son.
2 torrential rain. 3 an overwhelming num- demijohn n a large bottle with a short nar-
ber. ~vb -uging, -uged 4 to flood. 5 to row neck, often encased in wickerwork.
overwhelm. demilitarize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or
Deluge n the same as the Flood. -rising, -rised to remove all military forces
delusion n 1 a mistaken idea or belief. 2 the from (an area): demilitarized zone, demili-
state of being deluded, delusive adj delu- tarization or -risation n
sory adj demimonde n 1 (esp. in the 19th century) a
de luxe adj rich or sumptuous; superior in class of women considered to be outside re-
quality: a de luxe hotel. spectable society because of promiscuity. 2
delve vb delving, delved 1 to research any group considered not wholly respect-
deeply or intensively (for information). 2 able.
Old-fashioned to dig. demise n 1 the eventual failure of some-
demagnetize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or thing originally successful. 2 Euphemistic,
-ising, -ised to remove magnetic properties, formal death. 3 Property law a transfer of
demagnetization or -isation n an estate by lease. ~vb -mising, -mised 4
Property law to transfer for a limited peri-
demagogue or US sometimes demagog n a od; lease.
political agitator who attempts to win sup-
port by appealing to the prejudice and pas- demi-sec adj (of wines) medium-sweet,
sions of the mob. demagogic adj dema- demisemiquaver n Music a note with the
gogy n time value of one thirty-second of a semi-
demand vb 1 to request forcefully. 2 to re- breve.
quire as just, urgent, etc.: the situation de- demist vb to make or become free of con-
mands intervention. 3 to claim as a right. densation. demister n
~n 4 a forceful request. 5 something that demo n, pl -os Informal 1 short for demon-
requires special effort or sacrifice: demands stration (sense 1). 2 a demonstration rec-
upon one’s time. 6 Econ willingness and ord or tape.
ability to purchase goods and services. 7 in demob vb -mobbing, -mobbed Brit informal
demand sought after; popular. 8 on de- to demobilize.
mand as soon as requested: the funds will demobilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or
be available on demand. -Using, -Used to release from the armed
► The verb demand is followed by either of forces, demobilization or -lisation n
or from: demand too much of them; demand democracy n, pl -cies 1 a system of gov-
an explanation from you. ernment or organization in which the citi-
demanding adj requiring a lot of skill, time, zens or members choose leaders or make
or effort: a demanding relationship. other important decisions by voting. 2 a
demarcation n the act of establishing limits country in which the citizens choose their
or boundaries, esp. between the work per- government by voting.
formed by members of different trade un- democrat n a person who believes in democ-
ions. racy.
demean vb to do something unworthy of Democrat n US politics a member or sup-
one’s status or character: he will lose face porter of the Democratic Party, the more
with the boss by having to demean himself liberal of the two main political parties in
in this way. the US. Democratic adj
demeanour or US demeanor n the way a -democratic adj of or relating to a country,
person behaves. organization, or system in which leaders
demented adj mad; insane, dementedly are chosen or decisions are made by voting,
adv democratically adv
demodulation 206 denouement
demodulation n Electronics the process by luctance; object. ~n 2 without demur
which an output wave or signal is obtained without objecting.
having the characteristics of the original demure adj quiet, reserved, and rather shy.
modulating wave or signal. demurely adv demureness n
demography n the study of population sta- demystify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to remove
tistics, such as births and deaths, demo- the mystery from: he attempted to demysti-
graphic adj fy the contemporary jargon of psychology.
demolish vb 1 to tear down or break up demystification n
(buildings). 2 to put an end to; destroy: I den n 1 the home of a wild animal; lair. 2
demolished her argument in seconds. 3 Fa- Chiefly US a small secluded room in a home,
cetious to eat up: he demolished the whole often used for a hobby. 3 a place where
cake, demolisher n demolition n people indulge in criminal or immoral ac-
demon n 1 an evil spirit. 2 a person, obses- tivities: a den of iniquity.
sion, etc., thought of as evil or persistently denarius (din-air-ee-uss) n, pl -narii
tormenting. 3 a person extremely skilful in (-nair-ee-eye) a silver coin of ancient Rome,
or devoted to a given activity: a demon at often called a penny in translation.
cricket, demonic adj denary (dean-a-ree) adj calculated by tens;
demonetize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or decimal.
-tising, -tised to withdraw from use as cur- denationalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
rency. demonetization or -tisation n -ising, -ised to transfer (an industry or a
demoniac or demoniacal adj 1 appearing to service) from public to private ownership,
be possessed by a devil. 2 suggesting inner denationalization or -isation n
possession or inspiration: the demoniac fire denature vb -turing, -tured 1 to change the
of genius. 3 frantic or frenzied: demoniac nature of. 2 to make (alcohol) unfit to drink
activity, demoniacally adv by adding another substance.
demonolatry n the worship of demons, dendrology n the study of trees,
demonology n the study of demons or de- dene, dean n a narrow wooded valley,
monic beliefs. dengue (deng-gee) n a viral disease trans-
demonstrable adj able to be proved, de- mitted by mosquitoes, characterized by
monstrably adv headache, fever, pains in the joints, and a
rash.
demonstrate vb -strating, -strated 1 to denial n 1 a statement that something is not
show or prove by reasoning or evidence. 2 true. 2 a rejection of a request.
to display and explain the workings of (a
machine, product, etc.). 3 to reveal the ex- denier (den-yer) n a unit of weight used to
istence of: the adult literacy campaign dem- measure the fineness of silk and man-made
onstrated the scale of educational depriva- fibres.
tion. 4 to show support or opposition by denigrate vb -grating, -grated to criticize
public parades or rallies. (someone or something) unfairly, denigra-
tion n denigrator n
demonstration n 1 a march or public meet-
ing to demonstrate opposition to something denim n 1 a hard-wearing cotton fabric used
or support for something. 2 an explanation for jeans, skirts, etc. 2 denims jeans made
or demonstration showing how something of denim.
works. 3 proof or evidence leading to proof. denizen n 1 a person, animal, or plant that
lives or grows in a particular place. 2 an
demonstrative adj 1 tending to show one’s animal or plant established in a place to
feelings freely and openly. 2 Grammar de- which it is not native.
noting a word used to point out the person
or thing referred to, such as this and those. denominate vb -nating, -nated to give a
3 demonstrative of giving proof of. de- specific name to; designate.
monstratively adv denomination n 1 a group which has slight-
demonstrator n 1 a person who demon- ly different beliefs from other groups with-
strates how a device or machine works. 2 a in the same faith. 2 a unit in a system of
person who takes part in a public demon- weights, values, or measures: coins of small
stration. denomination have been withdrawn. 3 a
name given to a class or group; classifica-
demoralize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, tion. denominational adj
-ised to deprive (someone) of confidence or denominator n the number below the line in
enthusiasm: she had been demoralized and a fraction, as 8 in H.
had just given up. demoralization or
-isation n denote vb -noting, -noted 1 to be a sign or
indication of: these contracts denote move-
demote vb -moting, -moted to lower in rank ment on the widest possible scale. 2 (of a
or position, demotion n word or phrase) to have as a literal or obvi-
demotic adj of or relating to the common ous meaning, denotation n
people. denouement (day-noo-mon) n the final out-
demur vb -murring, -murred 1 to show re- come or solution in a play or other work.
denounce 207 deportment
denounce vb -nouncing, -nounced 1 to con- large business organization, hospital, uni-
demn openly or vehemently. 2 to give in- versity, etc. 2 a major subdivision of the
formation against. administration of a government. 3 an ad-
dense adj 1 thickly crowded or closely ministrative division in several countries,
packed. 2 difficult to see through: dense such as France. 4 Informal a specialized
clouds of smoke. 3 Informal stupid or dull. 4 sphere of activity: wine-making is my
(of a film, book, etc.) difficult to follow or wife’s department, departmental adj
understand: the content should be neither department store n a large shop divided
too dense nor too abstract, densely adv into departments selling many kinds of
density n, pl -ties 1 the degree to which goods.
something is filled or occupied: an average departure n 1 the act of departing. 2 a di-
population density. 2 Physics a measure of vergence from previous custom, rule, etc. 3
the compactness of a substance, expressed a course of action or venture: the album
as its mass per unit volume. 3 a measure of represents a new departure for them.
a physical quantity per unit of length, area, depend vb depend on a to put trust (in);
or volume. rely (on), b to be influenced or determined
dent n 1 a hollow in the surface of some- (by): the answer depends on four main is-
thing. ~vb 2 to make a dent in. sues. c to rely (on) for income or support.
dental adj of or relating to the teeth or den- dependable adj reliable and trustworthy,
tistry. dependability n dependably adv
dental floss n a waxed thread used to re- dependant n a person who depends on an-
move particles of food from between the other for financial support.
teeth. dependence n 1 the state of relying on
dental surgeon n same as dentist. something in order to be able to survive or
dentate adj having teeth or toothlike operate properly. 2 reliance or trust: they
notches. had a bond between them of mutual de-
dentifrice (den-tif-riss) n paste or powder pendence and trust-
for cleaning the teeth. dependency n, pl -cies 1 a territory subject
dentine (den-teen) n the hard dense tissue to a state on which it does not border. 2
that forms the bulk of a tooth. Psychol overreliance on another person or
dentist n a person qualified to practise den- on a drug.
tistry. dependent adj 1 depending on a person or
dentistry n the branch of medicine con- thing for aid or support. 2 dependent on or
cerned with the teeth and gums. upon influenced or conditioned by.
dentition n the typical arrangement, type, depict vb 1 to represent by drawing, paint-
and number of teeth in a species. ing, etc. 2 to describe in words, depiction n
denture n {often pl) a partial or full set of depilatory (dip-pill-a-tree) adj 1 able or
artificial teeth. serving to remove hair. ~n, pl -ries 2 a
denude vb -nuding, -nuded 1 to make bare; chemical used to remove hair.
strip: the atrocious weather denuded the deplete vb -pleting, -pleted 1 to use up
trees. 2 Geol to expose (rock) by the erosion (supplies or money). 2 to reduce in number,
of the layers above, denudation n depletion n
denumerable adj Maths countable, deplorable adj very bad or unpleasant, de-
denunciation n open condemnation; de- plorably adv
nouncing. deplore vb -ploring, -plored to express or
deny vb -nies, -nying, -nied 1 to declare (a feel strong disapproval of.
statement) to be untrue. 2 to refuse to give deploy vb to organize (troops or resources)
or allow: we have been denied permission. 3 into a position ready for immediate and ef-
to refuse to acknowledge: the baron denied fective action, deployment n
his wicked son. deponent n Law a person who makes a
deodar n a Himalayan cedar with drooping statement on oath.
branches. depopulate vb -lating, -lated to cause to be
deodorant n a substance applied to the body reduced in population, depopulation n
to prevent or disguise the odour of perspi- deport vb 1 to remove forcibly from a coun-
ration. try. 2 deport oneself to behave in a speci-
deodorize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, fied manner.
-ised to remove or disguise the odour of. deportation n the act of expelling someone
deodorization or -isation n from a country.
deoxyribonucleic acid n same as DNA. deportee n a person deported or awaiting
depart vb 1 to leave. 2 to differ or deviate: _ deportation.
to depart from the original concept. deportment n the way in which a person
departed adj Euphemistic dead, moves and stands: she had the manners and
department n 1 a specialized division of a deportment of a great lady.
depose 208 derisory
depose vb -posing, -posed 1 to remove from depressive adj causing sadness and lack of
an office or position of power. 2 Law to tes- energy.
tify on oath. deprive vb -priving, -prived deprive of to
deposit vb -iting, -ited 1 to put down. 2 to prevent from having or enjoying, depriva-
entrust (money or valuables) for safe- tion n
keeping. 3 to place (money) in a bank ac- deprived adj lacking adequate living condi-
count or other savings account. 4 to lay tions, education, etc.: deprived ghettos.
down naturally: the river deposits silt. ~n dept department.
5 a sum of money placed in a bank account
or other savings account. 6 money given in depth n 1 the distance downwards, back-
part payment for goods or services. 7 an wards, or inwards. 2 intensity of emotion or
amount of a substance left on a surface as a feeling. 3 the quality of having a high de-
result of chemical or geological process. gree of knowledge, insight, and understand-
ing. 4 intensity of colour. 5 lowness of
deposit account n Brit a bank account that pitch. 6 depths a a remote inaccessible re-
earns interest. gion: the depths of the forest, b the most
depositary n, pl -taries a person or group to severe part: the depths of depression, c a
whom something is entrusted for safety. low moral state. 7 out of one’s depth a in
deposition n 1 Law the sworn statement of water deeper than one is tall, b beyond the
a witness used in court in his or her ab- range of one’s competence or understand-
sence. 2 the act of deposing. 3 the act of de- ing-
positing. 4 something deposited. depth charge n a bomb used to attack sub-
depositor n a person who places or has marines that explodes at a preset depth of
money on deposit in a bank or similar or- water.
ganization. deputation n a body of people appointed to
depository n, pl -ries 1 a store where furni- represent others.
ture, valuables, etc. can be kept for safety. depute vb -puting, -puted to appoint
2 same as depositary. (someone) to act on one’s behalf.
depot (dep-oh) n 1 a place where goods and deputize or-tise vb-tizing, -tized or-tising,
vehicles are kept when not in use. 2 Chiefly -tised to act as deputy.
US & Canad a bus or railway station. deputy n, pl -ties a person appointed to act
depraved adj morally bad; corrupt, on behalf of another.
depravity n, pl -ties moral corruption. derail vb to cause (a train) to go off the
deprecate vb -eating, -cated to express dis- rails, derailment 11
approval of. deprecation n deprecatory derailleur (dee-rail-yer) n a type of gear-
adj change mechanism for bicycles.
depreciate vb -ating, -ated 1 to decline in deranged adj 1 mad, or behaving in a wild
value or price. 2 to deride or criticize, de- and uncontrolled way. 2 in a state of disor-
preciatory adj der. derangement n
depreciation n 1 Accounting the reduction derby n, pl -bies US & Canad a bowler hat.
in value of a fixed asset through use, obso-
lescence, etc. 2 a decrease in the exchange Derby n, pl -bies 1 the Derby an annual
value of a currency. 3 the act or an instance horse race for three-year-olds, run at
of belittling. Epsom Downs, Surrey. 2 local derby a
sporting event between teams from the
depredation n plundering; pillage. same area.
depress vb 1 to make sad and gloomy. 2 to deregulate vb -lating, -lated to remove
lower (prices). 3 to push down, depressing regulations or controls from, deregulation
adj depressingly adv n
depressant adj 1 Med able to reduce nerv- derelict adj 1 abandoned or unused and fall-
ous or functional activity; sedative. ~n 2 a ing into ruins. ~n 2 a social outcast or va-
depressant drug. grant.
depressed adj 1 low in spirits; downcast. 2 dereliction n 1 the state of being abandoned.
suffering from economic hardship, such as 2 dereliction of duty wilful neglect of
unemployment: the current depressed con- one’s duty.
ditions. 3 pressed down or flattened.
derestrict vb to make (a road) free from
depression n 1 a mental state in which a speed limits, derestriction n
person has feelings of gloom and inadequa-
cy. 2 an economic condition in which there deride vb -riding, -rided to speak of or treat
is substantial unemployment, low output with contempt or ridicule, derision n
and investment; slump. 3 Meteorol a mass de rigueur (de rig-gur) adj required by fash-
of air below normal atmospheric pressure, ion.
which often causes rain. 4 a sunken place. derisive adj mocking or scornful, derisive-
Depression n the the worldwide economic ly adv
depression of the early 1930s. derisory adj too small or inadequate to be
derivation 209 designer
considered seriously: the shareholders have a very descriptive account of the play, de-
dismissed the offer as derisory. scriptively adv
derivation n the origin or descent of some- descry vb -scries, -scrying, -scried 1 to
thing, such as a word. catch sight of. 2 to discover by looking
derivative adj 1 based on other sources; not carefully.
original. ~n 2 a word, idea, etc., that is de- desecrate vb -crating, -crated to violate
rived from another. 3 Maths the rate of the sacred character of (an object or place),
change of one quantity with respect to an- desecration n
other. desegregate vb -gating, -gated to end ra-
derive vb -riving, -rived to draw or be cial segregation in (a school or other public
drawn (from) in source or origin. institution), desegregation n
dermatitis n inflammation of the skin, deselect vb Brit politics (of a constituency
organization) to refuse to select (an MP) for
dermatology n the branch of medicine con- re-election, deselection n
cerned with the skin, dermatologist n
desensitize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or
derogate vb -gating, -gated derogate from -tising, -tised to make insensitive or less
to cause to seem inferior; detract from, sensitive: the patient was desensitized to
derogation n the allergen; to desensitize photographic
derogatory (dir-rog-a-tree) adj expressing film.
or showing a low opinion of someone or desert1 n a region that has little or no veg-
something. etation because of low rainfall.
derrick n 1 a simple crane that has lifting desert2 vb 1 to abandon (a person or place)
tackle slung from a boom. 2 the framework without intending to return. 2 Chiefly mil to
erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes leave (a post or duty) with no intention of
to be raised and lowered. returning, deserter n desertion n
derring-do n Archaic or literary a daring desertification n a process by which fertile
spirit or deed. land turns into desert.
derv n Brit diesel oil, when used for road desert island n a small uninhabited island
transport. in the tropics.
dervish n a member of a Muslim religious deserts pl n get one’s just deserts get the
order noted for a frenzied, ecstatic, whirl- punishment one deserves.
ing dance. deserve vb -serving, -served to be entitled
desalination n the process of removing salt, to or worthy of.
esp. from sea water. deserved adj rightfully earned, deservedly
descale vb to remove the hard coating (diz-zerv-id-lee) adv
which sometimes forms inside kettles, deserving adj worthy of a reward, help, or
pipes, etc. praise.
descant n 1 a tune played or sung above a deshabille (day-zab-beel) or dishabille n
basic melody, -adj 2 of the highest mem- the state of being partly dressed.
ber in a family of musical instruments: a desiccate vb -eating, -cated to remove most
descant clarinet. of the water from; dry. desiccated adj
descend vb 1 to move down (a slope, stair- desiccation n
case, etc.). 2 to move or fall to a lower level, design vb 1 to work out the structure or
pitch, etc. 3 be descended from to be con- form of (something), by making a sketch or
nected by a blood relationship to. 4 de- plans. 2 to plan and make (something) artis-
scend on to visit unexpectedly. 5 to stoop tically. 3 to intend (something) for a specif-
to (unworthy behaviour). ic purpose: the move is designed to reduce
descendant n a person or animal descended travelling costs. ~n 4 a sketch, plan, or
from an individual, race, or species. preliminary drawing. 5 the arrangement or
features of an artistic or decorative work:
descendent adj descending. he built it to his own design. 6 a finished ar-
descent n 1 the act of descending. 2 a tistic or decorative creation. 7 the art of de-
downward slope. 3 a path or way leading signing. 8 an intention; purpose. 9 have de-
downwards. 4 derivation from an ancestor; signs on to plot to gain possession of.
family origin. 5 a decline or degeneration. designate (dez-zig-nate) vb -nating, -nated
describe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 to give an 1 to give a name to; entitle. 2 to select
account of (something or someone) in (someone) for an office or duty; appoint.
words. 2 to trace the outline of (a circle, -adj 3 appointed, but not yet in office: a
etc.). Prime Minister designate.
description n 1 a statement or account that designation n 1 something that designates,
describes someone or something. 2 the act such as a name. 2 the act of designating.
of describing. 3 sort, kind, or variety: designedly (dee-zine-id-lee) adv by inten-
antiques of every description. tion.
descriptive adj describing something: it was designer n 1 a person who draws up origi-
designing 210 detail
nal sketches or plans from which things are despoil vb Formal to plunder, despoliation
made, -adj 2 designed by a well-known n
fashion designer: designer clothes. 3 having despondent adj dejected or depressed, de-
an appearance of fashionable trendiness: spondency n despondently adv
designer stubble. despot n any person in power who acts ty-
designing adj cunning and scheming, rannically. despotic adj despotically adv
desirable adj 1 worth having or doing: a de- despotism n 1 absolute or tyrannical gov-
sirable lifestyle. 2 arousing sexual desire, ernment. 2 tyrannical behaviour.
desirability n desirably adv dessert n the sweet course served at the end
desire vb -siring, -sired 1 to want very of a meal.
much. 2 Formal to request: we desire your dessertspoon n a spoon between a table-
company at the wedding of our daughter, spoon and a teaspoon in size.
—n 3 a wish or longing. 4 sexual appetite. 5 destination n the place to which someone or
a person or thing that is desired. something is going.
desirous adj having a desire for: desirous of destined (dess-tinnd) adj 1 certain to be or
living in London. do something: the school is destined to close
desist vb to stop doing: please desist from this summer. 2 heading towards a specific
talking. destination: some of the oil was destined for
desk n 1 a piece of furniture with a writing Eastern Europe.
surface and usually drawers. 2 a service destiny n, pl -nies 1 the future destined for
counter in a public building, such as a hotel. a person or thing. 2 the predetermined
3 the section of a newspaper or television course of events. 3 the power that
station responsible for a particular subject: predetermines the course of events.
the picture desk. destitute adj lacking the means to live; to-
deskill vb 1 to mechanize or computerize (a tally impoverished, destitution n
job) thereby reducing the skill required to destroy vb 1 to ruin; demolish. 2 to put an
do it. 2 to deprive (employees) of the oppor- end to. 3 to kill (an animal). 4 to crush or
tunity to use their skills. defeat.
desktop adj small enough to use at a desk: a destroyer n 1 a small heavily armed war-
desktop computer. ship. 2 a person or thing that destroys.
desktop publishing n a computer system destructible adj capable of being destroyed,
which combines text and graphics and destruction n 1 the act of destroying some-
presents them in a professional-looking thing or state of being destroyed. 2 a cause
printed format. of ruin.
desolate adj 1 uninhabited and bleak. 2 destructive adj 1 causing or capable of caus-
made uninhabitable; devastated. 3 without ing harm, damage, or injury. 2 intended to
friends, hope, or encouragement. 4 gloomy discredit, esp. without positive suggestions
or dismal; depressing, -vb -lating, -lated 5 or help: destructive speeches against the
to deprive of inhabitants. 6 to make barren; platform, destructively adv
devastate. 7 to make wretched or forlorn, desuetude (diss-syoo-it-tude) n the condi-
desolately adv desolateness n tion of not being in use.
desolation n 1 ruin or devastation. 2 soli- desultory (dez-zl-tree) adj 1 passing or
tary misery; wretchedness. jumping from one thing to another; discon-
despair n 1 total loss of hope, —vb 2 to lose nected: desultory conversation. 2 occurring
or give up hope: we must not despair of in a random way: a desultory thought.
finding a peaceful solution. desultorily adv
despatch vb, n same as dispatch, detach vb 1 to disengage and separate. 2 Mil
desperado n, pl -does or -dos a reckless to send (a regiment, officer, etc.) on a spe-
person ready to commit any violent illegal cial assignment, detachable adj
act. detached adj 1 separate or standing apart: a
desperate adj 1 willing to do anything to detached farmhouse. 2 showing no emo-
improve one’s situation. 2 (of an action) tional involvement: she continued to watch
undertaken as a last resort. 3 very grave: in him in her grave and detached manner.
desperate agony. 4 having a great need or detachment n 1 the state of not being per-
desire: I was desperate for a child, desper- sonally involved in something. 2 Mil a small
ately adv group of soldiers separated from the main
group.
desperation n 1 desperate recklessness. 2
the state of being desperate. detail n 1 an item that is considered sepa-
rately. 2 an item considered to be unimpor-
despicable adj deserving contempt, despi- tant: a mere detail. 3 treatment of individ-
cably adv ual parts: the census provides a consider-
despise vb -pising, -pised to look down on able amount of detail. 4 a small section of a
with contempt. work of art often enlarged to make the
despite prep in spite of. smaller features more distinct. 5 Chiefly mil
detailed 211 develop
a personnel assigned a specific duty, b the dethrone vb -throning, -throned to remove
duty. 6 in detail including all the important from a throne or deprive of any high posi-
particulars. -vb 7 to list fully. 8 Chiefly tion. dethronement n
mil to select (personnel) for a specific duty. detonate vb -nating, -nated to make (an
detailed adj having many details. explosive device) explode or (of an explo-
detain vb 1 to delay (someone). 2 to force sive device) to explode, detonation n
(someone) to stay: the police detained him detonator n a small amount of explosive or
for questioning, detainee n detainment n a device used to set off an explosion.
detect vb 1 to perceive or notice: to detect a detour n a deviation from a direct route or
note of sarcasm. 2 to discover the existence course of action.
or presence of: to detect alcohol in the detoxify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to remove
blood, detectable adj detector n poison from, detoxification n
detection n 1 the act of noticing, detract vb detract from to make (some-
discovering, or sensing something. 2 the act thing) seem less good, valuable, or impres-
or process of extracting information. sive: I wouldn’t want to detract from your
detective n a a police officer who investi- triumph, detractor n detraction n
gates crimes, b same as private detective. detriment n disadvantage or damage, det-
detente (day-tont) n the easing of tension rimental adj detrimentally adv
between nations. detritus (dit-trite-uss) n 1 a loose mass of
detention n 1 imprisonment, esp. of a sus- stones and silt worn away from rocks. 2 de-
pect awaiting trial. 2 a form of punishment bris. detrital adj
in which a pupil is detained after school. de trop (de troh) adj unwanted or unwel-
detention centre n a place where young come: I know when I’m de trop, so I’ll leave
people may be detained for short periods of you two together.
time by order of a court. detumescence n the subsidence of a swell-
deter vb -terring, -terred to discourage or ing.
prevent (someone) from doing something by deuce (dyewss) n 1 Tennis a tied score that
instilling fear or doubt in them. requires one player to gain two successive
detergent n 1 a chemical substance used for points to win the game. 2 a playing card or
washing clothes, dishes, etc. —adj 2 having dice with two spots.
cleansing power. deus ex machina n an unlikely develop-
deteriorate vb -rating, -rated to become ment introduced into a play or film to re-
worse, deterioration n solve the plot.
determinant adj 1 serving to determine or deuterium n a stable isotope of hydrogen.
affect. —n 2 a factor that controls or influ- Symbol: D or 2H
ences what will happen. 3 Maths a square deuterium oxide n same as heavy water.
array of elements that represents the sum Deutschmark (doytch-mark) or Deutsche
of certain products of these elements. Mark (doytch-a) n the standard monetary
determinate adj definitely limited or fixed, unit of Germany.
determination n 1 the condition of being de- deutzia (dyewt-see-a) n a shrub with clus-
termined; resoluteness. 2 the act of making ters of pink or white flowers.
a decision. devalue vb -valuing, -valued 1 to reduce the
determine vb -mining, -mined 1 to settle (an exchange value of (a currency). 2 to reduce
argument or a question) conclusively. 2 to the value of (something or someone), de-
find out the facts about (something): the valuation n
tests determined it was in fact cancer. 3 to devastate vb -fating, -tated to damage (a
fix in scope, extent, etc.: to determine the place) severely or destroy it. devastation
degree of the problem. 4 to make a decision. n
determined adj firmly decided. deter- devastated adj shocked and extremely
minedly adv upset, devastating adj devastatingly adv
determiner n Grammar a word, such as a develop vb 1 to grow or bring to a later,
number, article, or personal pronoun, that more elaborate, or more advanced stage. 2
determines the meaning of a noun phrase. to come or bring into existence: the country
determinism n the theory that human
has developed a consumer society. 3 to
make or become gradually clearer or more
choice is not free, but is decided by past widely known. 4 to follow as a result of
events, determinist n, adj something: Cubism developed from at-
deterrent n 1 something that deters. 2 a tempts to give painting a more intellectual
weapon or set of weapons held by one coun- concept of form. 5 to contract (an illness). 6
try to deter another country attacking. to improve the value or change the use of
—adj 3 tending to deter, deterrence n (land). 7 to exploit the natural resources of
detest vb to dislike intensely, detestable (a country or region). 8 Photog to treat (a
adj photographic plate or film) to produce a
detestation n intense hatred. visible image.
developer 212 dhal
developer n 1 a person who develops prop- devoid adj devoid of completely lacking in a
erty. 2 Photog a chemical used to develop particular quality: she was a woman totally
photographs or films. devoid of humour.
developing country n a poor or nonindus- devolution n a transfer of authority from a
trial country that is seeking to develop its central government to regional govern-
resources by industrialization. ments. devolutionist n, adj
development n 1 the process of growing or devolve vb -volving, -volved to pass or
developing. 2 the product of developing. 3 cause to pass to a successor or substitute,
an event or incident that changes a situa- as duties or power.
tion. 4 an area of land that has been devel- Devonian adj 1 Geol of the period of geologi-
oped. developmental adj cal time about 405 million years ago. 2 of or
development area n (in Britain) an area relating to Devon.
which has experienced economic depression devote vb -voting, -voted to apply or dedi-
and which is given government assistance cate (one’s time, money, or effort) to a par-
to establish new industry. ticular purpose.
deviant adj 1 deviating from what is consid- devoted adj feeling or demonstrating loyal-
ered acceptable behaviour. ~n 2 a person ty or devotion: he was clearly devoted to
whose behaviour deviates from what is his family, devotedly adv
considered to be acceptable, deviance n devotee (dev-vote-tee) n 1 a person fanati-
deviate vb -ating, -ated 1 to differ from cally enthusiastic about a subject or activ-
others in belief or thought. 2 to depart from ity. 2 a zealous follower of a religion.
one’s usual or previous behaviour, devia- devotion n 1 strong attachment to or affec-
tion n tion for someone or something. 2 religious
device n 1 a machine or tool used for a par- zeal; piety. 3 devotions religious obser-
ticular purpose. 2 Euphemistic a bomb. 3 a vance or prayers, devotional adj
scheme or plan. 4 a design or emblem. 5 devour vb 1 to eat up greedily. 2 to engulf
leave someone to his or her own devices and destroy. 3 to read avidly, devouring
to leave someone alone to do as he or she
wishes. devout adj 1 deeply religious. 2 sincere;
devil n 1 Theol the Devil the chief spirit of heartfelt: a devout confession, devoutly
evil and enemy of God. 2 any evil spirit. 3 a adv
person regarded as wicked. 4 a person: dew n drops of water that form on the
lucky devil. 5 a person regarded as daring: ground or on a tool surface at night from
be a devil! 6 Informal something difficult or vapour in the air. dewy adj
annoying. 7 between the devil and the dewberry n, pl -berries a type of bramble
deep blue sea between equally undesirable with blue-black fruits.
alternatives. 8 give the devil his due to ac- dewclaw n a nonfunctional claw on a dog’s
knowledge the talent or success of an un- leg.
pleasant person. 9 talk of the devil! used
when an absent person who has been the Dewey Decimal System n a system of li-
subject of conversation arrives unexpected- brary book classification with ten main sub-
ly. 10 the devil used as an exclamation to ject classes.
show surprise or annoyance: what the devil dewlap n a loose fold of skin hanging under
is she doing here? ~vb -illing, -illed or US the throat in cattle, dogs, etc.
-iling, -iled 11 to prepare (food) by coating dew-worm n a large earthworm used as
with a highly flavoured spiced mixture. 12 fishing bait.
Chiefly Brit to do routine literary work for dewy-eyed adj innocent and inexperienced,
a lawyer or author. dexter adj of or on the right side of a shield,
devilish adj 1 of or like a devil; fiendish. etc., from the bearer’s point of view.
~adv, adj 2 Informal extreme or extreme- dexterity n 1 skill in using one’s hands. 2
ly: devilish good food, devilishly adv mental quickness.
devil-may-care adj happy-go-lucky; reck- dexterous adj possessing or done with dex-
less. terity. dexterously adv
devilment n mischievous conduct. dextrin or dextrine n a sticky substance ob-
devilry n 1 reckless fun or mischief. 2 wick- tained from starch: used as a thickening
edness. agent in food.
devil’s advocate n a person who takes an dextrose n a glucose occurring in fruit,
opposing or unpopular point of view for the honey, and in the blood of animals.
sake of argument. DFC Distinguished Flying Cross.
devious adj 1 insincere and dishonest. 2 (of dg decigram.
a route or course of action) indirect, devi- DH Brit Department of Health.
ously adv dhal or dal n 1 the nutritious pealike seed of
devise vb -vising, -vised to work out (some- a tropical shrub. 2 a curry made from
thing) in one’s mind. lentils or other pulses.
dharma 213 diarrhoea
dharma n 1 Hinduism moral law or behav- answer to resolve differences between two
iour. 2 Buddhism ideal truth. views. 2 the art of logical argument, dia-
dhoti n, pl -tis a long loincloth worn by men lectical a<jj
in India. dialling tone or US & Canad dial tone n a
DI Donor Insemination: a method of making continuous sound heard on picking up a
a woman pregnant by transferring sperm telephone receiver, indicating that a num-
from a man other than her husband or regu- ber can be dialled.
lar partner using artificial means. dialogue or US sometimes dialog n 1 con-
di- prefix 1 twice; two; double: dicotyledon. versation between two people. 2 a conver-
2 containing two specified atoms or groups sation in a literary or dramatic work. 3 a
of atoms: carbon dioxide. discussion between representatives of two
diabetes (die-a-beet-eez) n a medical condi- nations or groups.
tion in which the body is unable to control dialysis (die-al-iss-iss) n, pl -ses (-seez) 1
the level of sugar in the blood. Med the filtering of blood through a semi-
diabetic n 1 a person who has diabetes. permeable membrane to remove waste
—adj 2 of or having diabetes. 3 suitable for products. 2 the separation of the particles
people suffering from diabetes: diabetic in a solution by filtering through a semi-
chocolate. permeable membrane, dialyser or -lyzer n
diabolic adj of the Devil; satanic. dialytic adj
diabolical adj Informal 1 unpleasant or an- diamagnetism n the phenomenon exhibited
noying: the weather was diabolical. 2 ex- by substances that are repelled by both
treme: diabolical cheek. 3 same as diabolic, poles of a magnet.
diabolically adv diamante (die-a-man-tee) adj decorated
diabolism n a witchcraft or sorcery, b wor- with glittering bits of material, such as
ship of devils, diabolist n sequins.
diaconate n the position or period of office diameter n a a straight line through the cen-
of a deacon, diaconal adj tre of a circle or sphere, b the length of such
diacritic n a sign placed above or below a a line.
character or letter to indicate phonetic diametric or diametrical adj 1 of or relating
value or stress. to a diameter. 2 completely opposed: the
diadem n Old-fashioned a small jewelled diametric opposition of the two camps.
crown or headband, usually worn by royal- diametrically adv
ty. diamond n 1 a usually colourless exception-
diaeresis or esp US dieresis (die-air-iss-iss) ally hard precious stone of crystallized car-
n, pl -ses (-seez) the mark placed bon. 2 Geom a figure with four sides of
over the second of two adjacent vowels to equal length forming two acute and two ob-
indicate that it is to be pronounced sepa- tuse angles. 3 a playing card marked with
rately, as in naive. one or more red diamond-shaped symbols. 4
diagnose vb -nosing, -nosed to determine Baseball the playing field, —adj 5 (of an
by diagnosis. anniversary) the sixtieth: diamond wed-
diagnosis (die-ag-no-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) ding.
the discovery and identification of diseases diapason (die-a-pay-zon) n Music 1 either of
from the examination of symptoms, diag- two stops found throughout the range of a
nostic adj pipe organ. 2 the range of an instrument or
diagonal adj 1 Maths connecting any two voice.
vertices in a polygon that are not adjacent. diaper n US & Canad a nappy.
2 slanting. ~n 3 a diagonal line, plane, or diaphanous (die-af-fan-uss) adj (of fabrics)
pattern, diagonally adv fine and translucent.
diagram n a sketch or plan showing the diaphoretic n 1 a drug that causes perspira-
form or workings of something, diagram- tion or sweat, —adj 2 relating to or causing
matic adj perspiration or sweat.
dial n 1 the face of a clock or watch, marked
with divisions representing units of time. 2 diaphragm (die-a-fram) n 1 .Anat the muscu-
the graduated disc on a measuring instru- lar partition that separates the abdominal
ment. 3 the control on a radio or television cavity and chest cavity. 2 same as cap
set used to change the station. 4 a num- (sense 5). 3 a device to control the amount
bered disc on the front of some telephones. of light entering an optical instrument. 4 a
—vb dialling, dialled or US dialing, thin vibrating disc which converts sound to
dialed 5 to try to establish a telephone con- electricity or vice versa, as in a microphone
nection with (someone) by operating the or loudspeaker.
dial or buttons on a telephone. diapositive n a positive transparency; slide,
dialect n a form of a language spoken in a diarist n a person who writes a diary that is
particular geographical area, dialectal adj subsequently published.
dialectic n 1 logical debate by question and diarrhoea or esp US diarrhea (die-a-ree-a) n
diary 214 diesel oil
frequent discharge of abnormally liquid power. 2 a person who behaves in a tyran-
faeces. nical manner, dictatorship n
diary n, pl -ries 1 a book containing a record dictatorial adj 1 of or pertaining to a dicta-
of daily events, appointments, or observa- tor. 2 tyrannical; overbearing, dictatorial-
tions. 2 a written record of daily events, ly adv
appointments, or observations. diction n the manner of pronouncing words
Diaspora (die-ass-spore-a) n 1 the disper- and sounds.
sion of the Jews after the Babylonian con- dictionary n, pl -aries 1 a a book that
quest of Palestine. 2 a dispersion of people consists of an alphabetical list of words
originally belonging to one nation. with their meanings, b a similar book giving
diastase (die-ass-stayss) n an enzyme that equivalent words in two languages. 2 a ref-
converts starch into sugar. erence book listing terms and giving infor-
diastole (die-ass-stoh-lee) n dilation of the mation about a particular subject.
chambers of the heart, diastolic adj dictum n, pl -turns or -ta 1 a formal state-
diatom n a microscopic unicellular alga, ment; pronouncement. 2 a popular saying or
diatomic adj containing two atoms. maxim.
diatonic adj of or relating to any scale of did vb the past tense of do1.
five tones and two semitones produced by didactic adj intended to teach or instruct
playing the white keys of a keyboard in- people: an Impressionist work can be as di-
strument. dactic in its way as a sermon, didactically
diatribe n a bitter critical attack.
adv didacticism n
diddle vb -dling, -died Informal to swindle,
dibble n a small hand tool used to make diddler n
holes in the ground for bulbs, seeds, or
roots. didgeridoo n a native deep-toned Australian
wind instrument.
dice n, pl dice 1 a small cube, each of whose
sides has a different number of spots (1 to didn’t did not.
6), used in games of chance. -vb dicing, die1 vb dying, died 1 (of a person, animal, or
diced 2 to cut (food) into small cubes. 3 plant) to cease all biological activity per-
dice with death to take a risk. manently. 2 (of something inanimate) to
dicey adj dicier, diciest Informal, chiefly cease to exist. 3 to lose strength, power, or
Brit dangerous or tricky. energy by degrees. 4 to stop working: the
engine died. 5 be dying to be eager (for
dichotomy (die-kot-a-mee) n, pl -mies divi- something or to do something). 6 be dying
sion into two opposed groups or parts, di- of Informal to be nearly overcome with
chotomous adj (laughter, boredom, etc.). 7 die hard to
dichromatic adj having two colours. change or disappear only slowly: old loyal-
dick n Slang 1 Taboo a penis. 2 clever dick ties die hard. -See also die down, die out.
Brit an opinionated person. die2 n 1 a shaped block used to cut or form
dickens n the dickens Informal used as an metal. 2 a casting mould. 3 same as dice
exclamation to show surprise, confusion, or (sense 1). 4 the die is cast an irrevocable
annoyance: what the dickens do you think decision has been taken.
you ’re doing? die down vb 1 to lose strength or power by
Dickensian adj 1 of Charles Dickens degrees. 2 to become calm: the storm has
(1812-70), British novelist. 2 denoting pov- died down now.
erty, distress, and exploitation, as depicted die-hard n a person who resists change,
in the novels of Dickens. dieldrin n a highly toxic crystalline insecti-
dicky1 n, pl dickies a false shirt front. cide.
dicky2 adj dickier, dickiest Brit informal dielectric n 1 a substance of very low elec-
shaky or weak: a dicky heart. trical conductivity; insulator, —adj 2 hav-
dicky-bird n a child’s word for a bird, ing the properties of a dielectric.
dicky-bow n Brit a bow tie. die out or off vb to become extinct or disap-
dicotyledon (die-kot-ill-leed-on) n a flower- pear after a gradual decline.
ing plant with two seed leaves. dieresis (die-air-iss-iss) n, pl -ses (-seez)
dictate vb -tating, -tated 1 to say (words) same as diaeresis.
aloud for another person to transcribe. 2 to diesel n 1 same as diesel engine. 2 a vehicle
seek to impose one’s will on others. ~n 3 an driven by a diesel engine. 3 Informal diesel
authoritative command. 4 a guiding princi- oil.
ple: the dictates of reason. ■ diesel-electric n a locomotive with a diesel
dictation n 1 the act of dictating words to be engine driving an electric generator.
taken down in writing. 2 the words dictat- diesel engine n an internal-combustion en-
ed. 3 the act of giving authoritative gine in which oil is ignited by compression.
commands. diesel oil or fuel n a fuel obtained from pe-
dictator n 1 a ruler who has complete troleum distillation, used in diesel engines.
diet 215 digital clock
diet1 n 1 the food that a person or animal making difficulties. 5 lack of ease; awk-
regularly eats. 2 a specific allowance or se- wardness: he could run only with difficulty.
lection of food, to control weight or for diffident adj lacking self-confidence; shy.
health reasons: a high-fibre diet. -vb 3 to diffidence n diffidently adv
follow a special diet so as to lose weight.
—adj 4 suitable for eating with a weight- diffract vb to cause to undergo diffraction,
reduction diet: diet soft drinks, dietary adj diffractive adj
dieter n diffraction n 1 Physics a deviation in the di-
diet2 n a legislative assembly in some coun- rection of a wave at the edge of an obstacle
tries. in its path. 2 the formation of light and
dark fringes by the passage of light through
dietary fibre n the roughage in fruits and a small aperture.
vegetables that aid digestion.
diffuse vb -fusing, -fused 1 to spread over a
dietetic adj prepared for special dietary re- wide area. 2 Physics to cause to undergo
quirements. diffusion, -adj 3 spread out over a wide
dietetics n the study of diet, nutrition, and area. 4 lacking conciseness, diffusible adj
the preparation of food. diffuser n
dietician n a person qualified to advise peo- diffusion n 1 the act of diffusing or the fact
ple about healthy eating. of being diffused; dispersion. 2 Physics the
differ vb 1 to be dissimilar in quality, na- random thermal motion of atoms and mol-
ture, or degree. 2 to disagree. ecules in gases, liquids, and some solids. 3
difference n 1 the state or quality of being Physics the transmission or reflection of
unlike. 2 a disagreement or argument. 3 the light, in which the radiation is scattered in
result of the subtraction of one number or many directions.
quantity from another. 4 make a differ- dig vb digging, dug 1 to cut into, break up,
ence to have an effect. 5 split the differ- and turn over or remove (earth), esp. with a
ence a to compromise, b to divide a remain- spade. 2 to excavate (a hole or tunnel) by
der equally. digging, usually with an implement or (of
different adj1 partly or completely unlike. 2 animals) with claws. 3 to obtain by digging:
new or unusual. 3 not identical or the same; dig out potatoes. 4 to find by effort or
other: he wears a different tie every day. searching: he dug out a mini cassette from
differently adv his pocket. 5 Informal to like or understand.
► The accepted idiom is different from but 6 (foil, by in or into) to thrust or jab. —n 7
different to is also used. Different than is the act of digging. 8 an archaeological ex-
an Americanism. cavation. 9 a thrust or poke. 10 a cutting
differential adj 1 of, relating to, or using a remark. ~See also dig in.
difference. 2 Maths involving differentials. digest vb 1 to subject (food) to a process of
~n 3 a factor that differentiates between digestion. 2 to absorb mentally, —n 3 a
two comparable things. 4 Maths a minute shortened version of a book, report, or arti-
difference between values in a scale. 5 cle. digestible adj
Chiefly Brit the difference between rates of digestion n 1 the process of breaking down
pay for different types of labour, esp. with- food into easily absorbed substances. 2 the
in a company or industry. body’s system for doing this.
differential calculus n the branch of math- digestive adj relating to digestion.
ematics concerned with derivatives and
digger n 1 a machine used for excavation. 2
differentials. Austral & NZ informal an Australian or
differential gear n the gear in the driving New Zealander: often used as a friendly
axle of a road vehicle that permits one driv- term of address.
ing wheel to rotate faster than the other
when cornering. dig in vb 1 to mix (compost or fertilizer) into
the soil by digging. 2 Informal to begin to
differentiate vb -ating, -ated 1 to perceive eat vigorously. 3 Informal (of soldiers) to
or show the difference (between). 2 to make dig a trench and prepare for an enemy at-
(one thing) distinct from other such things. tack. 4 dig one’s heels in Informal to ref-
3 Maths to determine the derivative of a use to move or be persuaded.
function or variable, differentiation n
digit (dij-it) n 1 a finger or toe. 2 any nu-
difficult adj 1 not easy to do, understand, or meral from 0 to 9.
solve. 2 not easily pleased or satisfied: a
difficult patient. 3 full of hardships or tri- digital adj 1 displaying information as num-
als: he had recently had a difficult time bers rather than with a dial. 2 representing
with his job as a self-employed builder. data as a series of numerical values. 3 of or
possessing digits, digitally adv
difficulty n, pl -ties 1 the state or quality of
being difficult. 2 a task or problem that is digital audio tape n magnetic tape on which
hard to deal with. 3 a troublesome or em- sound is recorded digitally, giving high-
barrassing situation: in financial difficul- fidelity reproduction.
ties. 4 an objection or obstacle: you’re just digital clock or watch n a clock or watch in
digital computer 216 din
which the time is indicated by digits rather dill n a sweet-smelling herb used for flavour-
than by hands on a dial. ing.
digital computer n a computer in which the dilly-dally vb -lies, -lying, -lied Informal to
input consists of numbers, letters, and dawdle or waste time.
other characters that are represented in- dilute vb -luting, -luted 1 to make (a liquid)
ternally in binary notation. less concentrated by adding water or an-
digitalis n a drug made from foxglove other liquid. 2 to make (someone’s power,
leaves: used as a heart stimulant. idea, or role) weaker or less effective:
digital recording n a sound recording pro- socialists used their majority in parliament
cess that converts audio or analogue signals to dilute legislation crucial to developing a
into a series of pulses. market economy, -adj 3 Chem (of a solu-
digitate adj 1 (of leaves) having leaflets in tion) having a low concentration, dilution
the form of a spread hand. 2 (of animals) n
having digits. diluvian adj of a flood, esp. the great Flood
digitize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, described in the Old Testament.
-ised to transcribe (data) into a digital form dim adj dimmer, dimmest 1 badly lit. 2 not
for processing by a computer, digitizer or clearly seen; faint: a dim figure in the
-iser n doorway. 3 not seeing clearly: eyes dim
dignified adj calm, impressive, and worthy with tears. 4 Informal mentally dull. 5 not
of respect. clear in the mind; obscure: a dim awareness.
6 lacking in brightness or lustre: a dim col-
dignify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to add dis- our. 7 take a dim view of to disapprove of.
tinction to: the meeting was dignified by the —vb dimming, dimmed 8 to become or
minister. 2 to add a semblance of dignity to cause to become dim. 9 to cause to seem less
by the use of a pretentious name or title: bright. 10 US & Canad same as dip (sense
she dignifies every plant with its Latin 4). dimly adv dimness n
name.
dime n a coin of the US and Canada worth
dignitary n, pl -taries a person of high offi- ten cents.
cial position or rank.
dimension n 1 an aspect or factor: the at-
dignity n, pl -ties 1 serious, calm, and con- tack brought a whole new dimension to the
trolled behaviour or manner. 2 the quality bombing campaign. 2 dimensions scope or
of being worthy of honour. 3 sense of self- extent. 3 (often pi) a measurement of the
importance: he considered the job beneath size of something, in a particular direction,
his dignity. dimensional adj
digraph n two letters used to represent a dimer n Chem a molecule made up of two
single sound, such as gh in tough. identical molecules bonded together.
digress vb to depart from the main subject diminish vb 1 to make or become smaller,
in speech or writing, digression n fewer, or less. 2 Music to decrease (a minor
digs pin Brit informal lodgings. interval) by a semitone. 3 to reduce in
dihedral adj having or formed by two inter- authority or status.
secting planes. diminuendo Music ~n, pl -dos 1 a a gradual
dilapidated adj (of a building) having fallen decrease in loudness, b a passage which
into ruin, dilapidation n gradually decreases in loudness, —adv 2
dilate vb -lating, -lated to make or become gradually decreasing in loudness.
wider or larger: her eyes dilated in the diminution n reduction in size, volume, in-
dark, dilation or dilatation n tensity, or importance.
dilatory (dill-a-tree) adj tending or intended diminutive adj 1 very small; tiny. 2 Gram-
to waste time, dilatorily adv dilatoriness mar a denoting an affix added to a word to
n convey the meaning small or unimportant
dildo n, pl -dos an object used as a substitute or to express affection, as for example, the
for an erect penis. suffix -ette in French, b denoting a word
dilemma n a situation offering a choice be- formed by the addition of a diminutive
tween two equally undesirable alternatives. affix, —n 3 Grammar a diminutive word or
► If a difficult choice involves more than affix, diminutiveness n
two courses of action, it is preferable to dimmer n 1 a device for dimming an electric
speak of a problem or difficulty. light. 2 US a a dipped headlight on a road
dilettante (dill-it-tan-tce) n, pl -tantes or vehicle, b a parking light on a car.
-tanti a person whose interest in a subject dimple n 1 a small natural dent on the
is superficial rather than serious, dilettan- cheeks or chin, —vb -pling, -pled 2 to pro-
tism n duce dimples by smiling.
diligent adj 1 careful and persevering in car- dimwit n Informal a stupid person, dim-
rying out tasks or duties. 2 carried out with witted adj
care and perseverance: a diligent approach din n 1 a loud unpleasant confused noise.
to work, diligence n diligently adv — vb dinning, dinned 2 din something
dinar 217 dipole
into someone to instil something into dioptre or US diopter (die-op-ter) n a unit
someone by constant repetition. for measuring the refractive power of a
dinar (dee-nahr) n a monetary unit of vari- lens.
ous Balkan, Middle Eastern, and North Af- diorama n 1 a miniature three-dimensional
rican countries. scene, in which models of figures are seen
dine vb dining, dined 1 to eat dinner. 2 dine against a background. 2 a picture made up
on or off to make one’s meal of: the guests of illuminated translucent curtains, viewed
dined on roast beef. through an aperture.
diner n 1 a person eating a meal in a restau- dioxide n an oxide containing two oxygen
rant. 2 Chiefly US & Canad a small cheap atoms per molecule.
restaurant. 3 short for dining car. dip vb dipping, dipped 1 to plunge or be
dinette n an alcove or small area for use as a plunged quickly or briefly into a liquid. 2 to
dining room. put one’s hands into something, esp. to ob-
ding-dong n 1 the sound of a bell. 2 a violent tain an object: she dipped into her handbag
exchange of blows or words. looking for change. 3 to slope downwards. 4
dinges (ding-uss) n S African informal a to switch (car headlights) from the main to
jocular word for something whose name is the lower beam. 5 to undergo a slight de-
unknown or forgotten; thingumabob. cline, esp. temporarily: sales dipped in No-
dinghy (ding-ee, ding-gee) n, pl -ghies a vember. 6 to immerse (farm animals) brief-
small boat, powered by sail, oars, or out- ly in a chemical to rid them of insects. 7 to
board motor. lower or be lowered briefly: she dipped her
dingle n a small wooded hollow or valley, knee in a curtsy. ~n 8 the act of dipping. 9
a brief swim. 10 a liquid chemical in which
dingo n, pl -goes an Australian wild dog. farm animals are dipped. 11 a depression,
dingy (din-jee) adj -gier, -giest 1 dull, ne- esp. in a landscape. 12 a momentary sinking
glected, and drab: he waited in this dingy down. 13 a creamy mixture into which
little outer office. 2 shabby and discol- pieces of food are dipped before being
oured: she was wearing dingy white over- eaten. ~See also dip into.
alls. dinginess n
Dip Ed (in Britain) Diploma in Education,
dining car n a railway coach in which meals
are served. diphtheria (dif-theer-ree-a) n a contagious
dining room n a room where meals are
disease producing fever and difficulty in
eaten. breathing and swallowing.
dinkum adj Austral & NZ informal 1 genuine diphthong n a vowel sound, occupying a
or right: a fair dinkum offer. 2 dinkum oil single syllable, in which the speaker's
the truth. tongue moves continuously from one posi-
tion to another, as in the pronunciation of a
dinky adj dinkier, dinkiest Brit informal in late.
small and neat; dainty.
dinner n 1 the main meal of the day, eaten dip into vb 1 to draw upon: he dipped into
either in the evening or at midday. 2 a for- his savings. 2 to read passages at random
mal social occasion at which an evening from (a book or journal).
meal is served. diploid adj Biol denoting a cell or organism
dinner jacket n a man’s semiformal black with pairs of homologous chromosomes.
evening jacket without tails. diploma n a document conferring a qualifi-
dinner service n a set of matching dishes cation or recording successful completion of
suitable for serving a meal. a course of study.
dinosaur n any of a large order of extinct diplomacy n 1 the conduct of the relations
prehistoric reptiles many of which were gi- between nations by peaceful means. 2 skill
gantic. in the management of international rela-
dint n by dint of by means of: by dint of tions. 3 tact or skill in dealing with people.
their own efforts. diplomat n an official, such as an ambassa-
diocesan adj of or relating to a diocese, dor, engaged in diplomacy.
diocese (die-a-siss) n the district over diplomatic adj 1 of or relating to diplomacy.
which a bishop has control. 2 skilled in negotiating between nations. 3
diode n 1 a semiconductor device for con- tactful in dealing with people, diplomati-
verting alternating current to direct cur- cally adv
rent. 2 an electronic valve with two elec- diplomatic immunity n the freedom from
trodes between which a current can flow legal action and exemption from taxation
only in one direction. which diplomats have in the country where
dioecious (die-eesh-uss) adj (of plants) hav- they are working.
ing the male and female reproductive or- dipole n 1 two equal but opposite electric
gans on separate plants. charges or magnetic poles separated by a
Dionysian (die-on-niz-zee-an) adj wild or or- small distance. 2 a molecule that has two
giastic. such charges or poles, dipolar adj
dipper 218 disabuse
dipper n 1 a ladle used for dipping. 2 a song- of a business, trust, etc. 3 the person re-
bird that inhabits fast-flowing streams. sponsible for the artistic and technical as-
dipsomania n a compulsive desire to drink pects of the making of a film or television
alcoholic beverages, dipsomaniac n, adj programme, directorial adj directorship
dipstick n a rod with notches on it dipped n
into a container to indicate the fluid level. directorate n 1 a board of directors. 2 the
dip switch n a device for dipping headlights position of director.
on a vehicle. director-general n, pl directors-general a
dipterous adj having two wings or winglike person in overall charge of certain large or-
parts. ganizations.
diptych (dip-tik) n a painting on two hinged directory n, pl -ries 1 a book listing names,
panels. addresses, and telephone numbers of indi-
dire adj disastrous, urgent, or terrible: he viduals or business companies. 2 Computers
was now in dire financial straits. an area of a disk containing the names and
locations of the files it currently holds.
direct adj 1 shortest; straight: a direct route.
2 without intervening people: they secretly direct speech n the reporting of what
arranged direct links to their commanders. someone has said by quoting the exact
3 honest; frank: he was polite but very di- words.
rect. 4 diametric: the direct opposite. 5 in an direct tax n a tax paid by the person or or-
unbroken line of descent: a direct descend- ganization on which it is levied.
ant. -adv 6 directly; straight, -vb 7 to dirge n 1 a chant of lamentation for the
conduct or control the affairs of. 8 to give dead. 2 any mournful song.
orders with authority to (a person or dirigible (dir-rij-jib-bl) adj 1 able to be
group). 9 to tell (someone) the way to a steered, —n 2 same as airship.
place. 10 to address (a letter, parcel, etc.). dirk n a dagger, formerly worn by Scottish
11 to address (a look or remark) at some- Highlanders.
one: the look she directed at him was one of
unconcealed hatred. 12 a to provide guid- dirndl n 1 a woman’s dress with a full gath-
ance to (actors, cameramen, etc.) in (a play ered skirt and fitted bodice. 2 a gathered
or film), b to supervise the making or stag- skirt of this kind.
ing of (a film or play), directness n dirt n 1 any unclean substance, such as mud;
direct access n a method of reading data filth. 2 loose earth; soil. 3 packed earth,
from a computer file without reading cinders, etc., used to make a racetrack. 4
through the file from the beginning. obscene speech 'or writing. 5 Informal
direct current n an electric current that harmful gossip.
flows in one direction only. dirt-cheap adj, adv at an extremely low
direct debit n an order given to a bank or price.
other financial institution by an account dirt track n a racetrack made of packed
holder to pay an amount of money from the earth or cinders.
account to a specified person or company at dirty adj dirtier, dirtiest 1 covered or
regular intervals. marked with dirt; filthy. 2 causing one to
direction n 1 the course or line along which become grimy: a dirty job. 3 (of a colour)
a person or thing moves, points, or lies. 2 not clear and bright. 4 unfair, dishonest, or
management or guidance: the campaign was unkind: dirty tricks. 5 a obscene: dirty
successful under his direction. 3 the work jokes, b sexually clandestine: a dirty week-
of a stage or film director. end. 6 revealing dislike or anger: a dirty
directional adj 1 of or showing direction. 2 look. 7 (of weather) rainy or stormy. 8
Electronics (of an aerial) transmitting or dirty work unpleasant or illicit activity.
receiving radio waves more effectively in ~n 9 do the dirty on Informal to behave
some directions than in others. meanly towards, -vb dirties, dirtying,
directions pl n instructions for doing some- dirtied 10 to make dirty; soil, dirtiness n
thing or for reaching a place. dis- prefix indicating: 1 reversal: disconnect.
directive n an instruction; order. 2 negation or lack: dissimilar; disgrace. 3
directly adv 1 in a direct manner. 2 at once;
removal or release: disembowel.
without delay. 3 immediately or very soon: disability n, pl -ties 1 a severe physical or
I'll do that directly, —conj 4 as soon as: we mental illness that restricts the way a per-
left directly the money arrived. son lives his or her life. 2 something that
direct object n Grammar a noun, pronoun, disables someone.
or noun phrase denoting the person or thing disable vb -abling, -abled to make ineffec-
receiving the direct action of a verb. For tive, unfit, or incapable, disablement n
example, a book in They bought Anne a disabled adj lacking one or more physical
book. powers, such as the ability to walk or to co-
director n 1 a person or thing that directs or ordinate one’s movements.
controls. 2 a member of the governing board disabuse vb -abusing, -abused to rid
disaccharide 219 disclose
(someone) of a mistaken idea: Arnold felt disavow vb to deny connection with or re-
unable to disabuse her of her prejudices. sponsibility for (something), disavowal n
disaccharide (die-sack-a-ride) n a sugar, disband vb to stop or cause to stop function-
such as sucrose, whose molecules consist of ing as a unit or group, disbandment n
two linked monosaccharides. disbelieve vb -lieving, -lieved 1 to reject (a
disadvantage h 1 an unfavourable or harm- person or statement) as being untruthful. 2
ful circumstance. 2 at a disadvantage in a disbelieve in to have no faith or belief in:
less favourable position than other people: to disbelieve in the supernatural, disbelief
he continued to insist that he was at a dis- n
advantage at the hearings, disadvanta- disburse vb -bursing, -bursed to pay out.
geous adj disbursement n
disadvantaged adj socially or economically disc n 1 a flat circular object. 2 a gramo-
deprived. phone record. 3 Anat a circular flat struc-
disaffected adj having lost loyalty to or af- ture in the body, esp. between the verte-
fection for someone or something; alienat- brae. 4 Computers same as disk.
ed. disaffection n discard vb to get rid of (something or some-
disagree vb -greeing, -greed 1 to have dif- one) as useless or undesirable.
fering opinions or argue about (something). disc brake n a brake in which two pads rub
2 to fail to correspond; conflict. 3 to cause against a flat disc.
physical discomfort to: curry disagrees discern vb to see or be aware of (something)
with me. clearly, discernible adj
disagreeable adj 1 (of an incident or situa- discerning adj having or showing good
tion) unpleasant. 2 (of a person) bad- judgment, discernment n
tempered or disobliging, disagreeably adv discharge vb -charging, -charged 1 to re-
disagreement n 1 refusal or failure to lease or allow to go. 2 to dismiss (someone)
agree. 2 a difference between results, to- from duty or employment. 3 to fire (a gun).
tals, etc., which shows that they cannot all 4 to cause to pour forth: the scar was red
be true. 3 an argument. and swollen and began to discharge pus. 5
disallow vb to reject as untrue or invalid; to remove (the cargo) from a boat, etc.; un-
cancel. load. 6 to meet the demands of (a duty or
disappear vb 1 to cease to be visible; vanish. responsibility). 7 to relieve oneself of (a
2 to go away or become lost, esp. without debt). 8 Physics to take or supply electrical
explanation. 3 to cease to exist: the pain has current from (a cell or battery). ~n 9 some-
disappeared, disappearance n thing that is discharged. 10 dismissal or re-
disappoint vb 1 to fail to meet the expecta- lease from an office, job, etc. 11 a pouring
tions or hopes of; let down. 2 to prevent the out of a fluid; emission. 12 Physics a con-
fulfilment of (a plan, etc.); frustrate, dis- duction of electricity through a gas.
appointed adj disappointing adj disciple (diss-sipe-pl) n 1 a follower of the
disappointment n 1 the feeling of being dis- doctrines of a teacher. 2 one of the personal
appointed. 2 a person or thing that followers of Christ during his earthly life.
disappoints. disciplinarian n a person who practises
disapprobation n disapproval. strict discipline.
disapprove vb -proving, -proved to consid- disciplinary adj of or imposing discipline;
er wrong or bad. disapproval n disap- corrective.
proving adj discipline n 1 the practice of imposing strict
disarm vb 1 to deprive of weapons. 2 to win rules of behaviour on other people. 2 the
the confidence or affection of. 3 (of a coun- ability to behave and work in a controlled
try) to decrease the size and capability of manner. 3 a particular area of academic
one’s armed forces. study. ~vb -plining, -plined 4 to improve
disarmament n the reduction of fighting ca- or attempt to improve the behaviour of
pability by a country. (oneself or someone else) by training or
disarming adj removing hostility or suspi- rules. 5 to punish.
cion. disarmingly adv disciplined adj able to behave and work in a
disarrange vb -ranging, -ranged to throw controlled way.
into disorder, disarrangement n disc jockey n a person who announces and
disarray n 1 confusion and lack of disci- plays recorded pop records on a radio pro-
pline. 2 extreme untidiness. ~vh3 to throw gramme or at a disco.
into confusion. disclaim vb 1 to deny (responsibility for or
disassociate vb -ating, -ated same as dis- knowledge of something). 2 to give up (any
sociate. disassociation n claim to).
disaster n 1 an accident that causes great - disclaimer n a statement denying respon-
distress or destruction. 2 something, such sibility for or knowledge of something.
as a project, that fails or has been ruined, disclose vb -closing, -closed 1 to make (in-
disastrous adj disastrously adv formation) known. 2 to allow to be seen: she
disco 220 disembowel
agreed to disclose the contents of the box. ~vb -coursing, -coursed 3 to speak or
disclosure n write (about) at length.
disco n, pl -cos 1 a nightclub for dancing to discourteous adj showing bad manners;
amplified pop records. 2 an occasion at rude, discourteously adv discourtesy n
which people dance to amplified pop rec- discover vb 1 to be the first to find or find
ords. 3 mobile equipment for providing out about. 2 to learn about for the first
music for a disco. time. 3 to find after study or search, dis-
discography n, pl -phies a classified list of coverer n
gramophone records. discovery n, pl -eries 1 the act of
discolour or US discolor vb to change in discovering. 2 a person, place, or thing that
colour; fade or stain, discoloration n has been discovered.
discomfit vb -fiting, -fited to make uneasy discredit vb -iting, -ited 1 to damage the
or confused, discomfiture n reputation of (someone). 2 to cause (an
discomfort n 1 a mild pain. 2 a feeling of idea) to be disbelieved or distrusted. —n 3
worry or embarrassment. 3 discomforts something that causes disgrace, discredit-
conditions that cause physical uncomfort- able adj
ableness: the physical discomforts of preg- discreet adj 1 careful to avoid embarrass-
nancy. ment when dealing with secret or private
discommode vb -moding, -moded to cause matters. 2 unobtrusive: there was a discreet
inconvenience, discommodious adj entrance down a side alley, discreetly adv
discompose vb -posing, -posed to disturb discrepancy n, pl -cies a conflict or vari-
or upset someone, discomposure n ation between facts, figures, or claims, dis-
crepant adj
disconcert vb to disturb the confidence or
self-possession of; upset, embarrass, or take discrete adj separate or distinct, discrete-
aback, disconcerting adj ness n
disconnect vb 1 to undo or break the con- discretion (diss-kresh-on) n 1 the quality of
nection between (two things). 2 to stop the behaving so as to avoid social embarrass-
supply of (gas or electricity to a building), ment or distress. 2 freedom or authority to
disconnection n make judgments and to act as one sees fit:
at his discretion, discretionary adj
disconnected adj (of speech or ideas) not discriminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to make a
logically connected. distinction against or in favour of a particu-
disconsolate adj sad beyond comfort, dis- lar person or group. 2 to recognize or
consolately adv understand a difference: to discriminate be-
discontent n lack of contentment, as with tween right and wrong, discriminating adj
one’s condition or lot in life, discontented discrimination n 1 unfair treatment of a
adj discontentedly adv person, racial group, or minority. 2 subtle
discontinue vb -uing, -ued to come or bring appreciation in matters of taste. 3 the abil-
to an end; stop. ity to see fine distinctions.
discontinuous adj characterized by discriminatory adj based on prejudice,
interruptions; intermittent, discontinuity discursive adj passing from one topic to an-
n other.
discord n 1 lack of agreement or harmony discus n Field sports a disc-shaped object
between people. 2 harsh confused sounds. 3 with a heavy middle, thrown by athletes.
a combination of musical notes that lacks discuss vb 1 to consider (something) by
harmony. talking it over. 2 to treat (a subject) in
discordant adj 1 at variance; disagreeing. 2 speech or writing, discussion n
harsh in sound; inharmonious, discord- disdain n 1 a feeling of superiority and dis-
ance n like; contempt. ~vb 2 to refuse or reject
discotheque n same as disco. with disdain: he disdained domestic con-
discount vb 1 to leave (something) out of ventions. disdainful adj disdainfully adv
account as being unreliable, prejudiced, or disease n an unhealthy condition in a per-
irrelevant. 2 to deduct (an amount or per- son, animal, or plant which is caused by
centage) from the price of something. ~n 3 bacteria or infection, diseased adj
a deduction from the full amount of a price. diseconomy n Econ a disadvantage, such as
4 at a discount below the regular price. higher costs, resulting from the scale on
discountenance vb -nancing, -nanced to which a business operates.
make (someone) ashamed or confused. disembark vb to land or cause to land from
discourage vb -aging, -aged 1 to deprive of a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, disem-
the will or enthusiasm to persist in some- barkation n
thing. 2 to oppose by expressing disapprov- disembodied adj 1 lacking a body. 2 seem-
al. discouragement n discouraging adj ing not to be attached to or come from any-
discourse n 1 conversation. 2 a formal one. disembodiment n
treatment of a subject in speech or writing. disembowel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling,
disenchanted 221 disjointed
-eled to remove the entrails of. disembow- hope, courage, or enthusiasm of. disheart-
elment n ened adj disheartening adj
disenchanted adj disappointed and disillu- dishevelled or US disheveled adj (of a per-
sioned (with something), disenchantment son’s hair, clothes, or general appearance)
n disordered and untidy.
disenfranchise vb -chising, -chised to de- dishonest adj not honest or fair, dishonest-
prive (someone) of the right to vote or of ly adv dishonesty n
other rights of citizenship. dishonour or US dishonor vb 1 to treat with
disengage vb -gaging, -gaged 1 to release disrespect. 2 to refuse to pay (a cheque).
from a connection. 2 Mil to withdraw from ~n 3 a lack of honour or respect. 4 a state
close action, disengagement n of shame or disgrace. 5 something that
disentangle vb -gling, -gled 1 to release causes a loss of honour, dishonourable adj
from entanglement or confusion. 2 to un- dishonourably adv
ravel or work out. disentanglement n dish out vb 1 Informal to distribute. 2 dish
disequilibrium n a loss or absence of stabil- it out to inflict punishment.
ity or balance. dish up vb to serve (food).
disestablish vb to deprive (a church or reli-
gion) of established status, disestablish- dishwasher n a machine for washing and
ment n drying dishes, cutlery, etc.
disfavour or US disfavor n 1 disapproval or dishwater n 1 water in which dishes have
dislike. 2 the state of being disapproved of been washed. 2 like dishwater (of tea)
or disliked. very weak.
disfigure vb -uring, -ured to spoil the ap- dishy adj dishier, dishiest Informal, chiefly
pearance or shape of. disfigurement n Brit good-looking.
disfranchise vb -chising, -chised same as disillusion vb 1 to destroy the illusions or
disenfranchise. false ideas of (someone). —n also disillu-
disgorge vb -gorging, -gorged 1 to vomit. 2 sionment 2 the state of being disillusioned.
to discharge (contents). disillusioned adj disappointed at finding out
disgrace n 1 a condition of shame, loss of reality does not match one’s ideals.
reputation, or dishonour. 2 a shameful per- disincentive n something that discourages
son or thing. 3 exclusion from confidence or someone from behaving or acting in a par-
trust: he was sent home in disgrace. ~vb ticular way.
-gracing, -graced 4 to bring shame upon disinclined adj unwilling or reluctant, dis-
(oneself or others), disgraceful adj dis- inclination n
gracefully adv disinfect vb to rid of harmful germs by
disgruntled adj sulky or discontented, dis- cleaning with a chemical substance, disin-
gruntlement n fection n
disguise vb -guising, -guised 1 to change disinfectant n a substance that destroys
the appearance or manner in order to con- harmful germs.
ceal the identity of (someone or something).
2 to misrepresent (something) in order to disinformation n false information intended
obscure its actual nature or meaning. ~n 3 to mislead.
a mask, costume, or manner that disguises. disingenuous adj dishonest and insincere,
4 the state of being disguised, disguised disingenuously adv
adj disinherit vb -iting, -ited Law to deprive (an
disgust n 1 a great loathing or distaste. ~vb heir) of inheritance, disinheritance n
2 to sicken or fill with loathing, disgusted disintegrate vb -grating, -grated 1 to lose
adj disgusting adj cohesion; break up: the business disinte-
dish n 1 a container used for holding or serv- grated. 2 (of an object) to break into frag-
ing food, esp. an open shallow container. 2 ments; shatter. 3 Physics a to undergo nu-
the food in a dish. 3 a particular kind of clear fission or include nuclear fission in. b
food. 4 short for dish aerial. 5 Informal an same as decay (sense 3). disintegration n
attractive person. -See also dish out, dish disinter vb -terring, -terred 1 to dig up. 2 to
up. bring to light; expose.
dishabille (diss-a-beel) n same as desha- disinterested adj 1 free from bias; objec-
bille. tive. 2 Not universally accepted feeling or
dish aerial n Brit a large disc-shaped aerial showing a lack of interest; uninterested,
with a concave reflector, used to receive disinterest n
signals in radar, radio telescopes, and satel- ► Distinguish disinterested from uninterest-
lite broadcasting. ed, meaning “apathetic, not caring”: we
disharmony n lack of agreement or harmo- asked him to decide because he was a disin-
ny. disharmonious adj terested observer.
dishcloth n a cloth for washing dishes, disjointed adj having no coherence; discon-
dishearten vb to weaken or destroy the nected: a disjointed conversation.
disjunctive 222 disposable
disjunctive adj serving to disconnect or dispassionate adj not influenced by emo-
separate. tion; objective, dispassionately adv
disk n 1 Chiefly US & Canad same as disc. 2 dispatch or despatch vb 1 to send off to a
Computers a storage device, consisting of a destination or to perform a task. 2 to carry
stack of plates coated with a magnetic out (a duty or task) promptly. 3 to murder.
layer, which rotates rapidly as a single unit. ~n 4 an official communication or report,
disk drive n Computers the unit that con- sent in haste. 5 a report sent to a newspaper
trols the mechanism for handling a floppy by a correspondent. 6 murder. 7 with dis-
disk. patch quickly.
dislike vb -liking, -liked 1 to consider un- dispatch rider n a motorcyclist who carries
pleasant or disagreeable. '~n 2 a feeling of dispatches.
not liking something or someone. dispel vb -pelling, -pelled to disperse or
dislocate vb -eating, -cated 1 to displace (a drive away.
bone or joint) from its normal position. 2 to dispensable adj not essential; expendable,
disrupt or shift out of place, dislocation n dispensary n, pl -ries a place where medi-
dislodge vb -lodging, -lodged to remove cine is prepared and given out.
(something) from a previously fixed posi- dispensation n 1 the act of distributing or
tion. dispensing. 2 Chiefly RC Church permission
disloyal adj not loyal; deserting one’s alle- to dispense with an obligation of church
giance or duty, disloyalty n law. 3 any exemption from an obligation. 4
dismal adj 1 gloomy and depressing. 2 In- the ordering of life and events by God.
formal of poor quality, dismally adv dispense vb -pensing, -pensed 1 to distrib-
dismantle vb -tling, -tied 1 to take apart ute in portions. 2 to prepare and distribute
piece by piece. 2 to cause (an organization (medicine). 3 to administer (the law, etc.). 4
or political system) to stop functioning by dispense with to do away with or manage
gradually reducing its power or purpose. without, dispenser n
dismay vb 1 to fill with alarm or depression. dispensing optician n See optician (sense
~n 2 a feeling of alarm or depression. 2).
dismember vb 1 to remove the limbs of. 2 to disperse vb -persing, -persed 1 to scatter
cut to pieces, dismemberment n over a wide area. 2 to leave or cause to
dismiss vb 1 to remove (an employee) from leave a gathering. 3 to separate (light) into
a job. 2 to allow (someone) to leave. 3 to put its different wavelengths. 4 to separate
out of one’s mind; no longer think about. 4 (particles) throughout a solid, liquid, or
(of a judge) to state that (a case) will not be gas. dispersal or dispersion n
brought to trial. 5 Cricket to bowl out (a dispirit vb to make downhearted, dispirited
side) for a particular number of runs, dis- adj dispiriting adj
missal n dismissive adj displace vb -placing, -placed 1 to move
dismount vb to get off a horse or bicycle, (something) from its usual place. 2 to re-
disobedient adj refusing to obey, disobedi- move (someone) from a post or position of
ence n authority.
disobey vb to neglect or refuse to obey (a displaced person n a person forced from
person or an order). his or her home or country, esp. by war or
revolution.
disobliging adj unwilling to help.
displacement n 1 the act of displacing. 2
disorder n 1 a state of untidiness and disor- Physics the weight or volume of liquid dis-
ganization. 2 public violence or rioting. 3 an placed by an object submerged or floating in
illness, disordered adj it. 3 Maths the distance measured in a par-
disorderly adj 1 untidy and disorganized. 2 ticular direction from a reference point.
uncontrolled; unruly. 3 Law violating pub- Symbol: s
lic peace. display vb 1 to show. 2 to reveal or make
disorganize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, evident: to display anger. ~n 3 the act of
-ised to disrupt the arrangement or system exhibiting or displaying. 4 something dis-
of. disorganization or -isation n played. 5 an exhibition. 6 Electronics a de-
disorientate or disorient vb -tating, -tated vice capable of representing information
or -enting, -ented to cause (someone) to visually, as on a screen. 7 Zool a pattern of
lose his or her bearings, disorientation n behaviour by which an animal attracts at-
disown vb to deny any connection with tention while courting, defending its terri-
(someone). tory, etc.
disparage vb -aging, -aged to speak con- displease vb -pleasing, -pleased to annoy
temptuously of. disparagement n dispar- or offend (someone), displeasure n
aging adj disport vb disport oneself to indulge one-
disparate adj utterly different in kind, dis- self in pleasure.
parity n disposable adj 1 designed for disposal after
disposal 223 dissolve
use: disposable cigarette lighters. 2 avail- dissatisfied adj displeased or discontented,
able for use if needed: disposable capital. dissatisfaction n
disposal n 1 the act or means of getting rid dissect vb 1 to cut open (a corpse) to exam-
of something. 2 at one’s disposal available ine it. 2 to examine critically and minutely:
for use. the above conclusion causes one to dissect
dispose vb -posing, -posed 1 dispose of a that policy more closely, dissection n
to throw away, b to give, sell, or transfer to dissemble vb -bling, -bled to conceal one’s
another, c to deal with or settle: I disposed real motives or emotions by pretence, dis-
of that problem right away, d to kill. 2 to sembler n
arrange or place in a particular way: disseminate vb -nating, -nated to spread
around them are disposed the moulded (information, ideas, etc.) widely, dissemi-
masks of witch doctors. nation n
disposed adj 1 willing or eager (to do some- dissension n disagreement and argument,
thing): few would feel disposed to fault his
judgment. 2 having an inclination as speci- dissent vb 1 to disagree. 2 Christianity to
fied (towards someone or something): my reject the doctrines of an established
people aren’t too well disposed towards church. ~n 3 a disagreement. 4 Christian-
defectors. ity separation from an established church,
dissenter n dissenting adj
disposition n 1 a person’s usual tempera-
ment. 2 a tendency or habit. 3 arrangement; Dissenter n Christianity chiefly Brit a Pro-
layout. testant who refuses to conform to the estab-
lished church.
dispossess vb to deprive (someone) of (a
possession), dispossessed adj disposses- dissentient adj dissenting from the opinion
sion n of the majority.
disproportion n lack of proportion or dissertation n 1 a written thesis, usually re-
equality. quired for a higher degree. 2 a long formal
disproportionate adj out of proportion,
speech.
disproportionately adv disservice n a harmful action.
disprove vb -proving, -proved to show (an dissident n 1 a person who disagrees with a
assertion or claim) to be incorrect. government or a powerful organization.
dispute n 1 a disagreement between workers ~adj 2 disagreeing or dissenting, dissi-
and their employer. 2 an argument between dence n
two or more people. ~vb -puting, -pnted 3 dissimilar adj not alike; different, dissimi-
to argue or quarrel about (something). 4 to larity n
doubt the validity of. 5 to fight over posses- dissimulate vb -lating, -lated to conceal
sion of. 6 beyond dispute unable to be one’s real feelings by pretence, dissimula-
questioned or denied: it’s beyond dispute tion n
that tensions already existed between dissipate vb -pating, -pated 1 to waste or
them, disputation n disputatious adj squander. 2 to scatter or break up.
disqualify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to official- dissipated adj showing signs of overindul-
ly ban (someone) from doing something: he gence in alcohol or other physical pleas-
was disqualified from driving for ten years. ures.
2 to make ineligible, as for entry to an ex- dissipation n 1 the process of dissipating. 2
amination. disqualification n unrestrained indulgence in physical pleas-
disquiet n 1 a feeling of anxiety or uneasi- ures.
ness. ~vb 2 to make (someone) anxious, dissociate vb -ating, -ated 1 dissociate
disquieting adj disquietude n oneself from to deny or break an associa-
disquisition n a formal written or oral ex- tion with (a person or organization). 2 to
amination of a subject. regard or treat as separate, dissociation n
disregard vb 1 to give little or no attention dissoluble adj same as soluble, dissolubil-
to; ignore. ~n 2 lack of attention or re- ity n
spect. dissolute adj leading an immoral life,
disrepair n the condition of being worn out dissolution n 1 the act of officially breaking
or in poor working order. up an organization or institution. 2 the act
disreputable adj having or causing a bad of officially ending a formal agreement,
reputation, disreputably adv such as a marriage. 3 the formal ending of a
disrepute n a loss or lack of good reputa- meeting or assembly, such as a Parliament.
tion. dissolve vb -solving, -solved 1 to become or
disrespect n contempt or lack of respect, cause to become liquid; melt. 2 to officially
disrespectful adj break up (an organization or institution). 3
disrobe vb -robing, -robed Literary to un- to formally end: the campaign started as
dress. soon as Parliament was dissolved last
disrupt vb to interrupt the progress of. dis- month. 4 to collapse emotionally: she dis-
ruption n disruptive adj solved in loud tears. 5 Films, television to
dissonance 224 distribution
fade out one scene and replace with another distinction n 1 the act of distinguishing or
to make two scenes merge imperceptibly. differentiating. 2 a distinguishing feature. 3
dissonance n a lack of agreement or har- the state of being different or distinguish-
mony between things: this dissonance of able. 4 special honour, recognition, or fame.
colours, dissonant adj 5 excellence of character. 6 a symbol of
dissuade vb -suading, -suaded to deter honour or rank.
(someone) by persuasion from doing some- distinctive adj easily recognizable; charac-
thing or believing in something, dissuasion teristic. distinctively adv distinctiveness
n n
dissyllable or disyllable n a word of two distingue (diss-tang-gay) adj distinguished
syllables, dissyllabic or disyllabic adj or noble.
distaff n the rod on which wool, flax, etc., is distinguish vb 1 to make, show, or recognize
wound for spinning. a difference: I have tried to distinguish be-
distaff side n the female side of a family, tween fact and theory. 2 to be a distinctive
distance n 1 the space between two points feature of: what distinguishes the good
or places. 2 the state of being apart. 3 a dis- teenage reader from the less competent
tant place. 4 remoteness in manner. 5 the one? 3 to make out by hearing, seeing, or
distance the most distant part of the vis- tasting: she listened but could distinguish
ible scene. 6 go the distance Boxing to nothing except the urgency of their discus-
complete a bout without being knocked out. sion. 4 distinguish oneself to make oneself
7 keep one’s distance to maintain a re- noteworthy, distinguishable adj distin-
served attitude to another person. ~vb guishing adj
-tancing, -tanced 8 distance oneself or be distinguished adj 1 dignified in appearance
distanced from to separate oneself or be or behaviour. 2 highly respected: a distin-
separated mentally from. guished historian.
distant adj 1 far apart. 2 separated by a distort vb 1 to alter or misrepresent (facts).
specified distance: five kilometres distant. 2 to twist out of shape; deform. 3 Electron-
3 apart in relationship: a distant cousin. 4 ics to reproduce or amplify (a signal) inac-
going to a faraway place. 5 remote in man- curately. distorted adj distortion n
ner; aloof. 6 abstracted: a distant look en- distract vb 1 to draw (a person or his or her
tered her eyes, distantly adv attention) away from something. 2 to amuse
distaste n a dislike of something offensive, or entertain.
distasteful adj unpleasant or offensive, distracted adj unable to concentrate be-
distastefulness n cause one’s mind is on other things.
distemper1 n a highly contagious viral dis- distraction n 1 something that diverts the
ease that can affect young dogs. attention. 2 something that serves as an en-
distemper2 n 1 paint mixed with water, tertainment. 3 mental turmoil.
glue, etc. which is used for painting walls. distrain vb Law to seize (personal property)
~vb 2 to paint with distemper. to enforce payment of a debt, distraint n
distend vb to expand by pressure from distrait (diss-tray) adj absent-minded or ab-
within; swell, distensible adj distension stracted.
n distraught (diss-trawt) adj upset or agitat-
distich (diss-stick) n Prosody a unit of two ed.
verse lines. distress n 1 extreme unhappiness or worry.
distil or US distill vb-tilling, -tilled 1 to sub- 2 great physical pain. 3 financial trouble.
ject to or obtain by distillation. 2 to give off ~vb 4 to upset badly. 5 in distress in dire
(a substance) in drops. 3 to extract the es- need of help, distressing adj distressing-
sence of. ly adv
distillation n 1 the process of evaporating a distressed adj 1 much troubled; upset. 2 in
liquid and condensing its vapour. 2 Also: great physical pain. 3 in financial difficul-
distillate a concentrated essence. ties. 4 (of furniture or fabric) having signs
distiller n a person or company that makes of ageing artificially applied.
spirits. distributary n, pl -taries one of several out-
distillery n, pl -eries a place where alcoholic let streams draining a river, esp. on a delta.
drinks are made by distillation. distribute vb -uting, -uted 1 to hand out or
distinct adj 1 not the same; different: these deliver (leaflets, mail, etc.). 2 to share
two areas produce wines with distinct (something) among the members of a par-
characteristics. 2 clearly seen, heard, or ticular group.
recognized: it is not possible to draw a dis- distribution n 1 the delivering of leaflets,
tinct line between the two categories; mail, etc., to individual people or organiza-
there’s a distinct smell of burning. 3 clear tions. 2 the sharing out of something among
and definite: there is a distinct possibility a particular group. 3 the arrangement or
of rain. 4 obvious: a distinct improvement. spread of anything over an area, space, or
distinctly adv period of time: the unequal distribution of
distributive 225 divide
wealth. 4 Commerce the process of satisfy- divalent adj Chem having two valencies or a
ing the demand for goods and services. valency of two. divalency n
distributive adj 1 of or relating to distribu- divan n a a low bed with a thick base under
tion. 2 Maths of the rule that the same re- the mattress, b a couch with no back or
sult is produced when multiplication is per- arms.
formed on a set of numbers as when per- dive vb diving, dived or US dove, dived 1 to
formed on the members of the set individu- plunge headfirst into water. 1 (of a subma-
ally. rine or diver) to submerge under water. 2
distributor n 1 a wholesaler who distributes (of a bird or aircraft) to fly in a steep nose-
goods to retailers in a specific area. 2 the down descending path. 3 to move quickly in
device in a petrol engine that sends the a specified direction: he dived for the door.
electric current to the sparking plugs. 4 dive in or into a to put (one’s hand)
district n 1 an area of land regarded as an quickly or forcefully (into), b to start doing
administrative or geographical unit. 2 an (something) enthusiastically. —n 5 a head-
area which has recognizable or special fea- long plunge into water. 6 the act of diving. 7
tures: an upper-class residential district. a steep nose-down descent of a bird or air-
district high school n (in New Zealand) a
craft. 8 Slang a disreputable bar or club.
school in a rural area providing both prima- dive bomber n a military aircraft designed
ry and secondary education. to release bombs on a target during a dive,
dive-bomb vb
district nurse n (in Britain) a nurse who at-
tends to patients in their homes within a diver n 1 a person who works or explores
particular district. underwater. 2 a person who dives for sport.
3 a large diving bird of northern oceans
distrust vb 1 to regard as untrustworthy. with a straight pointed bill and webbed
~n 2 a feeling of suspicion or doubt, dis- feet.
trustful adj
diverge vb -verging, -verged 1 to separate
disturb vb 1 to intrude on; interrupt. 2 to and go in different directions. 2 to be at
upset or worry. 3 to disarrange; muddle. 4 variance; differ: the two books diverge in
to inconvenience, disturbing adj disturb- setting and in style. 3 to deviate (from a
ingly adv prescribed course), divergence n diver-
disturbance n 1 an interruption or intru- gent adj
sion. 2 an unruly outburst in public. diverse adj 1 having variety; assorted. 2
disturbed adj Psychiatry emotionally upset, different in kind.
troubled, or maladjusted. diversify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to create
disunite vb -niting, -nited to cause dis- different forms of; vary. 2 (of an enter-
agreement among, disunion n disunity n prise) to vary (products or operations) in
disuse n the state of being neglected or no order to expand or reduce the risk of loss,
longer used; neglect. diversification n
disused adj no longer used. diversion n 1 Chiefly Brit an official detour
disyllable n same as dissyllable. used by traffic when a main route is closed.
2 something that distracts someone’s atten-
ditch n 1 a narrow channel dug in the earth tion or concentration. 3 the act of diverting
for drainage or irrigation. -vb 2 Slang to from a specified course. 4 a pleasant or
abandon or discard: she ditched her boy- amusing pastime or activity, diversionary
friend last month. adj
dither vb 1 Chiefly Brit to be uncertain or diversity n 1 the quality of being different
indecisive. ~n 2 Chiefly Brit a state of in- or varied. 2 a point of difference.
decision or agitation, ditherer n dithery
divert vb 1 to change the course or direction
adj of (traffic). 2 to distract the attention of. 3
dithyramb n (in ancient Greece) a passion- to entertain or amuse.
ate choral hymn in honour of Dionysus, diverticulitis n inflammation of pouches in
dithyrambic adj the wall of the colon, causing lower ab-
ditto n, pl -tos 1 the above; the same: used in dominal pain.
lists to avoid repetition, and represented by divertimento n, pl -ti a piece of entertaining
the mark (,,) placed under the thing repeat- music in several movements.
ed. -adv 2 in the same way.
divest vb 1 to strip (of clothes). 2 to deprive
ditty n, pl -ties a short simple song or poem, of a role, function, or quality: the chairman
diuretic (die-yoor-et-ik) n a drug that in- felt duty-bound to stay with the company
creases the flow of urine. after it was divested of all its aviation in-
diurnal (die-urn-al) adj 1 happening during terests.
the day or daily. 2 (of animals) active dur- divide vb -viding, -vided 1 to separate into
ing the day. parts. 2 to share or be shared out in parts. 3
diva n, pl -vas or -ve a distinguished female to disagree or cause to disagree: experts are
singer; prima donna. divided over the plan. 4 to keep apart or be
dividend 226 do
a boundary between. 5 to categorize or clas- separated by divorce. 4 to remove or sepa-
sify. 6 to calculate how many times one rate.
number can be contained in another. ~n 7 a divorcee or masc divorce n a person who is
division or split. 8 Chiefly US & Canad an divorced.
area of high ground separating drainage divot n a small piece of turf.
basins. divulge vb -vulging, -vulged to make
dividend n 1 a portion of a company’s prof- known: I am not permitted to divulge his
its paid to its shareholders. 2 an extra ben- name, divulgence n
efit: Saudi progressives saw a dividend to divvy vb -vies, -vying, -vied divvy up In-
the crisis. 3 a number to be divided by an- formal to divide and share.
other number.
Diwali (duh-wah-lee) n an annual Hindu fes-
divider n a screen placed so as to divide a tival honouring Lakshmi, the goddess of
room into separate areas. wealth.
dividers pl n compasses with two pointed Dixie n the southern states of the US. Also
arms, used for measuring or dividing lines. called: Dixieland
divination n the art of discovering future DIY or d.i.y. Brit, Austral, & NZ do-it-
events as though by supernatural powers. yourself.
divine adj 1 of God or a god. 2 godlike. 3 In- dizzy adj -zier, -ziest 1 feeling giddy. 2 un-
formal splendid or perfect. ~n 4 a priest able to think clearly; confused. 3 tending to
who is learned in theology. -vb -vining, cause giddiness or confusion, —vb -zies,
-vined 5 to discover (something) by intui- -zying, -zied 4 to cause to feel giddy or con-
tion or guessing, divinely adv diviner n fused. dizzily adv dizziness n
diving bell n a diving apparatus with an DJ or dj disc jockey.
open bottom, supplied with compressed air djinni ordjinny n, pl djinn same as jinni.
from above.
dl decilitre(s).
diving board n a platform from which
swimmers may dive. DLitt or DLit 1 Doctor of Letters. 2 Doctor of
Literature.
diving suit n a waterproof suit used for div-
ing with a detachable helmet and an air dm decimetre(s).
supply. DM Deutschmark.
divining rod n a forked twig said to move DMus Doctor of Music.
when held over ground in which water or DNA deoxyribonucleic acid, the main con-
metal is to be found. stituent of the chromosomes of all organ-
divinity n, pl -ties 1 the study of religion. 2 a isms.
god or goddess. 3 the state of being divine. D-notice n Brit an official notice sent to
divisible adj capable of being divided, divis- newspapers prohibiting the publication of
ibility n certain security information.
division n 1 the separation of something into do1 vb does, doing, did, done 1 to perform
two or more distinct parts. 2 the act of di- or complete (a deed or action): we do a fair
viding or sharing out. 3 one of the parts into amount of entertaining. 2 to be adequate:
which something is divided. 4 the math- it’s not what I wanted but it will have to do.
ematical operation of dividing. 5 a differ- 3 to provide: this hotel only does bed and
ence of opinion. 6 a part of an organization breakfast. 4 to make tidy or elegant: he
that has been made into a unit for adminis- watched her do her hair. 5 to improve: that
trative or other reasons. 7 a formal vote in style does nothing for you. 6 to find an an-
Parliament. 8 one of the groups of teams swer to (a problem or puzzle). 7 to conduct
that make up a football or other sports oneself: do as you want. 8 to cause or pro-
league. 9 Army a major formation contain- duce: herbal teas have active ingredients
ing the necessary arms to sustain independ- that can do good. 9 to give or grant: do me a
ent combat. 10 Biol one of the major groups favour. 10 to work at as a course of study
into which the plant kingdom is divided, or a job. 11 to mimic. 12 to achieve a par-
corresponding to a phylum, divisional adj ticular speed, amount, or rate: this comput-
er system can do 40 different cross checks;
division sign n the symbol + , placed be- this car can do sixty miles to the gallon. 13
tween two numbers to indicate that the used: a to form questions: do you like it? b
first number should be divided by the sec- to intensify positive statements and
ond, as in 12 -r 6 = 2. commands: tensions do exist, c to form
divisive (div-vice-iv) adj tending to cause negative statements or commands: do not
disagreement: he played an important role talk while I’m talking! d to replace an earli-
in defusing potentially divisive issues. er verb: he drinks much more than I do. 14
divisor n a number to be divided into anoth- Informal to visit (a place) as a tourist: we
er number. plan to do the States this year. 15 Slang to
divorce n 1 the legal ending of a marriage. 2 serve (a period of time) as a prison sen-
a separation, esp. one that is permanent. tence. 16 Informal to cheat or rob: I was
-vb -vorclng, -vorced 3 to separate or be done out of ten pounds. 17 Slang a to arrest.
do 227 dog
b to convict of a crime: he was done for 3 record or report (something) in detail. 3 to
years for housebreaking. 18 Slang, chiefly support (a claim) with evidence.
Brit to assault. 19 Slang to take or use documentary n, pl -ries 1 a film or televi-
(drugs). 20 make do to manage with what- sion programme presenting the facts about
ever is available. —n, pl dos or do’s 21 In- a particular subject, -adj 2 of or based on
formal, chiefly Brit & NZ a party or other documents: vital documentary evidence has
social event. 22 do’s and don’ts Informal been found.
rules. ~See also do away with, do by, etc. documentation n documents supplied as
do2 n, pl dos Music same as doh. proof or evidence of something.
do away with vb to get rid of (someone or dodder vb to move unsteadily, dodderer n
something). doddery adj
Doberman pinscher or Doberman n a large doddle n Brit informal something easily ac-
dog with a glossy black-and-tan coat. complished: the test turned out to be a dod-
do by vb to treat in the manner specified: he dle.
felt badly done by. dodecagon (doe-deck-a-gon) n a polygon
doc n Informal same as doctor. with twelve sides.
docile adj (of a person or animal) easily con- dodecahedron (doe-deck-a-heed-ron) n a
trolled. docilely adv docility n solid figure with twelve plane faces.
dock1 n 1 an enclosed area of water where dodge vb dodging, dodged 1 to avoid being
ships are loaded, unloaded, or repaired. 2 a hit, caught, or seen by moving suddenly. 2
wharf or pier. -vb 3 to moor or be moored to evade by cleverness or trickery: the Gov-
at a dock. 4 to link (two spacecraft) or (of ernment will not be able to dodge the issue,
two spacecraft) to be linked together in —n 3 a cunning and deceitful trick.
space. Dodgem n Trademark a small electric car
dock2 vb 1 to deduct (an amount) from (a driven and bumped against similar cars in a
person’s wages). 2 to remove part of (an rink at a funfair.
animal’s tail) by cutting through the bone. dodger n a person who evades a duty or ob-
dock3 n an enclosed space in a court of law
ligation.
where the accused person sits or stands. dodgy adj dodgier, dodgiest Brit, Austral,
& NZ informal 1 dangerous, risky, or unre-
dock4 n a weed with broad leaves. liable: he’s in a very dodgy political posi-
docker n Brit a person employed to load and tion. 2 untrustworthy: they considered him
unload ships. a very dodgy character.
docket n 1 Chiefly Brit a label on a package dodo n, pl dodos or dodoes 1 a large extinct
or other delivery, stating contents, delivery bird that could not fly. 2 as dead as a dodo
instructions, etc. -vb -eting, -eted 2 to fix no longer existing.
a docket to (a package or other delivery). do down vb to belittle or humiliate: the
dockyard n a place where ships are built or moderate constructionist does not wish to
repaired. do science down.
Doc Martens pl n Trademark a brand of doe n, pl does or doe the female of the deer,
lace-up boots with thick lightweight resist- hare, or rabbit.
ant soles. DOE (in Britain) Department of the Envi-
doctor n 1 a person licensed to practise ronment.
medicine. 2 a person who has been awarded doek (rhymes with book) n S African in-
a doctorate. 3 Chiefly US & Canad a person formal a square of cloth worn on the head
licensed to practise dentistry or veterinary by women.
medicine. — vb 4 to change in order to de- doer n an active or energetic person.
ceive: she confessed to having doctored the does vb third person singular of the present
figures. 5 to poison or drug (food or drink). tense of do1.
6 to castrate (an animal), doctoral adj
doff vb to take off or lift (one’s hat) in salu-
doctorate n the highest academic degree in tation.
any field of knowledge.
do for vb Informal 1 to cause the ruin,
doctrinaire adj stubbornly insistent on the death, or defeat of: I’m done for if this error
application of a theory without regard to comes to light. 2 to do housework for. 3 do
practicality. well for oneself to thrive or succeed.
doctrine (dock-trin) n 1 a body of teachings dog n 1 a domesticated canine mammal oc-
of a religious, political, or philosophical curring in many different breeds. 2 any
group. 2 a principle or body of principles other member of the dog family, such as the
that is taught or advocated, doctrinal adj dingo or coyote. 3 the male of animals of the
docudrama n a film or television pro- dog family. 4 Informal a person: you lucky
gramme based on true events, presented in - dog! 5 US & Canad informal something un-
a dramatized form. satisfactory or inferior. 6 a dog’s life a
document n 1 a piece of paper that provides wretched existence. 7 dog eat dog ruthless
an official record of something. -vb 2 to competition. 8 like a dog’s dinner dressed
dog box 228 domestic
smartly and ostentatiously. -vb dogging, ship, from four to six pm or from six to
dogged 9 to follow (someone) closely. 10 to eight pm.
trouble: dogged by ill health. ~See also doh or do n Music (in tonic sol-fa) the first
dogs. note of any ascending major scale.
dog box n Austral & NZ informal same as doily or doyley n, pl -lies or -leys a decora-
doghouse. tive lacelike paper mat laid on a plate.
dogcart n a light horse-drawn two-wheeled do in vb Slang 1 to kill. 2 to exhaust.
cart. doings pl n 1 deeds or actions: her brother’s
dog collar n 1 a collar for a dog. 2 Informal doings upset her terribly. ~n 2 Informal
a clerical collar. anything of which the name is not known or
dog days pl n the hottest period of the is left unsaid: do you have the doings to
summer. open this?
doge (doje) n (formerly) the chief magis- do-it-yourself n the practice of constructing
trate of Venice or Genoa. and repairing things oneself.
dog-eared adj 1 (of a book) having pages Dolby n Trademark a system used in tape
folded down at the corner. 2 shabby or recorders which reduces noise level on re-
worn. corded or broadcast sound.
dog-end n Informal a cigarette end. doldrums n the doldrums 1 a a feeling of
dogfight n 1 close-quarters combat between depression, b a state of inactivity. 2 a belt
fighter aircraft. 2 any rough fight. of sea along the equator noted for absence
of winds.
dogfish n, pl -fish or-fishes a small shark,
dole n 1 the dole Brit & Austral informal
dogged (dog-gid) adj obstinately deter- money received from the state while unem-
mined. doggedly adv doggedness n ployed. 2 on the dole Brit & Austral infor-
doggerel n poorly written, usually comic, mal receiving unemployment benefit, -vb
verse. doling, doled 3 dole out to distribute in
doggo adv lie doggo Brit informal to hide small quantities.
and keep quiet. doleful adj dreary or mournful, dolefully
doggy or doggie n, pl -gies 1 a child’s word adv dolefulness n
for a dog. -adj -gier, -giest 2 of or like a doll n 1 a small model of a human being,
dog. 3 fond of dogs: dogs are all right but used as a toy. 2 Slang a pretty girl or young
doggy folk are real bores. woman.
doggy bag n a bag in which leftovers from a dollar n the standard monetary unit of the
meal may be taken away, supposedly for US, Canada, and various other countries.
the diner’s dog. dollop n Informal an amount of food served
doghouse n 1 US & Canad a kennel. 2 in the in a lump: he shook the bottle and added a
doghouse Informal in disfavour. large dollop of ketchup.
dogie, dogy, or dogey (dohg-ee) n, pl -gies doll up vb Slang get dolled up to dress (one-
or-geys US & Canad a motherless calf. self) in a stylish or showy manner.
dog in the manger n a person who prevents dolly n, pl -lies 1 a child’s word for a doll
others from using something he has no use (sense 1). 2 Films, television a wheeled
for. support on which a camera may be mount-
dogleg n a sharp bend. ed. 3 Also called: dolly bird Slang, chiefly
dogma n a doctrine or system of doctrines Brit an attractive and fashionable girl.
proclaimed by authority as true. dolman sleeve n a sleeve that is very wide
dogmatic adj habitually stating one’s opin- at the armhole and tapers to a tight wrist.
ions in a forceful or arrogant manner, dolmen n a prehistoric monument consisting
dogmatically adv dogmatism n of a horizontal stone supported by vertical
do-gooder n Informal a well-intentioned but stones, thought to be a tomb.
naive or impractical person. dolomite n a mineral consisting of calcium
dog paddle n a swimming stroke in which magnesium carbonate.
the hands are paddled in imitation of a dolphin n a sea mammal of the whale family,
swimming dog. with a long pointed snout.
dogs pl n 1 the dogs Brit informal grey- dolphinarium n an aquarium for dolphins,
hound racing. 2 go to the dogs Informal to esp. one in which they give public displays.
go to ruin physically or morally. 3 let dolt n a stupid person, doltish adj
sleeping dogs lie to leave things undis- domain n 1 a particular area of activity or
turbed. interest. 2 land under one ruler or govern-
dogsbody n, pl -bodies Informal a person ment.
who carries out boring or unimportant dome n 1 a rounded roof built on a circular
tasks for others. base. 2 something shaped like this.
dog-tired adj Informal exhausted, domed adj shaped like a dome.
dogwatch n either of two watches aboard domestic adj 1 of one’s own country or a
domesticate 229 doorstep
specific country: the domestic economy was 2 an expression of agreement: sixty pounds
generally better. 2 of the home or family. 3 seems reasonable, done! ~adj 3 (of a task)
enjoying home or family life: she was never completed. 4 (of food) cooked enough. 5
a very domestic sort of person. 4 intended used up: the milk is done. 6 socially accept-
for use in the home: the kitchen was able: the done thing. 7 Informal cheated or
equipped with all the latest domestic appli- tricked. 8 done in or up Informal exhaust-
ances. 5 (of an animal) bred or kept as a pet ed.
or for the supply of food. ~n 6 a household doner kebab n a dish of grilled minced
servant, domestically adv lamb, served in a split slice of unleavened
domesticate vb -eating, -cated 1 to bring or bread.
keep (wild animals or plants) under control donga (dong-ga) n S African, Austral, & NZ
or cultivation. 2 to accustom (someone) to a steep-sided gully created by soil erosion.
home life, domestication n donjon n the heavily fortified central tower
domesticity n, pl -ties 1 home life. 2 devo- of a castle.
tion to home life. Don Juan n a successful seducer of women.
domestic science n the study of cooking, donkey n 1 a long-eared member of the
needlework, and other household skills. horse family. 2 a person who is considered
domicile (dom-miss-ile) n a person’s regular to be stupid or stubborn.
dwelling place, domiciliary adj
donkey jacket n a man’s thick hip-length
domiciled adj living in a particular place: jacket with a waterproof panel across the
the holding company was domiciled in Ber- shoulders.
muda.
donkey’s years pl n Informal a long time,
dominant adj 1 having control, authority, or
influence: a dominant leader. 2 main or donkey-work nuninteresting groundwork,
chief: coal, is still worldwide, the dominant donnish adj resembling a university don;
fuel. 3 Genetics (in a pair of genes) desig- pedantic or fussy.
nating the gene that produces a particular donor n 1 Med a person who gives blood or
character in an organism, dominance n organs for use in the treatment of another
dominate vb -nating, -nated 1 to control or person. 2 a person who makes a donation.
govern. 2 to tower above (surroundings): donor card n a card carried by someone to
Dorchester is dominated by its abbey show that the body parts specified may be
church. 3 to predominate in. dominating used for transplants after the person’s
adj domination n death.
dominee (doom-in-nee) n S African a minis- Don Quixote (don kee-hoe-tee) n an imprac-
ter of the Dutch Reformed Church. tical idealist.
domineering adj acting arrogantly or ty- don’t do not.
rannically. doodle vb -dling, -died 1 to scribble or draw
Dominican n 1 a friar or nun of the Chris- aimlessly. ~n 2 a shape or picture drawn
tian order founded by Saint Dominic. ~adj aimlessly.
2 of the Dominican order. doom n 1 death or a terrible fate. ~vb 2 to
dominion n 1 control or authority. 2 the land destine or condemn to death or a terrible
governed by one ruler or government. 3 fate.
(formerly) a self-governing division of the doomsday or domesday n 1 the day on
British Empire. which the Last Judgment will occur. 2 any
domino1 n, pl -noes a small rectangular dreaded day.
block marked with dots, used in dominoes. door n 1 a hinged or sliding panel for closing
domino2 n, pl -noes or -nos a large hooded the entrance to a building, room, or cup-
cloak worn with an eye mask at a masquer- board. 2 a doorway or entrance. 3 a means
ade. of access or escape: the door to happiness. 4
dominoes n a game in which dominoes with lay something at someone’s door to blame
matching halves are laid together. someone for something. 5 out of doors in
don1 vb donning, donned to put on (cloth- the open air.
ing). doorjamb n one of the two vertical posts
don2 n 1 Brit a member of the teaching staff that form the sides of a door frame. Also
at a university or college. 2 a Spanish called: doorpost
gentleman or nobleman. 3 (in the Mafia) the doorman n, pl -men a man employed to be
head of a family. on duty at the main entrance of a large
donate vb -nating, -nated to give (some- building.
thing) to a charity or other organization. doormat n 1 a mat, placed at an entrance,
donation n 1 the act of donating. 2 a contri- for wiping dirt from shoes. 2 Informal a
bution to a charity or other organization. - person who offers little resistance to being
donder S African slang ~-vb 1 to beat treated badly.
(someone) up. ~n 2 a wretch; swine. doorstep n 1 a-step in front of a door. 2 In-
done vb 1 the past participle of do1. ~interj formal a thick slice of bread.
doorstop 230 double-barrelled
doorstop n a heavy object or one fixed to doss down vb Brit slang to sleep on a make-
the floor, which prevents a door from clos- shift bed.
ing or from striking a wall. dosshouse n Brit slang a cheap lodging
door-to-door adj 1 (of selling) from one house for homeless people.
house to the next. 2 (of a journey) direct. dossier (doss-ee-ay) n a collection of papers
doorway n an opening into a building or about a subject or person.
room. dot n 1 a small round mark. 2 the small
dop n S African informal a tot or small round mark used to represent the short
drink, usually alcoholic. sound in Morse code. 3 on the dot at exact-
dope n 1 Slang an illegal drug, such as can- ly the arranged time. ~vb dotting, dotted
nabis. 2 a drug administered to a person or 4 to mark with a dot. 5 to scatter or inter-
animal to affect performance in a race or sperse: there are numerous churches dotted
other sporting competition. 3 Informal a around Borne. 6 dot one’s i’s and cross
slow-witted person. 4 confidential informa- one’s t’s Informal to pay meticulous atten-
tion. 5 a thick liquid, such as a lubricant. tion to detail.
~vb doping, doped 6 to administer a drug dotage n feebleness of mind as a result of
to. old age.
dopey or dopy adj dopier, dopiest 1 Infor- dotard n a person who is feeble-minded
mal half-asleep, as when under the influ- through old age.
ence of a drug. 2 Slang silly.
doppelganger (dop-pl-geng-er) n Legend a dote vb doting, doted dote on or upon to
ghostly duplicate of a living person. love (someone or something) to an exces-
sive degree, doting adj
Doppler effect n a change in the apparent
frequency of a sound or light wave as a re- dotterel n a shore bird with reddish-brown
sult of relative motion between the observ- underparts and white bands around the
er and the source. head and neck.
Doric adj 1 of a style of classical architec- dottie n the tobacco left in a pipe after
ture characterized by a heavy fluted col- smoking.
umn and a simple capital. ~n 2 a rustic dia- dotty adj -tier, -tiest Slang, chiefly Brit
lect, esp. a Scots one. slightly crazy, dottiness n
dormant adj 1 temporarily quiet, inactive, double adj 1 as much again in size, strength,
or not being used. 2 Biol alive but in a rest- number, etc.: a double scotch. 2 composed
ing condition, dormancy n of two equal or similar parts. 3 designed for
dormer or dormer window n a window that two users: a double bed. 4 folded in half:
is built upright in a sloping roof. the blanket had been folded double. 5 stoop-
dormitory n, pl -ries 1 a large room, esp. at a ing: she was bent double over the flower
school, containing several beds. 2 US a bed. 6 ambiguous: a double meaning. 7
building, esp. at a college, providing living false, deceitful, or hypocritical: double
accommodation, —adj 3 Brit denoting an standards. 8 Music (of an instrument)
area from which most of the residents sounding an octave lower: a double bass.
commute to work: the swelling suburban ~adv 9 twice over: that's double the
dormitory areas. amount requested. ~n 10 twice the size,
Dormobile n Trademark a vanlike vehicle strength, number, etc. 11a double measure
specially equipped for living in while trav- of spirits. 12 a person who closely resem-
elling. bles another person. 13 a bet on two horses
in different races in which any winnings
dormouse n, pl -mice a small rodent resem- from the first race are placed on the horse
bling a mouse with a furry tail. in the later race. 14 at or on the double
dorp n S African a small town or village, quickly or immediately. ~vb -bling, -bled
dorsal adj Anat, zool of or on the back, 15 to make or become twice as much. 16 to
dory n, pl -ries a spiny-finned food fish. bend or fold so that one part covers anoth-
Also called: John Dory er. 17 to play two parts or serve two roles.
DOS Computers disk operating system. 18 to turn sharply. 19 Bridge to make a call
dose n 1 a specific quantity of a medicine that will double certain scoring points if the
taken at one time. 2 Informal something preceding bid becomes the contract. 20
double for to act as substitute. -See also
unpleasant to experience: a dose of the cold. double back, doubles, double up. doubler
3 the total energy of radiation absorbed. 4 n
Slang a sexually transmitted infection.
~vb dosing, dosed 5 to administer a quan- double agent n a spy employed by two
tity of medicine to (someone), dosage n enemy countries at the same time.
dosh n Slang money. double back vb to go back in the opposite
dosing strip n (in New Zealand) an area for direction: I doubled back searching for the
treating dogs suspected of having hydatid track.
disease. double-barrelled or US -barreled adj 1 (of a
double bass 231 dovetail
gun) having two barrels. 2 Brit (of doublethink n the acceptance of conflicting
surnames) having hyphenated parts. facts or principles at the same time.
double bass n a stringed instrument, the double time n 1 a doubled wage rate some-
largest and lowest member of the violin times paid for overtime work. 2 Music two
family. beats per bar.
double-breasted adj (of a garment) having double up vb 1 to bend or cause to bend in
overlapping fronts. two: she was doubled up with stomach
double-check vb to make certain by check- cramps. 2 to share with other people: we
ing again. only took two cars, so we had to double up.
double chin n a fold of fat under the chin. doubloon n a former Spanish gold coin,
double cream n Brit thick cream with a doubly adv 1 to or in a greater degree, quan-
high fat content. tity, or measure: I have to be doubly care-
double-cross vb 1 to cheat or betray. ~n 2 ful. 2 in two ways: the defence debate was
an instance of double-crossing, doubly complicated.
double-dealing n treacherous or deceitful doubt n 1 uncertainty about the truth, facts,
behaviour. or existence of something. 2 an unresolved
double-decker n 1 Chiefly Brit a bus with difficulty or point. 3 give someone the
two passenger decks one on top of the benefit of the doubt accept that someone
other. -adj 2 Informal having two layers: a is speaking the truth. 4 no doubt almost
double-decker sandwich. certainly, —vb 5 to be inclined to disbe-
lieve: I doubt that we are late. 6 to distrust
double Dutch n Brit informal speech or or be suspicious of: he doubted their mo-
writing that is difficult to understand: it tives. doubter n
was double Dutch to me. ► If doubt is followed by a clause it is con-
double-edged adj 1 (of a remark) malicious nected by that or whether: I doubt whether
in intent though apparently complimentary. she means it. If it is used with a negative it
2 (of a knife) having a cutting edge on is followed by that: I don’t doubt that he is
either side of the blade. sincere.
double entendre (doob-bl on-tond-ra) n a doubtful adj 1 unlikely or improbable: it’s
word or phrase with two interpretations, doubtful that I will marry again. 2 unsure
esp. with one meaning that is rude. or uncertain: I was doubtful about some of
double entry n a book-keeping system in his ideas, doubtfully adv doubtfulness n
which a transaction is entered as a debit in doubtless adv probably or almost certainly:
one account and as a credit in another. somebody will know and doubtless some-
double glazing n a window consisting of body will ring us.
two layers of glass separated by a space, douche (doosh) n 1 a stream of water di-
fitted to reduce heat loss. rected onto or into the body for cleansing or
double Gloucester n a smooth orange-red medical purposes. 2 an instrument for ap-
cheese with a mild flavour. plying a douche. -vb douching, douched 3
double-jointed adj (of a person) having un- to cleanse or treat by means of a douche.
usually flexible joints. dough n 1 a thick mixture of flour and
double knitting n a medium thickness of water or milk, used for making bread, pas-
knitting wool. try, or biscuits. 2 Slang money.
double negative n a grammatical construc- doughnut n a small cake of sweetened
tion, considered incorrect, in which two dough cooked in hot fat.
negatives are used where one is needed, for doughty (dowt-ee) adj -tier, -tiest Old-
example I wouldn ’t never have believed it. fashioned brave and determined.
double-park vb to park (a vehicle) alongside do up vb 1 to wrap and make into a bundle:
another vehicle, causing an obstruction. he did up the parcel. 2 to fasten: to do up
double pneumonia n pneumonia affecting one’s blouse. 3 to renovate or redecorate.
both lungs. dour (doo-er) adj sullen and unfriendly,
double-quick adj 1 very quick, -adv 2 in a doumess n
very quick manner. douse or dowse (rhymes with mouse) vb
doubles n a game between two pairs of dousing, doused or dowsing, dowsed 1 to
players. drench with water or other liquid. 2 to put
double standard n a set of principles that out (a light).
allows greater freedom to one person or dove n 1 a bird with a heavy body, small
group than to another. head, and short legs. 2 Politics a person op-
doublet (dub-lit) n History a man’s close- posed to war.
fitting jacket, with or without sleeves. dovecote or dovecot n a box, shelter, or
double take n a delayed reaction by a per- - part of a house built for doves or pigeons to
son to a remark or situation: she did a dou- live in.
ble take when he said he was leaving. dove-grey adj greyish-brown.
double talk n deceptive or ambiguous talk. dovetail n 1 Also called: dovetail joint a
dowager 232 downwind
wedge-shaped joint used to fit two pieces of er, or narcotic. 2 on a downer in a state of
wood tightly together. —vb 2 to fit together depression.
closely or neatly: her resignation dovetails downfall n 1 a sudden loss of position or
well with the new structure. reputation. 2 the cause of this.
dowager n a woman possessing property or downgrade vb -grading, -graded to reduce
a title obtained from her dead husband. in importance or value.
dowdy adj -dier, -diest wearing dull and un- downhearted adj sad and discouraged,
fashionable clothes, dowdily adv dowdi- downhill adj 1 going or sloping down, —adv
ness n 2 towards the bottom of a hill. 3 go down-
dowel n a wooden or metal peg that fits into hill Informal to deteriorate.
two corresponding holes to join larger Downing Street n the British prime minister
pieces of wood or metal together. or the British government.
dower n 1 the life interest in a part of her download vb to transfer (data) from the
husband’s estate allotted to a widow by memory of one computer to that of another,
law. 2 Archaic a dowry. down-market adj cheap, popular, and of
dower house n a house for the use of a poor quality.
widow, often on her deceased husband’s es- down payment n the deposit paid on an
tate. item purchased on hire-purchase, mortgage,
do with vb 1 could do with need or would etc.
benefit from: I could do with some royal downpour n a heavy continuous fall of rain,
treatment. 2 have to do with to be associ- downright adv, adj extreme or extremely:
ated with: his illness has a lot to do with his it’s just downright cruel.
failing the exam. 3 to do with concerning; down-river adj, adv nearer the mouth of a
related to: this book has to do with the oc- river.
cult. downs pl n an area of low grassy hills, esp.
do without vb to manage without. in S England.
down1 prep 1 from a higher to a lower posi- downside n the disadvantageous aspect of a
tion in or on. 2 at a lower or further level or situation: the downside of capitalism.
position on, in, or along: I wandered down downsize vb 1 to reduce the number of peo-
the corridor, -adv 3 at or to a lower level ple employed by (a company). 2 to reduce
or position: he bent down. 4 indicating low- the size of or produce a smaller version of
ering or destruction: to bring down an air- (something).
craft. 5 indicating intensity or completion: Down’s syndrome n Pathol a genetic disor-
calm down and mind your manners. 6 im- der characterized by a flat face, slanting
mediately: cash down. 7 on paper: she eyes, and mental retardation.
copied it down. 8 away from a more impor-
tant place: he came down from head office. downstairs adv 1 down the stairs; to or on a
9 reduced to a state of lack: he was down to lower floor, —n 2 a lower or ground floor.
his last pound. 10 lacking a specified downstream adv, adj in or towards the
amount: down several pounds. 11 lower in lower part of a stream; with the current.
price. 12 from an earlier to a later time: the downtime n Commerce time during which a
ring was handed down from my grand- computer or other machine is not working.
mother. 13 to a finer state: to grind down. down-to-earth adj sensible or practical,
14 Sport being a specified number of points downtown Chiefly US, Canad, & NZ ~n 1
or goals behind an opponent. 15 (of a per- the central or lower part of a city, esp. the
son) being inactive, owing to illness: down main commercial area, -adv 2 towards, to,
with the cold, -adj 16 depressed or un- or into this area.
happy: he seems very down today. 17 made downtrodden adj oppressed and lacking the
in cash: a down payment, -vb 18 Informal will to resist.
to eat or drink quickly. ~n 19 have a down downturn n a drop in the success of an
on Informal to feel hostile towards: you economy or a business.
seem to have a down on the family tonight.
down under Informal ~n 1 Australia or
down2 n soft fine feathers, downy adj New Zealand, -adv 2 in or to Australia or
down-and-out n 1 a person who is homeless New Zealand.
and destitute, -adj 2 without any means of downward adj 1 descending from a higher to
support; destitute. a lower level, condition, or position, -adv
downbeat adj Informal 1 depressed or 2 same as downwards, downwardly adv
gloomy: she was in one of her downbeat downwards or downward adv 1 from a
moods. 2 casual and restrained: the higher to a lower level, condition, or posi-
chairman’s statement was decidedly down- tion. 2 from an earlier time or source to a
beat. ~n 3 Music the first beat of a bar. later one.
downcast adj 1 sad and dejected. 2 (of the downwind adv, adj in the same direction
eyes) directed downwards. towards which the wind is blowing; with
downer n Slang 1 a barbiturate, tranquilliz- the wind from behind.
dowry 233 dramatic
dowry n, pl -ries the property brought by a 16 Aeronautics the resistance to the motion
woman to her husband at marriage. of a body passing through air. 17 in drag
dowse (rhymes with cows) vb dowsing, (of a man) wearing women’s clothes, usual-
dowsed to search for underground water or ly as a form of entertainment. -See also
minerals using a divining rod. dowser n drag up.
doxology n, pl -gies a hymn or verse of draggle vb -gling, -gled to make or become
praise to God. wet or dirty by trailing on the ground.
doyen (doy-en) n the senior member of a dragnet n a net used to scour the bottom of
group, profession, or society. doyenne a pond or river when searching for some-
(doy-en) fem n thing.
doze vb dozing, dozed 1 to sleep lightly or dragoman n, pl -mans or -men (in some
for a short period. 2 doze off to fall into a Middle Eastern countries) a professional in-
light sleep. ~n 3 a short sleep. terpreter or guide.
dozen adj, n twelve, dozenth adj dragon n 1 a mythical monster that resem-
dozy adj dozier, doziest 1 feeling sleepy. 2 bles a large fire-breathing lizard. 2 Informal
Brit informal stupid and slow-witted. a fierce woman. 3 chase the dragon Slang
to smoke opium or heroin.
DP displaced person.
dragonfly n, pl -flies a brightly coloured in-
DPP (in Britain) Director of Public Prosecu- sect with a long slender body and two pairs
tions. of wings.
Dr 1 Doctor. 2 Drive. dragoon n 1 a heavily armed cavalryman.
drab adj drabber, drabbest 1 dull and —vb 2 to coerce or force: we were
dreary. 2 light olive-brown, drabness n dragooned into participating in the compe-
drachm (dram) n Brit a unit of liquid meas- tition.
ure equal to one eighth of a fluid ounce drag race n a race in which specially built
(3.55 ml). or modified cars or motorcycles are timed
drachma n, pl -mas or -mae the standard over a measured course, drag racing n
monetary unit of Greece. drag up vb Informal to revive (an unpleas-
draconian adj severe or harsh: draconian ant fact or story).
measures were taken by the government. drain n 1 a pipe that carries off water or
draft n 1 a preliminary outline of a letter, sewage. 2 a cause of a continuous reduction
book, or speech. 2 a written order for pay- in energy or resources: the expansion will
ment of money by a bank. 3 US & Austral be a drain on resources. 3 a metal grid on a
selection for compulsory military service. road or pavement through which rainwater
~vb 4 to write a preliminary outline of a flows. 4 down the drain wasted. — vb 5 to
letter, book, or speech. 5 to send (person- draw off or remove (liquid) from. 6 to flow
nel) from one place to another to carry out (away) or filter (off). 7 to dry or be emptied
a specific job. 6 US & Austral to select for as a result of liquid running off or flowing
compulsory military service. ~n, vb 7 US away. 8 to drink the entire contents of (a
same as draught. glass or cup). 9 to make constant demands
drag vb dragging, dragged 1 to pull with on (energy or resources); exhaust. 10 (of a
force along the ground. 2 to trail on the river) to carry off the surface water from
ground. 3 to persuade (someone) to go (an area).
somewhere: he didn’t want to come so I had drainage n 1 a system of pipes, drains, or
to drag him along. 4 to move (oneself) slow- ditches used to drain water or other liquids.
ly and with difficulty: I had to drag myself 2 the process or a method of draining.
out of bed this morning. 5 to linger behind: draining board n a grooved surface at the
she dragged along behind her mother. 6 to side of a sink, used for draining washed
search (a river) with a dragnet or hook. 7 to dishes.
draw (on a cigarette). 8 Computers to move drainpipe n a pipe for carrying off rain-
(a graphics image) from one place to anoth- water or sewage.
er on the screen by manipulating a mouse drake n the male of a duck.
with its button held down. 9 drag away or
from to force (oneself) to come away from dram n 1 a small amount of spirits, such as
something interesting: I was completely whisky. 2 a unit of weight equal to one six-
spellbound and couldn’t drag myself away teenth of an ounce (avoirdupois).
from the film. 10 drag on or out to last or drama n 1 a serious play for theatre, televi-
be prolonged tediously: winter dragged on. sion, or radio. 2 plays in general, as a form
11 drag one’s feet Informal to act with de- of literature. 3 the art of writing, produc-
liberate slowness. ~n 12 a person or thing ing, or acting in a play. 4 a situation that is
that slows up progress. 13 Informal a tedi- exciting or highly emotional.
ous or boring thing: it was a drag having to "dramatic adj 1 of or relating to drama. 2 like
walk 2 miles to the station every day. 14 In- a drama in suddenness or effectiveness: the
formal a draw on a cigarette. 15 an imple- government's plan has had a dramatic ef-
ment, such as a dragnet, used for dragging. fect on employment in television. 3 acting
dramatics 234 drawstring
or performed in a flamboyant way: he thing) out of a container: he drew a gun and
spread his hands in a dramatic gesture of laid it on the table. 4 to take (something)
helplessness, dramatically adv from a particular source: the inhabitants
dramatics n 1 the art of acting or producing drew water from the well two miles away. 5
plays. —pl n 2 exaggerated, theatrical be- to move in a specified direction: he drew
haviour. alongside me. 6 to attract: she drew enthu-
dramatis personae (drah-mat-tiss per- siastic audiences from all over the country.
soh-nigh) pl n the characters in a play. 7 to formulate or decide: he drew similar
dramatist n a playwright. conclusions. 8 to cause to flow: the barman
nodded and drew two pints. 9 to choose or
dramatize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or be given by lottery: Brazil have drawn
-tising, -tised 1 to rewrite (a book or story) Spain in the semi-final of the Cup. 10 (of
in a form suitable for performing on stage. two teams or contestants) to finish a game
2 to express (something) in a dramatic or with an equal number of points. 11 Archery
exaggerated way: he dramatizes his illness. to bend (a bow) by pulling the string. 12 to
dramatization or -tisation n cause (pus) to discharge from an abscess or
drank vb the past tense of drink. wound, —n 13 a raffle or lottery. 14 Infor-
drape vb draping, draped 1 to cover with mal a person, place, show, or event that at-
material or fabric. 2 to hang or arrange in tracts a large audience. 15 a contest or
folds. 3 to place casually: he draped his arm game ending in a tie. ~See also drawback,
across the back of the seat. ~See also draw in, etc.
drapes. drawback n 1 a disadvantage or hindrance.
draper n Brit a person who sells fabrics and -vb draw back 2 to move backwards: the
sewing materials. girl drew back as though in pain. 3 to turn
drapery n, pl -peries 1 fabric or clothing ar- aside from an undertaking: Labour drew
ranged and draped. 2 fabrics and cloth col- back from a commitment to repeal legisla-
lectively. tion introducing the council tax.
drapes pl n Chiefly US & Canad curtains, drawbridge n a bridge that may be raised to
drastic adj strong and severe: the police are prevent access or to enable vessels to pass.
taking drastic measures against car thieves. drawer n 1 a sliding box-shaped part of a
drastically adv piece of furniture used for storage. 2 a per-
drat interj Slang an exclamation of annoy- son or thing that draws.
ance. drawers pl n Old-fashioned an undergar-
draught or US draft n 1 a current of cold air, ment worn on the lower part of the body.
usually one coming into a room or vehicle. 2 draw in vb 1 (of a train) to arrive at a sta-
a portion of liquid to be drunk, esp. a dose tion. 2 the nights are drawing in the hours
of medicine. 3 a gulp or swallow, she took a of daylight are becoming shorter.
deep draught then a sip. 4 on draught (of drawing n 1 a picture or plan made by
beer) drawn from a cask. 5 one of the flat means of lines on a surface. 2 the art of
discs used in the game of draughts. US and making drawings.
Canad. equivalent: checker 6 feel the
draught to be short of money, -adj 7 (of drawing pin n Brit a short tack with a broad
an animal) used for pulling heavy loads: smooth head used for fastening papers to a
horses are specialized draught animals. drawing board or other surface.
draught beer n beer stored in a cask, drawing room n a room where visitors are
received and entertained.
draughtboard n a square board divided into
64 squares, used for playing draughts, drawl vb 1 to speak slowly with long vowel
sounds. ~n 2 the way of speech of someone
draughts n a game for two players using a who drawls, drawling adj
draughtboard and 12 draughtsmen each.
draughtsman or US draftsman n, pl -men 1 drawn vb 1 the past participle of draw.
a person employed to prepare detailed scale -adj 2 haggard, tired, or tense in appear-
drawings of equipment, machinery, or ance.
buildings. 2 a person skilled in drawing. 3 draw off vb to cause (a liquid) to flow from
US and Canad. equivalent: checker Brit a something.
flat disc used in the game of draughts, draw on vb 1 to make use of from a source
draughtsmanship n or fund: they are able to draw on a reper-
draughty or US drafty adj draughtier, toire of around 400 songs. 2 (of a period of
draughtiest or US draftier, draftiest ex- time) to come near or pass by: summer
posed to draughts of air. draughtily adv draws on; time draws on.
draughtiness n draw out vb 1 (of a train) to leave a station.
draw vb drawing, drew, drawn 1 to sketch 2 to encourage (someone) to talk freely:
(a picture, pattern, or diagram) with a pen therapy groups will continue to draw her
or pencil. 2 to cause (a person or thing) to out. 3 draw out of to find out (information)
move closer or further away from a place from.
by pulling. 3 to bring, take, or pull (some- drawstring n a cord run through a hem
draw up 235 dressy
around an opening, so that when it is pulled give medicine to (an animal), drenching n,
tighter, the opening closes. adj
draw up vb 1 to prepare and write out: the Dresden or Dresden china n delicate and
signatories drew up a draft agreement. 2 (of decorative porcelain made near Dresden,
a vehicle) to come to a halt. East Germany.
dray n a low cart used for carrying heavy dress n 1 a one-piece garment worn by a
loads. woman or girl, with a skirt and bodice and
dread vb 1 to anticipate with apprehension sometimes sleeves. 2 complete style of
or terror. —n 2 great fear. clothing: contemporary dress, —adj 3 suit-
dreadful adj 1 extremely disagreeable or able for a formal occasion: he was wearing
shocking. 2 extreme: there were dreadful a dress shirt, -vb 4 to put clothes on. 5 to
delays, dreadfully adv put on formal clothes. 6 to apply protective
covering to (a wound). 7 to cover (a salad)
dreadlocks pl n hair worn in the Rastafar- with dressing. 8 to prepare (meat, poultry,
ian style of tightly curled strands. or fish) for selling or cooking by cleaning or
dream n 1 an imagined series of events ex- gutting. 9 to put a finish on (the surface of
perienced in the mind while asleep. 2 a stone, metal, or other building material).
daydream: I dream of sailing in that sea, —See also dress up.
among those islands. 3 a goal or aim: his ul- dressage (dress-ahzh) n a the method of
timate dream is to form a British team ca- training horses to perform manoeuvres as a
pable of winning the Tour de France. 4 a display of obedience, b the manoeuvres
wonderful person or thing: her house is a performed.
dream. —vb dreaming, dreamt or
dreamed 5 to experience (a dream). 6 to in- dress circle n the first gallery in a theatre.
dulge in daydreams. 7 to be unrealistic: dresser1 n 1 a piece of furniture with
you’re dreaming if you think we can win. 8 shelves and cupboards, used for storing or
dream of to consider the possibility of: she displaying dishes. 2 US a chest of drawers.
would not dream of taking his advice. 9 dresser2 n 1 a person who dresses in a
dream of or about to have an image of or specified way: a snappy dresser. 2 Theatre
fantasy about: they often dream about a person employed to assist performers
what life will be like for them on the out- with their costumes.
side. —adj 10 beautiful or pleasing: a dressing n 1 a sauce for food: salad dress-
dream kitchen, dreamer n ing. 2 US & Canad same as stuffing (sense
dream up vb to formulate in the imagina- 1). 3 a covering for a wound. 4 manure or
tion: a character dreamt up by a script- fertilizer spread on land. 5 a gluey material
writer. used for stiffening paper, textiles, etc.
dreamy adj dreamier, dreamiest 1 vague or dressing-down n Informal a severe repri-
impractical: she was wild-eyed and dreamy. mand.
2 relaxing or gentle: I felt this dreamy con- dressing gown n a loose-fitting garment
tentment. 3 Informal wonderful or impres- worn over one’s pyjamas or nightdress.
sive: he drives a dreamy Jaguar, dreamily dressing room n a room used for changing
adv dreaminess n clothes and applying make-up, esp. a back-
dreary adj drearier, dreariest dull or unin- stage room in a theatre.
teresting: there are long streets of dreary dressing table n a piece of bedroom furni-
red houses spreading everywhere, drearily ture with a mirror and a set of drawers.
adv dreariness n dressmaker n a person who makes clothes
dredge1 n 1 a machine used to scoop or suck for women, dressmaking n
up silt or mud from a river bed or harbour. dress rehearsal n 1 the last rehearsal of a
—vb dredging, dredged 2 to remove silt or play, opera, or show using costumes, light-
mud from (a river bed or harbour) by means ing, and other effects. 2 any full-scale prac-
of a dredge. 3 to search for (a submerged tice: astronauts are in the midst of a two
object) with or as if with a dredge, dredger day dress rehearsal of their launch count-
n down.
dredge2 vb dredging, dredged to sprinkle dress shirt n a man’s evening shirt, worn as
(food) with a substance, such as flour, part of formal evening dress.
dredger n dress suit n a man’s evening suit.
dredge up vb Informal to remember (some- dress up vb 1 to put on glamorous or stylish
thing obscure or half-forgotten): I didn’t re- clothes. 2 to put fancy dress on: the guests
tain you to dredge up unfortunate incidents dressed up like cowboys. 3 to disguise
from my past. (something) to make it more attractive or
dregs pl n 1 solid particles that settle at the acceptable: the offer was simply an old one
bottom of some liquids. 2 the dregs the dressed up in new terms.
worst or most despised elements: the dregs dressy adj dressier, dressiest 1 (of clothes
of colonial society. or occasions) elegant. 2 (of people) dressing
drench vb 1 to make completely wet. 2 to stylishly, dressiness n
drew 236 drive-thru
drew vb the past tense of draw, himself senseless every night. 4 drink
drey ordray n a squirrel’s nest. someone’s health to wish someone health
dribble vb -bling, -bled 1 to flow or allow to or happiness with a toast. 5 drink in to pay
flow in a thin stream or drops. 2 to allow sa- close attention to: I drank in what the
liva to trickle from the mouth. 3 (in soccer, speaker said. 6 drink to to drink a toast: I
hockey, etc.) to propel (the ball) by kicking drank to their engagement. ~n 7 liquid
or tapping in quick succession. ~n 4 a suitable for drinking. 8 a portion of liquid
small quantity of liquid falling in drops or for drinking. 9 alcohol, or the habit of
flowing in a thin stream. 5 a small supply: drinking too much of it. drinkable adj
there’s only a dribble of milk left. 6 an act drinker n
or instance of dribbling, dribbler n drink-driving adj of or relating to driving a
dribs and drabs pl n Informal small occa- car after drinking alcohol: a drink-driving
sional amounts. offence.
dried vb the past of dry. drip vb dripping, dripped 1 to fall or let fall
drier1 adj a comparative of dry. in drops. ~n 2 the falling of drops of liquid.
drier2 n same as dryer1. 3 the sound made by falling drops. 4 Infor-
driest adj a superlative of dry. mal a weak or foolish person. 5 Med a de-
vice that administers a liquid drop by drop
drift vb 1 to be carried along by currents of into a vein.
air or water. 2 to move aimlessly from one
place or activity to another. 3 to wander drip-dry adj 1 (of clothes or fabrics) de-
away from a fixed course or point. 4 (of signed to dry without creases if hung up
snow) to pile up in heaps. ~n 5 something when wet. -vb -dries, -drying, -dried 2 to
piled up by the wind or current, as a snow- dry or become dry thus.
drift. 6 a general movement or develop- drip-feed vb -feeding, -fed 1 to feed (some-
ment: there has been a drift away from one) a liquid drop by drop, usually through
family control. 7 the main point of an ar- a vein. ~n drip feed 2 same as drip (sense
gument or speech: I was beginning to get his 5).
drift. 8 the extent to which a vessel or air- dripping n the fat that comes from meat
craft is driven off course by winds, etc. 9 a while it is being roasted or fried.
current of water created by the wind. drive vb driving, drove, driven 1 to guide
drifter n 1 a person who moves aimlessly the movement of (a vehicle). 2 to transport
from place to place. 2 a boat used for drift- or be transported in a vehicle. 3 to goad into
net fishing. a specified state: -the black despair that fi-
drift net n a fishing net that is allowed to nally drove her to suicide. 4 to push or pro-
drift with the tide. pel: he drove the nail into the wall with a
driftwood n wood floating on or washed hammer. 5 Sport to hit (a ball) very hard
ashore by the sea. and straight. 6 Golf to strike (the ball) with
drill1 n 1 a machine or tool for boring holes. 2 a driver. 7 to chase (game) from cover. 8
Mil training in procedures or movements, as drive home to make (a point) clearly
for parades. 3 strict and often repetitious understood by emphasis. ~n 9 a journey in
training. 4 Informal correct procedure: he a driven vehicle. 10 a road for vehicles, esp.
knows the drill as well as anybody. -vb 5 a private road leading to a house. 11a spe-
to bore a hole in (something) with or as if cial effort made by a group of people for a
with a drill. 6 to instruct or be instructed in particular purpose: a charity drive. 12 en-
military procedures or movements. 7 to ergy, ambition, or initiative. 13 Psychol a
teach by rigorous exercises or training. motive or interest: sex drive. 14 a sustained
drill2 n 1 a machine for planting seeds in and powerful military offensive. 15 the
rows. 2 a furrow in which seeds are sown. 3 means by which power is transmitted in a
a row of seeds planted by means of a drill. machine. 16 Sport a hard straight shot or
- vb 4 to plant (seeds) by means of a drill. stroke.
drill2 n a hard-wearing cotton cloth, used for drive at vb Informal to intend or mean: he
uniforms. had no idea what she was driving at.
drill4 n a W African monkey, related to the drive-in n 1 a cinema, restaurant, etc. offer-
mandrill. ing a service where people remain in their
drilling platform n an offshore structure cars while using the service provided, -adj
that supports a drilling rig. 2 denoting a cinema, etc. of this kind.
drilling rig n the complete machinery, drivel n 1 foolish talk, —vb -elling, -elled or
equipment, and structures needed to drill US -eling, -eled 2 to speak foolishly. 3 to
an offshore oil well. allow (saliva) to flow from the mouth.
drily or dryly adv in a dry manner. driven vb the past participle of drive.
drink vb drinking, drank, drunk 1 to swal- drive-thru n 1 a takeaway restaurant, bank,
low (a liquid). 2 to consume alcohol, esp. to etc., designed so that customers can use it
excess. 3 to bring (oneself) into a specified without leaving their cars, -adj 2 denoting
condition by consuming alcohol: he drank a restaurant etc. of this kind.
driveway 237 drum
driveway n a path for vehicles connecting a 3 to abandon or withdraw (from an institu-
building to a public road. tion or group).
driving licence n an official document dropper n a small tube with a rubber part at
authorizing a person to drive a motor vehi- one end for drawing up and dispensing
cle. drops of liquid.
drizzle n 1 very light rain. ~vb -zling, -zled droppings pl n the dung of certain animals,
2 to rain lightly, drizzly adj such as rabbits or birds.
droll adj quaintly amusing, drollery n drol- drops pl n any liquid medication applied by
ly adv means of a dropper.
dromedary (drom-mid-er-ee) n, pl -daries a drop scone n a flat spongy cake made by
camel with a single hump. dropping a spoonful of batter on a hot grid-
drone1 n 1 a male honeybee. 2 a person who dle.
lives off the work of others. dropsy n an illness in which watery fluid
drone2 vb droning, droned 1 to make a mo- collects in the body, dropsical adj
notonous low dull sound. 2 drone on to talk drosky or droshky n, pl -kies an open four-
in a monotonous tone without stopping. ~n wheeled carriage, formerly used in Russia.
3 a monotonous low dull sound. 4 a single- dross n 1 the scum formed on the surfaces
reed pipe in a set of bagpipes. of molten metals. 2 anything of inferior
drool vb 1 drool over to show excessive en- quality: we can't publish this dross.
thusiasm for or pleasure in. 2 same as driv- drought n a prolonged period of time during
el (senses 2, 3). which no rain falls.
droop vb 1 to sag, as from weakness or lack drove1 vb the past tense of drive.
of support. 2 to be overcome by weariness: drove2 n 1 a herd of livestock being driven
her eyelids drooped as if she were falling together. 2 a moving crowd of people.
asleep, drooping adj drover n a person who drives sheep or cat-
droopy adj hanging or sagging downwards: tle.
a droopy moustache. drown vb 1 to die or kill by immersion in
drop vb dropping, dropped 1 to fall or liquid. 2 to drench thoroughly. 3 to make (a
allow (something) to fall vertically. 2 to de- sound) impossible to hear by making a loud
crease in amount, strength, or value. 3 to noise.
fall to the ground, as from exhaustion. 4 to drowse vb drowsing, drowsed to be sleepy,
sink to a lower position, as on a scale. 5 to dull, or sluggish.
mention casually: he dropped a hint. 6 to drowsy adj drowsier, drowsiest 1 feeling
set down (passengers or goods): can you sleepy. 2 peaceful and quiet: row upon row
drop me at the hotel? 7 Informal to send: of windows looked out over drowsy park-
drop me a letter. 8 to discontinue: can we land. drowsily adv drowsiness n
drop the subject? 9 Informal to be no longer
drubbing n an utter defeat, as in a contest:
friendly with: I dropped him when I discov-
ered his political views. 10 to leave out in the Communists received a drubbing.
speaking: he has a tendency to drop his h’s. drudge n 1 a person who works hard at
11 (of animals) to give birth to (offspring). an uninteresting task. ~vb drudging,
12 Sport to omit (a player) from a team. 13 drudged 2 to work at such tasks.
to lose (a game or point). 14 drop back to drudgery n uninteresting work that must be
progress more slowly than other people done.
going in the same direction. 15 drop in or drug n 1 any substance used in the treat-
by Informal to pay someone a casual visit. ment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. 2
~n 16 a small quantity of liquid forming a a chemical substance, such as a narcotic,
round shape. 17 a small quantity of liquid. taken for the effects it produces. ~vb
18 a small round sweet: a lemon drop. 19 a drugging, drugged 3 to administer a drug
decrease in amount, strength, or value. 20 to (a person or animal) in order to induce
the vertical distance that anything may sleepiness or unconsciousness. 4 to mix a
fall. 21 the act of unloading troops or sup- drug with (food or drink).
plies by parachute. ~See also drop off, drug addict n a person who is dependent on
dropout, drops. narcotic drugs.
drop curtain n Theatre a curtain that can be druggist n US& Canad a pharmacist,
raised and lowered onto the stage. drugstore n US & Canad a pharmacy where
droplet n a very small drop of liquid. a wide variety of goods are available.
drop off vb 1 to set down (passengers or Druid n a member of an ancient order of
goods). 2 Informal to fall asleep. 3 to de- Celtic priests. Druidic or Druidical adj
crease or decline: sales dropped off during drum n 1 a percussion instrument sounded
our period of transition. ~ by striking a skin stretched across the open-
dropout n 1 a person who rejects conven- ing of a hollow cylinder. 2 the sound pro-
tional society. 2 a student who does not duced by a drum. 3 an object shaped like a
complete a course of study. ~vb drop out drum: an oil drum. 4 same as eardrum.
drumbeat 238 duchy
-vb drumming, drummed 5 to play dry dock n a dock that can be pumped dry
(music) on a drum. 6 to tap rhythmically or to permit work on a ship’s bottom.
regularly: he drummed his fingers on the dryer1 n any device that removes moisture
desk. 7 to fix in someone’s mind by constant by heating or by hot air.
repetition: my father always drummed into dryer2 adj same as drier1.
us how privileged we were. -See also dry ice n solid carbon dioxide used as a re-
drum up. drummer n frigerant.
drumbeat n the sound made by beating a dryly adv same as drily.
drum.
dry out vb 1 to make or become dry. 2 to
drumhead n the part of a drum that is undergo or cause to undergo treatment for
struck. alcoholism or drug addiction.
drum machine n a synthesizer programmed dry rot n 1 crumbling and drying of timber,
to reproduce the sound of percussion in- caused by certain fungi. 2 a fungus causing
struments. this decay.
drum major n the noncommissioned officer dry run n Informal a rehearsal.
in the army who is in command of the dry-stone adj (of a wall) made without mor-
drums and the band when paraded togeth- tar.
er.
dry up vb 1 to make or become dry. 2 to dry
drum majorette n a girl who marches at the (dishes, cutlery, etc.) with a tea towel after
head of a procession, twirling a baton. they have been washed. 3 (of a resource) to
drumstick n 1 a stick used for playing a come to and end. 4 Informal to stop speak-
drum. 2 the lower joint of the leg of a ing: she suddenly dried up in the middle of
cooked fowl. her speech.
drum up vb to obtain (support or business) DSC Mil Distinguished Service Cross.
by making requests or canvassing. DSO Brit mil Distinguished Service Order.
drunk vb 1 the past participle of drink. DSS Brit Department of Social Security.
-adj 2 intoxicated with alcohol to the ex- DSW (in New Zealand) Department of Social
tent of losing control over normal functions. Welfare.
3 overwhelmed by strong influence or emo-
tion: he was half drunk with satisfaction at DTP Computers desktop publishing.
his victory over the intruder. ~n 4 a per- DT’s Informal delirium tremens.
son who is drunk or drinks habitually to ex- dual adj having two parts, functions, or as-
cess. pects: dual controls; dual nationality, dual-
drunkard n a person who is frequently or ity n
habitually drunk. dual carriageway n Brit a road with a cen-
drunken adj 1 intoxicated with alcohol. 2 tral strip of grass or concrete to separate
habitually drunk. 3 caused by or relating to traffic travelling in opposite directions.
alcoholic intoxication: a drunken argument. dub1 vb dubbing, dubbed to give (a person
drunkenly adv drunkenness n or place) a name or nickname: he is dubbed
drupe n a fleshy fruit with a stone, such as a racist despite his strong denials.
the peach or cherry. dub2 vb dubbing, dubbed 1 to provide (a
dry adj drier, driest or dryer, dryest 1 lack- film) with a new soundtrack in a different
ing moisture. 2 having little or no rainfall. 3 language. 2 to provide (a film or tape) with
having the water drained away or evapo- a soundtrack. ~n 3 Music a style of reggae
rated: a dry gully for the most part of the record production involving exaggeration
year. 4 not providing milk: a dry cow. 5 (of of instrumental parts, echo, etc.
the eyes) free from tears. 6 Informal dubbin n Brit a kind of thick grease applied
thirsty. 7 eaten without butter or jam: a dry to leather to soften it and make it water-
cracker. 8 (of wine) not sweet. 9 dull and proof.
uninteresting: a dry subject. 10 (of humour) dubious (dew-bee-uss) adj 1 not entirely
subtle and sarcastic. 11 prohibiting the sale honest, safe, or reliable: this allegation was
of alcoholic liquor: a dry district, —vb at best dubious and at worst an outright
dries, drying, dried 12 to make or become fabrication. 2 unsure or undecided: she felt
dry. 13 to preserve (food) by removing the dubious about the entire proposition. 3 of
moisture. -See also dry out, dry up. dry- doubtful quality or worth: she had the du-
ness n bious honour of being taken for his mother.
dry battery n a electric battery composed of dubiety (dew-by-it-ee) n dubiously adv
dry cells. ducal (duke-al) adj of a duke.
dry cell n an electric cell in which the elec- ducat (duck-it) n a former European gold or
trolyte is in the form of a paste to prevent it silver coin.
from spilling. duchess n 1 a woman who holds the rank of
dry-clean vb to clean (clothes, etc.) with a duke. 2 the wife or widow of a duke.
solvent other than water, dry-cleaner n duchy n, pl duchies the area of land owned
dry-cleaning n or ruled by a duke or duchess.
duck 239 dumbbell
duck1 n, pl ducks or duck 1 a water bird dues pl n membership fees paid to a club or
with short legs, webbed feet, and a broad organization: union dues.
blunt bill. 2 the flesh of this bird used for duet n a piece of music sung or played by
food. 3 the female of such a bird. 4 Cricket a two people, duettist n
score of nothing. 5 like water off a duck’s duff adj 1 Brit, Austral, & NZ informal bro-
back without effect: I reprimanded him but ken or useless: my car had a duff clutch,
it was like water off a duck’s back. -vb 2 Golf informal to bungle (a shot). 3
duck2 vb 1 to move (the head or body) duff up Brit slang to beat (someone) severe-
quickly downwards, to escape being seen or ly-
avoid a blow. 2 to plunge suddenly under duffel or duffle n same as duffel coat.
water. 3 Informal to dodge (a duty or re- duffel bag n a cylinder-shaped canvas bag
sponsibility). fastened with a drawstring.
duck-billed platypus n See platypus, duffel coat n a wool coat usually with a
duckling n a young duck. hood and fastened with toggles.
ducks and drakes n 1 a game in which a duffer n Informal a dull or incompetent per-
flat stone is bounced across the surface of son.
water. 2 play ducks and drakes with In- dug1 vhthe past of dig.
formal to use recklessly: he has played
ducks and drakes with his life. dug2 n a teat or udder of a female animal,
duct n 1 a tube, pipe, or channel through dugong n a whalelike mammal found in
which liquid or gas is sent. 2 a tube in the tropical waters.
body through which liquid such as tears or dugout n 1 a canoe made by hollowing out a
bile can pass. log. 2 (at a sports ground) the covered
ductile adj (of a metal) able to be shaped bench where managers and substitutes sit.
into sheets or drawn out into threads, duc- 3 Mil a covered shelter dug in the ground to
tility n provide protection.
duiker or duyker (dike-er) n, pl -kers or
dud Informal ~n 1 an ineffectual person or
-ker a small African antelope.
thing: they had the foresight to pick on
someone who was not a total dud. ~adj 2 duke n 1 a nobleman of the highest rank. 2
bad or useless: a dud cheque. the prince or ruler of a small principality or
dude n Informal 1 US & Canad a man: he
duchy, dukedom n
was a black dude in his late twenties. 2 US dulcet (dull-sit) adj (of a sound) soothing or
& Canad old-fashioned a dandy. 3 Western pleasant: she smiled and, in dulcet tones,
US & Canad a city dweller who spends his told me I would be next.
or her holiday on a ranch. dulcimer n a tuned percussion instrument
dudgeon n in high dudgeon angry or re- consisting of a set of strings stretched over
sentful: the scientist departed in high dudg- a sounding board and struck with hammers,
eon. dull adj 1 not interesting: the finished article
due adj 1 expected to happen, be done, or would make dull reading. 2 slow to learn or
arrive at a particular time: he is due to re- understand. 3 (of an ache) not intense; I
turn to Britain on Thursday. 2 immediately have a dull ache in the middle of my back. 4
payable: the balance is now due. 3 owed as (of weather) not bright or clear. 5 not lively
a debt: they finally agreed to pay her the or energetic: she appeared, looking dull and
money she was due. 4 fitting or proper: he apathetic. 6 (of colour) lacking brilliance. 7
was found guilty of driving without due (of the blade of a knife) not sharp. 8 (of a
care and attention. 5 due to happening or sound) not loud or clear: his head fell back
existing as a direct result of someone or to the carpet with a dull thud, —vb 9 to
something else: the cause of death was make or become dull, dullness n dully adv
chronic kidney failure due to diabetes. ~n dullard n Old-fashioned a dull or stupid per-
6 something that is owed or required. 7 give son.
someone his or her due to acknowledge dulse n a seaweed with large red edible
someone’s good points: I’ll give him his due, fronds.
he’s resourceful, -adv 8 directly or exact- duly adv 1 in a proper manner: my permit
ly: due west. was duly stamped. 2 at the proper time: the
► Due to is not synonymous with because of photographer duly arrived.
or owing to. If the words due to can be re- dumb adj 1 lacking the power to speak. 2
placed by attributable to, it is generally ap- lacking the power of human speech: the
propriate to use due to. event was denounced as cruelty to dumb
duel n 1 a formal fight between two people animals. 3 temporarily unable to speak: I
using guns, swords, or other weapons to was struck dumb when I heard the news. 4
settle a quarrel, —vb duelling, duelled or done or performed without speech: I looked
US dueling, dueled 2 to fight in a duel, -at her in dumb puzzlement. 5 Informal stu-
duellist n pid or slow to understand, dumbly adv
duenna n (esp. in Spain) an elderly woman dumbbell n 1 a short bar with a heavy ball
acting as chaperon to girls. or disc at either end, used for physical ex-
dumbfounded 240 duress
crcise. 2 Slang, chiefly US & Canad a stupid dung n the faeces from large animals,
person. dungarees pl n trousers with a bib at-
dumbfounded adj speechless with amaze- tached.
ment: she sat open-mouthed and dumb- dungeon n a prison cell, often underground,
founded. dunghill n a heap of dung.
dumb show n meaningful gestures without
speech. dunk vb 1 to dip (a biscuit or piece of bread)
in a drink or soup before eating it. 2 to put
dumbstruck adj temporarily speechless (something) in liquid: dunk the garment in
through shock or surprise. the dye for fifteen minutes.
dumbwaiter n 1 a lift for carrying food, etc. dunlin n a small sandpiper with a brown
from one floor of a building to another. 2 back.
Brit a a stand placed near a dining table to
hold food, b a revolving circular tray placed dunnock n same as hedge sparrow.
on a table to hold food. duo n, pl duos 1 two singers or musicians
dumdum or dumdum bullet n a soft-nosed who sing or play music together as a pair. 2
bullet that expands on impact and causes Informal two people who have something in
large and serious wounds. common or do something together: when
dummy n, pl -mies 1 a large model that they’re together they make an impressive
looks like a human being, used for display- duo.
ing clothes in a shop, as a target, etc. 2 a duodecimal adj relating to twelve or
copy of an object, often lacking some essen- twelfths.
tial feature of the original. 3 Slang a stupid duodenum (dew-oh-deen-um) n the first
person. 4 Bridge a the hand exposed on the part of the small intestine, just below the
table by the declarer’s partner and played stomach, duodenal adj
by the declarer, b the declarer’s partner. 5 duologue or US sometimes duolog n a part
Brit a rubber teat for babies to suck, -adj or all of a play in which the speaking roles
6 imitation or substitute: you can train are limited to two actors.
them with dummy bombs and live ammuni- DUP (in Northern Ireland) Democratic Un-
tion. ionist Party.
dummy run n a practice or test carried out
to test if any problems remain: we’ll do a dupe vb duping, duped 1 to deceive or
dummy run on the file to see if the program cheat: you duped me into doing exactly
works. what you wanted. ~n 2 a person who is
easily deceived. .
dump vb 1 to drop or let fall in a careless
manner: he dumped the books on the bed. 2 duple adj 1 same as double. 2 Music having
Informal to abandon (someone or some- two beats in a bar.
thing) without proper care: the unwanted duplex n 1 US & Canad a an apartment on
babies were dumped in orphanages. 3 to two floors, b a semidetached house, -adj 2
dispose of (nuclear waste). 4 Commerce to having two parts.
sell (goods) in bulk and at low prices, usual- duplicate adj 1 copied exactly from an
ly in another country, in order to keep original: he had a duplicate key to the front
prices high in the home market. 5 Comput- door, —n 2 an exact copy. 3 in duplicate in
ers to record (the contents of the memory) two exact copies: submit the draft in dupli-
on a storage device at a series of points dur- cate, please, -vb -eating, -cated 4 to make
ing a computer run. —n 6 a place where an exact copy of. 5 to do again (something
rubbish is left. 7 Informal a dirty, unattrac- that has already been done), duplication n
tive place: you ’re hardly in this dump out of duplicator n
choice. 8 Mil a place where weapons or sup- duplicity n deceitful behaviour: he is a man
plies are stored. of duplicity, who turns things to his advan-
dumpling n 1 a small ball of dough cooked tage.
and served with stew. 2 a round pastry case durable adj strong and long-lasting: the car’s
filled with fruit: an apple dumpling. body was made of a light but durable plas-
dumps pl n down in the dumps Informal tic. durability n
feeling depressed and miserable. durable goods pl n goods that do not re-
dumpy adj dumpier, dumpiest short and quire frequent replacement. Also called:
plump. durables
dun1 vb dunning, dunned 1 to press (a duration n the length of time that something
debtor) for payment. ~n 2 a demand for lasts.
payment. durbar n (formerly) a the court of a native
dun2 adj brownish-grey. ruler or a governor in India, b a reception at
dunce n a person who is stupid or slow to such a court.
learn. duress n physical or moral pressure used to
dunderhead n a slow-witted person, force someone to do something: confessions
dune n a mound or ridge of drifted sand. obtained under duress.
during 241 dynamic
during prep throughout or within the limit Dutch uncle n Informal a person who
of (a period of time). criticizes or scolds frankly and severely.
dusk n the time just before nightfall when it duteous adj Formal or archaic dutiful or
is almost dark. obedient.
dusky adj duskier, duskiest 1 dark in col- dutiable adj (of goods) requiring payment of
our: her gold earings gleamed against her duty.
dusky cheeks. 2 dim or shadowy: the dusky dutiful adj doing what is expected: she is a
room was crowded with absurd objects. responsible and dutiful mother, dutifully
duskily adv duskiness n adv
dust n 1 small dry particles of earth, sand, duty n, pl -ties 1 the work performed as part
or dirt. 2 bite the dust to stop functioning: of one’s job: it is his duty to supervise the
my television has finally bitten the dust. 3 memorial services. 2 a obligation to fulfil
shake the dust off one’s feet to depart an- one’s responsibilities: it’s my duty as a doc-
grily. 4 throw dust in someone’s eyes to tor to keep it confidential. 3 a government
confuse or mislead someone. -vb 5 to re- tax on imports. 4 on or off duty at (or not
move dust from (furniture) by wiping. 6 to at) work.
sprinkle (something) with a powdery sub- duty-bound adj morally obliged to do some-
stance: serve dusted with brown sugar and thing: we are duty-bound to take whatever
cinnamon. measures are necessary.
dustbin n a large container for household duty-free adj, adv with exemption from cus-
rubbish. toms or excise duties.
dust bowl n a dry area in which the surface duty-free shop n a shop, esp. at an airport,
soil is exposed to wind erosion. that sells duty-free goods.
dustcart n a lorry for collecting household duvet (doo-vay) n same as continental
rubbish. quilt.
dust cover n 1 same as dustsheet. 2 same dwaal n S African a state of absent-
as dust jacket. mindedness; a daze.
duster n a cloth used for dusting. dwarf vb 1 to cause (someone or something)
dust jacket or cover n a removable paper to seem small by being much larger, -adj 2
cover used to protect a book. (of an animal or plant) much below the av-
dustman n, pl -men Brit a man whose job is erage size for the species: a dwarf ever-
to collect household rubbish. green shrub, —n, pl dwarfs or dwarves 3 a
person who is smaller than average size. 4
dustpan n a short-handled shovel into (in folklore) a small ugly manlike creature,
which dust is swept from floors. often possessing magical powers.
dustsheet n Brit a large cloth cover used to dwell vb dwelling, dwelt or dwelled For-
protect furniture from dust. mal, literary to live as a permanent resi-
dust-up n Informal a fight or argument, dent. dweller n
dusty adj dustier, dustiest 1 covered with dwelling n Formal, literary a place of resi-
dust. 2 (of a colour) tinged with grey. dence.
Dutch adj 1 of the Netherlands. ~n 2 the dwell on or upon vb to think, speak, or
language of the Netherlands. —pl n 3 the write at length about (something).
Dutch the people of the Netherlands, -adv dwindle vb -dling, -died to grow less in size,
4 go Dutch Informal to go on an outing strength, or number.
where each person pays his or her own ex- Dy Chem dysprosium.
penses. dye n 1 a colouring substance. 2 the colour
Dutch auction n an auction in which the produced by dyeing, -vb dyeing, dyed 3
price is lowered by stages until a buyer is to colour (hair or fabric) by applying a dye.
found. dyer n
Dutch barn n Brit a farm building with a dyed-in-the-wool adj having strong and un-
steel frame and a curved roof. changing attitudes or opinions: he’s a dyed-
Dutch courage n false courage gained from in-the-wool communist.
drinking alcohol. dying vb 1 the present participle of die1.
Dutch elm disease n a fungal disease of elm -adj 2 occurring at the moment of death:
trees. in accordance with his dying wish. 3 (of a
Dutchman or fem Dutchwoman n, pl -men person or animal) very ill and likely to die
or-women a person from the Netherlands. soon. 4 becoming less important or less cur-
Dutch oven n 1 an iron or earthenware con- rent: coal mining is a dying industry.
tainer with a lid, used for stews, etc. 2 a dyke1 or esp US dike n 1 a wall built to pre-
metal box, open in front, for cooking in vent flooding. 2 a ditch. 3 Scot a dry-stone
front of an open fire. wall.
Dutch treat n Informal an outing where each dyke2 or dike n Slang a lesbian.
person pays his or her own expenses. dynamic adj 1 (of a person) full of energy,
dynamics 242 dystrophy
ambition, or new ideas. 2 relating to a force strument for measuring mechanical power
of society, history, or the mind that pro- or force.
duces a change: the government needs a dynast n a hereditary ruler.
more dynamic policy towards the poor. 3 dynasty n, pl -ties 1 a series of rulers of a
Physics relating to energy or forces that country from the same family. 2 a period of
produce motion, dynamically adv time during which a country is ruled by the
dynamics n 1 the branch of mechanics con- same family, dynastic adj
cerned with the forces that change or pro- dysentery n infection of the intestine which
duce the motions of bodies. ~pl n 2 those causes severe diarrhoea.
forces that produce change in any field or dysfunction n 1 Med any disturbance or ab-
system. 3 Music the various degrees of normality in the function of an organ or
loudness called for in a performance. part. 2 (esp. of a family) failure to show the
dynamism n great energy or enthusiasm, characteristics or fulfil the purposes ac-
dynamite n 1 an explosive made of nitro-
cepted as normal or beneficial, dys-
functional adj
glycerine. 2 Informal a dangerous or excit-
ing person or thing: she’s still dynamite. dyslexia n a developmental disorder that
~vb -miting, -mited 3 to mine or blow causes difficulty with reading, dyslexic
(something) up with dynamite. adj, n
dysmenorrhoea or esp US dysmenorrhea n
dynamo n, pl -mos a device for converting painful or difficult menstruation.
mechanical energy into electricity. dyspepsia n indigestion, dyspeptic adj, n
dynamoelectric adj of the conversion of dysprosium n Chem a metallic element of
mechanical energy into electricity or vice the lanthanide series. Symbol: Dy
versa. dystrophy (diss-trof-fee) n See muscular
dynamometer (dine-a-mom-it-er) n an in- dystrophy.
 E
e Maths a number used as the base of natu- ear lobe n the soft hanging lowest part of
ral logarithms. Approximate value: 2.718 the human ear.
282... early adj, adv -lier, -liest 1 occurring or ar-
E 1 Music the third note of the scale of C riving before the correct or expected time. 2
major. 2 East(ern). 3 English. 4 Physics a in the first part of a period of time: early
energy, b electromotive force. 5 the drug April; early in the war. 3 near the beginning
ecstasy. of the development or history of something:
E- prefix used with a number following it to early Britain was very primitive; early
indicate that something, such as a food ad- models of this car rust easily.
ditive, conforms to an EU standard. Early English n a style of architecture used
each adj 1 every one of two or more people in England in the 12th and 13th centuries,
or things considered individually: each characterized by narrow pointed arches
year —pron 2 every one of two or more and ornamental intersecting stonework in
people or things: each had been given one windows.
room to design. ~adv 3 for, to, or from earmark vb 1 to set (something) aside for a
each person or thing: twenty pounds each. 4 specific purpose. ~n 2 a feature that
each other (of two or more people) each enables the nature of something to be iden-
one to or at the other or others; one anoth- tified: it had all the earmarks of a disaster.
er: they stared at each other. earn vb 1 to gain or be paid (money) in re-
► The expressions each other and one an- turn for work. 2 to acquire or deserve
other are interchangeable. through one’s behaviour or action: you've
eager adj very keen to have or do some- earned a good night’s sleep. 3 to make
thing. eagerly adv eagerness n (money) as interest or profit: her savings
eagle n 1 a large bird of prey with broad earned 8% interest, earner n
wings and strong soaring flight. 2 Golf a earnest1 adj 1 serious and sincere, often ex-
score of two strokes under par for a hole. cessively so. ~n 2 in earnest with serious
eagle-eyed adj having very sharp eyesight, or sincere intentions, earnestly adv ear-
eaglet n a young eagle. nestness n
earnest2 n Old-fashioned a part payment
ear1 h 1 the part of the body with which a
person or animal hears. 2 the external, vis- given in advance as a guarantee of the re-
ible part of the ear. 3 the ability to hear mainder, esp. to confirm a contract.
musical and other sounds and interpret earnings pl n money earned.
them accurately: a good ear for languages. 4 earphone n a small device connected to a
willingness to listen: they are always will- radio or tape recorder and worn over the
ing to lend an ear. 5 be all ears to be pre- ear, so that a person can listen to a broad-
pared to listen attentively to something. 6 cast or tape without anyone else hearing it.
fall on deaf ears to be ignored: his words ear-piercing adj extremely loud or shrill,
fell on deaf ears. 7 in one ear and out the earplug n a piece of soft material placed in
other heard but quickly forgotten or ig- the ear to keep out noise or water.
nored. 8 out on one’s ear Informal dis- earring n a piece of jewellery worn in or
missed suddenly and unpleasantly. 9 play hanging from the ear lobe.
by ear to play without written music. 10
play it by ear Informal to make up one’s earshot n the range within which a sound
plan of action as one goes along. 11 turn a can be heard: out of earshot.
deaf ear to to be deliberately unresponsive ear-splitting adj extremely loud or shrill,
to: many countries have turned a deaf ear earth n 1 (sometimes cap) the planet that we
to their cries for help. 12 up to one’s ears live on, the third planet from the sun, the
in Informal deeply involved in. only one on which life is known to exist. 2
ear2 n the part of a cereal plant, such as the part of the surface of this planet that is
wheat or barley, that contains the seeds. not water. 3 the soil in which plants grow. 4
earache n pain in the ear. the hole in which a fox lives. 5 a wire in a
piece of electrical equipment through which
eardrum n the thin membrane separating electricity can escape into the ground if a
the external ear from the middle ear. fault develops. 6 come down to earth to re-
earful n Informal a scolding or telling-off. turn to reality from a daydream or fantasy.
earl n (in Britain) a nobleman ranking below 7 on earth used for emphasis: what on
a marquess and above a viscount, earldom earth happened? ~vb 8 to fit (a piece of
n electrical equipment) with an earth.
Earl Grey n a variety of China tea flavoured earthbound adj 1 unable to leave the sur-
with oil of bergamot. face of the earth. 2 lacking in imagination.
earthen 244 eau de vie
earthen adj made of earth or baked clay: an the year when this festival is celebrated:
earthen floor. the Easter holidays.
earthenware n dishes and other objects Easter egg n a chocolate egg given at East-
made of baked clay. er.
earthly adj -lier, -liest 1 of life on earth as easterly adj 1 of or in the east, -adv, adj 2
opposed to any heavenly or spiritual state. towards the east. 3 from the east: an easter-
2 Informal conceivable or possible: what ly breeze.
earthly reason would they have for lying? eastern adj 1 situated in or towards the
earthquake n a series of vibrations at the east. 2 facing or moving towards the east. 3
earth’s surface caused by movement of the (sometimes cap) of or characteristic of the
earth’s crust. east or East, easternmost adj
earth science n any science, such as geol- Easterner n a person from the east of a
ogy, concerned with the structure, age, etc., country or region.
of the earth. eastern hemisphere n the half of the globe
earth-shattering adj very surprising or that contains Europe, Asia, Africa, and
shocking: an earth-shattering event. Australia.
earthwards adv towards the earth. eastward adj, adv also eastwards 1 to-
earthwork n a large mound of earth built for wards the east. ~n 2 the eastward part or
defence. direction.
earthworm n a common worm that burrows easy adj easier, easiest 1 not difficult; sim-
in the soil. ple: the house is easy to keep clean. 2 free
earthy adj earthier, earthiest 1 open and from pain, care, or anxiety: an easy life. 3
direct in the treatment of sex, excretion, tolerant and undemanding; easy-going. 4
etc. 2 of or like earth: earthy colours. defenceless or readily fooled: easy prey. 5
earthiness n moderate and not involving any great ef-
earwig n a thin brown insect with pincers at fort: an easy ride. 6 Informal ready to fall
the tip of its abdomen. in with any suggestion made: he wanted to
ease n 1 lack of difficulty. 2 freedom from do something and I was easy about it. 7 In-
discomfort or worry. 3 rest, leisure, or re- formal pleasant and not involving any great
laxation. 4 freedom from poverty: a life of effort to enjoy: easy on the eye. —adv 8 go
leisure and ease. 5 at ease a Mil (of a sol- easy on a to avoid using too much of: he’d
dier) standing in a relaxed position with the tried to go easy on the engines, b to treat
feet apart, b in a relaxed attitude or frame less severely titan is deserved: go easy on
of mind. -vb easing, eased 6 to make or him, he’s just a kid. 9 take it easy to relax
become less difficult or severe: the pain and avoid stress or undue hurry, easiness
gradually eased. 7 to move into or out of a n
place or situation slowly and carefully. 8 ► Easy may be used as an adverb in set
ease off or up to lessen or cause to lessen in phrases like take it easy.
severity, pressure, tension, or strain: the easy Chair n a comfortable upholstered
rain eased off. armchair.
easel n a frame on legs, used for supporting easy-going adj relaxed in manner or atti-
an artist’s canvas, a display, or a black- tude; very tolerant.
board. eat vb eating, ate, eaten 1 to take (food)
easily adv 1 without difficulty. 2 without into the mouth and swallow it. 2 to have a
doubt; by far: easily the most senior Chi- meal: sometimes we eat out of doors. 3 In-
nese leader to visit the West. formal to make anxious or worried: what’s
east n 1 one of the four cardinal points of eating you? 4 eat away, into or up to de-
the compass, at 90° clockwise from north. 2 stroy or use up partly or wholly: inflation
the direction along a line of latitude to- ate into the firm's profits. -See also eat
wards the sunrise. 3 the east any area lying out, eat up. eater n
in or towards the east. —adj 4 situated in, eatable adj fit or suitable for eating.
moving towards, or facing the east. 5 (esp. eating n 1 food in relation to its quality or
of the wind) from the cast. -adv 6 in, to, or taste: these add up to lots of vitamins and
towards the east. minerals, and good eating, -adj 2 suitable
East n 1 the East a the southern and east- for eating uncooked: eating apples.
ern parts of Asia, b (esp. formerly) the
countries in Eastern Europe and Asia which eat out vb to eat at a restaurant.
are or have been under Communist rule. eat up vb 1 to eat or consume entirely: eat
-adj 2 of or denoting the eastern part of a up these potatoes. 2 Informal to affect se-
country or region. verely: eaten up by jealousy.
eastbound adj going towards the cast. eau de Cologne (oh de kol-lone) n full form
Easter n 1 Christianity a festival, in the of cologne.
spring, commemorating the Resurrection of eau de vie (oh de vee) n brandy or a similar
Christ, -adj 2 taking place at the time of alcoholic drink.
eaves 245 economy
eaves pl n the edge of a sloping roof that try, filled with cream and coated with
overhangs the walls. chocolate.
eavesdrop vb -dropping, -dropped to listen eclampsia n Pathol a serious condition that
secretly to a private conversation, eaves- can develop towards the end of a pregnan-
dropper n cy, causing high blood pressure, swelling,
ebb vb 1 (of the sea or the tide) to flow back and convulsions.
from its highest point. 2 to fall away or de- eclectic adj 1 composed of elements selected
cline: her anger ebbed away. ~n 3 the flow- from a wide range of styles, ideas, or
ing back of the tide from high to low water. sources: the eclectic wine list includes bot-
4 at a low ebb in a weak state: her creativ- tles from all round the world. 2 selecting el-
ity was at a low ebb. ements from a wide range of styles, ideas,
ebony n 1 a very hard dark-coloured wood or sources: an eclectic approach that takes
used to make furniture etc. —adj 2 very the best from all schools of psychology, —n
deep black. 3 a person who takes an eclectic approach,
ebullient adj full of enthusiasm or excite- eclecticism n
ment. ebullience n eclipse n 1 the obscuring of one star or
EC European Community: a former name for planet by another. A solar eclipse occurs
the European Union. when the moon passes between the sun and
eccentric adj 1 unconventional or odd. 2 (of the earth; a lunar eclipse when the earth
circles) not having the same centre, —n 3 a passes between the sun and the moon. 2 a
person who behaves unconventionally or loss of importance, power, or fame: com-
oddly, eccentrically adv munism eventually went into eclipse, —vb
eclipsing, eclipsed 3 to overshadow or
eccentricity n 1 unconventional or odd be- surpass. 4 (of a star or planet) to hide (an-
haviour. 2 (pl -ties) an unconventional or other planet or star) from view.
odd habit or act.
ecliptic n Astron the great circle on the ce-
ecclesiastic n 1 a member of the clergy.
lestial sphere representing the apparent
—adj 2 of or relating to the Christian annual path of the sun relative to the stars.
Church or its clergy.
eco- combining form denoting ecology or
ecclesiastical adj of or relating to the Chris-
tian Church or its clergy. ecological: ecotourism.
ECG electrocardiogram. ecological adj 1 of or relating to ecology. 2
tending or intended to benefit or protect the
echelon (esh-a-lon) n 1 a level of power or environment: an ecological approach to ag-
responsibility: the upper echelons of soci- riculture. ecologically adv
ety. 2 Mil a formation in which units follow
one another but are spaced out sideways to ecology n the study of the relationships be-
allow each a line of fire ahead. tween people, animals, and plants, and
their environment, ecologist n
echinoderm (ik-kine-oh-durm) n a sea crea-
ture with a five-part symmetrical body, econ. economy.
such as a starfish or sea urchin. economic adj 1 of or relating to an economy
echo n, pl -oes 1 a the reflection of sound by or economics. 2 Brit capable of being pro-
a solid object, b a sound reflected by a solid duced or operated for profit. 3 Informal in-
object. 2 a repetition or imitation of some- expensive or cheap.
one else’s opinions. 3 something that brings economical adj 1 not requiring a lot of
back memories: an echo of the past. 4 the money to use: low fuel consumption makes
signal reflected back to a radar transmitter this car very economical. 2 (of a person)
by an object, —vb -oing, -oed 5 (of a sound) spending money carefully and sensibly. 3
to be reflected off an object in such a way using no more time, effort, or resources
that it can be heard again. 6 (of a place) to than is necessary, economically adv
be filled with a sound and its echoes: the economics n 1 the study of the production
church echoed with singing. 7 (of people) to and consumption of goods and services and
repeat or imitate (what someone else has the commercial activities of a society, —pl
said): his conclusion echoed that of Jung. n 2 financial aspects: the economics of
echoing adj health care.
echo chamber n a room with walls that re- economist n a person who specializes in
flect sound, used to create an echo effect in economics.
recording and broadcasting. economize or -mise vb -mixing, -mixed or
echolocation n the discovery of an object’s -mising, -mised to reduce expense or waste:
position by measuring the time taken for an people are being advised to economize on
echo to return from it. fuel use.
echo sounder n a navigation device that de- economy n, pl -mies 1 the system by which
termines depth by measuring the time taken the production, distribution, and consump-
for a pulse of sound to reach the sea bed tion of goods and services is organized in a
and for the echo to return. country or community: the rural economy. 2
eclair n a finger-shaped cake of choux pas- the ability of a country to generate wealth
ecosystem 246 educate
through business and industry: unless the acutely irritated. ~vb edging, edged 8 to
economy improves, more jobs will be lost. 3 make, form, or be an edge or border for: a
careful use of money or resources to save pillow edged with lace. 9 to move very
expense, time, or energy. 4 an instance of gradually in a particular direction: I edged
this: we can make economies by reusing through to the front of the crowd.
envelopes. ~adj 5 denoting a class of air edgeways or esp US & Canad edgewise
travel that is cheaper than first-class. 6 of- adv 1 with the edge forwards or uppermost.
fering a larger quantity for a lower price: 2 get a word in edgeways to interrupt a
an economy pack. conversation in which someone else is talk-
ecosystem n Ecology the system of rela- ing continuously.
tionships between animals and plants and edging n anything placed along an edge for
their environment. decoration.
ecru adj pale creamy-brown. edgy adj edgier, edgiest nervous, irritable,
ecstasy n, pl -sies 1 a state of extreme de- or anxious, edginess n
light or joy. 2 Slang a strong drug that acts edible adj fit to be eaten; eatable, edibility
as a stimulant and can cause hallucinations, n
ecstatic adj ecstatically adv edict (ee-dikt) n a decree or order given by
ECT electroconvulsive therapy: the treat- any authority.
ment of depression and some other mental
disorders by passing a current of electricity edifice (ed-if-iss) n 1 a large or impressive
through the brain, producing a convulsion. building. 2 an elaborate system of beliefs
and institutions: the crumbling edifice of
ectoplasm n (in spiritualism) the substance Communist rule.
that supposedly is emitted from the body of
a medium during a trance. edify (ed-if-fie) vb -fies, -fying, -fied to in-
form or instruct (someone) with a view to
ECU n European Currency Unit: a unit of improving his or her morals or understand-
currency based on the composite value of ing. edification n edifying adj
several different currencies in the Euro-
pean Union. edit vb editing, edited 1 to prepare (text)
for publication by checking and improving
ecumenical adj 1 of or relating to the Chris- its accuracy or clarity. 2 to be in charge of
tian Church throughout the world. 2 tend- (a newspaper or magazine). 3 to prepare (a
ing to promote unity among Christian film, tape, etc.) by rearranging or selecting
churches. material. 4 edit out to remove (a section)
ecumenicism or ecumenism n the aim of from a text, film'; etc.
unity among Christian churches throughout edition n 1 a particular version of a book,
the world. newspaper, or magazine produced at one
eczema (ek-sim-a) n Pathol a condition in time: the revised paperback edition. 2 a sin-
which the skin becomes inflamed and itchy. gle television or radio programme which
ed. 1 edition. 2 editor. forms part of a series: tonight’s edition of
Edam n a round yellow Dutch cheese with a “Newsnight”.
red waxy covering. editor n 1 a person who edits. 2 a person in
eddy n, pl -dies 1 a circular movement of overall charge of a newspaper or magazine.
air, water, or smoke. -~vb -dies, -dying, 3 a person in charge of one section of a
-died 2 to move with a gentle circular mo- newspaper or magazine: the Political Edi-
tion; swirl gently. tor. 4 a person in overall control of a televi-
edelweiss (ade-el-vice) n a small white al- sion or radio programme, editorship n
pine flower. editorial n 1 an article in a newspaper ex-
edema (id-deem-a) n, pl -mata same as pressing the opinion of the editor or pub-
oedema. lishers. ~adj 2 of editing or editors: an edi-
Eden n 1 Also called: Garden of Eden Bible torial meeting. 3 relating to the contents
the garden in which Adam and Eve were and opinions of a magazine or newspaper:
placed at the Creation. 2 a place of great de- the paper’s editorial policy, editorially
light or contentment. adv
edentate n 1 a mammal with few or no EDP electronic data processing.
teeth, such as an armadillo or a sloth. ~adj EDT Eastern Daylight Time.
2 denoting such a mammal. educate vb -eating, -cated 1 to teach
edge n 1 a border or line where something (someone) over a long period of time so that
ends or begins: the edge of the city. 2 a line he or she acquires knowledge and under-
along which two faces or surfaces of a solid standing of a range of subjects. 2 to send
meet. 3 the sharp cutting side of a blade. 4 (someone) to a particular educational estab-
keenness, sharpness, or urgency: there was lishment: she was educated at Airdrie
a nervous edge to his voice. 5 have the Academy. 3 to teach (someone) about a par-
edge on to have a slight advantage over. 6 ticular matter: a campaign to educate peo-
on edge nervous and irritable. 7 set some- ple to the dangers of smoking, educative
one’s teeth on edge to make someone adj
educated 247 egg on
educated adj 1 having an education, esp. a bubbles of gas. 2 (of a person) lively and en-
good one. 2 displaying culture, taste, and thusiastic. effervescence n
knowledge. 3 educated guess a guess that effete (if-feet) adj weak, powerless, and
is based on experience. decadent.
education n 1 the process of acquiring efficacious adj producing the intended re-
knowledge and understanding. 2 knowledge sult. efficacy n
and understanding acquired through study efficient adj working or producing effective-
and training: education is the key to a good ly without wasting effort, energy, or
job. 3 the process of teaching, esp. at a money, efficiency n efficiently adv
school, college, or university. 4 the theory effigy (ef-fij-ee) n, pl -gies 1 a statue or
of teaching and learning, educational adj
educationally adv educationalist or carving of someone, often as a memorial: a
educationist n
14th-century wooden effigy of a knight. 2 a
crude representation of someone, used as a
Edwardian adj of or in the reign of King focus for contempt: an effigy of the presi-
Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland dent was set on fire.
(1901-10). efflorescence n 1 the blooming of flowers
EEC European Economic Community: a on a plant. 2 a brief period of high-quality
former name for the European Union. artistic activity.
EEG electroencephalogram, effluent n liquid discharged as waste, for in-
eel n a slimy snakelike fish, stance from a factory or sewage works.
e’er adv Poetic short for ever. effluvium n, pl -via an unpleasant smell,
eerie adj eerier, eeriest strange and fright- such as the smell of decaying matter.
ening. eerily adv efflux n 1 the process of flowing out. 2
efface vb -facing, -faced 1 to obliterate or something that flows out.
make dim: nothing effaced the memory. 2 to effort n 1 physical or mental energy needed
rub out or erase. 3 efface oneself to make to do something. 2 a determined attempt to
oneself inconspicuous, effacement n do something. 3 achievement or creation:
effect n 1 a change or state of affairs caused his earliest literary efforts, effortless adj
by something or someone: the gales have effortlessly adv
had a serious effect on the crops. 2 power to effrontery n insolence or boldness.
influence or produce a result: the wine had effusion n 1 an unrestrained verbal expres-
little effect on him. 3 the condition of being sion of emotions or ideas. 2 a sudden pour-
operative: a new law has come into effect. 4 ing out: small effusions of blood.
the overall impression: the whole effect is effusive adj enthusiastically showing pleas-
one of luxury. 5 basic meaning or purpose: ure, gratitude, or approval, effusively adv
words to that effect. 6 an impression, usual- effusiveness n
ly a contrived one: he paused for effect. 7 a EFL English as a Foreign Language.
physical phenomenon: the greenhouse ef-
fect. 8 in effect for all practical purposes: EFT A European Free Trade Association.
in effect he has no choice. 9 take effect to EFTPOS electronic funds transfer at point
begin to produce results. ~vb 10 to cause of sale.
(something) to take place: a peace treaty e.g. for example.
was effected. egalitarian adj 1 expressing or supporting
► Note the difference between effect mean- the idea that all people should be equal. ~n
ing “accomplish” and affect meaning “influ- 2 a person who believes that all people
ence”. should be equal, egalitarianism n
effective adj 1 producing a desired result: egg n 1 the oval or round object laid by the
an effective vaccine against HIV. 2 official- females of birds, reptiles, and other crea-
ly coming into operation: the new rates be- tures, containing a developing embryo. 2 a
come effective at the end of May. 3 impres- hen’s egg used for food. 3 a type of cell pro-
sive: a highly effective speech. 4 in reality, duced in the body of a female animal which
although not officially or in theory: he is in can develop into a baby if fertilized by a
effective control of the company, effec- male reproductive cell. 4 have egg on one’s
tively adv effectiveness n face Informal to have been made to look ri-
effects pl n 1 personal belongings. 2 light- diculous. 5 put all one’s eggs in one bas-
ing, sounds, etc., to accompany a stage, ket to rely entirely on one action or deci-
film, or broadcast production. sion, with no alternative in case of failure.
effectual adj 1 producing the intended re- egg cup n a small cup for holding a boiled
sult. 2 (of a document etc.) having legal egg-
force, effectually adv egghead n Informal an intellectual person,
effeminate adj (of a man) displaying char- eggnog n a drink made of raw eggs, milk,
acteristics regarded as typical of a woman, sugar, spice, and brandy or rum.
effeminacy n egg on vb to encourage (someone) to do
effervescent adj 1 (of a liquid) giving off something foolish or daring.
eggplant 248 elastane
eggplant n US, Canad, & Austral same as or as much. 2 composed of eight parts,
aubergine. -adv 3 by eight times as many or as much.
eggshell n 1 the hard porous outer layer of eightsome reel n a lively Scottish country
a bird’s egg. -adj 2 (of paint) having a dance for eight people.
very slight sheen. eighty n, pl eighties 1 the cardinal number
ego n, pl egos 1 the part of a person’s self that is the product of ten and eight. 2 a nu-
that is able to recognize that person as meral, 80 or LXXX, representing this num-
being distinct from other people and things. ber. 3 something representing or consisting
2 a person’s opinion of his or her own of 80 units, -adj 4 amounting to eighty:
worth: men with fragile egos. eighty miles, eightieth adj, n
egocentric adj thinking only of one’s own eina (ay-na) interj S African an exclamation
interests and feelings, egocentricity n of pain.
egomania n an obsessive concern with ful- einsteinium n Chem a radioactive metallic
filling one’s own needs and desires, regard- element artificially produced from pluto-
less of the effect on other people, egoma- nium. Symbol: Es
niac n Eire n Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
egotism or egoism n concern only for one’s EIS Educational Institute of Scotland.
own interests and feelings, egotist or ego- eisteddfod (ice-sted-fod) n a Welsh festival
ist n egotistical, egoistical, or egotistic,
with competitions in music, poetry, drama,
egoistic adj and art.
ego trip n Informal something that a person
does in order to boost his or her self-image. either adj, pron 1 one or the other (of two):
we were offered either fish or beef. 2 both
egregious (ig-greej-uss) adj shockingly bad: one and the other: we sat at either end of a
egregious government waste. long settee, —conj 3 used preceding two or
egress (ee-gress) n formal 1 the act of more possibilities joined by or: it must be
going out. 2 a way out or exit. stored either in the fridge or in a cool place,
egret (ee-grit) n a wading bird like a heron, —adv 4 likewise: I don't eat meat and my
with long white feathery plumes. husband doesn’t either. 5 used to qualify or
Egyptian adj 1 of Egypt. 2 of the ancient modify a previous statement: he wasn't ex-
Egyptians. ~n 3 a person from Egypt. 4 a actly ugly, he wasn’t an oil painting either.
member of an ancient people who estab- ► When either is followed by a plural noun,
lished an advanced civilization in Egypt. 5 it is acceptable to-make the verb plural too:
the language of the ancient Egyptians. either of these books are useful.
Egyptology n the study of the culture of an- ejaculate vb -lating, -lated 1 to discharge
cient Egypt. Egyptologist n semen from the penis while having an or-
eh interj an exclamation used to ask for rep- gasm. 2 Literary to say or shout suddenly,
etition or confirmation. ejaculation n ejaculatory adj
eider or eider duck n a large sea duck of the eject vb 1 to push or send out forcefully. 2
N hemisphere. to compel (someone) to leave a place or po-
sition. 3 to leave an aircraft rapidly in mid-
eiderdown n a thick warm cover for a bed, flight, using an ejector seat, ejection n
filled with soft feathers, originally the ejector n
breast feathers of the female eider duck.
ejector seat or ejection seat n a seat in a
Eid-ul-Adha (eed-ool-ah-da) n an annual military aircraft that throws the pilot out in
Muslim festival, marking the end of the pil- an emergency.
grimage to Mecca.
eke out vb eking, eked 1 to make (a supply)
Eid-ul-Fitr (eed-ool-feet-er) n an annual last for a long time by using as little as pos-
Muslim festival, marking the end of Rama- sible. 2 to manage to sustain (a living) de-
dan. spite having barely enough food or money.
eight n 1 the cardinal number that is the elaborate adj 1 very complex because of
sum of one and seven. 2 a numeral, 8 or having many different parts: elaborate
VIII, representing this number. 3 something equipment. 2 having a very complicated de-
representing or consisting of eight units. 4 sign: elaborate embroidery, -vb -rating,
Rowing a a light narrow boat rowed by -rated 3 elaborate on to describe in more
eight people, b the crew of such a boat. detail: he did not elaborate on his plans. 4
-adj 5 amounting to eight: eight apples. to develop (a plan or theory) in detail,
eighth adj, n elaborately adv elaboration n
eighteen n 1 the cardinal number that is the
sum of ten and eight. 2 a numeral, 18 or elan (ale-an) n style and liveliness.
XVIII, representing this number. 3 some- eland (eel-and) n a large spiral-horned ante-
thing representing or consisting of 18 units. lope of southern Africa.
-adj 4 amounting to eighteen: eighteen elapse vb elapsing, elapsed (of time) to
months, eighteenth adj, n pass by.
eightfold adj 1 having eight times as many elastane n a synthetic fibre that is able to
elastic 249 electrify
return to its original shape after being the election of a Labour government in
stretched. 1945.
elastic adj 1 capable of returning to its electioneering n the act of taking an active
original shape after stretching, compres- part in a political campaign, for example by
sion, or other distortion. 2 capable of being canvassing.
adapted to meet the demands of a particu- elective adj 1 of or based on selection by
lar situation: an elastic interpretation of the vote: an elective office. 2 not compulsory or
law. 3 made of elastic. —n 4 tape, cord, or necessary: an elective hysterectomy.
fabric containing flexible rubber, elasti- elector n 1 someone who is eligible to vote in
cally adv elasticated adj elasticity n an election. 2 (in the Holy Roman Empire)
elastic band n a rubber band. any of the German princes who were enti-
elated adj extremely happy and excited, tled to elect a new emperor: the Elector of
elatedly adv Hanover.
elation n a feeling of great happiness and electoral adj of or relating to elections: the
excitement. British electoral system, electorally adv
elbow n 1 the joint between the upper arm electoral register n the official list of all the
and the forearm. 2 the part of a garment people in an area who are eligible to vote in
that covers the elbow. —vb 3 to push with elections.
one’s elbow or elbows: she elbowed him electorate n 1 all the people in an area or
aside; he elbowed his way to the bar. country who have the right to vote in an
elbow grease n Facetious vigorous physical election. 2 the rank or territory of an elec-
labour, esp. hard rubbing. tor of the Holy Roman Empire.
elbow room n sufficient scope to move or to electric adj 1 produced by, transmitting, or
function. powered by electricity. 2 very tense or ex-
citing: the atmosphere was electric, —n 3
elder1 adj 1 (of one of two people) born ear- electrics an electric circuit or electric ap-
lier. —n 2 an older person: have some re- pliances.
spect for your elders. 3 a senior member of ► Note that electric is an adjective. Avoid its
a tribe, who has authority. 4 (in certain use as a noun: the electricity (not the elec-
Protestant Churches) a member of the tric) has failed.
church who has certain administrative, electrical adj of or relating to electricity,
teaching, or preaching powers. electrically adv
► Elder (eldest) is used for age comparison
in families, older for other age comparisons. electrical engineering n the branch of engi-
neering concerned with practical applica-
elder2 n a shrub or small tree with clusters tions of electricity and electronics, electri-
of small white flowers and dark purple ber- cal engineer n
ries. electric blanket n a blanket fitted with an
elderberry n, pl -ries 1 the fruit of the elder. electric heating element, used to warm a
2 same as elder2. bed.
elderly adj 1 rather old. ~pl n 2 the elderly electric chair n (in the US) a chair for ex-
old people. ecuting criminals by passing a strong elec-
elder statesman n a respected influential tric current through them.
older person, esp. a politician. electric eel n an eel-like South American
eldest acfj (of a person, esp. a child) oldest. freshwater fish, which can stun or kill its
El Dorado (el dor-rah-doe) n 1 a fabled city prey with a powerful electric shock.
in South America, supposedly rich in treas- electric field n Physics a region of space
ure. 2 Also: eldorado any place of great surrounding a charged particle within
riches or fabulous opportunity. which another charged particle experiences
eldritch adj Poetic, Scot unearthly or weird, a force.
elect vb 1 to choose (someone) to fill a posi- electric guitar n an electrically amplified
tion by voting for him or her: she was elect- guitar.
ed President in 1990. 2 to choose or decide: electrician n a person trained to install and
those who elected to stay, —adj 3 voted repair electrical equipment.
into office but not yet having taken over electricity n 1 a form of energy associated
from the current office-bearer: the Presi- with stationary or moving electrons, ions,
dent elect, —pl n 4 the elect any group of or other charged particles. 2 the supply of
people specially chosen for some privilege, electricity to houses, factories, etc., for
electable adj heating, lighting, etc.
election n 1 a a process whereby people electric shock n pain and muscular spasms
vote for a person or party to fill a position: _ caused by an electric current passing
the Tory Party leadership election, b short through the body.
for general election. 2 the gaining of po- electrify vb -ties, -fying, -fied 1 to adapt or
litical power or taking up of a position in an equip (a system or device) to work by elec-
organization as a result of being voted for: tricity: the railway line to London had been
electrifying 250 elephant
electrified. 2 to provide (an area) with elec- electronics n the technology concerned with
tricity. 3 to startle or excite intensely, the development, behaviour, and applica-
electrification n tions of devices and circuits, for example
electrifying adj very exciting and surpris- televisions and computers, which make use
ing. of electronic components such as transis-
electro- combining form electric or electri- tors or silicon chips.
cally: electroconvulsive. electron microscope n a powerful micro-
electrocardiograph n an instrument for scope that uses electrons, rather than light,
making tracings (electrocardiograms) re- to produce a magnified image.
cording the electrical activity of the heart, electronvolt n Physics a unit of energy
electrocute vb -cuting, -cuted to kill or in- equal to the work done on an electron accel-
jure by an electric shock, electrocution n erated through a potential difference of 1
electrode n a small piece of metal used to volt.
take an electric current to or from a power electroplate vb -plating, -plated 1 to coat
source, piece of equipment, or living body. (an object) with metal by dipping it in a
electrodynamics n the branch of physics special liquid through which an electric
concerned with the interactions between current is passed. ~n 2 electroplated arti-
electrical and mechanical forces. cles collectively.
electroencephalograph (ill-lek-tro-en-sef- electropositive adj Physics 1 having a posi-
a-loh-graf) n an instrument for making trac- tive electric charge. 2 tending to release
ings (electroencephalograms) recording electrons.
the electrical activity of the brain. electrostatics n the branch of physics con-
electrolysis (ill-lek-troll-iss-iss) n 1 the pro- cerned with static electricity, electrostatic
cess of passing an electric current through a adj
liquid in order to produce a chemical reac- elegant adj 1 attractive and graceful or styl-
tion in the liquid. 2 the destruction of living ish. 2 cleverly simple and clear: an elegant
tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric summary, elegance n elegantly adv
current. elegiac adj Literary sad, mournful, or plain-
electrolyte n a solution or molten substance tive.
that conducts electricity, electrolytic adj elegy (el-lij-ee) n, pl -gies a mournful poem
electromagnet n a magnet consisting of a or song, esp. a lament for the dead.
coil of wire wound round an iron core element n 1 one of the fundamental compo-
through which a current is passed. nents making up a whole. 2 Chem any of the
electromagnetic adj 1 of or operated by an known substances that cannot be separated
electromagnet. 2 of or relating to electro- into simpler substances by chemical means.
magnetism. electromagnetically adv 3 a distinguishable section of a social group:
electromagnetism n magnetism produced liberal elements in Polish society. 4 a metal
by an electric current. part in an electrical device, such as a kettle,
electromotive adj Physics of or producing that changes the electric current into heat.
an electric current. 5 one of the four substances (earth, air,
electromotive force n Physics 1 a source of water, and fire) formerly believed to make
energy that can cause current to flow in an up the universe. 6 in one’s element in a
electrical circuit. 2 the rate at which energy situation in which one is happy and at ease:
is drawn from such a source when a unit of she was in her element behind the wheel. 7
current flows through the circuit, measured elements a the basic principles of some-
in volts. thing. b weather conditions, esp. wind, rain,
electron n Physics an elementary particle in and cold: only 200 braved the elements.
all atoms that has a negative electrical elemental adj of or like basic and powerful
charge. natural forces or passions.
electronegative adj Physics 1 having a elementary adj 1 simple, basic, and
negative electric charge. 2 tending to gain straightforward: elementary precautions. 2
or attract electrons. involving only the most basic principles of a
electronic adj 1 (of a device, circuit, or sys- subject: elementary mathematics.
tem) containing transistors, silicon chips, elementary particle n Physics any of sever-
etc., which control the current passing al entities, such as electrons, neutrons, or
through it. 2 making use of electronic sys- protons, that are less complex than atoms.
tems: electronic surveillance devices, elec- elementary school n 1 Brit same as prima-
tronically adv ry school. 2 US & Canad a state school for
electronic mail n the transmission of mes- the first six to eight years of a child’s edu-
sages from one computer terminal to anoth- cation.
er. elephant n a very large four-legged animal
electronic publishing n the publication of that has a very long flexible nose called a
information on discs, magnetic tape, etc., so trunk, large ears, and two ivory tusks, and
that it can be accessed by computer. lives in Africa or India.
elephantiasis 251 elusive
elephantiasis (el-lee-fan-tie-a-siss) n Pathol elision n omission of a syllable or vowel
a skin disease, caused by parasitic worms, from a spoken word.
in which the affected parts of the body be- elite (ill-eet) n the most powerful, rich, or
come extremely enlarged. gifted members of a group or community.
elephantine adj like an elephant, esp. in elitism n 1 the belief that society should be
being huge, clumsy, or ponderous. governed by a small group of people who
elevate vb -vating, -vated 1 to raise in rank are superior to everyone else. 2 pride in
or status: she had elevated flirting to an art being part of an elite, elitist n, adj
form. 2 to lift to a higher place: this action elixir (ill-ix-er) n 1 an imaginary substance
elevates the upper back. that is supposed to be capable of prolonging
elevated adj 1 higher than normal: elevated life and changing base metals into gold. 2 a
cholesterol levels. 2 (of ideas or pursuits) liquid medicine mixed with syrup.
on a high intellectual or moral level: elevat- Elizabethan adj 1 of or in the reign of Queen
ed discussions about postmodernism. 3 (of Elizabeth 1 of England (1558-1603). 2 a
land or part of a building) higher than the person who lived during the reign of Queen
surrounding area. Elizabeth 1.
elevation n 1 the act of elevating someone or elk n a very large deer of N Europe and Asia
something: his elevation to the peerage. 2 with broad flat antlers.
height above sea level. 3 a raised area. 4 a ellipse n an oval shape resembling a flat-
scale drawing of one side of a building. tened circle.
elevator n 1 US & Canad a lift for carrying ellipsis (ill-lip-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) 1 the
people. 2 a mechanical hoist. omission of a word or words from a sen-
eleven n 1 the cardinal number that is the tence. 2 Printing three dots (...) indicating
sum of ten and one. 2 a numeral, 11 or XI, an omission.
representing this number. 3 something rep- ellipsoid n Geom a surface whose plane sec-
resenting or consisting of 11 units. 4 a team tions are ellipses or circles.
of 11 players in football, cricket, etc. —adj elliptical or elliptic adj 1 oval-shaped. 2 (of
5 amounting to eleven: eleven years, elev- speech or writing) obscure or ambiguous.
enth adj, n elm n 1 a tall tree with broad leaves. 2 the
eleven-plus n (in Britain, esp. formerly) an hard heavy wood of this tree.
examination taken by children aged 10 or elocution n the art of speaking clearly in
11 that determines the type of secondary public, elocutionist n
education they will be given. elongate (eel-long-gate) vb -gating, -gated
elevenses pl n Brit informal a mid-morning to make or become longer, elongation n
snack. elope vb eloping, eloped (of two people) to
eleventh hour n 1 the latest possible time. run away secretly to get married, elope-
—adj eleventh-hour 2 done at the latest ment n
possible time: an eleventh-hour rescue. eloquence n the ability to speak or write in
elf n, pl elves (in folklore) a small mischie- a skilful and convincing way.
vous fairy. eloquent adj 1 (of speech or writing) fluent
elfin adj 1 small and delicate: her elfin fea- and persuasive. 2 (of a person) able to
tures. 2 of or relating to elves. speak in a fluent and persuasive manner. 3
elicit vb 1 to bring about (a response or reac- visibly or vividly expressive: he raised an
tion): her remarks elicited a sharp retort. 2, eloquent eyebrow, eloquently adv
to draw out (information) from someone: a else adv 1 in addition or more: what else do
phone call elicited the fact that she had just you want to know? 2 other or different: it
awakened. was unlike anything else that had hap-
elide vb eliding, elided to omit (a syllable pened. 3 or else a if not, then: tell us soon
or vowel) from a spoken word. or else we shall go mad. b Informal or some-
thing terrible will result: used as a threat:
eligible adj 1 meeting the requirements or do Hour way or else.
qualifications needed: eligible for unem- elsewhere adv in or to another place.
ployment benefit. 2 Old-fashioned desirable
as a spouse, eligibility n ELT English Language Teaching.
eliminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to get rid of elucidate vb -dating, -dated to make (some-
(something or someone unwanted, unneces- thing obscure or difficult) clear, elucida-
sary, or not meeting the requirements need- tion n
ed): he can be eliminated from the list of elude vb eluding, eluded 1 to avoid or es-
suspects. 2 to remove (a competitor or cape from (someone or something). 2 to fail
team) from a contest, esp. following a de- to be understood or remembered by: the
feat: United were eliminated in the third ~ mysteries of commerce elude me.
round. 3 Slang to murder in cold blood: Sta- elusive adj 1 difficult to find or catch. 2 dif-
lin had thousands of his former comrades ficult to remember or describe, elusive-
eliminated, elimination n ness n
elver 252 emerge
elver n a young eel. with a coat of arms, slogan, etc.: a Jacket
elves n the plural of elf. emblazoned with his band’s name. 2 to pro-
Elysium (ill-liz-zee-um) n 1 Greek myth the claim or publicize: I am not sure he would
dwelling place of the blessed after death. 2 want his name emblazoned in my column.
a state or place of perfect bliss. Elysian adj emblem n an object or design chosen to
emaciated (im-mace-ee-ate-id) adj extreme- symbolize an organization or idea, em-
ly thin through illness or lack of food, blematic adj
emaciation n embody vb -bodies, -bodying, -bodied 1 to
emanate (em-a-nate) vb -nating, -nated to be an example of or express (an idea or
come or seem to come from someone or other abstract concept). 2 to include as part
something: an aura of power emanated of a whole: the proposal has been embodied
from him. emanation n in a draft resolution, embodiment n
emancipate vb -pating, -pated to free from embolden vb to make bold.
social, political, or legal restrictions, embolism n Pathol the blocking of a blood
emancipation n vessel by a blood clot, air bubble, etc.
emasculate vb -lating, -lated to deprive of embolus n, pl -li Pathol a blood clot, air
power or strength, emasculation n bubble, or other stoppage that blocks a
embalm vb to preserve (a corpse) by the use small blood vessel.
of chemicals and oils. emboss vb to mould or carve a decoration
embankment n a man-made ridge of earth on (a surface) so that it stands out from the
or stone that carries a road or railway or surface.
prevents a river or lake from overflowing. embrace vb -bracing, -braced 1 to clasp
embargo n, pl -goes 1 an order by a gov- (someone) with one’s arms as an expression
ernment or international body prohibiting of affection or a greeting. 2 to accept eager-
trade with a country: the world trade em- ly: he has embraced the Islamic faith. 3 to
bargo against Iraq. ~vb -going, -goed 2 to include or be made up of: a church that
place an official prohibition on. embraces two cultures. —n 4 an act of em-
embark vb 1 to go on board (a ship or air- bracing.
craft). 2 embark on to begin (a new project embrasure n 1 an opening for a door or
or venture), embarkation n window which is wider on the inside of the
embarrass vb 1 to make (someone) feel shy, wall than on the outside. 2 an opening in a
ashamed, or guilty about something. 2 to battlement or wall, for shooting through.
cause political problems for (a government embrocation n a lotion rubbed into the skin
or party). 3 to cause to have financial diffi- to ease sore muscles.
culties. embarrassed adj embarrassing embroider vb 1 to do decorative needlework
adj embarrassingly adv embarrassment on (a piece of cloth or a garment). 2 to add
n imaginary details to (a story), embroider-
embassy n, pl -sies 1 the residence or place er n
of business of an ambassador. 2 an ambas- embroidery n 1 decorative needlework,
sador and his or her assistants and staff. usually on cloth or canvas. 2 the act of add-
embattled adj 1 (of a country) involved in ing imaginary details to a story.
fighting a war, esp. when surrounded by embroil vb to involve (oneself or another
enemies. 2 facing many problems and diffi- person) in problems or difficulties, em-
culties: the embattled Mayor. broilment n
embed vb -bedding, -bedded 1 to fix firmly embryo (em-bree-oh) n, pl -bryos 1 an un-
in a surrounding solid mass: the boy has born animal or human being in the early
shrapnel embedded in his spine. 2 to fix (an stages of development, in humans up to ap-
attitude or idea) in a society or in someone’s proximately the end of the second month of
mind: corruption was deeply embedded in pregnancy. 2 something in an early stage of
the ruling party. development: the embryo of a serious comic
embellish vb 1 to make (something) more novel.
attractive by adding decorations. 2 to make embryology n the scientific study of em-
(a story) more interesting by adding details bryos.
which may not be true, embellishment n embryonic adj 1 of or relating to an embryo.
ember n a smouldering piece of coal or wood 2 in an early stage.
remaining after a fire has died. emend vb to make corrections or
embezzle vb -zling, -zled to steal (money) improvements to (a text), emendation n
that belongs to the company or organization emerald n 1 a green transparent variety of
that one works for. embezzlement n em- beryl highly valued as a gem. -adj 2 bright
bezzler n green.
embittered adj feeling anger and despair as Emerald Isle n Poetic Ireland.
a result of misfortune: embittered by pover- emerge vb emerging, emerged 1 to come
ty. embitterment n into view out of something: two men
emblazon (im-blaze-on) vb 1 to decorate emerged from the pub. 2 to come out of a
emergency 253 empiricism
particular state of mind or way of exist- confrontation; calming: his emollient politi-
ence: she emerged from the trance. 3 to cal style. ~n 3 a cream or lotion that
come to the end of a particular event or softens the skin.
situation: no party emerged from the elec- emolument n fees or wages from employ-
tion with a clear majority. 4 to become ap- ment.
parent, esp. as the result of a discussion or emote vb emoting, emoted to display ex-
investigation: it emerged that he had been aggerated emotion, as if acting.
drinking. 5 to come into existence over a
emotion n 1 any strong feeling, such as joy
long period of time: a new style of dance or fear. 2 the part of a person’s character
music emerged in the late 1980s. emer-
gence n emergent adj based on feelings rather than thought: the
conflict between emotion and logic.
emergency n, pl -cies 1 an unforeseen or
sudden occurrence, esp. of danger demand- emotional adj 1 of or relating to the emo-
ing immediate action. 2 NZ a reserve player tions: emotional abuse. 2 influenced by feel-
in a sports team. 3 state of emergency a ings rather than rational thinking: he was
time of crisis, declared by a government, too emotional to be a good doctor. 3 appeal-
during which normal laws and civil rights ing to the emotions: emotional appeals for
can be suspended, -adj 4 for use in an public support. 4 showing one’s feelings
emergency: the emergency exit. 5 made openly, esp. when upset: he became very
necessary because of an emergency: emer- emotional and burst into tears, emotional-
gency surgery. ism n emotionally adv
emeritus (im-mer-rit-uss) adj retired, but emotive adj tending or designed to arouse
retaining one’s title on an honorary basis: a emotion.
professor emeritus. empathize or -thise vb -thizing, -thized or
emery n a hard greyish-black mineral used -thising, -thised to sense and understand
for smoothing and polishing. someone else’s feelings as if they were one’s
own.
emery board n a strip of cardboard coated
with crushed emery, for filing one’s finger- empathy n the ability to sense and under-
nails. stand someone else’s feelings as if they
were one’s own. empathic adj
emetic (im-met-ik) n 1 a substance that
causes vomiting, —adj 2 causing vomiting. emperor n a man who rules an empire,
EMF electromotive force. emperor penguin n a very large Antarctic
penguin with orange-yellow patches on its
emigrate vb -grating, -grated to leave one’s neck.
native country to settle in another country,
emigrant n, adj emigration n emphasis n, pl -ses 1 special importance or
significance given to something, such as an
emigre (em-mig-gray) n someone who has object or idea. 2 stress on a particular syl-
left his or her native country for political lable, word, or phrase in speaking.
reasons.
emphasize or -sise vb -sizing, -sized or
eminence n 1 the state of being well-known -sising, -sised to give emphasis or promi-
and well-respected. 2 a piece of high nence to.
ground.
emphatic adj 1 expressed, spoken, or done
Eminence n Your or His Eminence a title
forcefully: an emphatic denial of the
used to address or refer to a cardinal. allegations. 2 forceful and positive: he was
eminence grise (em-in-nonss greez) n, pl emphatic about his desire for peace talks.
eminences grises a person who wields emphatically adv
power and influence unofficially. emphysema (em-fiss-see-ma) n Pathol a
eminent adj well-known and well-respected, condition in which the air sacs of the lungs
eminently adv extremely: eminently sen- are grossly enlarged, causing breathless-
sible. ness.
emir (em-meer) n an independent ruler in empire n 1 a group of countries under the
the Islamic world, emirate n rule of a single person or sovereign state. 2
emissary n, pl -saries an agent sent on a a large industrial organization that is con-
mission by a government or head of state. trolled by one person: the heiress to a Jewel-
emission n 1 the act of giving out heat, lery empire.
light, a smell, etc. 2 energy or a substance empire-builder n Informal a person who
given out by something: exhaust emissions seeks extra power by increasing the number
from motor vehicles. of his or her staff, empire-building n, adj
emit vb emitting, emitted 1 to give or send empirical adj derived from experiment, ex-
forth (heat, light, a smell, etc.). 2 to produce perience, and observation rather than from
(a sound). __ theory or logic: there is no empirical data to
Emmental (em-men-tahl) n a hard Swiss support this claim, empirically adv
cheese with holes in it. empiricism n Philosophy the doctrine that
emollient adj 1 (of skin cream or lotion) hav- all knowledge derives from experience,
ing a softening effect. 2 helping to avoid empiricist n
emplacement 254 encore
emplacement n a prepared position for an (someone) with the means or opportunity to
artillery gun. do something. 2 to make possible: to enable
employ vb 1 to hire (someone) to do work in the best possible chance of cure.
return for money. 2 to keep busy or occupy, enabling act n a legislative act giving cer-
she was busily employed cutting the grass. tain powers to a person or organization.
3 to use as a means: you can employ various enact vb 1 to establish by law: plans to
methods to cut your heating bills. ~n 4 in enact a bill of rights. 2 to perform (a story
the employ of doing regular paid work for: or play) by acting, enactment n
he is in the employ of The Sunday Times. enamel n 1 a coloured glassy coating on the
employable adj surface of articles made of metal, glass, or
employee or US employe n a person who is pottery. 2 an enamel-like paint or varnish. 3
hired to work for someone in return for the hard white substance that covers teeth.
payment. ~vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 4 to
employer n a person or company that em- decorate or cover with enamel.
ploys workers. enamoured or US enamored adj enam-
employment n 1 the act of employing or oured of a in love with, b very fond of and
state of being employed. 2 a person’s work impressed by: he is not enamoured of Mos-
or occupation. 3 the availability of jobs for cow.
the population of a town, country, etc.: the en bloc adv as a whole; all together,
party’s commitment to full employment. enc. 1 enclosed. 2 enclosure.
emporium n, pl -riums or-ria Old-fashioned encamp vb Formal to set up a camp, en-
a large retail shop with a wide variety of campment n
merchandise.
encapsulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to put in a
empower vb to give (someone) the power or concise form; summarize. 2 to enclose in, or
authority to do something. as if in, a capsule, encapsulation n
empress n 1 a woman who rules an empire. encase vb -casing, -cased to enclose or
2 the wife or widow of an emperor, cover completely: her arms were encased in
empty adj -tier, -tiest 1 containing nothing. plaster, encasement n
2 without inhabitants; unoccupied. 3 with- encephalitis (en-sef-a-lite-iss) n inflamma-
out purpose, substance, or value: he tion of the brain, encephalitic adj
contemplated yet another empty weekend.
4 insincere or trivial: empty words. 5 In- encephalogram n an electroencephalogram,
formal drained of energy or emotion. 6 enchant vb 1 to (jelight and fascinate. 2 to
Maths, logic (of a set or class) containing no cast a spell on. enchanted adj enchant-
members. ~vb -ties, -tying, -tied 7 to make ment n enchanter n enchantress fem n
or become empty. 8 to remove from some- enchilada (en-chill-lah-da) n a Mexican dish
thing: they emptied out the remains of the consisting of a tortilla filled with meat,
tin of paint. ~n, pl -ties 9 an empty con- served with chilli sauce.
tainer, esp. a bottle, emptiness n encircle vb -cling, -cled to form a circle
empty-handed adj having gained nothing: round, encirclement n
the robbers ran off empty-handed. enclave n a part of a country entirely sur-
empty-headed adj silly or incapable of seri- rounded by foreign territory.
ous thought. enclose vb -closing, -closed 1 to surround
empyrean (em-pie-ree-an) n Poetic the sky completely: the house enclosed a courtyard.
or the heavens. 2 to include along with something else: he
EMS European Monetary System: the system enclosed a letter with the parcel.
enabling EU members to coordinate their enclosed adj kept separate from the normal
exchange rates by linking them to the ECU. everyday activities of the outside world: an
emu n a large Australian long-legged bird enclosed community of nuns.
that cannot fly. enclosure n 1 an area of land enclosed by a
emulate vb -lating, -lated to imitate (some- fence, wall, or hedge. 2 something, such as a
one) in an attempt to do as well as or better cheque, enclosed with a letter.
than him or her. emulation n emulator n encode vb -coding, -coded to convert (a
emulsifier n a substance that helps to com- message) into code.
bine two liquids, esp. a water-based liquid encomium n a formal expression of praise,
and an oil. encompass vb 1 to enclose within a circle;
emulsify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make or surround. 2 to include all of: the programme
form into an emulsion. encompasses the visual arts, music, litera-
emulsion n 1 a mixture of two liquids in ture, and drama.
which particles of one are suspended even- encore interj 1 again: used by an audience
ly throughout the other. 2 Photog a light- to demand a short extra performance. ~n 2
sensitive coating for paper or film. 3 a type an extra song or piece performed at a con-
of water-based paint. cert in response to enthusiastic demand
enable vb -abling, -abled 1 to provide from the audience.
encounter 255 end up
encounter vb 1 to meet (someone) unex- endearment n an affectionate word or
pectedly. 2 to be faced with: he had rarely phrase.
encountered such suffering. 3 to meet (an endeavour or US endeavor Formal ~vb 1
opponent or enemy) in a competition or bat- to try (to do something). ~n 2 an effort to
tle. ~n 4 a casual or unexpected meeting. 5 do something.
a game or battle: a fierce encounter between endemic adj present within a localized area
the army and armed rebels. or only found in a particular group of peo-
encourage vb -aging, -aged 1 to give (some- ple: he found 100 species of plant endemic
one) the confidence to do something. 2 to to that ridge.
stimulate (something or someone) by ap- ending n 1 the last part or conclusion of
proval or help, encouragement n encour- something: the film has a happy ending. 2
aging adj the tip or end of something: nerve endings.
encroach vb to intrude gradually on some- endive n a plant with crisp curly leaves,
one’s rights or on a piece of land, en- used in salads.
croachment n
endless adj 1 having no end; eternal or infi-
encrust vb to cover (a surface) with a layer nite. 2 continuing too long or continually
of something, such as jewels or ice. encrus- recurring: an endless stream of visitors.
tation n endlessly adv
encumber vb 1 to hinder or impede: neither endmost adj nearest the end.
was greatly encumbered with social en- endocrine adj of or denoting a gland that
gagements. 2 to burden with a load or with secretes hormones directly into the blood
debts. stream, or a hormone secreted by such a
encumbrance n something that impedes or gland.
is burdensome. endogenous (en-dodge-in-uss) adj Biol de-
encyclical (en-sik-lik-kl) n a letter sent by veloping or originating from within.
the pope to all Roman Catholic bishops. endometrium (end-oh-meet-tree-um) n the
encyclopedia or encyclopaedia n a book or mucous membrane lining the womb, endo-
set of books, often in alphabetical order, metrial adj
containing facts about many different sub- endorphin n any of a group of chemicals
jects or about one particular subject. found in the brain, which have an effect
encyclopedic or encyclopaedic adj (of similar to morphine.
knowledge or information) very full and endorsation n Canad approval or support.
thorough; comprehensive. endorse vb -dorsing, -dorsed 1 to give ap-
end n 1 one of the two extreme points of proval or support to. 2 to sign the back of (a
something such as a road. 2 the surface at cheque) to specify the payee. 3 Chiefly Brit
one of the two extreme points of an object: to record a conviction on (a driving licence),
a pencil with a rubber at one end. 3 the ex- endorsement n
treme extent or limit of something: the end
endoskeleton n Zool an internal skeleton,
of the runway. 4 the most distant place or such as the bony skeleton of vertebrates.
time that can be imagined: the ends of the
earth. 5 the act or an instance of stopping endothermic adj (of a chemical reaction)
doing something or stopping something involving or requiring the absorption of
from continuing: I want to put an end to all heat.
the gossip. 6 the last part of something: at endow vb 1 to provide with a source of
the end of the story. 7 a remnant or frag- permanent income, esp. by leaving money in
ment: cigarette ends. 8 death or destruction. a will. 2 endowed with provided with or
9 the purpose of an action: he will only use possessing (a quality or talent).
you to achieve his own ends. 10 Sport either endowment n 1 the money given to an insti-
of the two defended areas of a playing field. tution, such as a hospital. 2 a natural talent
11 in the end finally. 12 make ends meet or quality.
to have just enough money to meet one’s endowment assurance or insurance n a
needs. 13 no end used for emphasis: these kind of life insurance that pays a specified
moments give me no end of trouble. 14 on sum directly to the policyholder at a desig-
end Informal without pause or interrup- nated date or to his or her beneficiary
tion: for months on end. 15 the end Slang should he or she die before this date.
the worst, esp. beyond the limits of endur- endpaper n either of two leaves at the front
ance. -vb 16 to bring or come to a finish. and back of a book pasted to the inside of
17 end it all Informal to commit suicide. the cover.
~See also end up. end product n the final result of a process.
endanger vbto put in danger. end up vb 1 to arrive at a place by a round-
endangered adj (of a species of animal) in about route or without intending to: the van
danger of becoming extinct. ‘ somehow ended up in Bordeaux. 2 to arrive
endear vb to cause to be liked: his wit en- at a particular condition or situation with-
deared him to a great many people, en- out expecting to: I thought 1 was going to
dearing adj hate it, but I ended up enjoying myself.
endurance 256 enhance
endurance n the ability to withstand pro- battle with. 6 to bring (part of a machine or
longed hardship. other mechanism) into operation, esp. by
endure vb -during, -dured 1 to bear (hard- causing components to interlock. 7 engage
ship) patiently, the children allegedly en- in conversation to start a conversation
dured sexual abuse. 2 to tolerate or put up with.
with: I cannot endure your disloyalty any engaged adj 1 having made a promise to get
longer. 3 to last for a long time, endurable married. 2 (of a telephone line or a toilet)
adj already being used.
enduring adj long-lasting. engagement n 1 a business or social ap-
endways or esp US & Canad endwise adv pointment. 2 the period when a couple has
having the end forwards or upwards. agreed to get married but the wedding has
enema (en-im-a) n Med a quantity of fluid not yet taken place. 3 a limited period of
inserted into the rectum to empty the bow- employment, esp. in the performing arts. 4
els, for example before an operation. a battle.
enemy n, pl -mies 1 a person who is hostile engagement ring n a ring worn by a woman
or opposed to a person, group, or idea. 2 a engaged to be married.
hostile nation or people. 3 something that engaging adj pleasant and charming, en-
harms or opposes something: oil is an gagingly adv
enemy of the environment, -adj 4 of or be- engender vb to produce (a particular feel-
longing to an enemy: enemy troops. ing, atmosphere, or situation).
energetic adj 1 having or showing energy engine n 1 any machine designed to convert
and enthusiasm: an energetic campaigner energy into mechanical work, esp. one used
for democracy. 2 involving a lot of move- to power a vehicle. 2 a railway locomotive.
ment and physical effort: energetic exer- engineer n 1 a person trained in any branch
cise. energetically adv of engineering. 2 a person who repairs and
energize or -ise vb -gizing, -gized or maintains mechanical or electrical devices.
-gising, -gised to stimulate or enliven. 3 a soldier trained in engineering and con-
energy n, pl -gies 1 capacity for intense ac- struction work. 4 an officer responsible for
tivity; vigour. 2 intensity or vitality of ac- a ship’s engines. 5 US & Canad a train driv-
tion or expression; forcefulness. 3 Physics er. -vb 6 to cause or plan (an event or
the capacity to do work and overcome resis- situation) in a clever or devious manner. 7
tance. 4 a source of power, such as electric- to design or construct as a professional en-
ity. gineer.
enervate vb -vating, -vated to deprive of engineering n the profession of applying
strength or vitality, enervating adj ener- scientific principles to the design and con-
vation n struction of engines, cars, buildings,
enfant terrible (on-fon ter-reeb-la) n, pl bridges, roads, and electrical machines.
enfants terribles a talented but unconven- English adj 1 of England or the English lan-
tional or indiscreet person. guage. -n 2 the official language of Brit-
enfeeble vb -bling, -bled to make (someone ain, the US, most of the Commonwealth,
or something) weak. and certain other countries, —pl n 3 the
English the people of England.
enfilade Mil ~n 1 a burst of gunfire sweep-
ing from end to end along a line of troops. English breakfast n a breakfast including
-vb -lading, -laded 2 to attack with an en- cooked food, such as bacon and eggs.
filade. Englishman or fem Englishwoman n, pl
enfold vb 1 to cover (something) by, or as if -men or-women a person from England.
by, wrapping something round it: darkness engorge vb -gorging, -gorged Pathol to clog
enfolded the city. 2 to embrace or hug. or become clogged with blood, engorge-
enforce vb -forcing, -forced 1 to ensure ment n
that (a law or decision) is obeyed. 2 to im- engrave vb -graving, -graved 1 to carve or
pose (obedience) by, or as if by, force, en- etch a design or inscription into (a surface).
forceable adj enforcement n 2 to print (designs or characters) from a
enfranchise vb -chising, -chised to grant (a plate into which they have been cut or
person or group of people) the right to vote, etched. 3 to fix deeply or permanently in
enfranchisement n the mind, engraver n
Eng. 1 England. 2 English. engraving n 1 a printing surface that has
engage vb -gaging, -gaged 1 Also: be en-
been engraved. 2 a print made from this.
gaged to take part or participate: he en- engross (en-groce) vb to occupy the atten-
gaged in criminal and illegal acts; they were tion of (someone) completely, engrossing
engaged in espionage. 2 to involve (a person adj
or his or her attention) intensely: tliere’s engulf vb 1 to immerse, plunge, or swallow
nothing to engage the intellect in this film. 3 up: engulfed by flames. 2 to overwhelm: a
to employ (someone) to do something. 4 to terrible fear engulfed her.
promise to do something. 5 Mil to begin a enhance vb -hancing, -hanced to improve
enigma 257 entablature
or increase in quality, value, or power: grill- enough. 7 just adequately: he sang well
ing on the barbecue enhances the flavour. enough.
enhancement n enhancer n en passant (on pass-on) adv in passing: ref-
enigma n something or someone that is mys- erences made en passant.
terious or puzzling, enigmatic adj enig- enquire vb -quiring, -quired same as in-
matically adv quire. enquiry n
enjoin vb 1 to order (someone) to do some- enrage vb -raging, -raged to make extreme-
thing. 2 to impose (a particular kind of be- ly angry.
haviour) on someone: the sect enjoins pov-
erty on its members. 3 Law to prohibit enraptured adj filled with delight and fasci-
(someone) from doing something by an in- nation.
junction. enrich vb 1 to improve or increase the qual-
enjoy vb 1 to receive pleasure from. 2 to ity or value of: his poetry has vastly
have or experience (something, esp. some- enriched the English language. 2 to improve
thing good): many fat people enjoy excel- in nutritional value, colour, or flavour: a
lent health. 3 enjoy oneself to have a good sauce enriched with beer. 3 to make
time, enjoyable adj enjoyably adv en- wealthy or wealthier, enriched adj en-
joyment n richment n
enlarge vb -larging, -larged 1 to make or enrol or US enroll vb -rolling, -rolled to be-
grow larger. 2 enlarge on to speak or write come or cause to become a member, enrol-
about in greater detail, enlargement n en- ment or US enrollment n
larger n en route adv on or along the way.
enlighten vb to give information or under- ensconce vb -sconcing, -sconced to settle
standing to. enlightening adj firmly or comfortably.
enlightened adj 1 rational and having ben- ensemble (on-som-bl) n 1 all the parts of
eficial effects: an enlightened approach to something considered as a whole. 2 the
social welfare. 2 (of a person) tolerant and complete outfit of clothes a person is wear-
unprejudiced. ing. 3 a group of musicians or actors per-
enlightenment n the act of enlightening or forming together. 4 Music a passage in
the state of being enlightened. which all or most of the performers are
enlist vb 1 to enter the armed forces. 2 to playing or singing at once.
obtain (someone’s help or support), en- enshrine vb -shrining, -shrined to contain
listment n and protect (an idea or right) in a society,
enlisted adj (of a man or woman in the US legal system, etc.: the university’s inde-
Army or Navy) being below the rank of an pendence is enshrined in its charter.
officer. enshroud vb to cover or hide (an object)
enliven vb to make lively, cheerful, or completely, as if by draping something over
bright, enlivening adj it: fog enshrouded the forest.
en masse adv all together; as a group, ensign n 1 a flag flown by a ship to indicate
enmeshed adj deeply involved: enmeshed in its nationality. 2 any flag or banner. 3 (in
turmoil. the US Navy) a commissioned officer of the
lowest rank. 4 (formerly, in the British in-
enmity n a feeling of hostility or ill will, fantry) a commissioned officer of the low-
ennoble vb -bling, -bled 1 to make (some- est rank.
one) a member of the nobility. 2 to make enslave vb -slaving, -slaved to make a slave
(someone or his or her life) noble or digni- of (someone), enslavement n
fied: poverty does not ennoble people.
ensnare vb -snaring, -snared 1 to trap or
ennui (on-nwee) n Literary boredom and gain power over (someone) by dishonest or
dissatisfaction resulting from lack of activ- underhand means. 2 to catch (an animal) in
ity or excitement. a snare.
enormity n 1 extreme wickedness. 2 (p7
ensue vb -suing, -sued 1 to happen next. 2
-ties) an act of great wickedness. 3 the
vastness or extent of a problem or difficul- to occur as a consequence: if glaucoma is
not treated, blindness can ensue, ensuing
ty- adj
enormous ad/ unusually large in size, ex-
tent, or degree. enormously adv en suite adv (of a bathroom) connected to a
bedroom and entered directly from it.
enough adj 1 as much or as many as neces-
sary. 2 that’s enough! used to stop some- ensure or esp US insure vb -suring, -sured 1
one behaving in a particular way. —pron 3 to make certain: we must ensure that simi-
an adequate amount or number: I don’t lar accidents do not happen again. 2 to
know enough about the subject to be able to make safe or protect: female athletes
speak about it. —adv 4 as much as neces- -should take extra iron to ensure against
sary. 5 fairly or quite: that's a common anaemia.
enough experience. 6 very: used to give em- ENT Med ear, nose, and throat.
phasis to the preceding word: funnily entablature n Archit the part of a classical
entail 258 entrant
building supported by the columns, consist- interest of. enthralling adj enthralment
ing of an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice. or US enthrallment n
entail vb 1 to bring about or impose inevi- enthrone vb -throning, -throned 1 to place
tably: few women enter marriage knowing (a person) on a throne in a ceremony to
what it really entails. 2 Property law to re- mark the beginning of his or her new role as
strict the ability to inherit (a piece of prop- a monarch or bishop. 2 to give an important
erty) to designated heirs. or prominent position to (something): the
entangle vb -gling, -gled 1 to catch very religious fundamentalism now enthroned in
firmly in something, such as a net or wire: a American life, enthronement n
fishing line had entangled his legs. 2 to in- enthuse vb -thusing, -thused to feel or
volve in a complicated series of problems or cause to feel enthusiasm.
difficulties: he entangles himself in enthusiasm n ardent and lively interest or
contradictions. 3 to involve in a trouble- eagerness.
some relationship: she kept getting entan- enthusiast n a person who is very interested
gled with unsuitable boyfriends, entan- in and keen on something, enthusiastic adj
glement n enthusiastically adv
entente (on-tont) n short for entente cor- entice vb -ticing, -ticed to attract (someone)
diale. away from one place or activity to another,
entente cordiale (cord-ee-ahl) n a friendly enticement n enticing adj
understanding between two or more coun- entire adj made up of or involving all of
tries. something, including every detail, part, or
enter vb 1 to come or go into (a particular aspect, entirely adv
place): he entered the room. 2 to join (a entirety n, pl -ties 1 all of a person or thing:
party or organization). 3 to become in- you must follow this diet for the entirety of
volved in or take part in: 1500 schools en- your life. 2 in its entirety as a whole.
tered the competition. 4 to become suddenly entitle vb -tling, -tied 1 to give (someone)
present or noticeable in: a note of anxiety the right to do or have something. 2 to give
entered his voice. 5 to record (an item) in a a name or title to (a book or film), entitle-
journal or list. 6 Theatre to come on stage: ment n
used as a stage direction: enter Joseph. 7 to entity n, pl -ties something that exists in its
begin (a new process or period of time): the own right and not merely as part of a bigger
occupation of the square has entered its thing.
eleventh day. entomb vb 1 to place (a corpse) in a tomb. 2
enteric (en-ter-ik) adj of the intestines. to bury or trap: a circulatory system en-
enter into vb 1 to be an important factor in tombed in fat. entombment n
(a situation or plan): money doesn’t enter entomology n the study of insects, ento-
into it: it’s a matter of principle. 2 to start mological adj entomologist n
to do or be involved in (a process or series entourage (on-toor-ahzh) n a group of peo-
of events): the government will not enter ple who assist or travel with an important
into negotiations with terrorists. or well-known person.
enteritis (en-ter-rite-iss) n inflammation of entozoon (en-toe-zoe-on) n, pl -zoa (-zoe-a)
the small intestine. a parasite, such as a tapeworm, that lives
enterprise n 1 a business firm. 2 a project or inside another animal.
undertaking, esp. one that requires bold- entrails pl n 1 the internal organs of a per-
ness or effort. 3 boldness and energy. son or animal; intestines. 2 the innermost
enterprising adj full of boldness and initia- parts of anything.
tive. enterprisingly adv entrance1 n 1 something, such as a door or
entertain vb 1 to provide amusement for (a gate, through which it is possible to enter a
person or audience). 2 to show hospitality place. 2 the act of coming into a place, esp.
to (guests). 3 to consider (an idea or sugges- with reference to the way in which it is
tion). done: she made a sudden startling entrance.
3 Theatre the act of appearing on stage. 4
entertainer n a person who entertains, esp. the right to enter a place: he refused her en-
professionally. trance because she was carrying her Scottie
entertaining adj 1 interesting, amusing, and dog. 5 ability or permission to join or be-
enjoyable. ~n 2 the provision of hospital- come involved with a group or organization:
ity to guests: the smart kitchen is perfect entrance to the profession should be open to
for entertaining. men and women alike, -adj 6 necessary in
entertainment n 1 enjoyment and interest: a order to enter something: the entrance fee is
match of top-quality entertainment and £5.
goals. 2 an act or show that entertains, or entrance2 vb -trancing, -tranced to fill with
such acts and shows collectively. delight, entrancement n entrancing adj
enthral or US enthrall (en-thrawl) vb entrant n a person who enters a university,
-thralling, -thralled to hold the attention or competition, etc.
entrap 259 epic
entrap vb -trapping, -trapped 1 to trick ture: an envelope of filo pastry. 3 Geom a
(someone) into danger or difficulty. 2 to curve that is tangential to each one of a
catch in a trap, entrapment n group of curves.
entreat vb to ask (someone) earnestly to do enviable adj so desirable or fortunate that it
something. is likely to cause envy, enviably adv
entreaty n, pl -treaties an earnest request envious adj feeling, showing, or resulting
or plea. from envy, enviously adv
entrecote (on-tra-coat) n a steak of beef cut environment (en-vire-on-ment) n 1 the ex-
from between the ribs. ternal conditions or surroundings in which
entree (on-tray) n 1 the right to enter a people live: working in a multicultural en-
place. 2 a dish served before a main course. vironment. 2 Ecology the natural world of
3 Chiefly US the main course. land, sea, air, plants, and animals: nuclear
entrench vb 1 to fix or establish firmly: the waste must be prevented from leaking into
habit had become entrenched. 2 Mil to forti- the environment, environmental adj
fy (a position) by digging trenches around ► Note the “n” before the “m” in the spelling
it. entrenchment n of environment.
entrepreneur n the owner of a business who environmentalist n a person concerned with
attempts to make money by risk and initia- the protection and preservation of the
tive. entrepreneurial adj natural environment.
entropy (en-trop-ee) n 1 Formal lack of pat- environs pl n a surrounding area, esp. the
tern or organization. 2 Physics a thermody- outskirts of a city.
namic quantity that represents the amount envisage or US envision vb -aging, -aged or
of energy present in a system that cannot -ioning, -ioned to believe to be possible or
be converted into work because it is tied up likely in the future: the commission
in the atomic structure of the system. envisages a mix of government and private
entrust vb 1 to give (someone) a duty or re-
funding.
sponsibility: Miss Conway, who was en- envoy n 1 a messenger or representative. 2 a
trusted with the child’s education. 2 to put diplomat ranking next below an ambassa-
(something) into the care of someone: he dor.
stole all the money we had entrusted to envy n, pl -vies 1 a feeling of discontent
him. aroused by someone else’s possessions,
entry n, pl -tries 1 something, such as a door achievements, or qualities. 2 something
or gate, through which it is possible to enter that causes envy: their standards are the
a place. 2 the act of coming in to a place, envy of the world, —vb -vies, -vying, -vied
esp. with reference to the way in which it is 3 to wish that one had the possessions,
done. 3 the right to enter a place: he was re- achievements, or qualities of (someone
fused entry to Britain. 4 the act of joining else), envyingly adv
an organization or group: Britain’s entry enzyme n any of a group of complex pro-
into the EC. 5 a brief note, article, or group teins, that act as catalysts in specific bio-
of figures in a diary, book, or computer file. chemical reactions, enzymatic adj
6 a quiz form, painting, etc., submitted in an Eocene (ee-oh-seen) adj of the epoch of geo-
attempt to win a competition. 7 a person^ logical time about 55 million years ago.
horse, car, etc., entering a competition. Eolithic adj of the early period of the Stone
-adj 8 necessary in order to enter some- Age, when crude stone tools were used.
thing: entry fee. EP n an extended-play gramophone record,
entwine vb -twining, -twined to twist to- which is 7 inches in diameter and has a
gether or round something else. longer recording on each side than a single
E number n any of a series of numbers with does.
the prefix E- indicating a specific food addi- epaulette n a piece of ornamental material
tive recognized by the EU. on the shoulder of a garment, esp. a mili-
enumerate vb -ating, -ated 1 to name or list tary uniform.
one by one. 2 to count. 3 Canad to compile epee (ep-pay) n a straight-bladed sword
the voting list for an area, enumeration n used in fencing.
enumerator n ephedrine (eff-fid-dreen) n an alkaloid used
enunciate vb -ating, -ated 1 to pronounce for the treatment of asthma and hay fever.
(words) clearly. 2 to state precisely or for- ephemera (if-fem-a-ra) pl n items designed
mally. enunciation n to last only for a short time, such as pro-
enuresis (en-yoo-reece-iss) n involuntary grammes or posters.
urination, esp. during sleep. ephemeral adj lasting only for a short time,
envelop vb to cover, surround, or enclose, epic n 1 a long exciting book, poem, or film,
envelopment n -usually telling of heroic deeds. 2 a long nar-
envelope n 1 a flat covering of paper, that rative poem telling of the deeds of a legend-
can be sealed, used to enclose a letter, etc. 2 ary hero, -adj 3 very large or grand: a pro-
any covering, wrapper, or enclosing struc- fessional feud of epic proportions.
epicene 260 epoxy
epicene adj (esp. of a man) having charac- -tomies an operation involving cutting into
teristics or features which are not definite- the area between the genitals and the anus
ly male or female. sometimes performed during childbirth to
epicentre or US epicenter n the point on make the birth easier.
the earth’s surface immediately above the episode n 1 an event or series of events. 2
origin of an earthquake. any of the sections into which a novel or a
epicure n a person who enjoys good food television or radio serial is divided.
and drink, epicurism n episodic adj 1 resembling or relating to an
epicurean adj 1 devoted to sensual pleas- episode. 2 occurring at irregular and infre-
ures, esp. food and drink. ~n 2 same as quent intervals.
epicure, epicureanism n epistemology (ip-iss-stem-ol-a-jee) n the
epidemic n 1 a widespread occurrence of a theory of knowledge, esp. the critical study
disease. 2 a rapid development or spread of of its validity, methods, and scope, epis-
something: an epidemic of rape, -adj 3 temological adj epistemologist n
(esp. of a disease) affecting many people in epistle n 1 Formal or humorous a letter. 2 a
an area: stress has now reached epidemic literary work in letter form, esp. a poem.
proportions. Epistle n New Testament any of the letters
epidemiology (ep-pid-deem-ee-ol-a-jee) n written by the apostles.
the branch of medical science concerned epistolary adj 1 of or relating to letters. 2
with epidemic diseases, epidemiologist n (of a novel) presented in the form of a se-
epidermis n the thin protective outer layer ries of letters.
of the skin, epidermal adj epitaph n 1 a commemorative inscription on
epidural (ep-pid-dure-al) adj 1 on or over a tombstone. 2 a commemorative speech or
the outermost membrane covering the brain written passage.
and spinal cord (dura mater). ~n 2 a an in- epithelium n, pl -lia Anat a cellular tissue
jection of anaesthetic into the space outside covering the external and internal surfaces
the outermost membrane enveloping the of the body, epithelial adj
spinal cord, b anaesthesia produced by this epithet n a word or short phrase used to de-
method. scribe someone or something: these tracks
epiglottis n a thin flap of cartilage at the truly deserve that overworked epithet
back of the mouth that covers the entrance “classic”.
to the larynx during swallowing. epitome (ip-pit-a-jnee) n 1 a person or thing
epigram n 1 a witty remark. 2 a short poem that is a typical example of a characteristic
with a witty ending, epigrammatic adj or class: the epitome of rural tranquillity. 2
epigraph n 1 a quotation at the beginning of a summary, esp. of a written work.
a book. 2 an inscription on a monument or ► Avoid the use of epitome to mean “the
building. peak” of something.
epilepsy n a disorder of the central nervous epitomize or -mise vb -mizing, -mized or
system which causes periodic loss of con- -mising, -mised to be or make a perfect or
sciousness and sometimes convulsions. typical example of.
epileptic adj 1 of or having epilepsy. —n 2 a EPNS electroplated nickel silver.
person who has epilepsy. epoch (ee-pok) n 1 a long period of time
epilogue n a short concluding passage or marked by some predominant characteris-
speech at the end of a book or play. tic: the cold-war epoch. 2 the beginning of a
episcopacy (ip-piss-kop-a-see) n 1 govern- new or distinctive period: the invention of
ment of a Church by bishops. 2 (pt -cies) nuclear weapons marked an epoch in the
same as episcopate. history of warfare. 3 Geol a unit of time
episcopal (ip-piss-kop-al) adj of or relating within a period during which a series of
to bishops. rocks is formed, epochal adj
Episcopal Church n (in Scotland and the epoch-making adj very important or sig-
U.S.) a self-governing branch of the Angli- nificant.
can Church. eponymous (ip-pon-im-uss) adj 1 (of a per-
episcopalian adj also episcopal 1 practising son) being the person after whom a literary
or advocating Church government by bish- work, film, etc., is named: the eponymous
ops. ~n 2 an advocate of such Church gov- heroine in the film of Jane Eyre. 2 (of a lit-
ernment. erary work, film, etc.) named after its cen-
Episcopalian (ip-piss-kop-pale-ce-an) adj 1 tral character or creator: The Stooges' ep-
of or relating to the Episcopal Church. ~n onymous debut album.
2 a member of this Church. Episcopalian- EPOS electronic point of sale.
ism n epoxy Chem -adj 1 of or containing an
episcopate (ip-piss-kop-it) n 1 the office, oxygen atom joined to two different groups
status, or term of office of a bishop. 2 bish- that are themselves joined to other groups.
ops collectively. 2 of or consisting of an epoxy resin, -n, pl
episiotomy (ip-pccz-ce-ot-tom-cc) n, pl epoxies 3 an epoxy resin.
epoxy resin 261 erase
epoxy resin n a tough resistant thermoset- of mental and emotional balance; compo-
ting synthetic resin, used in laminates and sure.
adhesives. equine adj of or like a horse.
Epsom salts pl n a medicinal preparation of equinoctial adj 1 relating to or occurring at
hydrated magnesium sulphate, used to an equinox. —n 2 a storm at or near an
empty the bowels. equinox.
equable (ek-wab-bl) adj 1 even-tempered equinox n either of the two occasions when
and reasonable. 2 (of a climate) not varying day and night are of equal length, around
much throughout the year, and neither very March 21 and September 23.
hot nor very cold, equably adv equip vb equipping, equipped 1 to provide
equal adj 1 identical in size, quantity, de- with supplies, components, etc.: the car
gree, or intensity. 2 having identical privi- comes equipped with a catalytic converter.
leges, rights, or status. 3 applying in the 2 to provide with abilities, understanding,
same way to all people or in all circum- etc.: stress is something we are all equipped
stances: equal rights. 4 equal to having the to cope with.
necessary strength, ability, or means for: equipment n 1 a set of tools or devices used
she was equal to any test the corporation for a particular purpose: communications
put to her. —n 5 a person or thing equal to equipment. 2 an act of equipping.
another. —vb equalling, equalled or US equipoise n the state of being perfectly bal-
equaling, equaled 6 to be equal to; match. anced; equilibrium.
7 to make or do something equal to: he has equitable adj fair and reasonable, equi-
equalled his world record in the men's 100 tably adv
metres, equally adv
equitation n riding and horsemanship,
equality n, pl -ties the state of being equal,
equities pl n same as ordinary shares,
equalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
equity n, pl -ties 1 the quality of being im-
-ised 1 to make equal or uniform. 2 (in
a sport) to reach the same score as one's partial; fairness. 2 Law a system of using
opponent or opponents, equalization or principles of natural justice and fair con-
-isation n equalizer or -iser n
duct to reach a judgment when common law
is inadequate or inappropriate. 3 the differ-
equal opportunity n the offering of em- ence in value between a person’s debts and
ployment or promotion equally to all, with- the value of the property on which they are
out discrimination as to sex, race, colour, secured: negative equity.
etc. Equity n -Brit. Austral, & NZ the actors’
equanimity n calmness of mind or temper; trade union.
composure. equivalent n 1 something that has the same
equate vb equating, equated 1 to make or use or function as something else: Den-
regard as equivalent. 2 Maths to form an mark’s equivalent to Silicon Valley,
equation from, equatable adj -adj 2 equal in value, quantity, signifi-
equation n 1 a mathematical statement that cance, etc. 3 having the same or a similar
two expressions are equal. 2 a situation or effect or meaning, equivalence n
problem in which a number of different fac- equivocal adj 1 capable of varying
tors need to be considered: this plan leaves interpretations; ambiguous. 2 deliberately
human nature out of the equation. 3 the act misleading or vague. 3 of doubtful charac-
of equating. 4 Chem a representation of a ter or sincerity: the party's commitment to
chemical reaction using symbols of the el- genuine reform is equivocal, equivocally
ements. adv
equator n an imaginary circle around the equivocate vb -eating, -cated to use vague
earth at an equal distance from the North or ambiguous language in order to deceive
Pole and the South Pole. someone or to avoid telling the truth,
equatorial adj of, like, or existing at or near equivocation n equivocator n
the equator. er interj a sound made when hesitating in
equerry (ek-kwer-ee) n, pl -ries an officer of speech.
the royal household who acts as a personal Er Chem erbium.
attendant to a member of the royal family. ER Queen Elizabeth.
equestrian adj 1 of or relating to horses and era n 1 a period of time considered as dis-
riding. 2 on horseback: an equestrian statue tinctive; epoch. 2 an extended period of
of the Queen, equestrianism n time measured from a fixed point: the
equidistant adj equally distant, equidis- Communist era. 3 Geol a major division of
tance n time.
equilateral adj 1 having all sides of equal _ eradicate vb -eating, -cated to destroy or
length. ~n 2 a geometric figure having all get rid of completely: measures to eradicate
sides of equal length. racism. eradicable adj eradication n
equilibrium n, pl -ria 1 a stable condition in eradicator n
which forces cancel one another. 2 a state erase vb erasing, erased 1 to destroy all
eraser 262 escape
traces of: he could not erase the memory of thing for someone. 2 run an errand to make
his earlier defeat. 2 to rub or wipe out such a trip.
(something written). 3 to remove sound or errant adj 1 behaving in a way considered to
information from (a magnetic tape or disk), be unacceptable: an errant schoolboy. 2
erasable adj Old-fashioned or literary wandering in
eraser n an object, such as a piece of rubber, search of adventure: a knight errant, er-
for erasing something written. rantry n
erasure n 1 an erasing. 2 the place or mark erratic adj 1 irregular or unpredictable: er-
where something has been erased. ratic behaviour. ~n 2 Geol a rock that has
erbium n Chem a soft silvery-white element been transported by glacial action, errati-
of the lanthanide series of metals. Symbol: cally adv
Er erratum n, pl -ta an error in writing or print-
ere conj, prep Poetic before. ing.
erect vb 1 to build. 2 to raise to an upright erroneous adj based on or containing an
position. 3 to found or form: the caricature error or errors; incorrect, erroneously adv
of socialism erected by Lenin, -adj 4 up- error n 1 a mistake, inaccuracy, or misjudg-
right in posture or position. 5 Physiol (of ment. 2 the act or state of being wrong or
the penis, clitoris, or nipples) firm or rigid making a misjudgment: the plane was shot
after swelling with blood, esp. as a result of down in error. 3 the amount by which the
sexual excitement, erection n actual value of a quantity might differ from
erectile adj Physiol (of an organ, such as the
an estimate: a 3% margin of error.
penis) capable of becoming erect. ersatz (air-zats) adj made in imitation of
something more expensive: ersatz coffee.
eremite (air-rim-mite) n a Christian hermit,
Erse n, adj Gaelic.
ergo conj therefore.
erstwhile adj 1 former, —adv 2 Archaic
ergonomic adj 1 designed to minimize effort formerly.
and discomfort. 2 of or relating to ergonom- eruct or eructate vb Formal to belch, eruc-
ics. tation n
ergonomics n the study of the relationship erudite (air-rude-ite) adj having or showing
between workers and their environment. great academic knowledge, erudition n
ergot n 1 a disease of a cereal, such as rye, erupt vb 1 (of a volcano) to throw out mol-
caused by a fungus. 2 the dried fungus used ten lava, ash, and steam in a sudden and
in medicine. violent way. 2 to 'burst forth suddenly and
Erin n Archaic or poetic Ireland. violently: riots erupted across the country.
ermine n, pl -mines or -mine 1 the stoat in 3 (of a group of people) to suddenly become
northern regions, where it has a white win- angry and aggressive: the meeting erupted
ter coat. 2 the fur of this animal, used to in fury. 4 (of a blemish) to appear on the
trim state robes of judges, nobles, etc. skin, eruptive adj eruption n
erne or ern n a fish-eating sea eagle. erysipelas (air-riss-sip-ill-ass) n an acute
Ernie n (in Britain) a computer that random- disease of the skin, with fever and raised
ly selects winning numbers of Premium purplish patches.
Bonds. erythrocyte (ir-rith-roe-site) n a red blood
erode vb eroding, eroded 1 to wear down cell that transports oxygen through the
or away. 2 to deteriorate or cause to de- body.
teriorate. Es Chem einsteinium.
erogenous (ir-roj-in-uss) adj sensitive to escalate vb -lating, -lated to increase or be
sexual stimulation: an erogenous zone. increased in size, seriousness, or intensity,
escalation n
erosion n 1 the wearing away of rocks or
soil by the action of water, ice, or wind. 2 a escalator n a moving staircase consisting of
gradual lessening or reduction: an erosion stair treads fixed to a conveyor belt.
of national sovereignty, erosive or ero- escalope (ess-kal-lop) n a thin slice of meat,
sional adj usually veal.
erotic adj of, concerning, or arousing sexual escapade n a mischievous act or adventure,
desire or giving sexual pleasure, erotically escape vb -caping, -caped 1 to get away or
adv break free from (confinement). 2 to manage
erotica pl n explicitly sexual literature or to avoid (something dangerous, unpleasant,
art. or difficult). 3 (of gases, liquids, etc.) to
leak gradually. 4 to elude; be forgotten by:
eroticism n 1 erotic quality or nature. 2 the those little round cakes whose name
use of sexually arousing symbolism in lit- escapes me. —n 5 the act of escaping or
erature or art. 3 sexual excitement or de- state of having escaped. 6 a way of avoid-
sire. ing something difficult, dangerous, or un-
err vb 1 to make a mistake. 2 to sin. pleasant: his frequent illnesses provided an
errand n 1 a short trip to get or do some- escape from intolerable stress. 7 a means of
escapee 263 essential oil
relaxation or relief: he found temporary es- tree trained to grow flat. 2 the trellis on
cape through the local cinema. 8 a leakage which such plants are grown.
of gas or liquid. esparto or esparto grass n, pl -tos any of
escapee n a person who has escaped from various grasses of S Europe and N Africa,
prison. used to make ropes, mats, etc.
escapement n the mechanism in a clock or especial adj Formal same as special.
watch which connects the hands to the ► Specially) is more common than espe-
pendulum or balance. cially) and is always used in preference
escape road n a small road leading off a to especial when the sense is “out of the
steep hill, into which a car can be driven if ordinary”.
the brakes fail. especially adv 1 particularly: people are
escape velocity n the minimum velocity dying, especially children and babies. 2
necessary for a particle, space vehicle, etc. more than usually: an especially virulent
to escape from the gravitational field of the disease.
earth or other celestial body. Esperanto n an international artificial lan-
escapism n an inclination to retreat from guage. Esperantist n, adj
unpleasant reality, for example through espionage (ess-pyon-ahzh) n 1 the use of
fantasy, escapist n, adj spies to obtain secret information, esp. by
escapologist n an entertainer who special- governments. 2 the act of spying.
izes in freeing himself or herself from esplanade n a long open level stretch of
chains, ropes, etc. escapology n ground, esp. beside the seashore or in front
escarpment n the long continuous steep of a fortified place.
face of a ridge or mountain. espousal n 1 adoption or support: his es-
eschatology (ess-cat-tol-a-jee) n the branch pousal of the free market. 2 Old-fashioned a
of theology concerned with the end of the marriage or engagement ceremony.
world, eschatological adj espouse vb -pousing, -poused 1 to adopt or
escheat (iss-cheat) Law ~n 1 formerly, the give support to (a cause, ideal, etc.). 2 Old-
return of property to the Crown or feudal fashioned (esp. of a man) to marry.
lord in the absence of legal heirs. 2 the espresso n, pl -sos coffee made by forcing
property so reverting. ~vb 3 to obtain steam or boiling water through ground cof-
(land) by escheat. fee.
eschew (iss-chew) vb to avoid doing or ► Note that the second letter is “s” not “x”.
being involved in (something disliked or esprit (ess-pree) n spirit, liveliness, or wit.
harmful), eschewal n esprit de corps (de kore) n consciousness
escort n 1 people or vehicles accompanying of and pride in belonging to a particular
another to protect or guard them. 2 a per- group.
son who accompanies someone of the oppo- espy vb espies, espying, espied to catch
site sex on a social occasion. ~vb 3 to act sight of.
as an escort to.
escritoire (ess-kree-twahr) n a writing desk Esq. esquire.
with compartments and drawers. esquire n 1 Chiefly Brit a title of respect
escudo (ess-kew-doe) n, pl -dos the stand- placed after a man’s name and usually
ard monetary unit of Portugal. shortened to Esq.: I Davies, Esquire. 2 (in
medieval times) the attendant of a knight.
esculent Formal ~adj 1 edible. ~n 2 any
edible substance. essay n 1 a short literary composition on a
single subject. 2 a short piece of writing on
escutcheon n 1 a shield displaying a coat of a subject done as an exercise by a student. 3
arms. 2 blot on one’s escutcheon a stain an attempt. ~vb 4 Formal to attempt: he
on one’s honour. essayed a faint smile.
Eskimo n 1 (pl -mos or -mo) a member of a essayist n a person who writes essays.
group of peoples who live in N Canada,
Greenland, Alaska, and E Siberia. 2 the lan- essence n 1 the most important and distinc-
guage of these peoples. ~adj 3 of the Eski- tive feature of something, which determ-
mos. ines its identity. 2 a concentrated liquid
used to flavour food. 3 in essence essential-
ESN educationally subnormal. ly. 4 of the essence vitally important.
esoteric (ee-so-ter-rik) adj understood by essential adj 1 vitally important; absolutely
only a small number of people, esp. because necessary: it is essential to get this finished
they have special knowledge, esoterically on time. 2 basic or fundamental: she
adv translated the essential points of the lec-
ESP extrasensory perception. ture into English. ~n 3 something funda-
esp. especially. ~ mental or indispensable, essentially adv
espadrille (ess-pad-drill) n a light canvas essential oil n any of various volatile oils in
shoe with a braided cord sole. plants, which have the odour or flavour of
espalier (ess-pal-yer) n 1 a shrub or fruit the plant from which they are extracted.
EST 264 ethical
EST 1 Eastern Standard Time. 2 electric- estuary n, pl -aries the widening channel of
shock treatment. a river where it nears the sea. estuarine
est. 1 established. 2 estimate(d). adj
establish vb 1 to create or set up (an organi- ET Brit Employment Training: a government
zation, link, etc.): the regime wants to es- scheme offering training in technology and
tablish better relations with neighbouring business skills for unemployed people.
countries. 2 to make become firmly associ- ETA estimated time of arrival.
ated with a particular activity or reputa- et al. 1 and elsewhere. 2 and others.
tion: the play that established him as a etc. et cetera.
major dramatist. 3 to prove: a test to estab- ► Etc. means “and the rest”'so it is redun-
lish if your baby has any chromosomal dis- dant to write and etc. Note the spelling; it
order. 4 to cause (a principle) to be accept- comes from the Latin et cetera.
ed: our study establishes the case for fur- et cetera or etcetera (et set-ra) n and vb
ther research. substitute 1 and the rest; and others; and so
Established Church n a church, such as the forth. 2 or the like; or something similar.
Church of England, that is recognized as the etceteras pl n miscellaneous extra things or
official church of a country. people.
establishment n 1 the act of establishing or etch vb 1 to wear away the surface of a
state of being established. 2 a a business metal, glass, etc. by the action of an acid. 2
organization or other institution, b a place to cut a design or pattern into a printing
of business. 3 the people employed by an plate with acid. 3 to imprint vividly: the
organization. scene is etched on my mind, etcher n
Establishment n the Establishment a etching n 1 the art or process of preparing
group of people having authority within a or printing etched designs. 2 a print made
society: usually seen as conservative. from an etched plate.
estate n 1 a large piece of landed property, eternal adj 1 without beginning or end; last-
esp. in the country. 2 Chiefly Brit a large ing for ever. 2 unchanged by time: eternal
area of land with houses or factories built truths. 3 seemingly unceasing: his eternal
on it: an industrial estate. 3 Law property whingeing. 4 of or like God or a god: the
or possessions, esp. of a deceased person. 4 Eternal Buddha, eternally adv
History any of the orders or classes making eternal triangle n an emotional or sexual re-
up a society. lationship in which there are conflicts be-
estate agent n Brit a person whose job is to tween a man and- two women or a woman
help people buy and sell houses and other and two men.
property. eternity n, pl -ties 1 endless or infinite time.
estate car n Brit a car which has a long 2 a seemingly endless period of time: it
body with a door at the back end and lug- seemed an eternity before he could feel his
gage space behind the rear seats. heart beating again. 3 the timeless existence
estate duty n a former name for inherit- after death. 4 the state of being eternal.
ance tax. eternity ring n a ring given as a token of
esteem n 1 admiration and respect. ~vb 2 lasting affection, esp. one set all around
to have great respect or high regard for with stones to symbolize continuity.
(someone). 3 Formal to judge or consider: I ethane n a flammable gaseous alkane ob-
should esteem it a kindness, esteemed adj tained from natural gas and petroleum:
ester n Chem a compound produced by the used as a fuel.
reaction between an acid and an alcohol. ethanoic acid n same as acetic acid,
estimable adj worthy of respect. ethanol n same as alcohol (sense 1).
estimate vb -mating, -mated 1 to form an ethene n same as ethylene.
approximate idea of (size, cost, etc.); calcu- ether n 1 a colourless sweet-smelling liquid
late roughly. 2 to form an opinion about; used as a solvent and anaesthetic. 2 the
judge. 3 to submit an approximate price for substance formerly believed to fill all space
a job to a prospective client. ~n 4 an ap- and to transmit electromagnetic waves. 3
proximate calculation. 5 a statement of the the upper regions of the atmosphere; clear
likely charge for certain work. 6 an opinion, sky. Also (for senses 2 and 3): aether
estimator n ethereal (eth-eer-ee-al) adj 1 extremely
estimation n 1 a considered opinion; judg- delicate or refined. 2 heavenly or spiritual,
ment. 2 the act of estimating. ethereally adv
Estonian adj 1 from Estonia. ~n 2 a person ethic n a moral principle or set of moral
from Estonia. values held by an individual or group.
estranged adj 1 no longer living with one’s ethical adj 1 of or based on a system of
husband or wife: his estranged wife. 2 hav- moral beliefs about right and wrong. 2 in
ing quarrelled and lost touch with one’s accordance with principles of professional
family or friends: he had become estranged conduct. 3 of or relating to ethics, ethically
from his daughter, estrangement n adv
ethics 265 evacuate
ethics pl n 1 a code of behaviour, esp. of a rules of Euclid, 3rd-century bc Greek math-
particular group, profession, or individual. ematician.
2 the moral fitness of a decision, course of eugenics (yew-jen-iks) n the study of
action, etc. ~n 3 the study of the moral methods of improving the human race, esp.
value of human conduct. by selective breeding, eugenic adj eugeni-
Ethiopian adj 1 of Ethiopia. ~n 2 a person cally adv eugenicist n
from Ethiopia. eulogize or -gise vb -gizing, -gized or
ethnic or ethnical adj 1 of or relating to a -gising, -gised to praise (a person or thing)
human group with racial, religious, and lin- highly in speech or writing, eulogistic adj
guistic characteristics in common. 2 charac- eulogy n, pl -gies 1 a speech or piece of writ-
teristic of another culture, esp. a peasant ing praising a person or thing, esp. a person
one: ethnic foodstuffs, ethnically adv who has recently died. 2 high praise.
ethnic cleansing n the practice, by the eunuch n a man who has been castrated,
dominant ethnic group in an area, of remov- esp. ^formerly) a guard in a harem.
ing other ethnic groups by expulsion or ex- euphemism n an inoffensive word or phrase
termination. substituted for one considered offensive or
ethnocentric adj of or relating to the belief upsetting, such as departed for dead.
that one’s own nation, culture, or group is euphemistic adj euphemistically adv
intrinsically superior, ethnocentricity n euphonious adj pleasing to the ear.
ethnology n the branch of anthropology
that deals with races and peoples and their euphonium n a brass musical instrument
relations to one another, ethnological adj with four valves, resembling a small tuba.
ethnologist n euphony n, pl -nies a pleasing sound, esp. in
ethos (eeth-oss) n the distinctive spirit and speech.
attitudes of a people, culture, etc. euphoria n a feeling of great but often un-
ethyl (eth-ill) adj of, consisting of, or con- justified or exaggerated happiness,
taining the monovalent group C2H5-. euphoric adj-
ethyl alcohol n same as alcohol (sense 1). Eur. 1 Europe. 2 European.
ethylene or ethene n a colourless flam- Eurasian adj 1 of Europe and Asia. 2 of
mable gaseous alkene used to make poly- mixed European and Asian descent. ~n 3 a
thene and other chemicals. person of mixed European and Asian de-
etiolate (ee-tee-oh-late) vb -lating, -lated 1
scent.
Formal to become or cause to become weak. eureka (yew-reek-a) interj an exclamation
2 Bot to make a green plant paler through of triumph on discovering or solving some-
lack of sunlight, etiolation n thing. -
etiology n, pl -gies 1 the study of causation. Euro- combining form Europe or European.
2 the study of the cause of diseases, etio- European adj 1 of Europe. ~n 2 a person
logical adj from Europe. 3 a person of European de-
etiquette n 1 the customs or rules of behav- scent. 4 an advocate of closer links between
iour regarded as correct in social life. 2 a the countries of Europe, esp. those in the
conventional code of practice in certain European Union. Europeanism n
professions. European Community or European Eco-
etude (ay-tewd) n Music a short composi- nomic Community n a former name for
tion for a solo instrument, esp. intended to European Union.
be played as an exercise or to demonstrate European Union n an economic organization
virtuosity. of W European states, which have some
etymology n, pl -gies 1 the study of the shared monetary, social, and political goals.
sources and development of words. 2 an ac- europium n Chem a silvery-white element of
count of the source and development of a the lanthanide series. Symbol: Eu
word, etymological adj etymologist n Eustachian tube n a tube that connects the
Eu Chem europium. middle ear with the pharynx and equalizes
EU European Union. the pressure between the two sides of the
eucalyptus or eucalypt n, pl -lyptuses, eardrum.
-lyptus, or -lypts any of a mostly Austral- euthanasia n the act of killing someone
ian genus of trees, widely cultivated for painlessly, esp. to relieve suffering from an
timber and gum, and for the medicinal oil in incurable illness.
their leaves (eucalyptus oil). eV electronvolt.
Eucharist (yew-kar-ist) n 1 the Christian evacuate vb -ating, -ated 1 to send away
sacrament commemorating Christ’s Last from a dangerous place to a safe place: 200
Supper by the consecration of bread and people were evacuated from their homes
wine. 2 the consecrated elements of bread " because of the floods. 2 to empty (a place)
and wine. Eucharistic adj of people because it has become dangerous:
Euclidean or Euclidian (yew-klid-ee-an) adj the entire street was evacuated until the
denoting a system of geometry based on the fire was put out. 3 Physiol to discharge
evade 266 eventuality
waste from the body, evacuation n evac- amount staked. 10 get even with Informal
uee n to exact revenge on; settle accounts with.
evade vb evading, evaded 1 to get away -adv 11 used to suggest that the content of
from or avoid (imprisonment, captors, etc.). a statement is unexpected or paradoxical:
2 to get around, shirk, or dodge (the law, a it’s chilly in Nova Scotia, even in August. 12
duty, etc.). 3 to avoid answering (a ques- used to intensify a comparative adjective or
tion). adverb: an even greater demand. 13 used to
evaluate vb -ating, -ated to find or judge introduce a word that is stronger and more
the quality or value of something, evalu- accurate than one already used: a normal,
ation n even inevitable aspect of ageing. 14 used
preceding a hypothesis to emphasize that
evanesce vb -nescing, -nesced Formal to whether or not the condition is fulfilled, the
fade gradually from sight. statement remains valid: the remark didn’t
evanescent adj Formal quickly fading call for an answer even if he could have
away; ephemeral or transitory, evanes- thought of one. 15 even so in spite of any
cence n assertion to the contrary; nevertheless. 16
evangelical Christianity -adj 1 of or fol- even though despite the fact that. ~See
lowing from the Gospels. 2 of certain Pro- also even out, even up. evenly adv even-
testant sects which emphasize salvation ness n
through faith alone and a belief in the abso- even2 n Poetic or old-fashioned 1 eve. 2 eve-
lute authority of the Bible, -n 3 a member ning.
of an evangelical sect, evangelicalism n even-handed adj fair; impartial.
evangelically adv
evening n 1 the latter part of the day, esp.
evangelism n the practice of spreading the from late afternoon until nightfall, -adj 2
Christian gospel. of or in the evening: the evening meal.
evangelist n a preacher, sometimes itiner- evening dress n clothes for a formal occa-
ant. evangelistic adj sion during the evening.
Evangelist n any of the writers of the Gos- evening primrose n a plant with yellow
pels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. flowers that open in the evening.
evangelize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or evening star n a planet, usually Venus, seen
-lising, -lised to preach the Christian gospel shining brightly in the west just after sun-
(to), evangelization or -lisation n set.
evaporate vb -rating, -rated 1 to change even out vb to make or become even, by the
from a liquid or solid to a vapour. 2 to be- removal of bumps, inequalities, etc.
come less and less and finally disappear:
faith in the government evaporated rapidly evensong n Church of England the daily
after the election, evaporable adj evapo- evening service. Also called: Evening
ration n Prayer
evaporated milk n thick unsweetened event n 1 anything that takes place, esp.
tinned milk from which some of the water something important. 2 a planned and or-
has been removed. ganized occasion: the wedding was one of
the social events of the year. 3 any one con-
evasion n 1 the act of evading something, test in a sporting programme. 4 at all
esp. a duty or responsibility, by cunning or events or in any event whatever happens.
illegal means: tax evasion. 2 cunning or de- 5 in the event when it came to the actual or
ception used to dodge a question, duty, etc. final outcome: in the event, neither of them
evasive adj 1 seeking to evade; not straight- turned up. 6 in the event of if (such a
forward: an evasive answer. 2 avoiding or thing) happens. 7 in the event that if it
seeking to avoid trouble or difficulties: eva- should happen that.
sive action, evasively adv even-tempered adj calm and not easily an-
eve n 1 the evening or day before some spe- gered.
cial event. 2 the period immediately before eventful adj full of exciting or important
an event: on the eve of the Second World incidents.
War. 3 Poetic or old-fashioned evening.
eventide n Archaic or poetic evening,
even1 adj 1 level and regular; flat. 2 on the
same level: make sure the surfaces are even eventing n Chiefly Brit riding competitions
with one another. 3 regular and unvarying: (esp. three-day events), usually involving
an even pace. 4 equally balanced between cross-country riding, jumping, and dres-
two sides. 5 equal in number, quantity, etc. sage.
6 (of a number) divisible by two. 7 denoting eventual adj happening or being achieved at
alternatives, events, etc., that have an the end of a situation or process: the Fas-
equal probability: they have a more than cists’ eventual victory in the Spanish Civil
even chance of winning the next election. 8 War. eventually adv
having scored the same number of points. 9 eventuality n, pl -ties a possible occurrence
even money or evens a bet in which the or result: I was utterly unprepared for such
winnings arc exactly the same as the an eventuality.
even up 267 exactly
even up vbto make or become equal. person) deliberately causing great harm
ever adv 1 at any time: it was the fourth and misery; wicked: an evil dictator. 4 (of
fastest time ever. 2 always: ever present. 3 an act, idea, etc.) causing great harm and
used to give emphasis: tell him to put to sea misery; morally wrong: what you did was
as soon as ever he can. 4 ever so or ever deeply evil. 5 very unpleasant: it was fasci-
such Informal, chiefly Brit used to give em- nating to see people vanish as if we had
phasis: I’m ever so sorry. some very evil smell, evilly adv
evergreen adj 1 (of certain trees and evildoer n a person who does evil, evil-
shrubs) bearing foliage throughout the doing n
year. ~n 2 an evergreen tree or shrub. evil eye n the evil eye a look superstitious-
everlasting adj 1 never coming to an end; ly supposed to have the power of inflicting
eternal. 2 lasting so long or occurring so harm.
often as to become tedious, everlastingly evince vb evincing, evinced Formal to
adv show or display (a quality or feeling) clear-
evermore adv all time to come. ly: a humility which he had never evinced
every adj 1 each without exception: they in earlier days.
were winning every battle. 2 the greatest or eviscerate vb -ating, -ated to remove the
best possible: there is every reason to be- internal organs of; disembowel, eviscera-
lieve in the sincerity of their commitment. 3 tion n
each: every 20 years. 4 every bit as Infor- evocation n the act of evoking, evocative
mal just as: she’s every bit as clever as you. a<(/
5 every other each alternate: every other evoke vb evoking, evoked 1 to call or sum-
month. mon up (a memory or feeling) from the
everybody pron every person; everyone. past. 2 to provoke or bring about: his sack-
► Everybody and everyone are interchange- ing evoked a huge public protest.
able. Although strict usage treats these evolution n 1 Biol a gradual change in the
pronouns as singular, modern practice is to characteristics of a population of animals
use a plural after them: everyone nodded or plants over successive generations. 2 a
their head. gradual development, esp. to a more com-
everyday adj 1 commonplace or usual. 2 plex form, evolutionary adj
happening each day. 3 suitable for or used evolve vb evolving, evolved 1 to develop
on ordinary days. gradually. 2 (of animal or plant species) to
Everyman n the ordinary person; common undergo evolution.
man. ewe n a female sheep.
everyone pron every person; everybody. ewer n a large jug with a wide mouth.
► Everybody and everyone are interchange- ex1 prep Finance excluding or without: ex
able. Although strict usage treats these dividend.
pronouns as singular, modern practice is to ex2 n, pl exes Informal one’s former wife or
use a plural after them: Everyone nodded husband.
their head. ex- prefix 1 out of, outside, or from: exit. 2
everything pron 1 the whole; all things: former: ex-wife.
everything had been carefully packed. 2 the exacerbate (ig-zass-er-bate) vb -bating,
thing that is most important: work was -bated to make (pain, emotion, or a situa-
everything to her. tion) worse, exacerbation n
everywhere adv to or in all parts or places, exact adj 1 correct in every detail; strictly
evict vb to expel (someone) legally from his accurate. 2 precise, as opposed to approxi-
or her home or land, eviction n mate. 3 based on measurement and the for-
evidence n 1 something which provides mulation of laws: forecasting floods is not
ground for belief or disbelief: there is no an exact science. —vb 4 to obtain or de-
evidence that depression is inherited. 2 Law mand as a right, esp. through force or
matter produced before a court of law in an strength: the rebels called for revenge to be
attempt to prove or disprove a point in exacted for the killings.
issue. 3 in evidence on display; apparent. exacting adj making rigorous or excessive
—vb -dencing, -denced 4 to show clearly; demands.
demonstrate: you evidenced no talent for exaction n Formal 1 the act of obtaining or
music. demanding money as a right. 2 a sum or
evident adj easy to see or understand, evi- payment exacted.
dently adv exactitude n the quality of being exact; pre-
evidential adj of, serving as, or based on cision.
evidence, evidentially adv exactly adv 1 with complete accuracy and
evil n 1 a force or power that brings about precision: I don’t know exactly where in
wickedness and harm: the battle between York they live. 2 in every respect: he looks
good and evil. 2 a wicked or morally wrong exactly like his father, —interj 3 just so!
act or thing: the evil of racism. —adj 3 (of a precisely!
exaggerate 268 exciseman
exaggerate vb -ating, -ated 1 to regard or cation. 2 take exception to to make objec-
represent as greater than is true. 2 to make tions to.
greater or more noticeable, exaggerated exceptionable adj open to objection,
adj exaggeratedly adv exaggeration n exceptional adj 1 forming an exception. 2
exalt vb 1 to praise highly. 2 to raise to a having much more than average intelli-
higher rank, exalted adj exaltation n gence, ability, or skill, exceptionally adv
exam n short for examination. excerpt n 1 a passage taken from a book,
examination n 1 the act of examining. 2 speech, etc.; extract. ~vb 2 to take a pas-
Education exercises, questions, or tasks set sage from a book, speech, etc.
to test a person’s knowledge and skill. 3 excess n 1 the state or act of going beyond
Med physical inspection of a patient. 4 Law normal or permitted limits. 2 an immoder-
the formal questioning of a person on oath. ate or abnormal amount. 3 the amount,
examine vb -ining, -ined 1 to inspect care- number, etc., by which one thing exceeds
fully or in detail; investigate. 2 Education another. 4 behaviour regarded as too ex-
to test a person’s knowledge of a subject by treme or immoral to be acceptable: a life of
written or oral questions. 3 Med to investi- sex, drugs, and drunken excess. 5 excesses
gate a patient’s state of health. 4 Law to acts or actions that are unacceptably cruel
formally question someone on oath, ex- or immoral: one of the bloodiest excesses of
aminee n examiner n a dictatorial regime. 6 in excess of more
example n 1 a specimen that is typical of its than. 7 to excess to an extreme or un-
group; sample: a fine example of Georgian healthy extent: he had started to drink to
architecture. 2 a particular event, object, or excess. ~adj 8 more than normal, neces-
person that demonstrates a point or sup- sary, or permitted: excess fat. excessive
ports an argument, theory, etc.: Germany is adj excessively adv
a good example of how federalism works in excess luggage or baggage n luggage that
practice. 3 a person, action, or thing that is is more in weight or number of pieces than
worthy of imitation. 4 a punishment or the an airline etc., will carry free.
person punished regarded as a warning to
others. 5 for example as an illustration. exchange vb -changing, -changed 1 (of two
exasperate vb -ating, -ated to cause great or more people, governments, etc.) to give
irritation to. exasperated adj exasperat- each other (something similar) at the same
ing adj exasperation n time: they nervously exchanged smiles. 2 to
replace (one thing) with another, esp. to re-
ex cathedra adj, adv 1 with the authority of place unsatisfactory goods: could I ex-
one’s official position. 2 RC Church (of doc- change this for a larger size, please? ~n 3
trines of faith or morals) defined by the the act of exchanging. 4 anything given or
pope as infallibly true. received as an equivalent or substitute for
excavate vb -vating, -vated 1 to unearth something else. 5 an argument. 6 Also
(buried objects) methodically to discover called: telephone exchange a centre in
information about the past. 2 to make a which telephone lines are interconnected. 7
hole in something by digging into it or hol- a place where securities or commodities are
lowing it out: one kind of shrimp excavates traded, esp. by brokers or merchants. 8 a
a hole for itself, excavation n excavator n transfer of sums of money of equivalent
exceed vb 1 to be greater in degree or quan- value, as between different currencies. 9
tity. 2 to go beyond the limit of (a restric- the system by which commercial debts are
tion). settled, esp. by bills of exchange, without
exceedingly adv very; extremely, direct payment of money, exchangeable
excel vb -celling, -celled 1 to be better than; adj
surpass. 2 excel in or at to be outstanding- exchange rate n the rate at which the cur-
ly good at. rency unit of one country may be ex-
excellence n the quality of being excep- changed for that of another.
tionally good. Exchequer n Government (in Britain and
Excellency or Excellence n, pl -lencies or certain other countries) the accounting de-
-lences Your, His or Her Excellency a title partment of the Treasury.
used to address a high-ranking official, excise1 n 1 a tax on goods, such as spirits,
such as an ambassador. produced for the home market. 2 Brit that
excellent adj exceptionally good; outstand- section of the government service respon-
ing. sible for the collection of excise, now the
except prep 1 Also: except for not includ- Board of Customs and Excise.
ing; apart from: everyone except Jill excise2 vb -cising, -cised 1 to delete a pas-
laughed. 2 except that but for the fact sage from a book. 2 to remove an organ or
that. ~vb3 to leave out or exclude. part surgically, excision n
excepting prep except. exciseman n, pl -men Brit (formerly) a gov-
exception n 1 anything excluded from or ernment agent who collected excise and
not conforming to a general rule or classifi- prevented smuggling.
excitable 269 exemplify
excitable adj nervous and easily excited, noon passed with such excruciating slow-
excitability n ness. excruciatingly adv
excite vb -citing, -cited 1 to make (a per- exculpate vb -pating, -pated to free from
son) feel so happy that he or she is unable blame or guilt.
to relax because he or she is looking for- excursion n a short outward and return
ward eagerly to something: he was excited journey, esp. for sightseeing, etc.; outing.
at the long-awaited arrival of a son. 2 to
cause or arouse (an emotion, response, etc.): excuse n 1 an explanation offered to justify
the idea strongly excited his interest. 3 to an action which has been criticized or as a
arouse sexually. 4 Physiol to cause a re- reason for not fulfilling an obligation, etc.
sponse in (an organ, tissue, or part). 5 Phys- ~vb -cusing, -cused 2 to put forward a
ics to raise (an atom, molecule, etc.) to a reason or justification for (an action, fault,
higher energy level, excited adj excitedly or offending person). 3 to pardon (a person)
adv or overlook (a fault). 4 to free (someone)
from having to carry out a task, obligation,
excitement n 1 the state of being excited. 2 etc.: a doctor’s letter excusing him from
a person or thing that excites. games at school. 5 to allow to leave. 6 be
exciting adj causing excitement; stirring; excused Euphemistic to go to the toilet. 7
stimulating, excitingly adv excuse me! an expression used to catch
exclaim vb to cry out or speak suddenly or someone’s attention or to apologize for an
excitedly, as from surprise, delight, horror, interruption, disagreement, etc. excusable
etc. adj
exclamation n 1 an abrupt or excited cry or ex-directory adj Chiefly Brit not listed in a
utterance. 2 the act of exclaiming, ex- telephone directory by request.
clamatory adj execrable (eks-sik-rab-bl) adj of very poor
exclamation mark or US point n the punc- quality, execrably adv
tuation mark (!) used after exclamations execrate vb -crating, -crated 1 to feel and
and forceful commands. express loathing and hatred of (someone or
exclude vb -eluding, -eluded 1 to keep out; something). 2 to curse (a person or thing),
prevent from entering. 2 to leave out of execration n
consideration, exclusion n execute vb -cuting, -cuted 1 to put a con-
excluding prep excepting. demned person to death. 2 to carry out or
exclusive adj 1 excluding or incompatible accomplish. 3 to produce or create (a work
with anything else: these two theories are of art). 4 Law to render (a deed) effective,
mutually exclusive. 2 not shared: exclusive for example by signing it. 5 to carry out the
rights. 3 used or lived in by a privileged mi- terms of (a contract, will, etc.), executer n
nority, esp. a fashionable clique: an exclu- execution n 1 the act of executing. 2 the
sive skiing resort. 4 not including the num- carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of
bers, dates, etc., mentioned. 5 exclusive of death. 3 the manner in which something is
except for; not taking account of. 6 exclu- performed; technique.
sive to limited to; found only in. ~n 7 a executioner n a person whose job is to kill
story reported in only one newspaper, ex- people who have been sentenced to death.
clusively adv exclusivity or exclusive- executive n 1 a person or group responsible
ness n for the administration of a project or busi-
excommunicate vb -eating, -cated to expel ness. 2 the branch of government respon-
(someone) from membership of a church sible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc.
and ban him or her from taking part in its ~adj 3 having the function of carrying
services, excommunication n plans, orders, laws, etc., into effect: the ex-
excoriate vb -ating, -ated 1 Literary to cen- ecutive producer. 4 of or for executives: the
sure severely. 2 to strip skin from a person executive car park. 5 Informal very expen-
or animal, excoriation n sive or exclusive: executive cars.
excrement n waste matter discharged from executor n Law a person appointed by
the body; faeces, excremental adj someone to ensure that the conditions set
excrescence n something that protrudes, out in his or her will are carried out. ex-
esp. an outgrowth from a part of the body, ecutorial adj executrix fem n
excrescent adj exegesis (eks-sij-jee-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez)
excreta (ik-skree-ta) pl n urine and faeces explanation of a text, esp. of the Bible.
discharged from the body. exemplar n 1 a person or thing to be copied;
excrete vb -creting, -creted to discharge model. 2 a typical specimen; example.
waste matter, such as urine, sweat, or fae- .exemplary adj 1 so good as to be an example
ces, from the body, excretion n excretory worthy of imitation. 2 (of a punishment)
adj extremely harsh, so as to discourage others
excruciating adj 1 unbearably painful; ago- from committing a similar crime.
nizing. 2 hard to bear: never had an after- exemplify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to show
exempt 270 exorbitant
by example. 2 to serve as an example of. being exhibited: an exhibition of bad tem-
exemplification n per. 3 make an exhibition of oneself to
exempt adj 1 not subject to an obligation, behave so foolishly that one attracts public
tax, etc. ~vb 2 to release (someone) from attention.
an obligation, tax, etc. exemption n exhibitionism n 1 a compulsive desire to at-
exequies (eks-sik-weez) pl n, sing -quy fu- tract attention to oneself. 2 a compulsive
neral rites. desire to expose one’s genitals publicly,
exercise n 1 physical exertion, esp. for exhibitionist n
training or keeping fit. 2 an activity exhilarate vb -rating, -rated to make
planned to achieve a particular purpose: (someone) feel lively and cheerful, exhila-
the group’s meeting was mainly an exercise ration n
in mutual reassurance. 3 a set of move- exhilarating adj causing strong feelings of
ments, tasks, etc., designed to improve or excitement and happiness.
test one’s ability or fitness. 4 the use or exhort vb Formal to urge (someone) earnest-
practice of (a right, power, or authority). 5 ly. exhortation n
Mil a manoeuvre or simulated combat op- exhume (ig-zyume) vb -huming, -humed
eration. ~vb -cising, -cised 6 to put into Formal to dig up something buried, esp. a
use; make use of: we urge all governments corpse, exhumation n
involved to exercise restraint. 7 to take ex-
ercise or perform exercises. 8 to practise exigency n, pl -gencies Formal 1 an urgent
using in order to develop or train: to exer- demand or need. 2 an emergency, exigent
cise one’s voice. 9 to worry or vex: Western adj
governments have been exercised by the exiguous adj Formal scanty or meagre,
need to combat international terrorism. 10 exiguity n
Mil to carry out simulated combat, manoeu- exile n 1 a prolonged, usually enforced ab-
vres, etc. exerciser n sence from one’s country. 2 a person ban-
exert vb 1 to use influence, authority, etc. ished or living away from his or her coun-
forcefully or effectively. 2 exert oneself to try. ~vb -iling, -iled 3 to expel (someone)
make a special effort. from his or her country; banish.
exertion n 1 effort or exercise, esp. physical exist vb 1 to have being or reality; be: does
effort: the sudden exertion of running for a God exist? 2 to only just be able to keep
bus. 2 the act or an instance of using one’s oneself alive, esp. because of poverty or
influence, powers, or authority: the exer- hunger. 3 to be living; live. 4 to be present
tion of parental authority. under specified conditions or in a specified
exeunt (eks-see-unt) they go out: used as a place, existing adj
stage direction. existence n 1 the fact or state of being real,
exfoliate vb -ating, -ated to peel off in live, or actual. 2 a way of life, esp. a poor or
scales or layers, exfoliation n hungry one. 3 everything that exists, ex-
istent adj
ex-gratia (eks-gray-sha) adj given as a fa-
vour where no legal obligation exists: an ex- existential adj 1 of or relating to existence,
gratia payment. esp. human existence. 2 of or relating to ex-
exhale vb -haling, -haled 1 to expel breath
istentialism.
or smoke from the lungs; breathe out. 2 to existentialism n a philosophical movement
give off or to be given off as gas, fumes, stressing personal experience and respon-
etc.: the crater exhaled smoke, exhalation sibility of the individual, who is seen as a
n free agent, existentialist adj, n
exhaust vb 1 to tire out. 2 to use up totally. exit n 1 a way out. 2 the act of going out. 3
3 to discuss a topic so thoroughly that no Theatre the act of going offstage. 4 Brit a
more remains to be said, —n 4 gases ejected point at which vehicles may leave or join a
from an engine as waste products. 5 the motorway. ~vb exiting, exited 5 to go
parts of an engine through which waste away or out; depart. 6 Theatre to go off-
gases pass, exhausted adj exhaustible adj stage: used as a stage direction: exit bleed-
exhaustion n 1 extreme tiredness. 2 the act ing from the room.
of exhausting or state of being exhausted. exocrine adj of or denoting a gland, such as
exhaustive adj very thorough; comprehen-
the sweat gland, that discharges its product
sive. exhaustively adv through a duct.
exodus (eks-so-duss) n the departure of a
exhibit vb 1 to display (a work of art) to the
public. 2 to show (a quality or feeling): they large number of people.
exhibited extraordinary courage. ~n 3 an ex officio (eks off-fish-ee-oh) adv, adj by
object exhibited to the public. 4 Law a right of position or office.
document or object produced in court as exonerate vb -ating, -ated to clear (some-
evidence, exhibitor n one) of blame or a criminal charge, exon-
exhibition n 1 a public display of art, skills, eration n
etc. 2 the act of exhibiting or the state of exorbitant adj (of prices, demands, etc.) ex-
exorcize 271 experiment
cessively great or high: an exorbitant rent. way: women with expectations of old-
exorbitantly adv fashioned gallantry.
exorcize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or expectorant Med ~adj 1 helping to bring
-cising, -cised to expel (evil spirits) by up phlegm from the respiratory passages.
prayers and religious rites, exorcism n ~n 2 an expectorant medicine.
exorcist n expectorate vb -rating, -rated Formal to
exoskeleton n Zool the protective or sup- cough up and spit out (phlegm from the re-
porting structure covering the outside of spiratory passages), expectoration n
the body of many animals, for example in- expediency or expedience n, pl -encies or
sects or crabs. -ences 1 the use of methods that are advan-
exothermic adj (of a chemical reaction) in- tageous rather than fair or just. 2 appropri-
volving or leading to the giving off of heat. ateness or suitability.
exotic adj 1 having a strange allure or beau- expedient (iks-pee-dee-ent) n 1 something
ty. 2 originating in a foreign country; not that achieves a particular purpose: income
native. —n 3 a non-native plant, exotical- controls were used only as a short-term ex-
ly adv pedient. -adj 2 useful or advantageous in a
exotica pl n exotic objects, esp. as a collec- given situation: they only talk about human
tion. rights when it is politically expedient.
expand vb 1 to make or become greater in expedite vb -diting, -dited Formal 1 to has-
extent, size, or scope. 2 to spread out; un- ten the progress of. 2 to do quickly.
fold. 3 expand on to go into more detail expedition n 1 an organized journey or voy-
about (a story or subject). 4 to become in- age, esp. for exploration. 2 the people and
creasingly relaxed, friendly, and talkative. equipment comprising an expedition. 3 a
5 Maths to express a function or expression pleasure trip or excursion: an expedition to
as the sum or product of terms, expand- the seaside, expeditionary adj
able adj expeditious adj done quickly and efficient-
expanse n an uninterrupted wide area; ly-
stretch: a large expanse of water. expel vb -pelling, -pelled 1 to drive out
expansible adj able to expand or be ex- with force. 2 to dismiss from a school, club,
panded. etc., permanently.
expansion n 1 the act of expanding. 2 an in- expend vb Formal to spend or use up (time,
crease or development, esp. in the activities energy, or money).
of a company. expendable adj 1 not worth preserving. 2
expansionism n the practice of expanding able to be sacrificed to achieve an objective,
the economy or territory of a country, ex- esp. a military one.
pansionist n, adj expenditure n 1 something expended, esp.
expansive adj 1 wide or extensive. 2 friend- money. 2 the amount expended.
ly, open, and talkative, expansiveness n expense n 1 a particular payment of money;
expat adj, n short for expatriate. expenditure. 2 the amount of money needed
expatiate (iks-pay-shee-ate) vb -ating, to buy or do something; cost. 3 expenses
-ated expatiate on Formal to speak or money spent in the performance of a job,
write at length on (a subject), expatiation etc. 4 something requiring money for its
n purchase or upkeep. 5 at the expense of to
expatriate (eks-pat-ree-it) adj 1 living away the detriment of.
from one’s native country: an expatriate expense account n 1 an arrangement by
American. 2 exiled. ~n 3 a person living which an employee’s expenses are refunded
away from his or her native country. 4 an by his or her employer. 2 a record of such
exile, expatriation n expenses.
expect vb 1 to regard as likely. 2 to look expensive adj costing a great deal of money,
forward to or be waiting for. 3 to require expensiveness n
(something) as an obligation: he expects an experience n 1 direct personal participation
answer by January. 4 be expecting Infor- or observation of something: his experience
mal to be pregnant. of prison life. 2 a particular incident, feel-
expectancy n 1 something expected, esp. on ing, etc., that a person has undergone. 3 ac-
the basis of a norm: a life expectancy of 78. cumulated knowledge, esp. of practical
2 anticipation or expectation. matters, —vb -encing, -enced 4 to partici-
expectant adj 1 expecting or hopeful. 2 a pate in or undergo. 5 to be moved by; feel.
pregnant, b married to or living with a experienced adj skilful or knowledgeable as
woman who is pregnant: an expectant fa- a result of having done something many
ther. expectantly adv times before.
expectation n 1 the state of expecting or of experiential adj Philosophy relating to or
being expected. 2 something looked forward derived from experience.
to, whether feared or hoped for. 3 belief experiment n 1 a test or investigation to
that someone should behave in a particular provide evidence for or against a theory. 2
experimental 272 expository
the trying out of a new idea or method. best use of. ~n 3 a notable deed or feat,
—vb 3 to carry out an experiment or ex- exploitation n exploiter n
periments. experimentation n experi- exploitative adj tending to take advantage
menter n of a person or situation for one’s own ends.
experimental adj 1 relating to, based on, or explore vb -ploring, -plored 1 to examine or
having the nature of an experiment. 2 try- investigate, esp. systematically. 2 to travel
ing out new ideas or methods, experimen- into an unfamiliar region, esp. for scientific
tally adv purposes, exploration n exploratory adj
expert n 1 a person who has extensive skill explorer n
or knowledge in a particular field, -adj 2 explosion n 1 an exploding. 2 a violent re-
skilful or knowledgeable. 3 of, involving, or lease of energy resulting from a rapid
done by an expert, expertly adv chemical or nuclear reaction. 3 a sudden or
expertise (eks-per-teez) n special skill, violent outburst of activity, noise, emotion,
knowledge, or judgment. etc. 4 a rapid increase.
expiate vb -ating, -ated Formal to make explosive adj 1 able or likely to explode. 2
amends for a sin or wrongdoing, expiation potentially violent: an explosive situation.
n ~n 3 a substance capable of exploding,
expiration n 1 the finish of something; expi- explosiveness n
ry. 2 the act, process, or sound of breathing expo n, pl -pos short for exposition (sense
out. expiratory adj 3).
expire vb -piring, -pired 1 to finish or run exponent n 1 a person who advocates an
out; come to an end. 2 to breathe out air. 3 idea, cause, etc.: an exponent of free
to die. speech. 2 a person who is a skilful perform-
expiry n, pl -ries a coming to an end, esp. of er of some activity: one of the greatest
the period of a contract. modern exponents of the blues. 3 Maths a
explain vb 1 to make something easily number placed as a superscript to another
understandable, esp. by giving a clear and number indicating how many times the
detailed account of it. 2 to justify or at- number is to be used as a factor.
tempt to justify oneself by giving reasons exponential adj 1 Maths of or involving
for one’s actions. 3 explain away to offer numbers raised to an exponent. 2 Informal
excuses or reasons for (mistakes). very rapid, exponentially adv
explanation n 1 the reason or reasons why a export n 1 the sale of goods and services to a
particular event or situation happened: foreign country: a ban on the export of
there is no reasonable explanation for her arms. 2 exports goods or services sold to a
behaviour. 2 a detailed account or descrip- foreign country, -vb 3 to sell goods or
tion: a 90-minute explanation of his love of services or transport goods to a foreign
jazz. country, exporter n
explanatory adj serving or intended to serve expose vb -posing, -posed 1 to uncover
as an explanation. (something previously covered). 2 to reveal
expletive (iks-plee-tiv) n an exclamation or the truth about (someone or something),
swearword expressing emotion rather than esp. when it is shocking or scandalous: an
meaning. MP whose private life was recently exposed
explicable adj capable of being explained, in the press. 3 to leave (a person or thing)
explicate vb -eating, -cated Formal to make unprotected in a potentially harmful situa-
clear; explain, explication n tion: workers were exposed to relatively
low doses of radiation. 4 expose someone
explicit adj 1 precisely and clearly exp- to to give someone an introduction to or ex-
ressed, leaving nothing to implication: an perience of (something new). 5 Photog to
explicit commitment to democracy. 2 leav- subject (a film) to light. 6 expose oneself
ing little to the imagination; graphically de- to display one’s sexual organs in public.
tailed: the film contains some sexually ex-
plicit scenes. 3 (of a person) expressing expose (iks-pose-ay) n the bringing of a
something in a precise and clear way, so as scandal, crime, etc., to public notice.
to leave no doubt about what is meant, ex- exposed adj 1 not concealed; displayed for
plicitly adv viewing: the exposed soles of his shoes. 2
explode vb -ploding, -ploded 1 to burst without shelter from the elements. 3 vul-
with great violence; blow up. 2 (of a gas) to nerable: the enemy attacked our army's ex-
undergo a sudden violent expansion as a re- posed flank.
sult of a fast chemical or nuclear reaction. 3 exposition n 1 a systematic explanation of a
to react suddenly or violently with emotion. subject. 2 the act of expounding or setting
4 (esp. of a population) to increase rapidly. out a viewpoint. 3 a large public exhibition.
5 to show (a theory, etc.) to be baseless. 4 Music the first statement of the themes of
exploit vb 1 to take advantage of a person or a movement.
situation for one’s own ends. 2 to make the expository adj explanatory.
ex post facto 273 extension
ex post facto adj having retrospective ef- expressive of showing or suggesting: ex-
fect. pressive of political tensions.
expostulate vb -lating, -lated expostulate expressly adv 1 definitely. 2 deliberately
with to reason or argue with, esp. in order and specifically.
to dissuade or as a protest, expostulation expressway n a motorway.
n expostulatory adj expropriate vb -ating, -ated (of a govern-
exposure n 1 the state of being exposed to, ment or other official body) Formal to take
or lacking protection from, something: the (money or property) away from its owners,
body cannot cope with sudden exposure to expropriation n expropriator n
stress. 2 the revealing of the truth about expulsion n the act of expelling or the fact
someone or something, esp. when it is of being expelled, expulsive adj
shocking or scandalous: the exposure of a expunge (iks-sponge) vb -punging,
loophole in the tax laws. 3 the harmful ef- -punged Formal to remove all traces of: he
fect on a person’s body caused by lack of had tried to expunge his failure from his
shelter from the weather, esp. the cold. 4 mind.
appearance before the public, as on televi- expurgate (eks-per-gate) vb -gating, -gated
sion. 5 Photog a the act of exposing a film to amend a piece of writing by removing
to light, b an area on a film that has been sections thought to be offensive, expurga-
exposed. 6 Photog a the intensity of light tion n expurgator n
falling on a film multiplied by the time for
which it is exposed, b a combination of lens exquisite adj 1 extremely beautiful or at-
aperture and shutter speed used in taking a tractive. 2 showing unusual delicacy and
photograph. craftsmanship. 3 sensitive or discriminat-
ing: exquisite manners. 4 intensely felt: ex-
exposure meter n Photog an instrument for quisite joy. exquisitely adv
measuring the intensity of light so that ex-serviceman or fem ex-servicewoman n,
suitable camera settings can be chosen. pl -men or-women a person who has served
expound vb to explain a theory, belief, etc. in the armed forces.
in detail. extant adj still in existence; surviving.
express vb 1 to state (an idea or feeling) in ► Extant suggests that something still exists
words; utter: two record labels have exp- because it has survived: the only example
ressed an interest in signing the band. 2 to of this fossil extant.
show (an idea or feeling): his body and de- extemporaneous adj spoken or performed
meanour expressed distrust. 3 to indicate without preparation, extemporaneously
through a symbol or formula. 4 to squeeze adv
out (juice, etc.). 5 express oneself to com- extempore (iks-temp-or-ee) adv, adj with-
municate one’s thoughts or ideas. ~adj 6 out planning or preparation.
explicitly stated. 7 deliberate and specific:
she came with the express purpose of caus- extemporize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or
ing a row. 8 of or for rapid transportation -rising, -rised to perform or speak without
of people, mail, etc. ~n 9 a fast train stop- preparation, extemporization or -risation
ping at only a few stations. 10 Chiefly US & n extemporizer or -riser n
Canad a system for sending mail rapidly. extend vb 1 to make bigger or longer than
~adv 11 using a system for rapid transpor- before: they extended the house by building
tation of people, mail, etc.: please send this a conservatory. 2 to reach to a certain dis-
letter express: it's very urgent! express- tance or in a certain direction: the suburbs
ible ad/ extend for many miles. 3 to last for a cer-
tain time: in Norway maternity leave ex-
expression n 1 the transforming of ideas tends to 52 weeks. 4 to include or affect
into words. 2 a showing of emotion without more people or things than before: the law
words. 3 communication of emotion was extended to ban all guns. 5 to make
through music, painting, etc. 4 a look on the something exist or be valid for longer than
face that indicates mood or emotion. 5 a before: her visa was extended for three
particular phrase used conventionally to months. 6 to present or offer: a tradition of
express something. 6 Maths a variable, extending asylum to refugees. 7 to straight-
function, or some combination of these, en or stretch out (part of the body): she ex-
expressionless adj tended a hand in welcome. 8 extend one-
expressionism n an early 20th-century ar- self to make use of all one’s ability or
tistic and literary movement which sought strength, often because forced to: she’ll
to express emotions rather than to repre- have to really extend herself if she wants to
sent the physical world, expressionist n, win. extendable adj
adj extended family n a social unit in which
expression mark n Music one of a set of -parents, children, grandparents, and other
symbols indicating how a piece or passage relatives live as a family unit.
is to be performed. extensible adj capable of being extended,
expressive adj 1 of or full of expression. 2 extension n 1 a room or rooms added to an
extensive 274 extramarital
existing building. 2 a development that in- extinct adj 1 (of an animal or plant species)
cludes or affects more people or things than having died out. 2 no longer in existence,
before: an extension of democracy within esp. because of social changes: shipbuilding
the EU. 3 an additional telephone connected is virtually extinct in Scotland. 3 (of a vol-
to the same line as another. 4 an extra peri- cano) no longer liable to erupt.
od of time in which something continues to extinction n 1 the dying out of a plant or
exist or be valid: an extension of the con- animal species. 2 the end of a particular
tract for another 2 years, -adj 5 denoting way of life or type of activity.
something that can be extended or that ex- extinguish vb 1 to put out (a fire or light). 2
tends another object: an extension ladder. 6 to remove or destroy entirely, extinguish-
of or relating to the provision of teaching able adj extinguisher n
and other facilities by a school or college to
people who cannot attend full-time courses. extirpate (eks-ter-pate) vb -pating, -pated
to remove or destroy completely: the Ro-
extensive adj 1 covering a large area: ex- mans attempted to extirpate the Celtic reli-
tensive moorland. 2 very great in effect: the gion. extirpation n
bomb caused extensive damage. 3 contain-
ing many details, ideas, or items on a par- extol or US extoll vb -tolling, -tolled to
ticular subject: an extensive collection of praise lavishly.
modern art. extensively adv extort vb to obtain money or favours by in-
extensor n any muscle that stretches or ex- timidation, violence, or the misuse of
tends an arm, leg, or other part of the body. authority, extortion n
extent n 1 the length, area, or size of some- extortionate adj (of prices, profits, etc.)
thing. 2 the scale or seriousness of a situa- much higher than is fair, extortionately
tion or difficulty: the extent of the damage. adv
3 the degree or amount to which something extra adj 1 more than is usual, expected or
applies: to a certain extent that’s true. needed; additional, —n 2 a person or thing
extenuate vb Formal -ating, -ated to make that is additional. 3 something for which an
an offence or fault less blameworthy, by additional charge is made. 4 Films a person
giving reasons that partly excuse it. ex- temporarily engaged, usually for crowd
tenuating adj extenuation n scenes. 5 Cricket a run not scored from the
bat. 6 an additional edition of a newspaper.
exterior n 1 a part or surface that is on the —adv 7 unusually; exceptionally.
outside. 2 the outward appearance of a per-
son: Jim's grumpy exterior concealed a extra- prefix outside or beyond an area or
warm heart. 3 a film scene shot outside. scope: extracellular; extraterrestrial.
-adj 4 of, situated on, or suitable for the extract vb 1 to pull out or uproot by force. 2
outside. 5 coming or acting from outside or to remove from a container. 3 to derive
abroad. (pleasure, information, etc.) from some
exterior angle n an angle of a polygon con- source. 4 Informal to obtain (money, infor-
tained between one side extended and the mation, etc.) from someone who is not will-
adjacent side. ing to provide it: a confession extracted by
force. 5 to obtain (a substance) from a ma-
exterminate vb -nating, -nated to destroy a terial or the ground by mining, distillation,
group or type of people, animals, or plants digestion, etc.: oil extracted from shale. 6 to
completely, extermination n extermina- copy out (an article, passage, etc.) from a
tor n publication. ~n 7 something extracted,
external adj 1 of, situated on, or suitable for such as a passage from a book, etc. 8 a
the outside: the house’s external walls. 2 preparation containing the concentrated es-
coming or acting from outside: most ill sence of a substance, extractive adj ex-
health is caused by external influences. 3 of tractor n
or involving foreign nations: Hong Kong’s extraction n 1 the act or an instance of ex-
external trade. 4 Anat situated on or near tracting. 2 the removal of a tooth by a den-
the outside of the body: the external ear. 5 tist: few patients need an extraction. 3 the
brought into an organization to do a task origin or ancestry of a person: he is of Ger-
which must be done impartially, esp. one man extraction.
involving testing or checking: external
examiners. 6 of or relating to someone tak- extractor fan n a fan used to remove stale
ing a university course, but not attending a air from a room.
university: an external degree, -n 7 ex- extracurricular adj not part of the normal
ternals obvious circumstances or aspects, courses taken by students: extracurricular
esp. superficial ones: despite the war, the sport.
externals of life in the city remain normal, extradite vb -diting, -dited to hand over an
externality n externally adv alleged offender to the country where the
externalize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, crime took place for trial: an agreement to
-ised to express (thoughts or feelings) in extradite him to Hong Kong, extraditable
words or actions. externalization or adj extradition n
-isation n extramarital adj occurring between a mar-
extramural 275 eye
ried person and a person other than his or such as misfortune. 4 extremities hands
her spouse: an extramarital affair. and feet.
extramural adj connected with but outside extricate vb -eating, -cated to free from a
the normal courses of a university or col- difficult or complicated situation or place,
lege. extricable adj extrication n
extraneous (iks-train-ee-uss) adj not essen- extrinsic adj 1 not an integral or essential
tial or relevant to the situation or subject part. 2 originating or acting from outside,
being considered. extrinsically adv
extraordinary adj 1 very unusual or surpris- extroversion n Psychol the directing of
ing: the extraordinary sight of my grand- one’s interests outwards, esp. towards mak-
father wearing a dress. 2 having some spe- ing social contacts.
cial or extreme quality: an extraordinary extrovert adj 1 lively and outgoing. 2
first novel. 3 (of a meeting, ambassador, Psychol concerned more with external real-
etc.) specially called or appointed to deal ity than inner feelings. ~n 3 a person who
with one particular topic, extraordinarily has these characteristics, extroverted adj
adv extrude vb -trading, -traded 1 to squeeze or
extrapolate (iks-trap-a-late) vb -lating, force out. 2 to produce moulded sections of
-lated 1 to infer something not known from plastic, metal, etc. by forcing through a
the known facts, using logic and reason. 2 shaped die. extraded adj extrusion n
Maths to estimate the value of a function or exuberant adj 1 full of vigour and high spir-
measurement beyond the known values, by its. 2 (of vegetation) growing thickly; flour-
the extension of a curve, extrapolation n ishing. exuberance n
extrasensory adj of or relating to extrasen- exude vb -uding, -uded 1 (of a liquid or
sory perception. smell) to seep or flow out slowly and steadi-
extrasensory perception n the supposed ly. 2 to seem to have (a quality or feeling) to
ability to obtain information without the a great degree: the Chancellor exuded con-
use of normal senses of sight, hearing, etc. fidence. exudation n
extravagant adj 1 spending more than is exult vb to be joyful or jubilant, exultation
reasonable or affordable. 2 costing more n exultant adj
than is reasonable or affordable: an ex- eye n 1 the organ of sight in humans and
travagant gift. 3 going beyond usual or rea- animals. 2 the external part of an eye, often
sonable limits: extravagant expectations. 4 including the area around it. 3 (often pl) the
(of behaviour or gestures) extreme, esp. in ability to see or record what is happening:
order to make a particular impression: an the eyes of an entire nation were upon us. 4
extravagant display of affection. 5 very a look, glance, or gaze. 5 attention or obser-
elaborate and impressive: extravagant cos- vation: his new shirt caught my eye. 6 the
tumes. extravagance n ability to judge or appreciate something: his
shrewd eye for talent. 7 (often pl) opinion,
extravaganza n 1 an elaborate and lavish judgment, or authority: in the eyes of the
entertainment. 2 any fanciful display, liter- law. 8 a dark spot on a potato from which
ary composition, etc. new shoots can grow. 9 a small hole, such as
extravert adj, n same as extrovert. the one at the blunt end of a sewing needle.
extreme adj 1 of a high or the highest de- 10 a small area of calm in the centre of a
gree or intensity. 2 exceptionally severe or storm, hurricane, or tornado. 11 all eyes
unusual: people can survive extreme condi- Informal acutely vigilant. 12 an eye for an
tions. 3 (of an opinion, political group, etc.) eye justice consisting of an equivalent ac-
beyond the limits regarded as acceptable; tion to the original wrong or harm. 13 clap,
fanatical. 4 farthest or outermost. ~n 5 lay or set eyes on to see: I never laid eyes
either of the two limits of a scale or range. 6 on him again. 14 have eyes for to be inter-
go to extremes to be unreasonable in ested in. 15 in one’s mind’s eye imagined
speech or action. 7 in the extreme to the or remembered vividly. 16 in the public
highest or further degree: the effect was eye exposed to public curiosity. 17 keep an
dramatic in the extreme, extremely adv eye on to take care of. 18 keep an eye open
extreme unction n RC Church a former or out for to watch with special attention
name for anointing of the sick. for. 19 keep one’s eyes skinned or peeled
to watch vigilantly. 20 look someone in
extremist n 1 a person who favours or uses the eye to look openly and without embar-
extreme or violent methods, esp. to bring rassment at someone. 21 make eyes at
about political change. ~adj 2 holding ex- someone to look at someone in an obvious-
treme opinions or using extreme methods, ly attracted manner. 22 more than meets
extremism n the eye hidden motives, meanings, or facts.
extremity n, pl -ties 1 the farthest point. 2 ~23 my eye! Old-fashioned informal non-
an unacceptable or extreme nature or de- sense! 24 see eye to eye with to agree with.
gree: the extremity of his views alienated 25 shut one’s eyes to or turn a blind eye
other nationalists. 3 an extreme condition, to to pretend not to notice. 26 up to one’s
eyeball 276 eyrie
eyes in extremely busy with. 27 with an eyelid n either of the two folds of skin that
eye to with the intention of. 28 with one’s cover an eye when it is closed.
eyes open in full knowledge of all the facts. eyeliner n a cosmetic used to outline the
~vb eyeing or eying, eyed 29 to look at eyes.
carefully or warily. ~See also eye up. eye- eye-opener n Informal something startling
less adj eyelike adj or revealing.
eyeball n 1 the entire ball-shaped part of the eyepiece n the lens in a microscope, tele-
eye. 2 eyeball to eyeball in close confron- scope, etc., into which the person using it
tation. looks.
eyebrow n 1 the bony ridge over each eye. 2 eye shadow n a coloured cosmetic worn on
the arch of hair on this ridge. 3 raise an the upper eyelids.
eyebrow to show doubt or disapproval. eyesight n the ability to see: poor eyesight.
eye-catching adj very striking and tending eyesore n something very ugly.
to catch people’s attention, eye-catcher n eyestrain n fatigue or irritation of the eyes,
eye dog n NZ a dog trained to control sheep caused by tiredness or a failure to wear
by staring at them. glasses.
eyeful n 1 Slang a good look at or view of eyetooth n, pl -teeth 1 either of the two ca-
something. 2 Slang an attractive sight, esp. nine teeth in the upper jaw. 2 give one’s
a woman. 3 an amount of liquid, dust, etc., eyeteeth for to go to any lengths to achieve
that has got into someone’s eye. or obtain (something).
eyeglass n a lens for aiding defective vi- eye up vb Informal to look at (someone) in a
sion. way that indicates sexual interest.
eyelash n any of the short hairs that grow eyewash n 1 a lotion for the eyes. 2 Infor-
from the edge of the eyelids. mal nonsense; rubbish.
eyelet n 1 a small hole for a lace or cord to eyewitness n a person present at an event
be passed through. 2 a small metal ring re- who can describe what happened.
inforcing such a hole. eyrie n 1 the nest of an eagle, built in a high
eyelevel adj level with a person’s eyes: an inaccessible place. 2 any high isolated
eyelevel oven. place.
 F
f1 Physics frequency. 13 to someone’s face directly and openly.
f2, f/, orf: f-number. ~vb facing, faced 14 to look towards. 15
F 1 Music the fourth note of the scale of C to be opposite. 16 to be confronted by: they
major. 2 Fahrenheit. 3 farad(s). 4 Chem were faced with the prospect of high infla-
fluorine. 5 Physics force. 6 franc(s). tion. 17 to provide with a surface of a dif-
ferent material. —See also face up to.
f. or F. 1 fathom(s). 2 female. 3 Grammar
feminine. 4 (plff.) following (page). face card n a playing card showing a king,
queen, or jack.
fa n Music same as fah.
faceless adj without individual identity or
FA (in Britain) Football Association. character: faceless government officials.
Fabian (fay-bee-an) adj 1 of the Fabian So- face-lift n 1 cosmetic surgery for tightening
ciety, which aims to establish socialism sagging skin and smoothing wrinkles on the
gradually and democratically. ~n 2 a face. 2 an outward improvement designed
member of the Fabian Society. Fabianism to give a more modern appearance: the sta-
n dium was given a face-lift.
fable n 1 a short story, often one with ani- facer n Brit old-fashioned informal a diffi-
mals as characters, that illustrates a moral. culty or problem.
2 an unlikely story which is usually untrue. face-saving adj preventing damage to one’s
3 a story about mythical characters or reputation, face-saver n
events.
facet n 1 an aspect of something, such as a
fabled adj well-known from anecdotes and personality. 2 any of the surfaces of a cut
stories rather than experience: the fabled gemstone.
Timbuktu.
facetious (fass-see-shuss) adj joking, or try-
Fablon n Trademark a brand of adhesive- ing to be amusing, esp. at inappropriate
backed plastic used for covering surfaces. times, facetiously adv
fabric n 1 any cloth made from yarn or fi- face up to vb to accept an unpleasant fact
bres by weaving or knitting. 2 the structure or reality.
that holds a system together: the fabric of face value n apparent worth or meaning:
British society. 3 the walls, floor, and roof only a fool would take it at face value.
of a building.
facia (fay-shee-a) n, pl -ciae (-shee-ee) same
fabricate vb -eating, -cated 1 to invent a as fascia.
story or lie: fabricated reports about the
opposition. 2 to make or build, fabrication facial adj 1 of the face. ~n 2 a beauty
n treatment for the face, facially adv
fabulous adj 1 Informal extremely good. 2 facile (fass-ile) adj 1 (of a remark, argu-
almost unbelievable: a city of fabulous ment, etc.) overly simple and showing lack
wealth. 3 told of in fables and legends: a of real thought. 2 easily performed or
fabulous homed creature, fabulously adv achieved: a facile winner of his only race
this year.
facade (fass-sahd) n 1 the front of a build-
facilitate vb -tating, -tated to make easier
ing. 2 a front or deceptive outer appear- the progress of: the agreement helped fa-
ance. cilitate trade between the countries, facili-
face n 1 the front of the head from the fore- tation n
head to the lower jaw. 2 a one’s expression: facility n, pl -ties 1 facilities the means or
as his eyes met hers his face sobered, b a equipment needed for an activity: leisure
distorted expression to show disgust or de-
fiance: she was pulling a face at him. 3 the and shopping facilities. 2 the ability to do
front or main side of an object, building,
things easily and well. 3 skill or ease: grown
human beings can forget with remarkable
etc. 4 the surface of a clock or watch that facility.
has the numbers or hands on it. 5 the func-
tional side of an object, such as a tool or facing n 1 a piece of material used esp. to
playing card. 6 the exposed area of a mine conceal the seam of a garment. 2 facings
from which coal or metal can be mined. 7 in contrasting collar and cuffs on a jacket. 3
the face of in spite of: a determined char- an outer layer of material applied to the
acter in the face of adversity. 8 lose face to surface of a wall.
lose one’s credibility. 9 on the face of it to facsimile (fak-sim-ill-ee) n 1 an exact copy.
all appearances. 10 put a good face or 2 same as fax (senses 1, 2).
brave face on to maintain a cheerful ap- fact n 1 an event or thing known to have
pearance despite misfortune. 11 save face happened or existed. 2 a truth that can be
to keep one’s good reputation. 12 set one’s proved from experience or observation. 3 a
face against to oppose with determination. piece of information. 4 after or before the
faction 278 fain
fact Criminal law after or before the com- ly waste matter discharged through the
mission of the offence. 5 as a matter of anus, faecal or esp US fecal (fee-kl) adj
fact or in fact in reality or actuality. 6 fact Faeroese or Faroese (fair-oh-eez) ac(/1 of
of life an inescapable truth, esp. an un- the Faeroes, islands in the N Atlantic. —n 2
pleasant one. See also facts of life. (pi -ese) a person from the Faeroes. 3 the
faction1 n 1 a small group of people within a language of the Faeroes.
larger body, but differing from it in certain faff about vb Brit informal to dither or fuss.
aims and ideas. 2 strife within a group, fag1 n 1 Informal a boring or tiring task:
factional adj weeding was a fag. 2 Brit (esp. formerly) a
faction2 n a dramatized presentation of ac- young public school boy who performs me-
tual events. nial chores for an older boy. —vb fagging,
factitious adj artificial rather than natural, fagged 3 Brit to do menial chores in a pub-
factor n 1 an element that contributes to a lic school.
result: reliability was an important factor fag2 n Brit slang
in the success of the car. 2 Maths any whole fag3 n Offensive slang, chiefly US & Canad
number that will divide exactly into a given short for faggot2.
number, for example 2 and 3 are factors of fag end n 1 the last and worst part: another
6. 3 a quantity by which an amount is mul- dull game at the fag end of the football sea-
tiplied or divided to become that number of son. 2 Brit informal the stub of a cigarette.
times bigger or smaller: production in-
creased by a factor of 3. 4 a level on a scale fagged adj Informal exhausted by hard
of measurement: suntan oil with a factor of work. Also: fagged out
5. 5 (in Scotland) the manager of an estate. faggot1 or esp US fagot n 1 a ball of
factorial Maths —n 1 the product of all the chopped liver bound with herbs and bread.
whole numbers from one to a given whole 2 a bundle of sticks.
number. —adj 2 of factorials or factors. faggot2 n Offensive slang, chiefly US &
factorize or -rise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, Canad a male homosexual.
-ised Maths to resolve a whole number into fah n Music (in tonic sol-fa) the fourth note
factors, factorization or -risation n of any ascending major scale.
factory n, pl -ries a building where goods Fahrenheit (far-ren-hite) adj of or measured
are manufactured in large quantities. according to the scale of temperature in
factory farm n a farm in which animals are which 32° represents the melting point of
given foods that increase the amount of ice and 212° thefroiling point of water.
meat, eggs, or milk they yield, factory faience (fie-ence) n tin-glazed earthenware,
farming n fail vb 1 to be unsuccessful in an attempt. 2
factory ship n a vessel that processes fish to stop operating. 3 to judge or be judged as
supplied by a fleet. being below the officially accepted stand-
factotum n a person employed to do all ard required in a course or examination. 4
kinds of work. to prove disappointing or useless to some-
one: the government has failed the home-
facts of life pl n the details of sexual behav- less. 5 to neglect or be unable to do some-
iour and reproduction. thing: he failed to repair the car. 6 to go
factual adj concerning facts rather than bankrupt. ~n 7 a failure to attain the re-
opinions or theories: a factual report, fac- quired standard. 8 without fail a regularly
tually adv or without exception: use this shampoo
faculty n, pl -ties 1 one of the powers of the once a week without fail, b definitely: they
mind or body, such as memory, sight, or agreed to enforce the embargo without fail.
hearing. 2 any ability or power, either in- failing n 1 a weak point, -prep 2 failing
born or acquired: his faculties of reasoning that alternatively: your doctor will normal-
were considerable. 3 a a department within ly be able to advise you or, failing that, one
a university or college, b its staff, c Chiefly of the self-help agencies.
US & Canad all the staff of a university, fail-safe adj 1 designed to return to a safe
school, or college. condition in the event of a failure or mal-
fad n Informal 1 an intense but short-lived function. 2 safe from failure.
fashion: the skateboard fad. 2 a personal failure n 1 the act or an instance of failing. 2
whim, faddish adj someone or something that is unsuccessful:
faddy adj -dier, -diest unreasonably fussy, he couldn’t help but regard his own son as a
particularly about food. failure. 3 the fact of something required or
fade vb fading, faded 1 to lose brightness, expected not being done or not happening:
colour, or strength. 2 fade away or out to his failure to appear at the meeting. 4 a halt
vanish slowly. in normal operation: heart failure. 5 a de-
fade in or out vb (of vision or sound in a cline or loss of something: crop failure. 6
film or broadcast) to increase or decrease the fact of not reaching the required stand-
gradually. ard in an examination or test.
faeces or esp US feces (fee-seez) pl n bodi- fain adv Old-fashioned gladly or willingly.
faint 279 fall
faint adj 1 lacking clarity, brightness, or fairy ring n a ring of dark grass caused by
volume: her voice was very faint. 2 feeling fungi.
dizzy or weak. 3 lacking conviction or force: fairy tale or Story n 1 a story about fairies
a faint attempt to smile. —vb 4 to lose con- or magical events. 2 a highly improbable
sciousness. —n 5 a sudden loss of con- account: his report was little more than a
sciousness. faintly adv fairy tale, -adj fairy-tale 3 of or like a
faint-hearted adj lacking courage and confi- fairy tale: a fairy-tale wedding. 4 highly
dence. improbable: a fairy-tale account of his
fair1 adj 1 reasonable and just: a move to- achievements.
wards fair trade. 2 in agreement with rules. fait accompli (fate ak-kom-plee) n some-
3 light in colour: her fair skin. 4 Old- thing already done and beyond alteration:
fashioned young and beautiful: a fair maid- they had to accept the invasion as a fait ac-
en. 5 quite good: a fair attempt at making a compli.
souffle. 6 quite large: they made a fair faith n 1 strong belief in something, esp.
amount of money. 7 (of the tide or wind) without proof. 2 a specific system of reli-
favourable to the passage of a ship or gious beliefs. 3 complete confidence or
plane. 8 fine or cloudless. 9 fair and square trust, such as in a person or remedy. 4 alle-
in a correct or just way. -adv 10 in a fair giance to a person or cause. 5 bad faith
way. 11 absolutely or squarely: he was dishonesty. 6 good faith honesty.
caught fair off his guard, fairness n faithful adj 1 remaining true or loyal. 2
fair2 n 1 a travelling entertainment with maintaining sexual loyalty to one’s lover or
sideshows, rides, and amusements. 2 an ex- spouse. 3 consistently reliable: my old, but
hibition of goods produced by a particular faithful, four cylinder car. 4 accurate in de-
industry to promote business: the Frankfurt tail: a faithful translation of the book, —pl
book fair. n 5 a the believers in a religious faith, b
fair copy n a neat copy, without mistakes or loyal followers, faithfully adv faithful-
alterations, of a piece of writing. ness n
fair game n a person regarded as a justifi- faith healing n treatment of a sick person
able target for criticism or ridicule. through the power of religious faith, faith
healer n
fairground n an open space used for a fair,
faithless adj treacherous or disloyal.
fairing n a metal structure fitted around
parts of an aircraft, car, etc., to reduce fake vb faking, faked 1 to cause something
drag. not genuine to appear real or more valuable
by fraud. 2 to pretend to have (an illness,
Fair Isle n an intricate multicoloured knitted emotion, etc.), —n 3 an object, person, or
pattern. act that is not genuine, -adj 4 not genuine.
fairly adv 1 to a moderate degree or extent: fakir (fay-keer) n 1 a member of any reli-
in the Philippines labour is fairly cheap. 2 gious order of Islam. 2 a Hindu holy man.
to a great degree or extent: the folder fairly falcon n a type of bird of prey that can be
bulged with documents. 3 as deserved: the trained to hunt other birds and small ani-
pound was fairly valued against the mals.
Deutschmark.
falconry n 1 the art of training falcons to
fair play n a conventional standard of hon- hunt. 2 the sport of hunting with falcons,
ourable behaviour. falconer n
fair sex n the Old-fashioned women collec- fall vb falling, fell, fallen 1 to descend by
tively. the force of gravity from a higher to a
fairway n 1 (on a golf course) the mown lower place. 2 to drop suddenly from an up-
areas between tees and greens. 2 Naut a right position. 3 to collapse to the ground. 4
part of a river or sea on which ships may to become less or lower in number or qual-
sail. ity: inflation fell by one percentage point. 5
fair-weather adj not reliable in difficult to slope downwards. 6 to be badly wounded
situations: a fair-weather friend. or killed. 7 to give in to attack: in 1939 Bar-
fairy n, pl fairies 1 an imaginary supernatu- celona fell to the Nationalists. 8 to lose
ral being with magical powers. 2 Offensive power or status. 9 to pass into a specified
slang a male homosexual. condition: I fell asleep. 10 to adopt a down-
hearted expression: his face fell and he
fairy godmother n a generous friend who pouted like a child. 11 (of night or dark-
appears unexpectedly and offers help in ness) to begin. 12 to occur at a specified
time of trouble. time: Christmas falls on a Sunday. 13 to
fairyland n 1 an imaginary place where give in to temptation or sin. 14 fall apart a
fairies live. 2 an enchanted or wonderful -to break owing to long use or poor construc-
place. tion: the chassis is falling apart, b to be-
fairy lights pl n small coloured electric bulbs come disorganized and ineffective: since
used as decoration, esp. on a Christmas you resigned, the office has fallen apart. 15
tree. fall short to prove inadequate. 16 fall
Fall 280 fame
short of to fail to reach (a standard). ~n Fallopian tube n either of a pair of slender
17 an instance of falling. 18 an amount of tubes through which eggs pass from the
something, such as snow or soot, that has ovaries to the uterus in female mammals.
fallen. 19 a decrease in value or number. 20 fallout n 1 radioactive material in the at-
a decline in status or importance: the mosphere following a nuclear explosion. 2
town’s fall from prosperity. 21 a capture or unpleasant circumstances following an
overthrow: the fall of Budapest in February event: fallout from the Gulf crisis, -vb fall
1945. 22 Wrestling a scoring move, pinning out 3 Informal to disagree and quarrel: I
both shoulders of one’s opponent to the hope we don’t fall out over this issue. 4 to
floor for a specified period. 23 Chiefly US & leave a military formation.
Canad autumn. -See also fall about, fall fallow1 adj (of land) left unseeded after
away, falls, etc. being ploughed to regain fertility for a fu-
Fall n the Fall Theol the state of mankind’s ture crop.
innate sinfulness following Adam’s sin of fallow2 adj light yellowish-brown.
disobeying God.
fall about vb to laugh uncontrollably. fallow deer n a deer that has a reddish coat
with white spots in summer.
fallacy n, pl -cies 1 an incorrect or mislead-
ing notion based on inaccurate facts or falls pl n a waterfall.
faulty reasoning: the fallacy underlying the fall through vb to fail before completion: his
government’s industrial policy. 2 reasoning transfer deal fell through.
that is unsound, fallacious adj fall to vb 1 to become the responsibility of: it
fall away vb 1 to slope down: the ground fell fell to the Prime Minister to announce the
away sharply to the south. 2 to decrease in plans. 2 to begin (some activity, such as eat-
size or intensity: obstacles to all-party talks ing, working, or fighting).
are falling away with amazing speed. false adj 1 not in accordance with the truth
fall back vb 1 to retreat. 2 fall back on to or facts: false allegations. 2 not real or
have to choose (a less acceptable alterna- genuine but intended to seem so: false teeth.
tive): they had to fall back on other lines of 3 misleading or deceptive: their false prom-
defence. ises. 4 forced or insincere: false cheer. 5
fall behind vb 1 to fail to keep up. 2 to be in based on mistaken ideas. falsely adv
arrears, such as with a payment. falseness n
fall down vb 1 to drop suddenly or collapse. false alarm n a situation that appears to be
2 to fail to meet requirements. 3 (of an ar- dangerous but turns out not to be: air-raid
gument or idea) to fail at a specific point: in sirens sounded once but it turned out to be a
one area only did the comparison fall down. false alarm.
fallen vb 1 the past participle of fall, -adj falsehood n 1 the quality of being untrue. 2
2 Old-fashioned (of a woman) having had a lie.
sex outside marriage. 3 killed in battle. false pretences pl n under false pretences
fall for vb 1 to become strongly attracted to so as to mislead people about one’s true in-
(someone). 2 to be deceived by (a lie or tentions.
trick). false start n Athletics & swimming an occa-
fall guy n Informal 1 the victim of a confi- sion when one competitor starts a race be-
dence trick. 2 US a person who is publicly fore the starter’s signal has been given,
blamed for something, though it may not be which means that all competitors have to be
his or her fault. recalled and the race restarted.
fallible adj 1 (of a person) liable to make falsetto n, pl -tos a voice pitch higher than
mistakes. 2 capable of error: our all-too- one’s normal range.
fallible economic indicators, fallibility n falsies pl n Informal pads worn to exagger-
fall in vb 1 to collapse. 2 to get into line or ate the size of a woman’s breasts.
formation in a display, march, or proces- falsify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make a re-
sion. 3 fall in with a to meet and join, b to port or evidence false by alteration in order
agree with or support (a person or a sugges- to deceive, falsification n
tion). falsity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being false. 2
falling star n Informal a meteor. a lie.
fall Off vb 1 to drop unintentionally to the falter vb 1 to be hesitant, weak, or unsure. 2
ground from (a bicycle, horse, etc.). 2 to de- (of a machine) to lose power or strength in
crease in size or intensity: demand for beef an uneven way: the engine began to falter
began to fall off. and the plane lost height. 3 to speak nerv-
fall on vb 1 to attack (an enemy). 2 to meet ously and without confidence. 4 to stop
with (something unpleasant): his family moving smoothly and start moving un-
had fallen on hard times. 3 to affect: a hor- steadily: as he neared the house his steps
rified hush fell on the company. 4 fall on faltered, faltering adj
one’s feet to emerge unexpectedly well fame n the state of being widely known or
from a difficult situation. recognized.
famed 281 fanjet
famed adj extremely well-known: the famed tached to a central hub. 2 a hand-held ob-
Michael Jackson. ject, usu. made of paper, which creates a
familial adj Formal of or relating to the fami- draught of cool air when waved. 3 some-
ty- _ thing shaped like such a fan, such as the
familiar adj 1 well-known. 2 frequent or tail of certain birds, —vb fanning, fanned
common: it was a familiar argument. 3 fa- 4 to create a draught of air in the direction
miliar with well acquainted with. 4 friend- of someone or something. 5 fan out to
ly and informal. 5 more intimate than is ac- spread out in the shape of a fan: the troops
ceptable. —n 6 an animal or bird believed fanned out along the beach.
to share with a witch her supernatural fan2 n a person who admires or is enthusias-
powers. 7 a friend, familiarly adv famili- tic about a pop star, actor, sport, or hobby:
arity n he was a big fan of Woody Allen.
familiarize or -rise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, fanatic n 1 a person whose enthusiasm for
-ised to make (oneself or someone else) something, esp. a political or religious
fully aware of a particular subject, famil- cause, is extreme. 2 Informal a person de-
iarization or -risation n voted to a particular hobby or pastime.
family n, pl -lies 1 a social group consisting -adj also fanatical 3 excessively enthusi-
of parents and their offspring. 2 one’s wife astic. fanatically adv fanaticism n
or husband and one’s children. 3 one’s chil- fan belt n the belt that drives a cooling fan
dren. 4 a group descended from a common in a car engine.
ancestor. 5 all the people living together in fancier n a person with a keen interest in the
one household. 6 any group of related ob- thing specified: a pigeon fancier.
jects or beings: a family of chemicals. 7 Biol fanciful adj 1 not based on fact. 2 made in a
one of the groups into which an order is di- curious or imaginative way: fanciful archi-
vided, containing one or more genera: the tecture. 3 guided by unrestrained imagina-
cat family, -adj 8 of or suitable for a fami- tion: fanciful tales of fairy folk, fancifully
ly or any of its members: films for a family adv
audience. 9 in the family way Informal fan club n an organized group of admirers of
pregnant. a particular pop singer or star.
Family Allowance n 1 (in Britain) a former fancy adj -cier, -ciest 1 special, unusual, and
name for child benefit. 2 (in Canada) an al- elaborate. 2 (often used ironically) superior
lowance paid by the Federal Government to in quality. 3 (of a price) higher than expect-
the parents of dependent children. ed. —n, pl -cies 4 a sudden spontaneous
family benefit n (in New Zealand) a child al- idea. 5 a sudden or irrational liking for a
lowance paid to the mothers of children person or thing. 6 Old-fashioned or literary
under 18. a person’s imagination, —vb -cies, -eying,
family credit n (in Britain) an allowance -cied 7 Brit informal to be physically at-
paid to families whose earnings from full- tracted to (another person). 8 Informal to
time work are low. have a wish for. 9 to picture in the imagina-
family man n 1 a man with a wife and chil- tion. 10 to think or suppose: I fancy I am
dren. 2 a man who loves his family and redundant here. 11 fancy oneself to have a
spends a lot of time with them. high opinion of oneself, —interj 12 Also:
family name n a surname, esp. when re- fancy that! an exclamation of surprise,
garded as representing a family’s good fancily adv
reputation. fancy dress n clothing worn for a party at
family planning n the control of the number which people dress up to look like a particu-
of children in a family by the use of lar animal or character.
contraceptives. fancy-free adj free from commitments, esp.
family support n NZ a top-up of family in- marriage.
come in certain circumstances where there fancy goods pl n small decorative gifts,
are dependent children. fancy man n Old-fashioned slang a woman’s
family tree n a chart showing the relation- lover.
ships between individuals in a family over fancy woman n Old-fashioned slang a man’s
many generations. lover.
famine n a severe shortage of food. fancy work n ornamental needlework,
famish vb be famished or famishing to be fandango n, pl -gos 1 a lively Spanish dance.
very hungry. 2 music for this dance.
famous adj known to or recognized by many fanfare n a short rousing tune played on
people. brass instruments.
famously adv 1 well-known: her famously fang n 1 the long pointed tooth of a poison-
relaxed manner. 2 very well: the two got on ous snake through which poison is injected.
famously. 2 the canine tooth of a meat-eating mam-
fan1 n 1 any device for creating a current of mal.
air, esp. a rotating machine of blades at- fanjet n same as turbofan.
fanlight 282 far-sighted
fanlight n a semicircular window over a door journey in a bus, train, or plane. 2 a paying
or another window. passenger. 3 a range of food and drink:
fanny n, pl -nies Slang 1 Brit taboo the fe- typical English fare. —vb faring, fared 4
male genitals. 2 Chiefly US & Canad the to get on (in a specified way): he fared well
buttocks. in the exam.
fantail n 1 a breed of domestic pigeon with a Far East n the countries of E Asia. Far
large tail like a fan. 2 a fly-catching bird of Eastern adj
Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia with a fare stage n 1 a section of a bus journey for
broad fan-shaped tail. which a set charge is made. 2 the bus stop
fantasia n 1 any musical work not composed marking the end of such a section.
in a strict form. 2 a mixture of popular farewell interj 1 Old-fashioned goodbye. —n
tunes arranged as a continuous whole. 2 the act of saying goodbye and leaving.
fantasize or -sise vb -sizing, -sized or ~adj 3 parting or closing: the President’s
-sising, -sised to imagine pleasant but un- farewell speech.
likely events. far-fetched adj unlikely to be true,
fantastic adj 1 Informal excellent. 2 Infor- far-flung adj 1 distributed over a wide area.
mal very large in degree or amount: a fan- 2 far distant or remote.
tastic amount of money. 3 strange or exotic farinaceous adj containing starch or having
in appearance: fantastic costumes. 4 diffi- a starchy texture.
cult to believe or unlikely to happen, fan- farm n 1 a tract of land, usually with a
tastically adv house and buildings, cultivated as a unit or
fantasy n, pl -sies 1 a far-fetched idea. 2 im- used to rear livestock. 2 a unit of land or
agination unrestricted by reality. 3 a day- water devoted to the growing or rearing of
dream. 4 fiction with a large fantasy con- some particular type of fruit, animal, or
tent. 5 Music same as fantasia. fish: a salmon farm. —vb 3 a to cultivate
fan vaulting n Archit vaulting with ribs that land, b to rear animals or fish on a farm. 4
radiate like those of a fan from the top part to do agricultural work as a way of life. 5 to
of a pillar. collect and keep the profits from a tax dis-
fanzine (fan-zeen) n a magazine produced
trict or business. ~See also farm ont.
by fans of a specific interest, football club, farmer n a person who owns or manages a
etc., for fellow fans. farm.
far farther, farthest or further, furthest farm hand n a person who is hired to work
adv 1 at, to, or from a great distance. 2 at or on a farm.
to a remote time: as far back as 1984. 3 by a farmhouse n a house attached to a farm,
considerable degree: far greater. 4 as far as farming n the business or skill of agricul-
a to the degree or extent that, b to the dis- ture.
tance or place of. c Informal with reference farmland n land that is used for or suitable
to. 5 by far by a considerable margin. 6 far for farming.
and away by a very great margin: far and farm out vb 1 to send (work) to be done by
away the ugliest building in the city. 7 far another person or firm. 2 (of the state) to
and wide in a great many places over a put a child into the care of a private indi-
large area. 8 go far a to be successful, b to vidual.
be sufficient or last long: her wages didn’t farmstead n a farm and its main buildings,
go far. 9 go too far to go beyond reasonable
limits: the press have gone too far this time. farmyard n the small area of land enclosed
10 so far a up to the present moment, b up by or around the farm buildings.
to a certain point, extent, or degree. —adj far-off adj distant in space or time: a far-off
11 distant in space or time: the far south. 12 land.
extending a great distance. 13 more distant: far-out adj 1 very unusual or strange: the
over in the far corner. 14 far from by no idea was so far-out it was ludicrous. 2 In-
means: the battle is far from over. formal wonderful.
► Farther is often used, rather than further, farrago (far-rah-go) n, pl -gos or -goes a
when distance, not time or effort, is in- hotchpotch or mixture, esp. a ridiculous or
volved. unbelievable one: a farrago of patriotic
farad n Physics the SI unit of electric capaci- nonsense.
tance. far-reaching adj extensive in influence, ef-
faraway adj 1 very distant. 2 dreamy or fect, or range.
absent-minded: a faraway look in his eyes. farrier n Chiefly Brit a person who shoes
farce n 1 a humorous play involving charac- horses.
ters in unlikely and ridiculous situations. 2 farrow n 1 a litter of piglets, -vb 2 (of a
the style of comedy of this kind. 3 a ludi- sow) to give birth to a litter.
crous situation: the game degenerated into far-seeing adj having wise judgment,
farce, farcical adj far-sighted adj 1 able to look forward and
fare n 1 the amount charged or paid for a plan ahead. 2 ITS long-sighted.
fart 283 fated
fart Taboo —n 1 an emission of intestinal (plutonium) than it consumes for the pur-
gas from the anus. —vb 2 to break wind. poses of generating electricity.
farther adv 1 to or at a greater distance in fasten vb 1 to make or become secure or
space or time. 2 in addition, -adj 3 more joined. 2 to close by fixing firmly in place or
distant or remote in space or time. locking. 3 fasten on a to direct one’s atten-
farthermost ac(/most distant or remote, tion in a concentrated way towards: the
farthest adv 1 to or at the greatest distance mind needs such imagery to fasten on to. b
in space or time, —adj 2 most distant or to take a firm hold on. fastener n
remote in space or time. fastening n something that fastens some-
farthing n a former British coin worth a thing, such as a clasp or lock.
quarter of an old penny. fast food n food, such as hamburgers, that
farthingale n a hoop worn under skirts in is prepared and served very quickly.
the Elizabethan period. fastidious adj 1 paying great attention to
fasces (fass-eez) pl n, sing -cis (-siss) (in neatness, detail, and order: a fastidious
ancient Rome) a bundle of rods containing dresser. 2 excessively concerned with
an axe with its blade pointing out; a symbol cleanliness, fastidiously adv fastidious-
of a magistrate’s power. ness n
fascia or facia (fay-shee-a) n, pl -ciae fast lane n 1 the outside lane on a motorway
(-shee-ee) 1 the flat surface above a shop for overtaking or travelling fast. 2 Informal
window. 2 Archit a flat band or surface. 3 the quickest but most competitive route to
Brit the outer panel which surrounds the success: the hectic pace of life in the corpo-
instruments and dials of a motor vehicle. rate fast lane.
fascinate vb -nating, -nated to attract and fastness n Literary a stronghold or safe
delight by arousing interest, fascinating place that is hard to get to.
adj fascinatingly adv fascination n fast-track adj taking the quickest but most
Fascism (fash-iz-zum) n 1 the authoritarian competitive route to success or personal
and nationalistic political movement in advancement: a fast-track marketer’s
Italy (1922-43). 2 any ideology or move- dream.
ment like this. Fascist n, adj
fat adj fatter, fattest 1 having more flesh
fashion n 1 style in clothes, hairstyles, be- on the body than is thought necessary or
haviour, etc., that is popular at a particular desirable; overweight. 2 (of meat) contain-
time. 2 the way that something happens or ing a lot of fat. 3 thick or wide: his obliga-
is done: conversing in a very animated fash- tory fat cigar. 4 profitable or productive:
ion. 3 after a fashion in some way, but not fat years for the farmers are few and far
very well: he apologized, after a fashion, between. 5 a fat chance Slang unlikely to
for his haste, —vb 4 to form, make, or happen. 6 a fat lot of good Slang not at all
shape: he had fashioned a crude musical in- good or useful, —n 7 extra or unwanted
strument. flesh on the body. 8 a greasy or oily sub-
fashionable adj 1 popular with a lot of peo- stance obtained from animals or plants and
ple at a particular time. 2 popular among used in cooking. 9 the fat is in the fire an
well-off or famous people: the fashionable action has been taken from which disas-
Cote d’Azur, fashionably adv trous consequences are expected. 10 the fat
fast1 adj 1 acting or moving quickly. 2 ac- of the land the best that is obtainable, fat-
complished in or lasting a short time. 3 less adj fatness n
adapted to or allowing for rapid movement: fatal adj 1 resulting in death: a fatal acci-
the fast lane. 4 (of a clock or watch) indi- dent. 2 resulting in unfortunate conse-
cating a time in advance of the correct time. quences: Gorbachov's second fatal mistake.
5 given to a life of expensive and exciting fatally adv
activities: the desire for a fast life. 6 firmly
fatalism n the belief that all events are de-
fixed, fastened, or shut. 7 (of colours and cided in advance by God or Fate so that
dyes) not likely to fade. 8 Photog very sen- human beings are powerless to alter their
sitive and able to be used in low-light condi- destiny, fatalist n fatalistic adj fatalis-
tions. 9 fast friends devoted and loyal tically adv
friends. 10 pull a fast one Informal play an
unscrupulous trick, —adv 11 quickly. 12 fatality n, pl -ties a death caused by an acci-
fast asleep in a deep sleep. 13 firmly and dent or disaster.
tightly: stuck fast. 14 play fast and loose fate n 1 the ultimate force that supposedly
to behave in an insincere or unreliable predetermines the course of events. 2 the
manner. inevitable fortune that happens to a person
fast2 vb 1 to go without food for a period of or thing. 3 death or downfall: Custer met
time, esp. for religious reasons, —n 2 a pe- his fate at Little Bighorn.
riod of fasting. fated adj 1 certain to be or do something: he
fast-breeder reactor n a nuclear reactor was always fated to be a musician. 2
that produces more fissionable material doomed to death or destruction.
fateful 284 fealty
fateful adj having important, and usually with to seek out minor imperfections in. 9
disastrous, consequences, fatefully adv to a fault more than is usual or necessary:
fathead n Informal a stupid person, fat- generous to a fault. ~vb 10 to criticize or
headed adj blame. 11 Geol to undergo or cause to
father n 1 a male parent. 2 a person who undergo a fault, faultless adj faultlessly
founds a line or family; forefather. 3 a man adv
who starts, creates, or invents something: fault-finding n continual criticism.
the father of democracy in Costa Rica. 4 a faulty adj faultier, faultiest badly designed
leader of an association or council: the city or not working properly: a faulty toaster.
fathers. ~vb 5 (of a man) to be the biologi- faun n (in Roman legend) a creature with the
cal cause of the conception and birth of (a head and torso of a man and the legs, ears,
child), fatherhood n and horns of a goat.
Father n 1 God. 2 a title used for Christian fauna n, pl -nas or-nae all the animal life of
priests. 3 any of the early writers on Chris- a given place or time: the fauna of the Arc-
tian doctrine. tic.
Father Christmas n same as Santa Claus, faux pas (foe pah) n, pl faux pas (foe pahz)
father-in-law n, pl fathers-in-law the father a socially embarrassing action or mistake.
of one’s wife or husband. favour or US favor n 1 an approving atti-
fatherland n a person’s native country, tude: the company looked with favour on
fatherly adj kind or protective, like a father. his plan. 2 an act done out of goodwill or
Father’s Day n a day celebrated in honour generosity. 3 bias at the expense of others:
of fathers. his fellow customs officers, showing no fa-
fathom n 1 a unit of length, used in naviga- vour, demanded to see his luggage. 4 in or
tion, equal to six feet (1.83 metres). -vb 2 out of favour regarded with approval or
to understand by thinking carefully about: I disapproval. 5 in favour of a approving, b
couldn’t fathom his intentions, fathomable to the benefit of. —vb 6 to prefer. 7 to show
adj bias towards (someone) at the expense of
fathomless adj too deep or difficult to fath- others: parents sometimes favour the
om. youngest child in the family. 8 to support or
fatigue (fat-eeg) n 1 extreme physical or
agree with (something): he favours the abo-
lition of capital punishment, favoured or
mental tiredness. 2 the weakening of a ma- US favored adj
terial caused by repeated stress or move-
ment. 3 the duties of a soldier that are not favourable or US.favorable adj 1 advanta-
military. 4 fatigues a soldier’s clothing for geous, encouraging, or promising: a favour-
nonmilitary or battlefield duties. -vb able climate for business expansion. 2 giv-
-tiguing, -tigued 5 to make or become ing consent or approval, favourably or US
weary or exhausted. favorably adv
fat stock n livestock fattened and ready for favourite or US favorite adj 1 most liked.
market. ~n 2 a person or thing regarded with espe-
fatten vb to grow or cause to grow fat or cial preference or liking. 3 Sport a competi-
fatter, fattening adj tor thought likely to win.
fatty adj -tier, -tiest 1 containing or derived favouritism or US favoritism n the practice
from fat. 2 greasy or oily. ~n, pl -ties 3 In- of giving special treatment to a person or
formal a fat person. group: favouritism in the allocation of gov-
ernment posts.
fatty acid n any of a class of organic acids
some of which, such as stearic acid, are fawn1 n 1 a young deer aged under one year.
found in animal or vegetable fats. -adj 2 pale greyish-brown.
fatuity n, pl -ties 1 foolish thoughtlessness. fawn2 vb fawn on 1 to seek attention from
2 a fatuous remark. (someone) by insincere flattery: it makes
fatuous adj foolish, inappropriate, and
me sick to see the way you fawn on that
showing no thought, fatuously adv awful woman. 2 (of a dog) to try to please
(someone) by a show of extreme friendli-
faucet (faw-set) n 1 a tap fitted to a barrel. ness. fawning adj
2 US & Canad a tap. fax n 1 an electronic system for transmitting
fault n 1 responsibility for something wrong. an exact copy of a document. 2 a document
2 a defect or failing: they shut the produc- sent by this system, -vb 3 to send (a
tion line to remedy a fault. 3 a weakness in document) by this system.
a person’s character. 4 Geol a fracture in FBI (in the U.S.) Federal Bureau of Investi-
the earth’s crust with displacement of the gation.
rocks on either side. 5 Tennis, squash, etc a
serve that bounces outside the proper ser- FD Defender of the Faith: the title of the
vice court or fails to get over the net. 6 (in British sovereign as head of the Church of
showjumping) a penalty mark for failing to England.
clear, or refusing, a fence. 7 at fault to be Fe Chem iron.
to blame for something wrong. 8 find fault fealty n, pl -ties (in feudal society) the loy-
fear 285 feed
alty sworn to a lord by his tenant or ser- paper. -vb -turing, -tured 6 to have as a
vant. feature or make a feature of: this cooker
fear n 1 a feeling of distress or alarm caused features a fan-assisted oven. 7 to give spe-
by danger or pain that is about to happen. 2 cial prominence to: the film features James
something that causes fear. 3 possibility or Mason as Rommel, featureless adj
likelihood: there is no fear of her agreeing Feb. February.
to that. 4 no fear Informal certainly not. febrile (fee-brile) adj Formal 1 very active
—vb 5 to be afraid of (someone or some- and nervous: increasingly febrile activity at
thing). 6 Formal to be sorry. I fear the chil- the Stock Exchange. 2 of or relating to
dren were not very good yesterday. 7 fear fever.
for to feel anxiety about something, fear- February n, pl -aries the second month of
less adj fearlessly adv the year.
fearful adj 1 afraid and full of fear. 2 fright- feckless adj irresponsible and lacking char-
ening or causing fear: the ship hit a fearful acter and determination: her feckless
storm. 3 Informal very bad: they were mak- brother was always in debt.
ing a fearful noise, fearfully adv fecund adj Literary 1 fertile or capable of
fearsome adj terrible or frightening, producing many offspring. 2 intellectually
feasible adj able to be done: a manned jour- productive or creative: an extraordinarily
ney to Mars is now feasible, feasibility n fecund year even by Mozart's standards.
feasibly adv fecundity n
feast n 1 a large and special meal for many fed vb the past of feed.
people. 2 something extremely pleasing: a federal adj 1 of a form of government in
feast of colour. 3 an annual religious cel- which power is divided between one central
ebration. -vb 4 to take part in a feast. 5 to and several regional governments. 2 of the
give a feast to. 6 feast on to eat a large central government of a federation, feder-
amount of: down come hundreds of vultures alism n federalist n, adj
to feast on the remains. 7 feast one’s eyes Federal adj of or supporting the Union gov-
on to look at (someone or something) with a ernment during the American Civil War.
great deal of attention and pleasure. Federal Government n the national gov-
Feast of Tabernacles n same as Sukkoth. ernment of a federated state, such as that
feat n a remarkable, skilful, or daring ac- of Canada located in Ottawa.
tion: an extraordinary feat of engineering. federalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
feather n 1 any of the flat light structures -ised 1 to unite in a federal union. 2 to sub-
that form the plumage of birds, each con- ject to federal control, federalization or
sisting of a shaft with soft thin hairs on -isation n
either side. 2 feather in one’s cap a cause federate vb -ating, -ated to unite in a feder-
for pleasure at one’s achievements, —vb 3 al union, federative adj
to fit, cover, or supply with feathers. 4 federation n 1 the union of several prov-
Rowing to turn an oar parallel to the water inces, states, etc. 2 any alliance or associa-
between strokes, in order to lessen wind re- tion of organizations which have freely
sistance. 5 feather one’s nest to collect joined together for a common purpose: a
possessions and money to make one’s life federation of twenty regional unions.
comfortable, often dishonestly, feathered fed up adj Informal annoyed or bored.
adj feathery adj
fee n 1 a charge paid to be allowed to do
feather bed n 1 a mattress filled with feath- something: the BBC licence fee. 2 a payment
ers or down, —vb featherbed, -bedding, asked by professional people for their serv-
-bedded 2 to pamper or spoil (someone). ices. 3 Property law an interest in land that
featherbedding n the practice of working in can be inherited. The interest can be with
a factory or office deliberately slowly and unrestricted rights (fee simple) or restrict-
inefficiently so that more workers are em- ed (fee tail).
ployed than are necessary. feeble adj 1 lacking in physical or mental
featherbrain n an empty-headed or forgetful strength. 2 not effective or convincing: fee-
person, featherbrained adj ble excuses for Scotland’s latest defeat.
featherweight n 1 a professional or an ama- feebly adv
teur boxer weighing up to 126 pounds (57 feeble-minded adj unable to think or under-
kg). 2 something very light or of little im- stand effectively.
portance: a featherweight politician. feed vb feeding, fed 1 to give food to (a
feature n 1 any one of the parts of the face, person or an animal). 2 to give (something)
such as the nose, chin, or mouth. 2 a promi- as food: people feeding bread to their cattle.
nent or distinctive part of something: regu- 3 to eat food: red squirrel feed in the pines.
lar debates were a feature of our final year. 4 to supply or prepare food for. 5 to provide
3 the main film in a cinema programme. 4 what is needed for the continued existence,
an item appearing regularly in a newspaper operation, or growth of: illustrations which
or magazine. 5 a prominent story in a news- will feed an older child's imagination; pools
feedback 286 fellowship
fed by waterfalls. ~n 6 the act of feeding. one’s feet up to take a rest. 6 stand on
7 food, esp. that given to animals or babies. one’s own feet to be independent. 7 sweep
8 Informal a meal. off one’s feet to fill with enthusiasm.
feedback n 1 information in response to an feign (fane) vb to pretend to experience (a
inquiry or experiment: considerable feed- particular feeling): he didn’t have to feign
back from the customers. 2 the return of surprise, feigned adj
part of the output of an electronic circuit to feint1 (faint) n 1 a misleading movement de-
its input. 3 the return of part of the sound signed to distract an opponent, such as in
output of a loudspeaker to the microphone, boxing or fencing. ~vb 2 to make a feint.
so that a high-pitched whine is produced. feint2 (faint) n Printing paper that has pale
feeder n 1 a device used to feed an animal, lines across it for writing on.
child, or sick person. 2 an animal or a per- feisty (fie-stee) adj feistier, feistiest In-
son who feeds: these larvae are voracious formal, chiefly US & Canad showing cour-
feeders. 3 a road, rail, or air service that age or spirit.
links outlying areas to the main network. 4 feldspar or felspar n a hard mineral that is
a tributary or channel of a river. the main constituent of igneous rocks,
feel vb feeling, felt 1 to have a physical or feldspathic or felspathic adj
emotional sensation of: he felt a combina- felicitations pl n, interj expressions of
tion of shame and relief. 2 to become aware pleasure at someone’s success or good for-
of or examine by touching. 3 Also: feel in tune; congratulations.
one’s bones to sense by intuition. 4 to be- felicitous adj appropriate and well-chosen: a
lieve or think: I felt I got off pretty lightly. felicitous combination of architectural
5 feel for to show compassion (towards). 6 styles.
feel like to have an inclination (for some- felicity n 1 great happiness and pleasure. 2
thing or doing something): I feel like going the quality of being pleasant or desirable:
to the cinema. 7 feel up to to be fit enough small moments of architectural felicity
for (something or doing something). ~n 8 amidst acres of monotony. 3 (pl -ties) an
the act of feeling. 9 an impression: all this appropriate and well-chosen remark:
mixing and matching has a French feel to it. Nietzsche’s verbal felicities are not lost in
10 the sense of touch. 11 an instinctive abil- translation.
ity: a feel for art. feline adj 1 of or belonging to the cat family.
► Feel is followed by an adjective when it 2 like a cat, esp. in stealth or grace. ~n 3
refers back to the subject: I feel sick. any member of the cat family, felinity n
Otherwise it is followed by an adverb: she fell1 vb the past tense of fall.
feels strongly about it.
fell2 vb 1 to cut down (a tree). 2 to knock
feeler n 1 an organ on an insect’s head that down (a person), esp. in a fight.
is sensitive to touch. 2 put out feelers to fell3 adj in one fell swoop in one single ac-
make informal suggestions or remarks de- tion or on one single occasion: they arrested
signed to probe the reactions of others. all the hooligans in one fell swoop.
feeling n 1 an emotional reaction: a feeling fell4 n Scot & N English a mountain, hill, or
of discontent. 2 feelings emotional sensitiv- moor.
ity: I don’t want to hurt your feelings. 3 in- fell5 n an animal’s skin or hide with its hair,
stinctive appreciation and understanding:
your feeling for language. 4 an intuitive fellatio (fill-lay-shee-oh) n a sexual activity
understanding that cannot be explained: I in which the penis is stimulated by the
began to have a sinking feeling that I was partner’s mouth.
not going to get rid of her. 5 opinion or felloe or felly n, pi-loes or-lies a segment or
view: it was his feeling that the report was the whole rim of a wooden wheel.
a misinterpretation of what had been said. fellow n 1 Old-fashioned a man or boy. 2
6 capacity for sympathy or affection: comrade or associate. 3 a person in the
moved by feeling for his fellow citizens. 7 a same group or condition: he earned the re-
the ability to experience physical sensa- spect of his fellows at Dunkirk. 4 a member
tions: he has no feeling in his left arm. b the of the governing body at any of various
sensation so experienced. 8 the impression universities or colleges. 5 a postgraduate
or mood created by something: a feeling of research student, -adj 6 in the same group
excitement in the air. 9 bad feeling resent- or condition: a conversation with a fellow
ment or anger between people, for example passenger.
after an argument or an injustice: his refus- Fellow n a senior member of an academic in-
al may have triggered bad feeling between stitution.
the two men. feelingly adv fellow feeling n sympathy existing between
feet n 1 the plural of foot. 2 be run or people who have shared similar experi-
rushed off one’s feet to be very busy. 3 ences.
feet of clay a weakness that is not widely fellowship n 1 the state of sharing mutual
known. 4 have or keep one’s feet on the interests or activities. 2 a society of people
ground to be practical and reliable. 5 put sharing mutual interests or activities. 3
fellow traveller 287 ferry
companionship or friendship. 4 Education a oneself; be independent. 2 fend off to de-
financed research post providing study fa- fend oneself against (verbal or physical at-
cilities. tack).
fellow traveller n History a Communist fender n 1 a low metal barrier that stops
sympathizer who was not a Communist coals from falling out of a fireplace. 2 a soft
Party member. but solid object, such as a coil of rope, hung
felon n Criminal law (formerly) a person over the side of a vessel to prevent damage
who committed a serious crime. when docking. 3 US & Canad the wing of a
felony n, pl -nies Criminal law (formerly) a car.
serious crime, such as murder or arson, fe- fenestration n the arrangement of windows
lonious adj in a building.
felspar n same as feldspar. Fenian (feen-yan) n (formerly) a member of
felt1 vb the past of feel. an Irish revolutionary organization founded
felt2 n a matted fabric of wool, made by to fight for an independent Ireland. Feni-
working the fibres together under pressure. anism n
felt-tip pen n a pen with a writing point fenland n an area of low-lying flat marshy
made from pressed fibres. land.
fem. 1 female. 2 feminine. fennel n a fragrant plant whose seeds,
female adj 1 of the sex producing offspring. leaves, and root are used in cookery.
2 of or characteristic of a woman. 3 (of re- fenugreek n a Mediterranean plant grown
productive organs such as the ovary and for its heavily scented seeds.
carpel) capable of producing reproductive feoff (feef) n same as fief.
cells (gametes) that are female. 4 (of flow- feral adj 1 (of animals and plants) existing
ers) not having parts in which pollen is in a wild state, esp. after being domestic or
produced (stamens). 5 (of a mechanical cultivated. 2 savage.
component) having an opening into which a ferment n 1 excitement and unrest caused
projecting male component can be fitted. by caused by change or uncertainty. 2 any
~n 6 a female animal or plant. substance, such as yeast, that causes fer-
feminine adj 1 possessing qualities consid- mentation. ~vb 3 to undergo or cause to
ered typical of or appropriate to a woman. undergo fermentation.
2 of women. 3 Grammar denoting a gender fermentation n a chemical reaction in which
of nouns that includes some female animate an organic molecule splits into simpler sub-
things, femininity n stances, esp. the conversion of sugar to
feminism n a doctrine or movement that ad- ethyl alcohol by yeast.
vocates equal rights for women, feminist fermium n Chem an element artificially pro-
n, adj duced by neutron bombardment of pluto-
femme fatale (fam fat-tahl) n, pl femmes nium. Symbol: Fm
fatales (fam fat-tahlz) an alluring or se- fern n a flowerless plant with roots, stems,
ductive woman who leads men into danger- and long feathery leaves that reproduces by
ous or difficult situations by her charm. releasing spores, ferny adj
femto- combining form denoting 10~15: ferocious adj savagely fierce or cruel, fe-
femtometer. rocity n
femur (fee-mer) n, pl femurs or femora ferret n 1 a small yellowish-white animal re-
(fee-mer-ra) the thighbone, femoral adj lated to the weasel and bred for hunting
fen n low-lying flat marshy land. rats and rabbits. ~vb -reting, -reted 2 to
fence n 1 a barrier that encloses an area hunt rabbits or rats with ferrets. 3 to
such as a garden or field, usually made of search around. 4 ferret out a to drive from
posts connected by wire rails or boards. 2 hiding, b to find by determined investiga-
an obstacle for a horse to jump in steeple- tion: she could ferret out little knowledge of
chasing or showjumping. 3 Slang a dealer in his background.
stolen property. 4 Machinery a guard or ferric adj of or containing iron in the triva-
guide, esp. in a circular saw or plane. 5 (sit) lent state.
on the fence (to be) unwilling to commit Ferris wheel n a large vertical fairground
oneself. ~vb fencing, fenced 6 to con- wheel with hanging seats for riding on.
struct a fence on or around (a piece of ferroconcrete n same as reinforced con-
land). 7 fence in or off to close in or sepa-
rate off with or as if with a fence. 8 to fight crete.
using swords or foils. 9 to argue cleverly ferrous adj of or containing iron in the diva-
but evasively: they fenced for a while, lent state.
weighing each other up. ferruginous (fur-rooj-in-uss) adj (of a min-
fencing n 1 the sport of fighting with eral or rock) containing iron.
swords or foils. 2 materials used for making ferrule n a metal ring or cap placed over the
fences. end of a stick for added strength.
fend vb 1 fend for oneself to look after ferry n, pl -ries 1 a boat for transporting
fertile 288 ff.
passengers and vehicles across a body of fetid or foetid adj having a stale and un-
water, esp. as a regular service. 2 such a pleasant smell.
service. ~vb -ries, -rying, -ried 3 to trans- fetish n 1 a a form of behaviour in which a
port or go by ferry. 4 to trapsport (passen- person derives sexual satisfaction from
gers or goods) on a regular basis, ferryman handling an object, b any object that is in-
n volved in such behaviour. 2 any object, ac-
fertile adj 1 capable of producing offspring, tivity, etc., to which one is excessively de-
crops, or vegetation. 2 Biol capable of voted: cleanliness is almost a fetish with
growth and development: fertile seeds. 3 her. 3 an object that is believed to have
highly productive: a fertile imagination. 4 magical powers, fetishism n fetishist n
Physies (of a substance) able to be trans- fetlock n 1 the back part of a horse’s leg,
formed into fissile or fissionable material, just behind the hoof. 2 the tuft of hair
fertility n growing from this part.
fertilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -Using, fetter n 1 fetters checks or restraints: free
-lised 1 to provide (an animal or plant) with from the fetters of religion. 2 a chain fixed
sperm or pollen to bring about fertilization. around a prisoner’s ankle. ~vb 3 to pre-
2 to supply (soil) with nutrients, fertiliza- vent from behaving freely and naturally:
tion or -lisation n fettered by bureaueraey. 4 to tie up in fet-
fertilizer or -liser n any substance, such as ters.
manure, added to soil to increase its prod- fettle n in fine fettle in good spirits or
uctivity. health.
fervent or fervid adj intensely sincere and fetus or foetus (fee-tuss) n, pl -tuses the
passionate, fervently adv embryo of a mammal in the later stages of
fervour or US fervor n great intensity of development, fetal or foetal adj
feeling or belief. feu n Seots Law a right to the use of land in
fescue n a pasture and lawn grass with stiff return for a fixed annual payment (feu
narrow leaves. duty).
fester vb 1 to grow worse and increasingly feud n 1 long and bitter hostility between
hostile: the bitterness whieh had been fes- two families, clans, or individuals. ~vb 2
tering beneath the surface. 2 (of a wound) to carry on a feud.
to form pus. 3 to rot and decay: rubbish feudal adj of or characteristic of feudalism,
festered in the heat. feudalism n the legal and social system in
festival n 1 an organized series of special medieval Europe, in which people were
events and performances: the Edinburgh given land and protection by a lord in re-
Festival. 2 a day or period set aside for cel- turn for which they worked and fought for
ebration. him. Also called: feudal system
festive adj of or like a celebration. fever n 1 an abnormally high body tempera-
festivity n, pl -ties 1 happy celebration: a ture, accompanied by a fast pulse rate,
spirit ofjoy and festivity. 2 festivities cel- shivering, and nausea. 2 any disease char-
ebrations. acterized by a high temperature. 3 intense
nervous excitement: she waited in a fever
festoon vb 1 to drape with decorations: of anxiety.
Christmas trees festooned with fairy lights. feverish or fevered adj 1 suffering from
~n 2 a decorative chain of flowers or rib- fever. 2 in a state of nervous excitement: a
bons suspended in loops. feverish scramble to buy shares, feverish-
feta n a white Greek cheese made from ly adv
sheep’s or goat’s milk. fever pitch n a state of intense excitement,
fetch1 vb 1 to go after and bring back. 2 to few adj 1 hardly any: few homes had
be sold for (a certain price): Impressionist telephones in Paris in the 1930s. 2 a few a
pictures feteh very high prices. 3 Informal small number of: a few days ago. 3 a good
to give someone (a blow or slap). 4 fetch few Informal several. 4 few and far be-
and carry to perform menial tasks. tween scarce. 5 quite a few Informal sev-
fetch2 n the ghost or apparition of a living eral.
person. ► Few(er) is used of things that can be
fetching adj Informal attractive: a fetching counted: fewer than five visits. Compare
dress. less, which is used for quantity: it uses less
fetch up vb 1 Informal, Chiefly US to arrive sugar.
or end up. 2 Slang to vomit food. fey adj 1 vague and whimsically strange. 2
fete (fate) n 1 an event, usually outdoors, having the ability to look into the future.
with stalls, competitions, etc., held to raise fez n, pl fezzes a round red brimlcss hat
money for charity. ~vb feting, feted 2 to with a flat top and a tassel hanging from it.
honour and entertain (someone) publicly: Formerly worn by men in Turkey and some
the President was feted with an evening of Arab countries.
musie and dancing. ff. and the following (pages, lines, etc.).
fiance 289 field
fiance or fem fiancee (fee-on-say) n a per- of convenience, though probably false, fic-
son who is engaged to be married. tional adj
fiasco n, pl -cos or -coes an action or at- fictionalize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising,
tempt that fails completely in a ridiculous -ised to make into fiction.
or disorganized way: the invasion of Cuba fictitious adj 1 not genuine: rumours of false
ended in a fiasco. accounting and fictitious loans had sur-
fiat (fie-at) n 1 an official order issued with- rounded the bank for years. 2 of or in fic-
out the consultation of those expected to tion.
obey it: the junta ruled by fiat. 2 official fiddle n 1 Informal or disparaging the violin.
permission. 2 a violin played as a folk instrument. 3 Brit
fib n 1 a trivial and harmless lie. ~vb fib- informal a dishonest action or scheme. 4 on
bing, fibbed 2 to tell such a lie. fibber n the fiddle Informal engaged in an illegal or
fibre or US fiber n 1 a natural or synthetic fraudulent undertaking. 5 fit as a fiddle
thread that may be spun into yarn. 2 a Informal in very good health. 6 play sec-
threadlike animal or plant tissue: a simple ond fiddle Informal to undertake a role
network of nerve fibres. 3 a fibrous sub- that is less important or powerful than
stance that helps the body digest food: someone else’s. ~vb -dling, -died 7 to play
fruits, vegetables, grains, lentils, and beans (a tune) on the fiddle. 8 Informal to do
are high in fibre. 4 strength of character: (something) by illegal or dishonest means. 9
moral fibre. 5 essential substance or nature: Informal to falsify (accounts). 10 fiddle
my every fibre sang out in sudden relief. with to move or touch (something) restless-
fibrous adj ly or nervously. 11 fiddle about or around
fibreboard n a building material made of Informal to waste time.
compressed wood. fiddle-faddle interj Old-fashioned nonsense,
fibreglass n 1 material consisting of matted fiddler n 1 a person who plays the fiddle. 2 a
fine glass fibres, used as insulation. 2 a small burrowing crab. 3 Informal a person
light strong material made by bonding who dishonestly alters something or lies in
fibreglass with a synthetic resin, used for order to get money.
boats and car bodies. fiddlesticks interj an expression of annoy-
fibre optics n the transmission of informa- ance or disagreement.
tion by light along very thin flexible fibres fiddling adj small or unimportant.
of glass, fibre optic adj fiddly adj -dlier, -dliest small and awkward
fibril (fibe-rill) n a small fibre. to do or handle.
fibrillation n uncontrollable twitching of fidelity n, pl -ties 1 faithfulness to one's
muscle fibres, esp. those of the heart. spouse or lover. 2 loyalty to a person, be-
fibrin n a white insoluble elastic protein lief, or cause. 3 accuracy in reporting detail:
formed when blood clots. an account of the invasion written with ob-
fibrinogen (fib-rin-no-jen) n Biol a soluble
jectivity and fidelity. 4 Electronics the de-
gree to which an amplifier or radio accu-
plasma protein involved in blood clotting. rately reproduces the input signal.
fibroid (fibe-royd) adj 1 Anat (of structures fidget vb -eting, -eted 1 to move about rest-
or tissues) containing or resembling fibres. lessly. 2 fidget with to make restless or un-
~n 2 a harmless tumour composed of fi- easy movements with (something): he broke
brous connective tissue. off, fidgeting with the papers, unable to
fibrosis (fibe-roh-siss) n the formation of an meet their gaze, —n 3 a person who fidgets.
abnormal amount of fibrous tissue. 4 the fidgets a state of restlessness: these
fibrositis (fibe-roh-site-iss) n inflammation youngsters are very highly strung and tend
of fibrous tissue, esp. of the back muscles, to get the fidgets, fidgety adj
causing pain and stiffness. fiduciary (fid-yewsh-ya-ree) Law ~n 1 a
fibula (fib-yew-la) n, pl -lae (-lee) or -las the person bound to act for someone else’s ben-
outer and thinner of the two bones between efit, as a trustee. ~adj 2 of or relating to a
the knee and ankle of the human leg. fibu- trust or trustee.
lar adj fie interj Obsolete or facetious an exclama-
fiche (feesh) n a sheet of film for storing tion of disapproval.
publications in miniature form. fief (feef) n (in feudal Europe) land granted
fickle adj 1 changeable in purpose, affec- by a lord in return for military service.
tions, etc.: notoriously fickle voters. 2 (of field n 1 an area of uncultivated grassland;
the weather) changing often and suddenly, meadow. 2 a piece of cleared land used for
fickleness n pasture or growing crops. 3 a marked off
fiction n 1 literary works invented by the -area on which sports or athletic
imagination, such as novels. 2 an invented competitions are held. 4 an area that is rich
story or explanation: the fiction that the in minerals or other natural resources: an
Baltic states freely joined the USSR. 3 Law oil field. 5 a all the competitors in a compe-
something assumed to be true for the sake tition. b the competitors in a competition
field day 290 fig leaf
excluding the favourite. 6 a battlefield. 7 ing of or like fire: a fiery explosion. 2 dis-
Cricket the fielders collectively. 8 a wide playing strong passion, esp. anger: a fiery
expanse of land covered by some substance speech. 3 (of food) very spicy, fierily adv
such as snow or lava. 9 an area of human fieriness n
activity or knowledge: the most distin- fiesta n (esp. in Spain and Latin America) a
guished physicist in the field of quantum religious festival or carnival.
physics. 10 a place away from the labora- FIFA (fee-fa) International Association
tory or classroom where practical work is Football Federation.
done. 11 the surface or background of
something, such as a flag. 12 Physics In full: fife n a small high-pitched flute, often used
field of force the region surrounding a in military bands.
body, such as a magnet, within which it can fifteen n 1 the cardinal number that is the
exert a force on another similar body not in sum of ten and five. 2 a numeral, 15 or XV,
contact with it. 13 play the field Informal representing this number. 3 something rep-
to have many romantic relationships before resenting or consisting of 15 units. 4 a
getting married, -adj 14 Mil of equipment Rugby Union team, -adj 5 amounting to
or personnel for operations in the field: fifteen: fifteen trees, fifteenth adj, n
field guns, -vb 15 Sport to catch or return fifth adj 1 of or being number five in a series.
(the ball) as a fielder. 16 Sport to send (a ~n 2 one of five equal parts of something.
player or team) onto the field to play. 17 3 Music the interval between one note and
Sport (of a player or team) to act or take the note three-and-a-half tones higher or
turn as a fielder or fielders. 18 Informal to lower than it. 4 an additional high gear fit-
deal successfully with (a question or re- ted to some vehicles, esp. certain sports
mark). cars.
field day n 1 Informal an opportunity or oc- fifth column n any group that secretly helps
casion for unrestrained action, esp. if pre- the enemies of its own country or organiza-
viously denied or restricted: the revelations tion. fifth columnist n
gave the press a field day. 2 Mil a day de- fifty n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number that is
voted to manoeuvres or exercises. the product of ten and five. 2 a numeral, 50
fielder n Cricket etc a member of the fielding or L, representing this number. 3 something
side. representing or consisting of 50 units, -adj
field event n a competition, such as the dis- 4 amounting to fifty: fifty bodies, fiftieth
cus, that takes place on a field as opposed adj, n
to the track. fifty-fifty adj, adv-Informal 1 in equal parts.
fieldfare n a type of large thrush, 2 just as likely to happen as not to happen:
field glasses pl n binoculars. a fifty-fifty chance of survival.
field hockey n US & Canad hockey played «9 n 1 a soft sweet fruit full of tiny seeds,
on a field, as distinguished from ice hockey. which grows on a tree. 2 not care or give a
field marshal n an officer holding the high- fig not to care at all: he did not give a fig
est rank in certain armies. for his enemies.
fieldmouse n, pl -mice a nocturnal mouse fig. 1 figurative(ly). 2 figure.
that lives in woods and fields. fight vb fighting, fought 1 to struggle
field officer n an officer holding the rank of against (an enemy) in battle or physical
major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel. combat. 2 to struggle to overcome or de-
fieldsman n, pl -men Cricket a fielder.
stroy: to fight drug trafficking. 3 to carry
on (a battle or contest). 4 to make (one’s
field sports pl n sports carried on in the way) somewhere with difficulty: they
countryside, such as hunting or fishing. fought their way upstream. 5 fight for to
field trip n an expedition, esp. by students, uphold (a cause) by struggling: fight for
to study something at first hand. your rights. 6 fight it out to struggle or
fieldwork n Mil a temporary structure used compete until a decisive result is obtained.
in defending a place or position. 7 fight shy of to avoid: they fought shy of
field work n an investigation made in the direct involvement in the conflict, —n 8 a
field as opposed to the classroom or labora- battle. 9 a quarrel or contest. 10 a boxing
tory. field worker n match. 11 put up a fight to offer resis-
fiend (feend) n 1 an evil spirit. 2 a cruel or tance. fighting n
wicked person. 3 Informal a person who is fighter n 1 a professional boxer. 2 a person
extremely interested in or fond of some- who has determination. 3 Mil an armed air-
thing: a fitness fiend, fiendish adj fiend- craft for destroying other aircraft.
ishly adv fighting chance n a slight chance of success
Fiend n the Fiend the devil. dependent on a struggle.
fierce adj 1 very aggressive or angry: a fight off vb 1 to drive away (an attacker). 2
fierce dog. 2 intense or strong: a fierce to struggle to avoid: to fight off infection.
wind, fiercely adv fig leaf n 1 a representation of a leaf of the
fiery (fire-cc) adj fierier, fieriest 1 consist- fig tree used in sculpture to cover the geni-
figment 291 fill out
tals of nude figures. 2 anything used to con- as in a file. —vb filing, filed 7 to place (a
ceal something thought to be shameful: the document) in a file. 8 to place (a legal
agreement was a fig leaf for Hitler’s viola- document) on public or official record. 9 to
tion of the treaty. bring a lawsuit, esp. for divorce. 10 to sub-
figment n a figment of one’s imagination mit (a report or story) to a newspaper. 11 to
something nonexistent and only imagined march or walk in a line.
by someone. file2 n 1 a hand tool consisting of a steel
figuration n ornamentation. blade with small cutting teeth on its faces,
figurative adj 1 (of language) abstract, im- used for shaping or smoothing. -vb filing,
aginative, or symbolic; not literal. 2 (of art) filed 2 to shape or smooth (a surface) with
involving realistic representation of people a file.
and things, figuratively adv filial adj of or suitable to a son or daughter:
figure n 1 a written symbol for a number. 2 filial duty.
an amount expressed in numbers. 3 figures filibuster n 1 the process of obstructing leg-
calculations with numbers. 4 visible shape islation by means of long speeches so that
or form; outline. 5 a slim bodily shape: it’s time runs out and a vote cannot be taken. 2
not good for your figure. 6 a well-known a legislator who engages in such obstruc-
person: a public figure. 7 a representation tion. -vb 3 to obstruct (legislation) with
in painting or sculpture, esp. of the human such delaying tactics.
body. 8 an illustration or diagram in a text. filigree n 1 delicate ornamental work of gold
9 a decorative pattern. 10 a fixed set of or silver wire, -adj 2 made of filigree.
movements in dancing or skating. 11 Geom filings pl n shavings or particles removed by
any combination of points, lines, curves, or a file: iron filings.
planes. 12 Music a characteristic short pat- Filipino (fill-lip-pee-no) adj 1 of the Philip-
tern of notes. 13 figure of fun a person pines. —n, pl -nos 2 Also (fem.): Filipina a
who is often laughed at by other people. person from the Philippines.
-vb -uring, -ured 14 to calculate (sums or
amounts). 15 US, Canad, & NZ informal to fill vb (often foil, by up) 1 to make or become
consider. 16 to be included or play a part: a full. 2 to occupy the whole of: their sup-
house which figures in several of White’s porters filled the entire stand. 3 to plug (a
novels. 17 Informal to be consistent with gap or crevice). 4 to meet (a requirement or
expectation: Small-time crook, earns most need) satisfactorily: this book fills a major
of his cash as an informer. - That figures. gap. 5 to cover (a page or blank space) with
writing or drawing. 6 to hold and perform
figured adj 1 decorated with a design: a the duties of (an office or position). 7 to ap-
chair upholstered in figured velvet. 2 Music point or elect an occupant to (an office or
ornamental. position). ~n 8 one’s fill sufficient for
figurehead n 1 a person who is formally the one’s needs or wants. -See also fill in, fill
head of a movement or an organization, but out, fill up.
has no real authority. 2 a carved bust on filler n 1 a paste used for filling in cracks or
the bow of some sailing vessels. holes in a surface before painting. 2 Jour-
figure of speech n an expression, such as a nalism an item to fill space between more
simile, in which words do not have their lit- important articles.
eral meaning. fillet n 1 a piece of boneless meat or fish. 2 a
figure out vb Informal to work out, solve, or thin strip of ribbon or lace worn in the hair
understand. or around the neck. 3 Archit a narrow flat
figure skating n ice skating in which the moulding, -vb -leting, -leted 4 to cut or
skater traces outlines of selected patterns, prepare (meat or fish) as a fillet.
figure skater n fill in vb 1 to complete (a form). 2 to act as a
figurine n a small carved or moulded figure, substitute. 3 to put material into (a hole) so
filament n 1 the thin wire inside a light bulb as to make it level with a surface. 4 Infor-
that emits light. 2 Electronics a high- mal to give (a person) fuller details.
resistance wire forming the cathode in some filling n 1 a substance or thing used to fill
valves. 3 a single strand of fibre. 4 Bot the something: a sandwich filling. 2 Dentistry a
stalk of a stamen, filamentary adj substance that fills a gap or cavity of a
filbert n the brown edible nuts of the hazel, tooth, —adj 3 (of food or a meal) substan-
filch vb to steal in small amounts. tial and satisfying.
file1 n 1 a folder or box used to keep docu- filling station n a place where petrol and
ments in order. 2 the documents, etc., kept other supplies for motorists are sold.
in this way. 3 documents or information fillip n 1 something that adds stimulation or
about a specific subject or person: the doc- enjoyment. 2 the action of holding a finger
tor handed him his file. 4 a line of people in towards the palm with the thumb and sud-
marching formation, one behind another. 5 denly releasing it with a snapping sound.
Computers an organized collection of relat- fill out vb 1 to fill in (a form or application).
ed records. 6 on file recorded for reference, 2 to make or become plumper, thicker, or
fill up 292 finder
rounder. 3 to make more substantial: he fish’s body enabling it to balance and swim.
filled out his speech with a few Jokes. 2 Brit a vertical surface to which the rud-
fill up vb 1 to complete (a form or applica- der is attached at the rear of an aeroplane.
tion). 2 to make or become full. 3 a swimmer’s flipper, finned adj
filly n, pl -lies a young female horse. fin. 1 finance. 2 financial.
film n 1 a a sequence of images projected finagle (fin-nay-gl) vb-gling, -gled Informal
onto a screen, creating the illusion of to use or achieve by craftiness or trickery.
movement, b a form of entertainment in final adj 1 of or occurring at the end; last. 2
such a sequence of images. 2 a thin flexible having no possibility of further discussion,
strip of cellulose coated with a photograph- action, or change: a final decision. ~n 3 a
ic emulsion, used to make negatives and deciding contest between the winners of
slides. 3 a thin coating, covering, or layer: a previous rounds in a competition. ~See
fine film of dust covered the floor. 4 a thin also finals, finality n finally adv
sheet of any material, as of plastic for finale (fin-nah-lee) n the concluding part of
packaging. ~vb 5 a to photograph with a a dramatic performance or musical compo-
movie or video camera, b to make a film of sition.
(a screenplay or event). 6 film over to finalist n a contestant who has reached the
cover or become covered with a thin layer. last stage of a competition.
~adj 7 of or relating to films or the cinema.
finalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
film star n a popular film actor or actress, -ised to put into final form; settle: plans
film strip n a strip of film composed of dif- have yet to be finalized. finalization
ferent images projected separately as or -isation n
slides. finals pl n 1 the deciding part of a competi-
filmy adj filmier, filmiest very thin and al- tion. 2 Education the last examinations in
most transparent: a shirt of filmy black an academic course.
chiffon, filmily adv filminess n finance vb -nancing, -nanced 1 to provide
filo or filo pastry (feel-o) n a type of flaky or obtain funds for (a project or large pur-
Greek pastry in very thin sheets. chase). ~n 2 the system of money, credit,
Filofax n Trademark a type of loose-leaf and investment. 3 management of money,
ring binder, used as a portable personal fil- loans, or credits: the dangerous political
ing system. arena of public-sector finance. 4 funds or
filter n 1 a substance, such as paper or sand, the provision of funds. 5 finances money
that allows fluid to pass but retains solid resources: the company’s crumbling fi-
particles. 2 any device containing such a nances.
substance, esp. a tip on the mouth end of a financial adj 1 of or relating to finance, fi-
cigarette. 3 any electronic or acoustic de- nances, or people who manage money. 2
vice that blocks signals of certain frequen- Austral & NZ informal having money, fi-
cies while allowing others to pass. 4 any nancially adv
transparent disc of gelatine or glass used to financial year n Brit any annual accounting
reduce the intensity of given frequencies period, such as that of the British Govern-
from the light leaving a lamp or entering a ment which ends on April 5.
camera. 5 Brit a traffic signal which per- financier n a person who is engaged in large-
mits vehicles to turn either left or right scale financial operations.
when the main signals are red. ~vb 6 Also:
filter out to remove or separate (particles) finch n a small songbird with a short strong
from (a liquid or gas) by a filter. 7 Also: fil- beak.
ter through to pass through a filter or find vb finding, found 1 to discover by
something like a filter. chance. 2 to discover by search or effort. 3
filter out or through vb to become known to realize or become aware: I have found
gradually: the crowd broke up when the that if you make the effort then people will
news filtered through. be more willing to help you. 4 to consider
filter paper n a porous paper used for filter- (someone or something) to have a particu-
ing liquids. lar quality: his business partner had found
that odd. 5 to experience (a particular feel-
filter tip n 1 an attachment to the mouth end ing): she found comfort in his words. 6 Law
of a cigarette for trapping impurities. 2 a to pronounce (the defendant) guilty or not
cigarette with such an attachment, filter- guilty. 7 to reach (a target). 8 to provide,
tipped adj esp. with difficulty: we’ll find room for you
filth n 1 disgusting dirt and muck. 2 offen- too. 9 find one’s feet to become capable or
sive material or language, filthiness n confident. ~n 10 a person or thing that is
filthy adj found, esp. a valuable discovery: the ar-
filtrate n 1 a liquid or gas that has been fil- chaeological find of the century.
tered. ~vb-trating, -trated 2 to filter, fil- finder n 1 a small telescope fitted to a larger
tration n one. 2 a person or thing that finds. 3 Photog
fin n 1 any of the winglikc projections from a short for viewfinder.
finding 293 fipple flute
finding n the conclusion reached after an in- twist around one’s little finger to have
quiry or investigation. easy and complete influence over. ~vb 9 to
find out vb 1 to learn something that one did touch or manipulate with the fingers; han-
not already know. 2 find someone out to dle. 10 to use one’s fingers in playing (a mu-
discover that someone has been dishonest sical instrument), fingerless adj
or deceitful. fingerboard n the long strip of hard wood on
fine1 adj 1 very good. 2 superior in skill: a a violin, guitar, etc., upon which the strings
fine doctor. 3 (of weather) clear and dry. 4 are stopped by the fingers.
Informal quite well: I felt fine. 5 satisfac- finger bowl n a small bowl of water for rins-
tory: as far as we can tell, everything is ing the fingers at table during a meal, esp.
fine. 6 of delicate or careful workmanship: at a formal dinner.
fine porcelain. 7 subtle: too fine a distinc- fingering n 1 the technique of using one’s
tion. 8 very thin or slender: fine soft hair. 9 fingers in playing a musical instrument. 2
very small: fine print. 10 (of edges or the numerals in a musical part indicating
blades) sharp. 11 fancy, showy, or smart. this.
12 good-looking. 13 Ironic disappointing or
terrible: a fine mess! ~adv 14 Informal fingernail n a thin hard clear plate covering
very well: that’s what we’ve always done, part of the upper surface of the end of each
and it suits us just fine. ~vb fining, fined finger.
15 to make (something) finer or thinner. 16 fingerprint n 1 an impression of the pattern
fine down to make (a theory or criticism) of ridges on the inner surface of the end of
more precise or exact, finely adv each finger and thumb. ~vb 2 to take an
fine2 n 1 a payment imposed as a penalty. inked impression of the fingerprints of (a
~vb fining, fined 2 to impose a fine on. person). 3 to take a sample of the DNA of (a
person).
fine art n 1 art produced chiefly to appeal to
the sense of beauty. 2 any of the fields in fingerstall n a protective covering for a fin-
which such art is produced, such as paint- ger.
ing, sculpture, and engraving. fingertip n 1 the end of a finger. 2 have at
fine-drawn adj 1 (of arguments or distinc- one’s fingertips to know or understand
tions) subtle. 2 (of wire) drawn out until thoroughly.
very fine. finicky or finicking adj 1 extremely fussy. 2
finery n elaborate or showy decoration, esp. overelaborate or ornate: finicky designer
clothing and jewellery. patterns.
fines herbes (feenz airb) pl n finely finis n the end: used at the end of books.
chopped mixed herbs, used to flavour finish vb 1 to bring to an end; conclude or
omelettes. stop. 2 to be at or come to the end; use up. 3
finespun adj 1 spun or drawn out to a fine to bring to a desired or complete condition.
thread. 2 excessively subtle or concerned 4 to put a particular surface texture on
with minute detail: a finespun theological (wood, cloth, or metal). 5 finish off a to
debate. complete by doing the last part of: he fin-
finesse (fin-ness) n 1 elegant and delicate ished off his thesis last week, b to destroy
skill. 2 subtlety and tact in handling diffi- or defeat completely: he finished off Faldo
cult situations: a lack of diplomatic finesse. at the 16th hole. 6 finish with to end a rela-
3 Bridge, whist an attempt to win a trick tionship with (someone). ~n 7 the final
when opponents hold a high card in the suit stage or part; end. 8 death or absolute de-
led by playing a lower card. ~vb -nessing, feat. 9 the surface texture of wood, cloth,
-nessed 4 to bring about with finesse. 5 or metal. 10 a thing or event that completes.
Bridge, whist to play (a card) as a finesse. finishing school n a private school for girls
fine-tooth comb or fine-toothed comb n 1 that teaches social skills and polite behav-
a comb with fine teeth set closely together. iour.
2 go over with a fine-tooth comb to exam- finite (fine-ite) adj 1 having limits in size,
ine very thoroughly. space, or time: finite supplies of fossil fuels.
fine-tune vb -tuning, -tuned to make fine 2 Maths, logic having a countable number of
adjustments to (something) so that it works elements. 3 Grammar denoting any form of
really well. a verb inflected for person, number, and
finger n 1 one of the four long jointed parts tense.
of the hand. 2 the part of a glove made to Finn n a person from Finland.
cover a finger. 3 something that resembles a finnan haddock or haddie n a smoked had-
finger in shape or function. 4 a quantity of dock.
liquid in a glass as deep as a finger is wide. Finnish adj 1 of Finland. ~n 2 the language
5 get one’s finger out Brit informal to of Finland.
begin or speed up activity, esp. after initial
fino (fee-no) n a very dry sherry.
delay. 6 put one’s finger on to identify
precisely. 7 put the finger on Informal to fiord (fee-ord) n same as fjord.
inform on or identify, esp. for the police. 8 fipple flute n an end-blown flute with a plug
fir 294 firing line
(fipple) at the mouthpiece, such as the re- swallow flaming rods. 2 a very quarrelsome
corder or flageolet. person.
fir n a pyramid-shaped tree with needle-like fire engine n a vehicle that carries
leaves and erect cones. firefighters and firefighting equipment to a
fire n 1 the state of combustion producing fire.
heat, flames, and often smoke. 2 burning fire escape n a metal staircase or ladder on
coal or wood, esp. in a hearth to heat a the outside of a building for escape in the
room. 3 a destructive uncontrolled burning event of fire.
that destroys building, crops, etc. 4 an elec- fire-extinguisher n a portable device for
tric or gas device for heating a room. 5 the spraying water, foam, or powder to extin-
act of shooting weapons. 6 passion and en- guish a fire.
thusiasm: her questions brought new fire to firefighter n a person whose job is to put out
the debate. 7 eateh fire to start burning. 8 fires and rescue people endangered by
on fire a burning, b ardent or eager. 9 open them, firefighting adj, n
fire to start firing a gun, artillery, etc. 10
play with fire to be involved in something firefly n, pl -flies a beetle that glows in the
risky. 11 set fire to or set on fire a to ig- dark.
nite. b to arouse or excite. 12 under fire fireguard n a screen made of wire mesh put
being attacked, such as by weapons or by before an open fire to protect against
harsh criticism. ~vb firing, fired 13 to sparks.
discharge (a firearm). 14 to detonate (an fire hall n Canad a fire station.
explosive device). 15 Informal to dismiss fire hydrant n an outlet from a water main
from employment. 16 to ask a lot of ques- in the street, from which firefighters can
tions quickly in succession. 17 Ceramics to draw water.
bake in a kiln to harden the clay. 18 to kin- fire irons pl n a shovel, poker, and tongs for
dle or be kindled. 19 (of an internal- tending a domestic fire.
combustion engine) to produce an electrical fireman n, pl -men 1 a man whose job is to
spark which causes the fuel to burn and the put out fires and rescue people endangered
engine to start. 20 to provide with fuel. 21 by them. 2 (on steam trains) the man who
to arouse to strong emotion: he fired his
team mates with enthusiasm. stokes the fire.
fireplace n an open recess at the base of a
fire alarm n a device to give warning of fire,
chimney for a fire; hearth.
firearm n a weapon, such as a pistol, that fireplug n Chiefly US & NZ same as fire hy-
fires bullets. drant.
fireball n 1 ball-shaped lightning. 2 the hot fire power n Mil the amount of fire that can
ionized gas at the centre of a nuclear explo- be delivered by a unit or weapon.
sion. 3 a large bright meteor. 4 Slang an en-
ergetic person. fire raiser n a person who deliberately sets
fire to property, fire raising n
firebomb n a bomb that is designed to cause
fires. fire ship n History a ship loaded with explo-
sives, set on fire and left to drift among an
firebrand n a person who arouses passionate enemy’s warships.
political feelings, often causing trouble.
fireside n the hearth.
firebreak n a strip of open land in a forest to
stop the advance of a fire. fire station n a building where firefighting
vehicles and equipment are stationed.
firebrick n a heat-resistant brick, used for
lining furnaces, flues, and fireplaces. firetrap n a building that would burn easily
or one without fire escapes.
fire brigade n Chiefly Brit an organized
body of firefighters. firewater n Informal any alcoholic spirit,
fire clay n a heat-resistant clay used in mak- firework n a device containing chemicals
ing firebricks and furnace linings. that is ignited to produce coloured sparks
and sometimes bangs.
firecracker n a firework which produces a
loud bang. fireworks pl n 1 a show in which fireworks
are let off. 2 Informal an outburst of tem-
firedamp n an explosive mixture of hydro- per. 3 an exciting an impressive perfor-
carbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mance, speech, or piece of writing: Dickens’
mines. verbal fireworks.
firedogs pl n two metal bars that support firing n 1 a discharge of a firearm. 2 the pro-
logs burning in a fire. cess of baking ceramics in a kiln. 3 some-
fire door n a door made of noncombustible thing used as fuel.
material that prevents a fire spreading firing line n 1 Mil the positions from which
within a building. fire is delivered. 2 the leading or most vul-
fire drill n a rehearsal of procedures for es- nerable position in an activity: the manager
cape from a fire. is in the firing line after a string of bad re-
fire-eater n 1 a performer who pretends to sults.
firing squad 295 fishy
firing squad n a group of soldiers appointed first night n the first public performance of
to shoot a condemned criminal dead. a play or other production.
firm1 adj 1 not soft or yielding to a touch or first offender n a person convicted of a
pressure. 2 securely in position. 3 definitely criminal offence for the first time.
established: a firm agreement. 4 having de- first officer n same as first mate.
termination or strength: if you are firm and first person n the form of a pronoun or verb
consistent she will come to see things your used by the speaker to refer to himself or
way. -adv 5 stand firm to refuse to give herself, or a group including himself or her-
in. -vb 6 to make or become firm, firmly self.
adv firmness n
first-rate adj of the best quality; excellent,
firm2 n a business company.
firth n a narrow inlet of the sea, esp. in Scot-
firmament n Literary the sky or the heav- land.
ens.
fiscal adj 1 of or relating to government fi-
first adj 1 earliest in time or order. 2 rated,
nances, esp. tax revenues. ~n 2 (in Scot-
graded, or ranked above all other levels: 22 land) same as procurator fiscal.
teams in the first division. 3 denoting the
lowest forward gear in a motor vehicle. 4 fish n, pl fish or fishes 1 a cold-blooded
Music denoting the highest voice part in a animal with a backbone, gills, and usually
chorus or one of the sections of an orches- fins and a skin covered in scales, that lives
tra: the first violin. ~n 5 the person or in water. 2 the flesh of fish used as food. 3
thing coming before all others. 6 the begin- cold fish a person who shows little emo-
ning or outset. 7 Education chiefly Brit an tion. 4 drink like a fish to drink alcohol to
honours degree of the highest class. 8 the excess. 5 have other fish to fry to have
lowest forward gear in a motor vehicle. other more important concerns. 6 like a
—adv 9 before anything else: I would ad- fish out of water ill at ease in an unfamil-
vise you to try surgery first. 10 for the first iar situation, —vb 7 to attempt to catch
time: this story first came to public atten- fish. 8 to fish in (a particular area of
tion in January 1984. water): the first trawler to fish these wa-
ters. 9 to grope for and find with some dif-
first aid n immediate medical assistance ficulty: he fished a cigarette from his pock-
given in an emergency. et. 10 fish for to seek (something) indirect-
first-born adj 1 eldest of the children in a ly: he was fishing for compliments.
family, —n 2 the eldest child in a family. fish cake n a fried flattened ball of flaked
first class n 1 the class or grade of the best fish mixed with mashed potatoes.
or highest value, rank, or quality, -adj fisherman n, pl -men a person who fishes as
first-class 2 of the best or highest class or a profession or for sport.
grade. 3 excellent. 4 denoting the most com-
fortable class of accommodation in a hotel, fishery n, pl -eries 1 a the industry of catch-
aircraft, or train. 5 denoting mail that is ing, processing, and selling fish, b a place
handled faster than second-class mail. where this is carried on. 2 a place where
-adv first-class 6 by first-class mail, fish are reared.
transport, etc. fish-eye lens n Photog a lens with a highly
first-day cover n Philately an envelope curved front that covers almost 180°.
postmarked on the first day of the issue of fishfinger n an oblong piece of fish coated in
its stamps. breadcrumbs.
first-degree burn n a burn in which the skin fishing n the occupation of catching fish,
surface is red and painful. fishing rod n a long tapered flexible pole for
first floor n 1 the storey of a building im- use with a fishing line and, usually, a reel.
mediately above the one at ground level. 2 fish meal n ground dried fish used as feed
US the storey at ground level. for farm animals or as a fertilizer.
first-foot Chiefly Scot ~n 1 the first person fishmonger n Chiefly Brit a seller of fish,
to enter a household in the New Year, —vb fishnet n an open mesh fabric resembling
2 to visit (someone) as first-foot, first- netting, sometimes used for tights or stock-
footing n ings.
first fruits pl n 1 the first results or profits fishplate n a flat piece of metal joining one
of an undertaking. 2 fruit that ripens first. rail or beam to the next, esp. on railway
first-hand adj, adv 1 (obtained) directly tracks.
from the original source. 2 at first hand di- fishtail n a nozzle having a long narrow slot
rectly. at the top, placed over a Bunsen burner to
First Lady n (in the US) the wife of the produce a thin fanlike flame.
president. fishwife n, pl -wives a coarse or bad-
firstly adv same as first (sense 9). tempered woman with a loud voice.
first mate n an officer second in command to fishy adj fishier, fishiest 1 of or suggestive
.the captain of a merchant ship. of fish. 2 Informal suspicious or question-
fissile 296 fixity
able: something a bit fishy about his expla- five n 1 the cardinal number that is the sum
nation. fishily adv of one and four. 2 a numeral, 5 or V, repre-
fissile adj 1 Brit capable of undergoing nu- senting this number. 3 something represent-
clear fission. 2 tending to split. ing or consisting of five units. —adj 4
fission n 1 the act or process of splitting into amounting to five: five years. —See also
parts. 2 Biol a form of asexual reproduction fives.
involving a division into two or more equal five-eighth n Austral & NZ a rugby player
parts. 3 the splitting of atomic nuclei with positioned between the halfbacks and
the release of a large amount of energy, three-quarters.
fissionable adj fivefold adj 1 having five times as many or
fissure (fish-er) n any long narrow cleft or as much. 2 composed of five parts, -adv 3
crack,esp.in a rock. by five times as many or as much.
fist n a hand with the fingers clenched into fivepins n a bowling game played esp. in
the palm. Canada.
fisticuffs pl n fighting with the fists. fiver n Brit informal a five-pound note.
fistula (fist-yew-la) n Pathol a long narrow fives n a ball game similar to squash but
ulcer. played with bats or the hands.
fit1 vb fitting, fitted 1 to be appropriate or fix vb 1 to make or become firm, stable, or
suitable for. 2 to be of the correct size or secure. 2 to repair. 3 to attach or place
shape (for). 3 to adjust in order to make ap- permanently: fix the mirror to the wall. 4 to
propriate. 4 to try clothes (on) and note any settle definitely or decide upon: the meeting
adjustments needed. 5 to make competent is fixed for the 12th. 5 to direct (the eyes
or ready: the experience helped to fit him etc.) steadily: she fixed her eyes upon the
for the task. 6 to correspond with the facts jewels. 6 Informal to unfairly influence the
or circumstances: this part doesn’t fit in outcome of: the fight was fixed by the pro-
with the rest of his theory. —adj fitter, fit- moter. 7 Informal to put a stop to the activi-
test 7 appropriate. 8 in good health. 9 wor- ties of (someone): the Party was determined
thy or suitable: houses fit for human habi- to fix him. 8 Informal, chiefly US & Canad
tation. ~n 10 the manner in which some- to prepare: let me fix you a drink. 9 Photog
thing fits: the suit was an excellent fit. to treat (a film, plate, or paper) with fixer
—See also fit in, fit out. fitly adv fitness to make the image permanent. 10 to convert
n (atmospheric nitrogen) into nitrogen com-
pounds. 11 Slang to inject a narcotic drug.
fit2 n 1 a sudden attack or convulsion, such ~n 12 Informal a difficult situation. 13 the
as an epileptic seizure. 2 a sudden short reckoning of a navigational position of a
burst or spell: fits of laughter; a fit of ship by radar, etc. 14 Slang an injection of a
pique. 3 by or in fits and starts in spas- narcotic. -See also fix up.
modic spells. 4 have a fit Informal to be-
come very angry. fixation n 1 an obsessive interest in some-
thing. 2 Psychol a strong attachment of a
fitful adj occurring in irregular spells, fit- person to another person or an object in
fully adv early life. 3 Chem the conversion of nitro-
fit in vb 1 to give a place or time to (someone gen in the air into a compound, esp. a ferti-
or something). 2 to belong or conform, esp. lizer. fixated adj
after adjustment. fixative n 1 a fluid sprayed over drawings to
fitment n 1 an accessory attached to a ma- prevent smudging. 2 a liquid used to hold
chine. 2 Chiefly Brit a detachable part of objects, esp. dentures, in place. 3 a sub-
the furnishings of a room. stance added to a perfume to make it less
fit out vb to equip: he started to fit out a volatile.
ship in secret. fixed adj 1 attached or placed so as to be
fitted adj 1 designed for excellent fit: a fit- immovable. 2 stable: fixed rates. 3 unchang-
ted suit. 2 (of a carpet) covering a floor ing and appearing artificial: a fixed smile. 4
completely. 3 a (of furniture) built to fit a established as to relative position: a fixed
particular space, b (of a kitchen, bathroom, point. 5 always at the same time. 6 (of
etc.) having equipment and furniture built ideas) firmly maintained. 7 Informal
or selected to suit the measurements of the equipped or provided for, esp. with money
room. 4 (of sheets) having ends that are or possessions. 8 Informal illegally ar-
elasticated to fit tightly over a mattress. ranged: a fixed trial, fixedly (fix-id-lee)
fitter n 1 a person who is skilled in the in- adv
stallation and adjustment of machinery. 2 a fixed star n an extremely distant star that
person who fits garments. appears to be almost stationary.
fitting adj 1 appropriate or proper. ~n 2 an fixer n 1 Photog a solution used to make an
accessory or part. 3 the trying-on of clothes image permanent. 2 Slang a person who
so that they can be adjusted to fit. 4 fit- makes arrangements, esp. illegally.
tings furnishings or accessories in a build- fixity n, pl -ties the state or quality of a per-
ing. fittingly adv son’s gaze, attitude, or concentration not
fixture 297 flaming
changing or weakening: a remarkable fixity by a ship registered in that country to gain
of purpose. financial or legal advantage.
fixture n 1 an object firmly fixed in place, flag of truce n a white flag indicating an in-
esp. a household appliance. 2 something or vitation to an enemy to negotiate.
someone regarded as fixed in a particular flagon n 1 a large bottle of wine, cider, etc. 2
place or position: the diplomatic wife seems a narrow-necked jug for containing liquids.
a fixture of international politics. 3 Chiefly flagpole or flagstaff n a pole on which a flag
Brit a a sports match, b the date of it. is flown.
fix up vb 1 to arrange. 2 fix up with to pro- flagrant (flayg-rant) adj openly outrageous:
vide with: can you fix me up with tickets? flagrant violation of international law. fla-
fizz vb 1 to make a hissing or bubbling grancy n
sound. 2 (of a drink) to produce bubbles of flagship n 1 a ship aboard which the com-
carbon dioxide. ~n 3 a hissing or bubbling mander of a fleet is quartered. 2 the most
sound. 4 releasing of small bubbles of gas important ship belonging to a shipping
by a liquid. 5 any effervescent drink, fizzy company. 3 the most modern or impressive
adj fizziness n product or asset of an organization: “Pano-
fizzle vb -zling, -zled 1 to make a hissing or rama” was the flagship of BBC Television’s
bubbling sound. 2 fizzle out Informal to fail current affairs.
or die out, esp. after a promising start. flagstone n a flat slab of hard stone for pav-
fjord (fee-ord) n a long narrow inlet of the ing.
sea between high cliffs, esp. in Norway. flag-waving n Informal an emotional appeal
FL Florida. to patriotic feeling.
flail n 1 a tool formerly used for threshing
fl. fluid.
grain by hand, —vb 2 to wave about wildly:
flab n unsightly or unwanted fat on the arms flailing, they staggered about. 3 to
body. beat with or as if with a flail.
flabbergasted adj Informal completely flair n 1 natural ability. 2 originality and
astonished. stylishness.
flabby adj -bier, -biest 1 having flabby flak n 1 anti-aircraft fire. 2 severe criticism:
flesh. 2 loose or limp. 3 weak and lacking most of the flak was directed at the umpire.
purpose: flabby hesitant leaders, flabbi- flake n 1 a small thin piece chipped off an
ness n object or substance. 2 a small piece: flakes
flaccid (flak-sid) adj soft and limp, flaccid- of snow. ~vb flaking, flaked 3 to peel or
ity n cause to peel off in flakes. 4 to break into
flag1 n 1 a piece of cloth often attached to a small thin pieces: bake for 30 minutes, or
pole, used as an emblem or for signalling. 2 until the fish is firm and flakes easily.
Brit, Austral, & NZ the part of a taximeter flaky adj
that is raised when a taxi is for hire. 3 a flake out vb Informal to collapse or fall
code inserted into a computer file to distin- asleep from exhaustion.
guish certain information. —vb flagging, flak jacket n a reinforced sleeveless jacket
flagged 4 to mark with a tag or sticker. 5 for protection against gunfire or shrapnel.
flag down to signal (a vehicle) to stop. flamb6 (flahm-bay) vb flambeeing,
flag2 n same as iris (sense 2). flambeed to cook or serve (food) in flaming
flag3 vb flagging, flagged 1 to lose enthusi- brandy.
asm or energy. 2 to become limp, flagging flamboyant adj 1 behaving in a very notice-
adj able, extravagant way: a flamboyant Jazz
flag4 n short for flagstone. pianist. 2 very bright and showy, flam-
boyance n
flag day n Brit a day on which money is col-
lected by a charity and small stickers are flame n 1 a hot luminous body of burning
given to contributors. gas coming in flickering streams from burn-
ing material. 2 flames the state of burning:
flagellate vb (flaj-a-late) dating, dated 1 to half the building was in flames. 3 intense
whip, esp. in religious penance or for sexual passion: the flame of love, —vb flaming,
pleasure, —adj (flaj-a-lit) 2 possessing one flamed 4 to burn brightly. 5 to become red
or more flagella. 3 like a whip, flagellation or fiery: colour flamed in Sally’s cheeks. 6
n to become angry or excited.
flagellum (flaj-jell-lum) n, pl -1a (-la) or flamenco n, pl -cos 1 a rhythmical Spanish
-lums 1 Biol a long whiplike outgrowth that dance accompanied by a guitar and vocalist.
acts as an organ of movement. 2 Bot a long 2 music for this dance.
thin shoot or runner. flame-thrower n a weapon that ejects a
flageolet (flaj-a-let) n a high-pitched musi- stream or spray of burning fluid.
cal instrument of the recorder family. flaming adj 1 burning with flames. 2 glowing
flagged adj paved with flagstones. brightly. 3 very angry and heated: a flam-
flag of convenience n a foreign flag flown ing row. —adj, adv 4 Informal extreme or
flamingo 298 flat
extremely damned: what the flaming hell do Photog short for flashlight. 7 flash in the
you think you 're doing?; I was flaming mad pan a project, person, etc., that enjoys only
about what happened. short-lived success. ~adj 8 Informal osten-
flamingo n, pl -gos or -goes a large pink tatious or vulgar. 9 brief and rapid: a flash
wading bird with a long neck and legs. fire. ~vb 10 to burst or cause to burst sud-
flammable adj easily set on fire; inflam- denly into flame. 11 to shine with a bright
mable. flammability n light suddenly or repeatedly. 12 to move
► This now replaces inflammable in labelling very fast. 13 to come rapidly (into the mind
and packaging because inflammable was or vision). 14 a to signal very fast: a warn-
often mistaken to mean “not flammable”. ing was flashed onto a computer screen in
flan n an open sweet or savoury tart.
the cockpit, b to signal by use of a light,
such as car headlights. 15 Informal to dis-
flange n a projecting collar or rim on an ob- play in a boastful and extravagant way:
ject for strengthening it or for attaching it flashing banknotes around. 16 Informal to
to another object. show briefly. 17 Brit slang to expose one-
flank n 1 the side of a man or animal be- self indecently, flasher n
tween the ribs and the hip. 2 a cut of beef flashback n a scene in a book, play, or film
from the flank. 3 the side of a naval or mili- that shows earlier events.
tary formation. ~vb 4 to be positioned at flashbulb n Photog a small light bulb that
the side of (a person or thing). produces a bright flash of light.
flannel n 1 Brit a small piece of towelling flash flood n a sudden short-lived flood,
cloth used to wash the face. 2 a soft light
woollen fabric used for clothing. 3 flannels flashing n a weatherproof material used to
trousers made of flannel. 4 Brit informal cover the joins in a roof.
evasive talk that avoids giving any com- flashlight n 1 Photog the brief bright light
mitment or direct answer. ~vb -nelling, emitted by a flashbulb. 2 Chiefly US &
-nelled or (7S-neling, -neled 5 Brit informal Canad a torch.
to flatter or talk evasively. flash point n 1 a critical time beyond which
flannelette n a cotton imitation of flannel, a situation will inevitably erupt into vio-
used to make sheets and nightdresses. lence. 2 the lowest temperature at which
flap vb flapping, flapped 1 to move back- the vapour above a liquid can be ignited.
wards and forwards or up and down, like a flashy adj flashier, flashiest showy in a
bird’s wings in flight. ~n 2 the action of or vulgar way: a loud and flashy tie. flashily
noise made by flapping. 3 a piece of ma- adv flashiness n
terial attached at one edge and usually used flask n 1 same as vacuum flask. 2 a small
to cover an opening, such as on a pocket. 4 a flat container for alcoholic drink designed
hinged section of an aircraft wing that is to be carried in a pocket. 3 a bottle with a
raised or lowered to control the aircraft’s narrow neck, esp. used in a laboratory.
speed. 5 Informal a state of panic or agita- flat1 adj flatter, flattest 1 horizontal or
tion. level: roofs are now flat instead of slanted.
flapjack n a chewy biscuit made with rolled 2 even or smooth: a flat surface. 3 lying
oats. stretched out at full length. 4 (of a tyre) de-
flapper n (in the 1920s) a lively young flated. 5 (of shoes) having an unraised heel.
woman who dressed and behaved uncon- 6 without qualification; total: a flat rejec-
ventionally. tion. 7 fixed: a flat rate. 8 unexciting: a pic-
ture curiously flat in tone. 9 without vari-
flare vb flaring, flared 1 to burn with an ation or emotion: a flat voice. 10 (of drinks)
unsteady or sudden bright flame. 2 (of tem- no longer fizzy. 11 (of a battery) fully dis-
per, violence, or trouble) to break out sud- charged. 12 (of paint) without gloss. 13
denly. 3 to spread outwards from a narrow Music a denoting a note that has been low-
to a wider shape. ~n 4 an unsteady flame. ered in pitch by one chromatic semitone: B
5 a sudden burst of flame. 6 a a blaze of flat, b (of an instrument, voice, etc.) out of
light used to illuminate, signal distress, tune by being too low in pitch, —adv 14 in
alert, etc. b the device producing such a or into a level or flat position: the boat was
blaze. 7 flares trousers with legs that flare knocked almost flat. 15 completely: flat
out at the bottom, flared adj broke. 16 exactly: in three months flat. 17
flare up vb 1 to burst suddenly into fire. 2 Music a lower than a standard pitch, b too
Informal to burst into anger. low in pitch: singing flat. 18 fall flat (on
flash n 1 a sudden short blaze of intense one’s face) to fail to achieve a desired ef-
light or flame. 2 a sudden occurrence of a fect. 19 flat out Informal with maximum
particular emotion or experience: a flash of speed and effort. ~n 20 a flat object or
anger. 3 a very brief time: in a flash he was part. 21 low-lying land, esp. a marsh. 22 a
inside and locked the door behind him. 4 a mud bank exposed at low tide. 23 Music a
short unscheduled news announcement. 5 an accidental that lowers the pitch of a note
Chiefly Brit an emblem on a uniform or ve- by one semitone. Symbol: [> b a note affected
hicle to identify its military formation. 6 by this accidental. 24 Theatre a wooden
flat 299 Fleming
frame covered with painted canvas, used to cultivated for its seeds and the fibres of its
form part of a stage setting. 25 a punctured stems. 2 its fibres, made into linen fabrics. 3
car tyre. 26 the flat Chiefly Brit the season NZ a swamp plant producing a fibre that is
of flat racing, flatly adv used by Maoris for decorative work and
flat2 n a set of rooms forming a home entire- weaving baskets.
ly on one floor of a building. flaxen adj 1 of flax. 2 (of hair) pale yellow,
flatboat n a flat-bottomed boat for trans- flay vb 1 to strip off the skin of, esp. by
porting goods on a canal. whipping. 2 to criticize severely.
flatfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a sea fish, such flea n 1 a small wingless jumping insect
as the sole, which has a flat body with both feeding on the blood of mammals and birds.
eyes on the uppermost side. 2 flea in one’s ear Informal a sharp re-
flat-footed adj 1 having less than the usual buke.
degree of arching in the insteps of the feet. fleabite n 1 the bite of a flea. 2 a slight an-
2 Informal clumsy or insensitive. noyance or discomfort.
flatiron n (formerly) an iron for pressing flea-bitten adj 1 bitten by or infested with
clothes that was heated by being placed on fleas. 2 Informal shabby or decrepit: a flea-
a stove. bitten hotel.
flatlet n a small flat. flea market n an open-air market selling
flatmate n a person with whom one shares a cheap second-hand goods.
flat. fleapit n Informal a shabby cinema or thea-
flat racing n the racing of horses on tre.
racecourses without jumps. fleck n 1 a small marking or streak. 2 a small
flat spin n 1 an aircraft spin in which the or tiny piece of something: a fleck of grit,
longitudinal axis is more nearly horizontal —vb 3 to speckle: a grey suit flecked with
than vertical. 2 Informal a state of confu- white.
sion.
fled vb the past of flee.
flatten vb 1 to make or become flat or flat-
ter. 2 Informal a to knock down or injure, b fledged adj 1 (of young birds) able to fly. 2
to crush or subdue. qualified and competent: a fully fledged
doctor.
flatter vb 1 to praise insincerely, esp. in
order to win favour. 2 to show to advan- fledgling or fledgeling n 1 a young bird that
tage: she wore a simple green cotton dress has grown feathers, -adj 2 new or inexpe-
which she knew flattered her. 3 to make (a rienced: Poland’s fledgling market econo-
person) appear more attractive than in real- my.
ity: a portrait that flattered him. 4 to cater flee vb fleeing, fled 1 to run away from (a
to the vanity of (a person): I was flattered place, danger, etc.). 2 to run or move quick-
by her praise. 5 flatter oneself to believe, ly-
perhaps mistakenly, something good about fleece n 1 the coat of wool that covers a
oneself, flatterer n sheep. 2 the wool removed from a sheep at
flattery n, pl -teries excessive or insincere one shearing. 3 sheepskin or a fabric with
praise. soft pile, used as a lining for coats, etc.
flatulent adj suffering from or caused by too —vb fleecing, fleeced 4 to defraud or
much gas in the stomach or intestines, overcharge. 5 same as shear (sense 1).
flatulence n fleecy adj
flatworm n a worm, such as a tapeworm, fleecie n NZ a person who collects fleeces
with a flattened body. after shearing and prepares them for bal-
flaunt vb to display (oneself or one’s posses- ing.
sions) arrogantly: flaunting his new car. fleet1 n 1 a number of warships organized as
► Be careful not to confuse this with flout a tactical unit. 2 all the ships of a nation or
meaning “disobey”. company: the British merchant fleet. 3 a
flautist (flaw-tist) n a flute player. number of vehicles under the same owner-
flavour or US flavor n 1 taste perceived in
ship.
food or liquid in the mouth. 2 a distinctive fleet2 adj rapid in movement.
quality or atmosphere: Rome has its own fleet chief petty officer n a noncommis-
particular flavour. -vb 3 to give flavour sioned officer in a navy.
to: salmon flavoured with dill, flavourless fleeting adj rapid and soon passing: a fleet-
or US flavorless adj ing moment, fleetingly adv
flavouring or US flavoring n a substance Fleet Street n 1 the street in London where
used to flavour food. many newspaper offices were formerly
flaw n 1 an imperfection or blemish. 2 a mis- situated. 2 British national newspapers col-
take in something that makes it invalid: a lectively: Fleet Street’s obsession with the
flaw in the system, flawed adj flawless Royal Family.
adj Fleming n a person from Flanders or
flax n 1 a plant that has blue flowers and is Flemish-speaking Belgium.
Flemish 300 flip
Flemish adj 1 of Flanders, in Belgium. ~n 2 flick knife n a knife with a retractable blade
one of the two official languages of Bel- that springs out when a button is pressed.
gium. ~pl n 3 the Flemish people from flicks pl n Slang, old-fashioned the cinema,
Flanders or Flemish-speaking Belgium. flier n same as flyer.
flesh n 1 the soft part of the body of an ani- flight1 n 1 a journey by aircraft. 2 the act or
mal or human, esp. muscular tissue. 2 In- manner of flying. 3 a group of flying birds
formal excess weight; fat. 3 the meat of or aircraft. 4 an aircraft flying on a sched-
animals as opposed to that of fish or, some- uled journey. 5 a set of stairs between one
times, fowl. 4 the thick soft part of a fruit landing and the next. 6 flight of fancy an
or vegetable. 5 the flesh sexuality or sen- idea that is imaginative but not practical. 7
suality: pleasures of the flesh. 6 flesh and small plastic or feather fins at the rear of
blood human beings or human nature: it is an arrow or dart which make it stable in
almost more than flesh and blood can bear. flight.
7 in the flesh in person; actually present. 8 flight2 n 1 the act of running away, esp. from
one’s own flesh and blood one’s own fami- danger. 2 put to flight to cause to run
ly- away. 3 take (to) flight to run away.
flesh-coloured adj yellowish-pink. flight deck n 1 the crew compartment in an
fleshly adj-lier, -liest 1 relating to sexuality airliner. 2 the upper deck of an aircraft car-
or sensuality: the fleshly implications of rier from which aircraft take off.
their love. 2 worldly as opposed to spiritu- flightless adj (of certain birds and insects)
al. unable to fly.
flesh out vb to expand on or give more de- flight lieutenant n a junior commissioned of-
tails to: further meetings will be needed to ficer in an air force.
flesh out the agreement. flight recorder n an electronic device in an
fleshpots pl n places, such as brothels and aircraft for storing information concerning
strip clubs, where sexual desires are its performance in flight. It is often used to
catered to. determine the cause of a crash. Also called:
flesh wound n a wound affecting superficial black bbx
tissues. flight sergeant n a noncommissioned officer
fleshy adj fleshier, fleshiest 1 plump. 2 re- in an air force.
sembling flesh. 3 Bot (of some fruits) thick flighty adj flightier, flightiest frivolous
and pulpy, fleshiness n and not very reliable or serious, flighti-
fleur-de-lys or fleur-de-lis (flur-de-lee) n, ness n
pl fleurs-de-lys or fleurs-de-lis (flur-de- flimsy adj -sier, -siest 1 not strong or sub-
leez) a representation of a lily with three stantial. 2 light and thin: a flimsy gauze
distinct petals. mask. 3 not very convincing: flimsy evi-
flew vb the past tense of fly1. dence. flimsily adv flimsiness n
flews pl n the fleshy hanging upper lip of a flinch vb 1 to draw back suddenly from pain
bloodhound or similar dog. or something unpleasant. 2 flinch from to
flex n 1 Brit a flexible insulated electric
avoid: I wouldn't flinch from saying that to
cable. ~vb 2 to bend. 3 to bend and stretch his face.
(a muscle). fling vb flinging, flung 1 to throw with
force. 2 to move or go hurriedly or violent-
flexible adj 1 able to be bent easily without ly: she flung her arms open wide. 3 to put or
breaking. 2 adaptable to changing circum- send without warning: they used to fling me
stances: flexible working arrangements. in jail. 4 to put (something) somewhere hur-
flexibility n flexibly adv riedly or carelessly. 5 fling oneself into to
flexitime n a system permitting flexibility of apply oneself with enthusiasm to. ~n 6 a
working hours at the beginning or end of short spell of self-indulgent enjoyment. 7 a
the day, provided an agreed total is worked, brief romantic or sexual relationship. 8 a
flibbertigibbet n Old-fashioned an irrespon- vigorous Scottish country dance: a High-
sible, silly, gossipy person. land fling.
flick vb 1 to touch or move with the finger or flint n 1 a very hard stone that produces
hand in a quick jerky movement. 2 to move sparks when struck with steel. 2 any piece
with a short sudden movement, often re- of flint, esp. one used as a primitive tool. 3 a
peatedly: the windscreen wipers flicked small piece of an iron alloy, used in ciga-
back and forth. 3 flick through to look at (a rette lighters, flinty adj
book or magazine) quickly or idly. ~n 4 a flintlock n an obsolete gun in which the
tap or quick stroke. powder was lit by a spark produced by a
flicker vb 1 to give out an unsteady or ir- flint.
regular light. 2 to move quickly to and fro. flip vb flipping, flipped 1 to throw (some-
~n 3 an unsteady or brief light. 4 a brief or thing light or small) carelessly. 2 to turn
faint indication of emotion: a flicker of fear (something) over: flip the fish on its back. 3
in his voice. to turn (a device or machine) on or off by
flipchart 301 flooring
quickly pressing a switch. 4 to throw (an floating rib n a lower rib not attached to the
object such as a coin) so that it turns in the breastbone.
air. 5 flip through to look at (a book or floats pl n Theatre footlights.
magazine) idly. 6 Also: flip one’s lid Slang flocculent adj like tufts of wool, floccu-
to fly into an emotional outburst. ~n 7 a lence n
snap or tap, usually with the fingers. -adj
8 Informal flippant or pert. flock1 n 1 a group of animals of one kind,
esp. sheep or birds. 2 a large number of
flipchart n a large pad of paper mounted on people. 3 a congregation of Christians re-
a stand, used in giving lectures, etc. garded as the responsibility of a clergyman.
flip-flop n a rubber-soled sandal attached to -vb 4 to gather together or move in large
the foot by a thong between the big toe and numbers.
the next toe. flock2 n 1 waste from fabrics such as cotton
flippant adj treating serious matters with or wool, used for stuffing mattresses, -adj
inappropriate light-heartedness or lack of 2 (of wallpaper) having a velvety raised
respect, flippancy n pattern.
flipper n 1 the flat broad limb of seals, floe n a sheet of floating ice.
whales, and other aquatic animals special- flog vb flogging, flogged 1 to beat harshly,
ized for swimming. 2 either of a pair of rub- esp. with a whip or stick. 2 Brit slang to
ber paddle-like devices worn on the feet as sell. 3 flog a dead horse Chiefly Brit to
an aid in swimming. waste one’s energy, flogging n
flirt vb 1 to behave as if sexually attracted to flood n 1 an overflowing of water on an area
someone. 2 flirt with to consider lightly; that is normally dry. 2 a large amount of
toy with: he had often flirted with the idea water. 3 the rising of the tide from low to
of emigrating. —n 3 a person who flirts, high water. 4 a large amount: a flood of let-
flirtation n flirtatious adj ters. 5 Theatre short for floodlight, -vb 6
flit vb flitting, flitted 1 to fly or move along to cover or become covered with water. 7 to
rapidly and lightly. 2 to pass quickly: a fill to overflowing. 8 to put a large number
shadow flitted across his face. 3 Scot & N of goods on sale on (a market) at the same
English dialect to move house. 4 Brit infor- time, often at a cheap price: the US was
mal to leave hurriedly and stealthily in flooded with cheap televisions. 9 to flow or
order to avoid debts. ~n 5 the act of flit- surge: the memories flooded back. 10 to
ting. supply excess petrol to (a petrol engine) so
flitch n a side of pork salted and cured, that it cannot work properly. 11 to bleed
profusely from the womb, flooding n
flitter vb Rare same as flutter. Flood n the Flood Old Testament the flood
float vb 1 to rest on the surface of a fluid from which Noah and his family and live-
without sinking. 2 to move lightly or freely stock were saved in the ark (Genesis 7-8).
across a surface or through air or water. 3 floodgate n 1 a gate used to control the flow
to move about aimlessly, esp. in the mind: a of water. 2 floodgates controls against an
pleasant image floated into his mind. 4 a to outpouring of emotion: it had opened the
launch (a commercial enterprise, etc.), b to floodgates of her anxiety.
offer for sale on the stock market. 5 Fi-
nance to allow (a currency) to fluctuate floodlight n 1 a lamp that casts a broad in-
against other currencies. —n 6 an inflatable tense light, used in the theatre or to illumi-
object that helps people learning to swim nate sports grounds or the exterior of build-
stay afloat. 7 Angling an indicator attached ings. -vb -lighting, -lit 2 to illuminate by
to a baited line that moves when a fish floodlight.
bites. 8 a long rigid boatlike structure, of flood plain n Geog a flat area bordering a
which there are usually two, attached to an river, made of sediment deposited during
aircraft instead of wheels so that it can flooding.
land on and take off from water. 9 a deco- floor n 1 the lower surface of a room. 2 a
rated lorry that is part of a procession. 10 a storey of a building. 3 a flat bottom surface:
small delivery vehicle: milk floats. 11 Aus- the ocean floor. 4 that part of a legislative
tral & NZ a vehicle for transporting horses. hall in which debate is conducted. 5 a
12 a sum of money used to cover small ex- minimum limit: a 12% floor for British in-
penses or provide change. 13 the hollow terest rates. 6 have the floor to have the
floating ball of a ball cock. right to speak in a debate or discussion.
floatation n same as flotation. -vb 7 to knock to the ground. 8 Informal to
disconcert or defeat.
floating adj 1 (of a population) moving
about; not settled. 2 (of an organ or part) floorboard n one of the boards forming a
displaced or abnormally movable: a floating floor.
kidney. 3 (of a voter) not committed to one floored adj covered with a floor: an attic
party. 4 Finance a (of capital) available for floored with pine planks.
current use. b (of a currency) free to fluc- flooring n 1 the material used in making a
tuate against other currencies. floor. 2 a floor.
floor plan 302 fluid ounce
floor plan n a scale drawing of the arrange- gant action or part of something: he took
ment of rooms on one floor of a building. his tie off with a flourish, flourishing adj
floor show n a series of entertainments, flout (rhymes with out) vb to deliberately
such as singing and dancing, in a nightclub. disobey (a rule, law, etc.).
floozy, floozie, or floosie n, pl-zies or-sies ► Be careful not to confuse this with flaunt
Slang, old-fashioned a woman considered to meaning “display".
be disreputable or immoral. flow vb 1 (of liquids) to move in a stream. 2
flop vb flopping, flopped 1 to bend, fall, or (of blood, electricity, etc.) to circulate. 3 to
collapse loosely or carelessly. 2 Informal to move steadily and smoothly: a golf club
fail: his first big film flopped. 3 to fall or with rich-looking cars flowing into it. 4 to
move with a sudden noise. ~n 4 Informal a be produced effortlessly: words flowed
complete failure. 5 the act of flopping, from him in a steady stream. 5 to hang free-
floppy adj ly: her hair loose and flowing down her
floppy disk n a flexible magnetic disk that back. 6 to be abundant: at the buffet lunch,
stores data in the memory of a digital com- wine flowed like water. 7 (of tide water) to
puter. rise. ~n 8 the act, rate, or manner of flow-
flora n all the plant life of a given place or
ing: the abundant flow of water through
time. domestic sprinklers. 9 a continuous stream
or discharge. 10 the advancing of the tide.
floral adj decorated with or consisting of
flowers or patterns of flowers. flow chart or sheet n a diagram showing a
sequence of operations in an industrial pro-
Florentine adj 1 of Florence, a city in central cess, computer program, etc.
Italy. ~n 2 a person from Florence. flower n 1 the part of a plant that is, usual-
floret (flaw-ret) n a small flower forming ly, brightly coloured, and quickly fades,
part of a composite flower head. producing seeds. 2 a plant grown for its eol-
floribunda n a type of rose whose flowers ourful flowers. 3 the best or finest part: in
grow in large clusters. the flower of her youth. 4 in flower with
florid adj 1 having a red or flushed complex- flowers open. -vb 5 to produce flowers;
ion. 2 very ornate and extravagant: florid bloom. 6 to reach full growth or maturity:
prose. liberty only flowers in times of peace.
florin n a former British coin, equivalent to flowered adj decorated with flowers or a
ten pence. floral design.
florist n a person or shop selling flowers, flowerpot n a pot jn which plants are grown,
floss n 1 fine silky fibres, such as those ob- flowery adj 1 decorated with flowers or flo-
tained from silkworm cocoons. 2 See dental ral patterns. 2 (of language or style) con-
floss, flossy adj taining elaborate literary expressions,
flotation or floatation n the launching or fi- floweriness n
nancing of a commercial enterprise by bond flown vbthe past participle of fly1.
or share issues. fl. OZ. fluid ounce(s).
flotilla n a small fleet or a fleet of small flu n Informal short for influenza.
ships. fluctuate vb -ating, -ated to change fre-
flotsam n 1 floating wreckage from a ship. 2 quently and erratically: share prices
flotsam and jetsam a odds and ends, b fluctuated wildly throughout the day.
homeless or vagrant people. fluctuation n
flounce1 vb flouncing, flounced 1 to move flue n a passage or pipe in a chimney, used
or go with emphatic movements. ~n 2 the to carry off smoke, gas, or hot air.
act of flouncing. fluent adj 1 able to speak or write with ease:
flounce2 n an ornamental frill on a garment they spoke fluent English; fluent in French.
or tablecloth. 2 spoken or written with ease, fluency n
flounder1 vb 1 to struggle to move or stay fluently adv
upright, esp. in water or mud. 2 to behave fluff n 1 soft light particles, such as the
or speak in an awkward, eonfused way. down of cotton or wool. 2 Informal a mis-
flounder2 n, pl -der or -ders an edible flat- take, esp. in speaking or reading lines, -vb
fish. 3 to make or become soft and puffy. 4 In-
flour n 1 a powder prepared by grinding formal to make a mistake in performing,
grain, esp. wheat. —vb 2 to sprinkle (food fluffy adj fluffiness n
or utensils) with flour, floury adj fluid n 1 a substance, such as a liquid or gas,
flourish vb 1 to be active, successful, or that can flow and has no fixed shape, -adj
widespread; prosper. 2 to be at the peak of 2 capable of flowing and easily changing
development. 3 to wave (something) dra- shape. 3 constantly changing or apt to
matically. -n 4 a dramatic waving or change, fluidity n
sweeping movement: he created a flourish fluid ounce n 1 Brit a unit of liquid measure
with an imaginary wand. 5 an ornamental equal to one twentieth of an Imperial pint
curly line in writing. 6 a fancy or extrava- (28.4 ml). 2 US a unit of liquid measure
fluke 303 fly
equal to one sixteenth of a US pint (29.6 flush2 adj 1 level with another surface. 2 In-
ml). formal having plenty of money. ~adv 3 so
fluke1 n an accidental stroke of luck, fluky as to be level.
a<tf flush3 vb to drive out of a hiding place.
fluke2 n 1 the flat triangular point of an an- flush4 n (in poker and similar games) a hand
chor. 2 either of the two lobes of the tail of containing only one suit.
a whale. fluster vb 1 to make or become nervous or
fluke3 n any parasitic flatworm, such as the upset. ~n 2 a nervous or upset state.
liver fluke. flute n 1 a wind instrument consisting of a
flume n 1 a narrow sloping channel for tube of wood or metal with holes in the side
water. 2 an enclosed water slide at a swim- stopped either by the fingers or keys. The
ming pool. breath is directed across a mouth hole in
flummery n Informal silly or trivial talk, the side. 2 a tall narrow wineglass, used
flummox vb to puzzle or confuse. esp. for champagne. ~vb fluting, fluted 3
to utter in a high-pitched tone, fluty adj
flung vb the past of fling.
fluted adj having decorated grooves.
flunk vb Informal, chiefly US, Canad, & NZ
to fail (an examination, course, etc.). fluting n a design or decoration of flutes on a
column.
flunky or flunkey n, pl flunkies or flunkeys
1 a manservant who wears ceremonial flutter vb 1 to wave rapidly. 2 (of birds or
dress. 2 a person who performs small unim- butterflies) to flap the wings. 3 to move
portant tasks for a powerful or important with an irregular motion. 4 Pathol (of the
person in the hope of being rewarded. heart) to beat abnormally rapidly. 5 to
move about restlessly. ~n 6 a quick flap-
fluor (flew-or) n same as fluorspar, ping or vibrating motion. 7 a state of nerv-
fluoresce vb -rescing, -reseed to exhibit ous excitement or confusion. 8 excited in-
fluorescence. terest. 9 Brit informal a modest bet. 10
fluorescence n 1 Physics the emission of Pathol an abnormally rapid beating of the
light from atoms or molecules that are bom- heart. 11 Electronics a slow variation in
barded by particles, such as electrons, or by pitch in a sound-reproducing system.
radiation from a separate source. 2 the ra- fluvial (flew-vee-al) adj of or relating to a
diation emitted as a result of fluorescence, river.
fluorescent adj flux n 1 continuous change or instability. 2 a
fluorescent lamp n a lamp in which ultra- flow or discharge. 3 a substance mixed with
violet radiation from an electrical gas dis- a metal oxide to assist in fusion. 4 Physics a
charge causes a thin layer of phosphor on a the rate of flow of particles, energy, or a
tube’s inside surface to fluoresce. fluid, b the strength of a field in a given
fluoridate vb -dating, -dated to add fluoride area: magnetic flux.
to (water) as protection against tooth fly1 vb flies, flying, flew, flown 1 to move
decay, fluoridation n through the air on wings or in an aircraft. 2
fluoride n Chem any compound containing to control the flight of (an aircraft). 3 to
fluorine and another element or radical. float, flutter, display, or be displayed in the
fluorinate vb -nating, -nated to treat or air: the Red Cross flag flew at each corner
combine with fluorine, fluorination n of the compound. 4 to transport or be
fluorine n Chem a poisonous strong-smelling transported through the air by aircraft,
pale yellow gas that is the most reactive of wind, etc. 5 to move very quickly or sud-
all the elements. Symbol: F denly: the front door flew open. 6 to pass
quickly: how time flies. 7 to escape from (an
fluoroscopy (floor-oss-kop-ee) n same as enemy or a place). 8 fly a kite to release in-
radioscopy. formation or take a step in order to test
fluorspar, fluor or US & Canad fluorite n a public opinion. 9 fly at to attack (someone).
white or colourless mineral, consisting of 10 fly high Informal to have a high aim. 11
calcium fluoride in crystalline form: the let fly Informal to lose one’s temper: a
chief ore of fluorine. young child letting fly at you in a sudden
flurry n, pl -ries 1 a short rush of vigorous moment of temper. ~n, pl flies 12 Also:
activity or movement. 2 a light gust of wind flies a closure that conceals a zip, buttons,
or rain or fall of snow. ~vb -ries, -rying, or other fastening, as on trousers. 13 a flap
-ried 3 to confuse or bewilder. forming the entrance to a tent. 14 flies
flush1 vb 1 to blush or cause to blush. 2 to Theatre the space above the stage, used for
send water quickly through (a pipe or a toi- storing scenery.
let) so as to clean it. 3 to elate: she was fly2 n, pl flies 1 a small insect with two pairs
flushed with excitement. ~n 4 a rosy col- of wings. 2 any of various similar but unre-
our, esp. in the cheeks. 5 a sudden flow, lated insects, such as the dragonfly. 3 An-
such as of water. 6 a feeling of elation: in gling a lure made from a fish-hook attached
the flush of victory. 7 freshness: in the first with feathers to resemble a fly. 4 fly in the
flush of youth, flushed adj ointment Informal a slight flaw that
fly 304 fog
detracts from value or enjoyment. 5 fly on fly-past n a ceremonial flight of aircraft
the wall a person who watches others, over a given area.
while not being noticed himself or herself. 6 fly sheet n a piece of canvas drawn over the
there are no flies on him or her Informal ridgepole of a tent to form an outer roof.
he or she is no fool. fly spray n a liquid used to destroy flies,
fly3 adj Slang, chiefly Brit sharp and cun- sprayed from an aerosol.
ning. flyweight n a professional or an amateur
flyaway adj 1 (of hair) very fine and soft. 2 boxer weighing up to 112 pounds (51 kg).
frivolous or light-hearted: a flyaway re- flywheel n a heavy wheel that regulates the
mark. speed of a machine.
flyblown adj 1 covered with blowfly eggs. 2 Fm Chem fermium.
in a dirty and bad condition. FM frequency modulation.
fly-by-night Informal ~adj 1 unreliable or f-number n Photog the ratio of the effective
untrustworthy, esp. in money matters. —n diameter of a lens to its focal length.
2 an untrustworthy person. foal n 1 the young of a horse or related ani-
flycatcher n a small insect-eating songbird, mal. —vb 2 to give birth to (a foal).
flyer or flier n 1 a small advertising leaflet. 2 foam n 1 a mass of small bubbles of gas
a person or thing that flies or moves very formed on the surface of a liquid. 2 frothy
fast. 3 Old-fashioned an aircraft pilot. saliva. 3 a light spongelike solid used for in-
fly-fishing n Angling fishing using artificial sulation, packing, etc. —vb 4 to produce or
flies as lures. cause to produce foam. 5 foam at the
flying n 1 the act of piloting, navigating, or mouth to be very angry, foamy adj
travelling in an aircraft, -adj 2 hurried fob n 1 a chain by which a pocket watch is
and brief: a flying visit. 3 fast or built for attached to a waistcoat. 2 a small pocket in
speed: Australia’s flying fullback. 4 hang- a man’s waistcoat, for holding a watch.
ing, waving, or floating freely: flags flying f.o.b. or FOB Commerce free on board.
proudly. fob off vb fobbing, fobbed 1 to pretend to
flying boat n a seaplane in which the fu- satisfy (a person) with lies or excuses. 2 to
selage consists of a hull that provides sell or pass off (inferior goods) as valuable.
buoyancy. focal adj 1 of or relating to a focus. 2 situat-
flying buttress n an arch and vertical col- ed at or measured from the focus.
umn that supports a wall from the outside. focal length n the distance from the focal
flying colours pl n conspicuous success; tri- point of a lens or mirror to the surface of
umph: they passed with flying colours. the mirror or the centre of the lens.
flying fish n a fish of warm and tropical focal point n 1 the point where the rays of
seas, with winglike fins used for gliding light from a lens or mirror meet. 2 the cen-
above the water. tre of attention or interest: a focal point for
flying fox n 1 a large fruit bat of tropical high-technology industries.
Africa and Asia. 2 Austral & NZ a cable focus (foe-kuss) vb -cusing, -cused or
mechanism used for transportation across a -cussing, -cussed 1 to adjust one’s eyes or
river, gorge, etc. an instrument on an object so that its image
flying officer n a junior commissioned offic- is clear. 2 to concentrate. ~n, pl -cuses or
er in an air force. -ci (-sigh) 3 a point of convergence of light
or sound waves, or a point from which they
flying saucer n an unidentified disc-shaped appear to diverge. 4 in focus (of an object
flying object alleged to come from outer or image being viewed) clear and sharp. 5
space. out of focus (of an object or image being
flying squad n a small group of police or viewed) blurred and fuzzy. 6 same as focal
soldiers ready to move into action quickly. point or focal length. 7 Optics the state of
flying start n 1 any promising beginning. 2 a an optical image when it is distinct or the
start to a race in which the competitor is al- state of an instrument producing this
ready travelling at speed as he or she image. 8 a point upon which attention or ac-
passes the starting line. tivity is concentrated: the focus was on
flying wing n (in Canadian football) the health and education. 9 Geom a fixed refer-
twelfth player, who has a variable position ence point on the concave side of a conic
behind the scrimmage line. section, used when defining its eccentricity.
flyleaf n, pl -leaves the inner leaf of the fodder n bulk feed for livestock, esp. hay or
endpaper of a book. straw.
flyover n Brit an intersection of two roads at foe n Formal or literary an enemy.
which one is carried over the other by a FoE or FOE Friends of the Earth.
bridge. foetid adj same as fetid,
flypaper n paper with a sticky and poison- foetus n, pl -tuses same as fetus.
ous coating, hung up to trap flies. fog n 1 a mass of droplets of condensed
fog bank 305 follow through
water vapour suspended in the air, often front side only, b the page number of a
greatly reducing visibility. 2 Photog a book. —adj 4 of or made in the largest book
blurred area on a developed negative, print, size, common esp. in early centuries of
or transparency. -vb fogging, fogged 3 to European printing: the entire series is being
envelop or become enveloped with or as if reissued, several in the original folio for-
with fog. foggy adj mat.
fog bank n a distinct mass of fog, esp. at folk pl n 1 people in general, esp. those of a
sea. particular group or class: ordinary folk. 2
fogbound adj prevented from operating by Also: folks Informal members of one’s fami-
fog. ly; relatives. ~n 3 Informal short for folk
fogey or fogy n, pl -geys or -gies an ex- music. 4 a people or tribe, -adj 5 originat-
tremely old-fashioned person: a stick-in- ing from or traditional to the common peo-
the-mud old fogey, fogeyish or fogyish ple of a country: folk art.
adj folk dance n 1 a traditional country dance. 2
foghorn n a large horn sounded at intervals music for such a dance.
as a warning to ships in fog. folk etymology n the gradual change in the
foible n a slight peculiarity or minor weak- form of a word through the influence of a
ness: he was intolerant of other people’s more familiar word, as for example cray-
foibles. fish from its Middle English form crevis.
foil1 vb to baffle or frustrate (a person or an folklore n the traditional beliefs of a people
attempt). as expressed in stories and songs.
foil2 n 1 metal in the form of very thin folk music n 1 music that is passed on from
sheets. 2 a person or thing setting off an- generation to generation. 2 a piece written
other thing to advantage: mint sauce is an in the style of this music.
excellent foil to lamb. folk song n 1 a song handed down among
foil3 n a light slender flexible sword tipped the common people. 2 a modern song like
by a button, used in fencing. this, folk singer n
foist vb foist on to force (someone) to have folksy adj -sier, -siest simple and unpreten-
or experience (something): the economic tious, sometimes in an artificial way.
policies which have been foisted on the de- follicle n any small sac or cavity in the body,
veloping world. esp. one from which a hair grows, follicu-
fold1 vb 1 to bend double so that one part lar adj
covers another. 2 to bring together and follow vb 1 to go or come after. 2 to accom-
intertwine (the arms or legs). 3 fold up to pany: he followed Isabel everywhere. 3 to
enclose in a surrounding material. 4 Liter- be a logical or natural consequence of. 4 to
ary to clasp (a person) in one’s arms. 5 Also: keep to the course or track of. 5 to act in ac-
fold in to mix (ingredients) by gently turn- cordance with: follow the rules below and it
ing one over the other with a spoon. 6 In- will help you a great deal. 6 to accept the
formal (of a business, organization, or proj- ideas or beliefs of. 7 to understand (an ex-
ect) to fail or go bankrupt. ~n 7 a piece or planation). 8 to have a keen interest in: he’s
section that has been folded. 8 a mark, followed the singer’s career for more than
crease, or hollow made by folding. 9 a bend 25 years. -See also follow-on, follow
in stratified rocks that results from move- through, follow up.
ments within the earth’s crust. follower n 1 a person who accepts the teach-
fold2 n 1 a small enclosure for sheep. 2 a ings of another: a follower of Nietzsche. 2 a
church or the members of it. supporter, such as of a sport or team.
folder n a binder or file for holding loose following adj 1 about to be mentioned. 2
papers. next in time. 3 (of winds or currents) mov-
folding door n a door with two or more ver- ing in the same direction as a vessel, -prep
tical hinged leaves that can be folded one 4 as a result of: uncertainty following the
against another. collapse of communism, —n 5 a group of
foliaceous adj 1 like a leaf. 2 Geol consisting supporters or enthusiasts.
of thin layers. follow-on Cricket ~n 1 an immediate sec-
foliage n 1 the green leaves of a plant. 2 ond innings forced on a team scoring a pre-
leaves together with the stems, twigs, and scribed number of runs fewer than its op-
branches they are attached to, esp. when ponents in the first innings, -vb follow on
used for decoration. 2 to play a follow-on.
foliation n 1 Bot a the process of producing follow through vb 1 to continue an action or
leaves, b the state of being in leaf. 2 a leaf- series of actions until finished. 2 Sport to
like decoration. continue a stroke, kick, etc., after striking
folio n, pl -lios 1 a sheet of paper folded in the ball. ~n follow-through 3 Sport con-
half to make two leaves for a book. 2 a book tinuation of a kick, stroke, etc., after strik-
of the largest common size made up of such ing the ball: Faldo’s controlled follow-
. sheets. 3 a a leaf of paper numbered on the through.
follow up 306 footle
follow up vb 1 to investigate (a person, evi- foolproof adj Informal 1 incapable of going
dence, etc.) closely. 2 to continue (action) wrong; infallible: a foolproof identification
after a beginning, esp. to increase its effect. system. 2 (of machines etc.) guaranteed to
~n follow-up 3 something done to re- function as intended despite human misuse
inforce an initial action: a routine follow-up or error.
to his operation. foolscap n Chiefly Brit a standard paper
folly n, pl -lies 1 the quality of being foolish. size, 34.3 X 43.2 cm.
2 a foolish action, idea, etc. 3 an imitation fool’s errand n a fruitless undertaking.
castle, temple, etc., built as a decoration in fool’s gold n a yellow-coloured mineral,
a large garden or park. such as pyrite, that is sometimes mistaken
foment (foam-ent) vb to encourage or stir for gold.
up (trouble), fomentation n fool’s paradise n a state of happiness based
fond adj 1 fond of having a liking for. 2 lov- on false hopes or beliefs.
ing and affectionate: his fond parents. 3 (of foot n, pl feet 1 the part of the leg below the
hopes or wishes) cherished but unlikely to ankle joint that is in contact with the
be realized, fondly adv fondness n ground during standing and walking. 2 the
fondant n (a sweet made from) a thick fla- part of a garment covering a foot. 3 a unit
voured paste of sugar and water. of length equal to 12 inches (0.3048 metre).
fondle vb -dling, -died to touch or stroke 4 the bottom, base, or lower end of some-
tenderly. thing: at the foot of the hill; the foot of the
fondue n a Swiss dish, consisting of melted page. 5 Old-fashioned infantry. 6 Prosody a
cheese into which small pieces of bread are group of two or more syllables in which one
dipped. syllable has the major stress, forming the
font1 n a large bowl in a church for baptis- basic unit of poetic rhythm. 7 one foot in
mal water. the grave Informal near to death. 8 on foot
walking. 9 put one’s best foot forward to
font2 n Printing chiefly US & Canad same as try to do one’s best. 10 put one’s foot
fount2. down Informal to act firmly. 11 put one’s
fontanelle or esp US fontanel n Anat a soft foot in it Informal to make an embarrass-
membranous gap between the bones of a ing and tactless mistake. 12 under foot on
baby’s skull. the ground. — vb 13 foot it Informal to
food n any substance that can be taken into travel on foot. 14 foot the bill to pay the
the body by a living organism and changed entire cost of something. ~See also feet,
into energy and body tissue. footless adj
food chain n Ecology a series of organisms footage n 1 a length of film. 2 the sequences
in a community, each member of which of filmed material: footage of refugees leav-
feeds on another in the chain and is in turn ing the city.
eaten. foot-and-mouth disease n a highly infec-
foodie n Informal a person with a keen in- tious viral disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, and
terest in food and cookery. goats, in which blisters form in the mouth
food poisoning n an acute illness caused by and on the feet.
food that is contaminated by bacteria. football n 1 any of various games played
food processor n a machine for chopping, with a ball in which two teams compete to
mixing, or liquidizing food. kick, head, or propel the ball into each oth-
foodstuff n any substance that can be used er’s goal. 2 the ball used in any of these
as food. games, footballer n
fool1 n 1 a person who lacks sense or judg- football pools pl n same as pools.
ment. 2 a person who is made to appear ri- footbridge n a narrow bridge for the use of
diculous. 3 (formerly) a professional jester pedestrians.
living in a royal or noble household. 4 act or footfall n the sound of a footstep.
play the fool to deliberately act foolishly. foothills pl n relatively low hills at the foot
~vb 5 to deceive (someone), esp. in order of a mountain.
to make them look ridiculous. 6 fool foothold n 1 a secure position from which
around or about with Informal to act or further progress may be made: a firm foot-
play with irresponsibly or aimlessly. 7 to hold in Europe’s telecommunications mar-
speak or act in a playful or jesting manner. ket. 2 a ledge or other place where a foot
fool2 n Chiefly Brit a dessert made from a can be securely positioned, as during climb-
puree of fruit with cream. ing.
foolery n foolish behaviour. footing n 1 basis or foundation: on a sound
foolhardy adj -hardier, -hardiest recklessly financial footing. 2 the relationship be-
adventurous, foolhardily adv foolhardi- tween two people or groups: on an equal
ness n footing. 3 a secure grip by or for the feet.
foolish adj very silly, unwise, or absurd, footle vb -ling, -led Informal to loiter aim-
foolishly adv foolishness n lessly. footling adj
footlights 307 forced
footlights pl n Theatre lights set in a row forage (for-ridge) vb -aging, -aged 1 to
along the front of the stage floor. search for food. 2 to obtain by searching
footloose adj free to go or do as one wishes, about: she foraged for her shoes. ~n 3 food
footman n, pl -men a male servant in uni- for horses or cattle, esp. hay or straw. 4 the
form. act of searching for food or provisions.
footnote n a note printed at the bottom of a forage cap n a cap with a flat round crown
page. and a visor, worn by soldiers when not in
footpad n Old-fashioned a highwayman, on battle or on parade.
foot rather than horseback. foramen (for-ray-men) n, pl -ramina
footpath n a narrow path for walkers only, (-ram-in-a) or-ramens Anat a natural hole,
esp. one in a bone through which nerves
footplate n Chiefly Brit a platform in the pass.
cab of a locomotive on which the crew
stand to operate the controls. forasmuch as conj Old-fashioned or legal
seeing that or since.
footprint n an indentation or outline of the
foot on a surface. foray n 1 a short raid or incursion. 2 a first
attempt or new undertaking: an initial
footsie n Informal flirtation involving the foray into unit trust investment.
touching together of feet.
forbade or forbad vb the past tense of for-
footsore adj having sore or tired feet, esp. bid.
from much walking.
forbear1 vb -bearing, -bore, -borne to cease
footstep n 1 a step in walking. 2 the sound or refrain (from doing something), for-
made by walking. 3 a footmark. 4 follow in bearance n
someone’s footsteps to continue the ex-
ample of another. forbear2 n same as forebear.
footstool n a low stool used for supporting forbid vb-bidding, -bade or-bad, -bidden or
the feet of a seated person. -bid to prohibit or refuse to allow.
footwear n anything worn to cover the feet, forbidding adj severe and threatening in ap-
pearance or manner.
footwork n the way in which the feet are
used, for example in sports or dancing: forbore vb the past tense of forbear1.
nimble footwork. forborne vbthe past participle of forbear1.
fop n a man who is excessively concerned force1 n 1 strength or power: the force of the
with fashion, foppery n foppish adj impact had thrown him into the fireplace. 2
for prep 1 directed or belonging to: a bottle exertion or the use of exertion against a
of beer for himself. 2 to the advantage of: person or thing that resists: they used force
he spelt it out for her. 3 in the direction of: and repression against those who opposed
he headed for the door. 4 over a span of their policies. 3 Physics an influence that
(time or distance): she considered him cool- changes a body from a state of rest to one of
ly for a moment. 5 in favour of: support for motion or changes its rate of motion. Sym-
the war. 6 in order to get: for a bit of com- bol: F 4 a intellectual or moral influence:
pany. 7 designed to meet the needs of: the the Superintendent acknowledged the force
instructions are for right-handed players. 8 of the Chief Constable’s argument, b a per-
at a cost of: two dishes for £28.50. 9 in son or thing with such influence: Hitler
place of: she had to substitute for her quickly became the decisive force behind
mother because they woke late. 10 because German foreign policy. 5 drive or intensity:
of: dancing for joy. 11 regarding the usual he reacted with frightening speed and
characteristics of: unusually warm for the force. 6 a group of people organized for par-
time of year. 12 concerning: our idea for the ticular duties or tasks: a UN peacekeeping
last scene. 13 as being: do you take me for force. 7 in force a (of a law) having legal
an idiot? 14 at (a specified time): validity, b in great strength or numbers.
multiparty elections are planned for next ~vb forcing, forced 8 to compel (a person,
year. 15 to do or take part in: two guests for group, etc.) to do something through effort,
dinner. 16 in the duty or task of: that’s for superior strength, etc.: forced into an ar-
you to decide. 17 in relation to; as it affects: ranged marriage. 9 to acquire or produce
it’s too hard for me. 18 in order to preserve through effort, superior strength, etc.: he
or retain: fighting for survival. 19 as a di- forced a smile. 10 to propel or drive despite
rect equivalent to: word for word. 20 in resistance. 11 to break down or open (a
order to become or enter: training for the lock, door, etc.). 12 to impose or inflict: a
priesthood. 21 in exchange for: the cash series of opposition strikes forced the ap-
was used to pay for food, shelter, and medi- pointment of a coalition government. 13 to
cal supplies. 22 for all See all (sense 12). 23 cause (plants or farm animals) to grow at
for it Brit informal liable for punishment or an increased rate.
blame: you’ll be for it if you get caught. force2 n (in N England) a waterfall.
~conj 24 Formal because or seeing that: forced adj 1 done because of force: forced
implausibility cries aloud, and this is a pity, labour. 2 false or unnatural: forced jollity. 3
for much of the narrative is entertaining. due to an emergency: a forced landing.
force-feed 308 foreshadow
force-feed vb -feeding, -fed to force (a per- foreground n 1 the part of a view, esp. in a
son or animal) to swallow food. picture, nearest the viewer. 2 an important
forceful adj 1 strong, emphatic, and confi- or prominent position.
dent: a forceful speech. 2 effective, force- forehand Tennis, squash, etc ~adj 1 (of a
fully adv stroke) made with the palm of the hand fac-
forcemeat n a mixture of chopped ingredi- ing the direction of the stroke. ~n 2 a fore-
ents used for stuffing. hand stroke.
forceps n, pl -ceps a surgical instrument in forehead n the part of the face between the
the form of a pair of pincers. natural hairline and the eyes.
forcible adj 1 involving physical force. 2 ► The pronunciation “for-rid” is traditional
convincing or effective: a strong shrewd but “for-hed” is also acceptable.
mind and a steady forcible manner, for- foreign adj 1 of, located in, or coming from
cibly adv another country, area, or people. 2 dealing
ford n 1 a shallow area in a river that can be or concerned with another country, area, or
crossed by car, on horseback, etc. ~vb 2 to people: the Foreign Minister. 3 not familiar;
cross (a river) over a shallow area, ford- strange. 4 in an abnormal place or position:
able adj a foreign body in the food.
fore adj 1 at, in, or towards the front: the foreigner n 1 a person from a foreign coun-
fore foot. ~n 2 the front part. 3 fore and try. 2 an outsider.
aft located at both ends of a vessel: two foreign minister or secretary n a cabinet
double cabins fore and aft. 4 to the fore to minister who is responsible for a country’s
the front or prominent position. ~interj 5 a dealings with other countries.
golfer’s shouted warning to a person in the foreign office n the ministry of a country
path of a flying ball. that is concerned with dealings with other
fore- prefix 1 before in time or rank: forego- states.
ing. 2 at or near the front: foreground. foreknowledge n knowledge of something
forearm1 n the part of the arm from the before it actually happens.
elbow to the wrist. foreleg n either of the front legs of an ani-
forearm2 vb to prepare or arm beforehand, mal.
forebear or forbear n an ancestor. forelock n a lock of hair growing or falling
foreboding n a strong feeling that some- over the forehead.
thing bad is about to happen. foreman n, pl -nien 1 a person who super-
forecast vb -casting, -cast or -casted 1 to vises other workmen. 2 Law the leader of a
predict or calculate (weather, events, etc.), jury.
in advance. ~n 2 a statement predicting foremast n the mast nearest the bow of a
the weather. 3 a prediction, forecaster n ship.
forecastle, fo’c’s’le, or fo’c’sle (foke-sl) n foremost adj, adv first in time, place, or im-
the raised front part of a ship. portance: Germany’s foremost conductor.
foreclose vb -closing, -closed Law to take forenoon n the daylight hours before noon,
possession of property bought with bor- forensic (for-ren-sik) adj used in or con-
rowed money because repayment has not nected with a court of law. forensically
been made: the banks have been reluctant adv
to foreclose on troubled borrowers, fore- forensic medicine n the application of
closure n medical knowledge for the purposes of the
forecourt n a courtyard in front of a build- law, such as in determining the cause of
ing, such as one in a filling station. death.
forefather n an ancestor. foreordain vb to determine (events, etc.) in
forefinger n the finger next to the thumb. the future.
Also called: index finger forepaw n either of the front feet of a land
forefoot n, pl -feet either of the front feet of mammal that does not have hooves.
an animal. foreplay n sexual stimulation before inter-
forefront n 1 the most active or prominent course.
position: at the forefront of medical re- forerunner n 1 a person or thing that existed
search. 2 the very front. or happened before another and is similar
foregather or forgather vb to gather to- in some way: a forerunner of the surrealist
gether or assemble. painters. 2 a person or thing that is a sign of
forego1 vb -going, -went, -gone to precede what will happen in the future.
in time, place, etc. foresail n the main sail on the foremast of a
forego2 vb -going, -went, -gone same as ship.
forgo. foresee vb -seeing, -saw, -seen to see or
foregoing adj (esp. of writing or speech) know beforehand, foreseeable adj
going before; preceding. foreshadow vb to show, indicate, or suggest
foregone conclusion n an inevitable result. in advance.
foreshore 309 form
foreshore n the part of the shore between known). 2 to neglect, either by mistake or
high- and low-tide marks. on purpose. 3 to leave behind by mistake. 4
foreshorten vb to see or draw (an object) forget oneself to act in an
from such an angle that it appears to be uncharacteristically unrestrained or unac-
shorter than it really is. ceptable manner: I might forget myself and
foresight n 1 the ability to anticipate and slap your wrists, forgettable adj
provide for future needs. 2 the front sight forgetful adj 1 tending to forget. 2 forgetful
on a firearm. of inattentive to or neglectful of: Fiona,
foreskin n Anat the fold of skin covering the forgetful of the time, was still in bed. for-
tip of the penis. getfully adv
forest n 1 a large wooded area with a thick forget-me-not n a low-growing plant with
growth of trees and plants. 2 a group of clusters of small blue flowers.
narrow or tall objects standing upright: a forgive vb -giving, -gave, -given 1 to stop
forest of waving arms. 3 NZ an area planted feeling anger and resentment towards (a
with pines or other trees that are not native person) or at (an action that has caused
to the country, forested adj upset or harm). 2 to pardon (a mistake). 3
forestall vb to delay, stop, or guard against to free from (a debt).
beforehand: an action forestalling any fur- forgiveness n the act of forgiving or the
ther talks. state of being forgiven.
forestation n the planting of trees over a forgiving adj willing to forgive.
wide area. forgo or forego vb -going, -went, -gone to
forester n a person skilled in forestry or in give up or do without.
charge of a forest. forgot vb 1 the past tense of forget. 2 Old-
forestry n the science or skill of growing and fashioned or dialect a past participle of
maintaining trees in a forest, esp. to obtain forget.
wood. forgotten vb a past participle of forget.
foretaste n an early but limited experience fork n 1 a small tool with long thin prongs on
of something to come. the end of a handle, used for lifting food to
foretell vb -telling, -told Literary to correct- the mouth. 2 a larger similar-shaped gar-
ly predict (an event, a result, etc.) before- dening tool, used for lifting or digging. 3
hand. forks the part of a bicycle that links the
forethought n thoughtful planning for fu- handlebars to the front wheel. 4 (of a road,
ture events: a little forethought can avoid a river, etc.) a a division into two or more
lot of problems later. branches, b the point where the division
foretoken n a sign of a future event. begins, c such a branch, -vb 5 to pick up,
dig, etc., with a fork. 6 to be divided into
for ever or forever adv 1 without end. 2 at two or more branches. 7 to take one or
all times. 3 Informal for a long time: I could other branch at a fork in a road, etc.
go on for ever about similar incidents.
forked adj 1 having a fork or forklike parts.
forewarn vb to warn beforehand. 2 zigzag: forked lightning.
foreword n an introductory statement to a fork-lift truck n a vehicle with two moveable
book. arms at the front that can be raised and
forfeit (for-fit) n 1 something lost or given lowered for transporting and unloading
up as a penalty for a fault, mistake, etc. goods.
-vb 2 to lose as a forfeit, —adj 3 lost as a fork out vb Slang to pay, esp. with reluc-
forfeit, forfeiture n tance.
forgather vb same as foregather. forlorn adj 1 lonely, unhappy, and uncared-
forgave vb the past tense of forgive. for. 2 (of a place) having a deserted ap-
forge1 n 1 a place in which metal is worked pearance. 3 desperate and without any ex-
by heating and hammering; smithy. 2 a fur- pectation of success: a final, apparently for-
nace used for heating metal, —vb forging, lorn attempt to save the war-torn country.
forged 3 to shape (metal) by heating and forlornly adv
hammering. 4 to make a fraudulent imita- forlorn hope n 1 a hopeless enterprise. 2 a
tion of (a signature, money, a painting, faint hope.
etc.). 5 to create (an alliance, relationship, form n 1 the shape or appearance of some-
etc.), forger n thing. 2 a visible person or animal. 3 the
forge2 vb forging, forged 1 to move at a particular mode in which a thing or person
steady pace. 2 forge ahead to increase appears: wood in the form of paper. 4 a
speed or progress; take the lead. type or kind: abortion was widely used as a
forgery n, pl -geries 1 an illegal copy of a ..form of birth control. 5 physical or mental
painting, banknote, antique, etc. 2 the crime condition. 6 a printed document, esp. one
of making a fraudulent imitation. with spaces in which to fill details or an-
forget vb -getting, -got, -gotten 1 to fail to swers. 7 the previous record of a horse, ath-
remember (someone or something once lete, etc. 8 Brit slang a criminal record. 9
formal 310 fort
Education chiefly Brit a group of children formation n 1 the act of having or taking
who are taught together. 10 manners and form or existence. 2 something that is
etiquette: it is considered bad form not to formed. 3 the manner in which something is
wear a tie. 11 the structure and arrange- arranged. 4 an arrangement of people or
ment of a work of art or piece of writing as things acting as a unit, such as a troop of
distinguished from its content. 12 a bench. soldiers. 5 a series of rocks or clouds of a
13 a hare’s nest. 14 any of the various ways particular structure or shape.
in which a word may be spelt or inflected. formative adj 1 of or relating to formation,
~vb 15 to give shape to or take shape, esp. development, or growth: formative years at
a particular shape. 16 to come or bring into school. 2 shaping or moulding: the forma-
existence: glaciers dammed the valley bot- tive influence on his life.
toms with debris behind which lakes have former adj 1 belonging to or occurring in an
formed. 17 to make or construct or be made earlier time: a grotesque parody of a former
or constructed. 18 to train or mould by in- greatness. 2 having been at a previous time:
struction or example. 19 to acquire or de- the former prime minister. ~n 3 the form-
velop: they’ve formed this impression; we er the first or first mentioned of two.
formed a bond. 20 to be an element of: they
had formed part of a special murder unit. formerly adv in the past.
formal adj 1 of or following established con- Formica n Trademark a hard laminated
ventions: formal talks; a formal announce- plastic used esp. for heat-resistant sur-
ment. 2 characterized by conventional faces.
forms of ceremony and behaviour: a small formic acid n an acid derived from ants,
formal dinner party. 3 suitable for occa- formidable adj 1 frightening because very
sions organized according to conventional difficult to deal with or overcome: the Finn-
ceremony: formal cocktail frocks. 4 me- ish winter presents formidable problems to
thodical and organized: a formal approach. drivers. 2 extremely impressive: a formi-
5 (of education and training) given official- dable Juventus squad. formidably adv
ly at a school, college, etc.: he had no formal formless adj without a definite shape or
training in maths. 6 symmetrical in form: a form.
formal garden. 7 relating to the form or formula (form-yew-la) n, pl -las or-lae (-lee)
structure of something as distinguished 1 a group of letters, numbers, or other sym-
from its substance or content: they ad- bols which represents a mathematical or
dressed the formal elements of the struc- scientific rule. 2 a plan or set of rules for
ture of police work. 8 Philosophy logically doing or producing something: a formula
deductive rather than based on facts and for peace in the Middle East. 3 an estab-
observation, formally adv lished form of words, as used in religious
formaldehyde (for-mal-de-hidc) n a colour- ceremonies, legal proceedings, etc. 4 US &
less poisonous strong-smelling gas, used as Canad a powder used to make a milky drink
formalin and in synthetic resins. Also: for babies. 5 Motor racing the category in
methanal which a car competes, judged according to
formalin n a solution of formaldehyde in engine size, formulaic adj
water, used as a disinfectant and as a pre- formulary n, pl -laries a book of prescribed
servative for biological specimens. formulas.
formalism n concerned with outward ap- formulate vb -lating, dated 1 to express in a
pearances and structure at the expense of formula. 2 to plan or describe precisely and
content, formalist n clearly: formulating plans for a Scottish
formality n, pl -ties 1 something done as a super league, formulation n
requirement of custom or good manners: he fornicate vb -eating, -cated to have sexual
dealt with the formalities regarding the intercourse without being married, forni-
cremation. 2 a necessary procedure without cator n
real effect: trials were often a mere formal- fornication n voluntary sexual intercourse
ity with the verdict decided beforehand. 3 outside marriage.
strict observance of ceremony.
forsake vb -saking, -sook, -saken 1 to with-
formalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, draw support or friendship from. 2 to give
-ised 1 to make official or valid. 2 to give a up (something valued or enjoyed).
definite form to. formalization or -isation
n forsooth adv Old-fashioned in truth or in-
deed.
format n 1 the shape, size, and general ap-
pearance of a publication. 2 style or ar- forswear vb -swearing, -swore, -sworn 1 to
rangement, such as of a television pro- reject or renounce with determination. 2 to
gramme: a chat-show format. 3 Computers testify falsely in a court of law.
the arrangement of data on disk or magnet- forsythia (for-syth-ec-a) n a shrub with yel-
ic tape to comply with a computer’s input low flowers which appear in spring before
device. ~vb -matting, -matted 4 to arrange the leaves.
in a specified format. fort n 1 a fortified building or position. 2
forte 311 found
hold the fort Informal to keep things in op- at, in, or near the front. 3 overfamiliar or
eration during someone’s absence. disrespectful. 4 well developed or ad-
forte1 (for-tay) n something at which a per- vanced. 5 of or relating to the future or fa-
son excels: cooking is his forte. vouring change. ~n 6 an attacking player
forte2 adv Music loudly. in any of various sports, such as soccer.
forth adv 1 Formal or old-fashioned for- —adv 7 same as forwards, -vb 8 to send
ward, out, or away: running back and forth (a letter, etc.) on to an ultimate destination.
across the street; Christopher Columbus set 9 to advance or promote: the veneer of
forth on his epic voyage of discovery. 2 and street credibility he had used to forward his
so forth and so on. career.
forthcoming adj 1 about to appear or hap- forwards or forward adv 1 towards or at a
pen: the forthcoming elections. 2 given or place ahead or in advance, esp. in space but
made available. 3 (of a person) willing to also in time. 2 towards the front.
give information. fosse or foss n a ditch or moat, esp. one dug
forthright adj direct and outspoken, as a fortification.
forthwith adv at once. fossick vb Austral & NZ 1 to search for gold
or precious stones in abandoned workings,
fortification n 1 the act of fortifying. 2 for- rivers, etc. 2 to search for (something).
tifications walls, mounds, etc., used to
strengthen the defences of a place. fossil n 1 remains of a plant or animal that
existed in a past geological age, occurring in
fortified wine n wine mixed with a small the form of mineralized bones, shells, etc.
amount of brandy or alcohol, such as port -adj 2 of, like, or being a fossil.
or sherry.
fossil fuel n fuel, such as coal or oil, formed
fortify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make (a from the decayed remains of prehistoric
place) defensible, such as by building walls. animals and plants.
2 to strengthen physically, mentally, or
morally: the news fortified their resolve to fossilize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
succeed. 3 to increase the nutritious value -ised 1 to convert or be converted into a
of (a food), such as by adding vitamins. fossil. 2 to become out-of-date or inflexible:
fossilized political attitudes.
fortissimo adv Music very loudly.
foster adj 1 of or involved in the bringing up
fortitude n calm and patient courage in of a child not one’s own: foster care, —vb 2
trouble or pain. to bring up (a child not one’s own). 3 to
fortnight n a period of 14 consecutive days, promote the growth or development of:
fortnightly Chiefly Brit ~adj 1 occurring or Catherine fostered knowledge and patron-
appearing once each fortnight, -adv 2 ized the arts, fostering n
once a fortnight. fought vb the past of fight.
FORTRAN n a high-level computer pro- foul adj 1 offensive or loathsome: a foul
gramming language designed for math- deed. 2 stinking or dirty. 3 full of dirt or of-
ematical and scientific purposes. fensive matter. 4 (of language) obscene or
fortress n a large fort or fortified town, vulgar. 5 unfair: by fair or foul means. 6 (of
fortuitous (for-tyew-it-uss) adj happening weather) unpleasant. 7 very bad-tempered
by chance, esp. by a lucky chance, fortui- and irritable: he was in a foul mood. 8 In-
tously adv formal disgustingly bad. ~n 9 Sport a vio-
fortunate adj 1 having good luck. 2 occur- lation of the rules, -vb 10 to make dirty or
ring by good luck, fortunately adv polluted. 11 to make or become entangled.
fortune n 1 luck, esp. when favourable. 2 a 12 to make or become clogged. 13 Sport to
person’s destiny. 3 a power regarded as commit a foul against (an opponent), -adv
being responsible for human affairs. 4 14 fall foul of to come into conflict with.
wealth or material prosperity. foul-mouthed adj habitually using
fortune-teller n a person who claims to pre- swearwords and bad language.
dict events in other people’s lives. foul play n 1 violent activity esp. murder. 2
forty n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number that is a violation of the rules in a game.
the product of ten and four. 2 a numeral, 40 foul up vb 1 Informal to mismanage or bun-
or XL, representing this number. 3 some- gle. 2 to contaminate. 3 to block or choke.
thing representing or consisting of 40 units. ~n foul-up 4 a state of disorder resulting
-adj 4 amounting to forty: forty pages. from mistakes or carelessness: a foul-up by
fortieth adj, n their computers.
forty winks n Informal a short light sleep, found1 vb the past of find.
forum n 1 a meeting or medium for the open found2 vb 1 to bring into being or establish
discussion of subjects of public interest. 2 (something, such as an institution). 2 to lay
(in ancient Roman cities) an open space ' the foundation of. 3 founded on to have a
serving as a marketplace and centre of pub- basis in: a political system founded on fear.
lic business. founder n founding adj
forward adj 1 directed or moving ahead. 2 found3 vb 1 to cast (metal or glass) by melt-
foundation 312 fractional distillation
ing and pouring into a mould. 2 to make (ar- 2 solid and strong. 3 forthright and uncom-
ticles) in this way. founder n promising.
foundation n 1 the basic experience, idea, or four-stroke adj designating an internal-
attitude on which a way of life or belief is combustion engine in which the piston
based: respect for the law is the foundation makes four strokes for every explosion.
of commercial society. 2 a construction fourteen n 1 the cardinal number that is the
below the ground that distributes the load sum of ten and four. 2 a numeral, 14 or XIV,
of a building, wall, etc. 3 the base on which representing this number. 3 something rep-
something stands. 4 the act of founding. 5 resenting or consisting of 14 units, -adj 4
an endowment for the support of an institu- amounting to fourteen: fourteen points.
tion, such as a college. 6 an institution sup- fourteenth adj, n
ported by an endowment. 7 a cosmetic used fourth adj 1 of or being number four in a se-
as a base for make-up. ries. 2 denoting the highest forward gear in
foundation stone n a stone laid at a cer- a motor vehicle, -n 3 the highest forward
emony to mark the foundation of a new gear in a motor vehicle.
building. fourth dimension n 1 the dimension of time,
founder vb 1 to break down or fail: his nego- which in addition to three spatial dimen-
tiations have foundered on economic sions specifies the position of a point or
grounds. 2 (of a ship) to sink. 3 to sink into particle. 2 the concept in science fiction of
or become stuck in soft ground. 4 (of a an extra dimension, fourth-dimensional
horse) to stumble or go lame. adj
foundling n an abandoned baby whose par- fourth estate n the press.
ents are not known. fowl n 1 a domesticated bird such as a hen. 2
foundry n, pl -ries a place where metal is any other bird that is used as food or hunt-
melted and cast. ed as game. 3 the meat of fowl. 4 Old-
fount1 n 1 Poetic a spring or fountain. 2 a fashioned a bird, -vb 5 to hunt or snare
source or supply: a fount of knowledge. wild birds.
fount2 n Printing a complete set of type of fox n, pl foxes or fox 1 a doglike wild ani-
one style and size. mal with a pointed muzzle and a bushy tail.
fountain n 1 an ornamental feature in a pool 2 its reddish-brown or grey fur. 3 a person
or lake consisting of a jet of water forced who is cunning and sly. -vb 4 Informal to
into the air by a pump. 2 a jet or spray of confuse or puzzle.
water. 3 a natural spring of water. 4 a foxglove n a tall plant with purple or white
source or supply: a fountain of many new flowers.
ideas about the causes of cancer. 5 a cas- foxhole n Mil a small pit dug to provide
cade of sparks, lava, etc. shelter against enemy fire.
fountainhead n a principal or original foxhound n a breed of short-haired terrier,
source. originally kept for hunting foxes.
fountain pen n a pen supplied with ink from fox-hunting n the activity of hunting foxes
a container inside it. with hounds.
four n 1 the cardinal number that is the sum foxtrot n 1 a ballroom dance with slow and
of one and three. 2 a numeral, 4 or IV, rep- quick steps. 2 music for this, -vb
resenting this number. 3 something repre- -trotting, -trotted 3 to perform this dance.
senting or consisting of four units. 4 Cricket
a score of four runs, obtained by hitting the foxy adj foxier, foxiest 1 of or resembling a
ball so that it crosses the boundary after fox, esp. in craftiness. 2 reddish-brown,
hitting the ground. 5 Rowing a a rowing foxily adv foxiness n
boat propelled by four oarsmen, b the crew foyer (foy-ay) n an entrance hall in a hotel,
of such a rowing boat. ~adj 6 amounting to theatre, or cinema.
four: four zones. fP forte-piano.
fourfold adj 1 having four times as many or FP 1 fire plug. 2 freezing point.
as much. 2 composed of four parts. -adv 3 Fr 1 Christianity a Father, b Frater. 2 Chem
by four times as many or as much. francium.
four-in-hand n a carriage drawn by four fr. 1 franc. 2 from.
horses and driven by one driver. fracas (frak-ah) n a noisy quarrel or fight,
four-letter word n any of several short Eng- fraction n 1 Maths a numerical quantity that
lish words referring to sex or excrement: is not a whole number. 2 any part or subdi-
regarded generally as offensive or obscene. vision. 3 a very small proportion or amount
four-poster n a bed with posts at each cor- of something. 4 Chem a component of a
ner supporting a canopy and curtains. mixture separated by distillation, frac-
fourscore adj Old-fashioned eighty, tional adj fractionally adv
foursome n 1 a group of four people. 2 Golf fractional distillation or fractionation n
a game between two pairs of players. Chem the process of separating the con-
foursquare adv 1 squarely or firmly. ~adj stituents of a liquid mixture by heating it
fractious 313 fraudulent
and condensing the components separately member of parliament. 2 any exemption,
according to their different boiling points. privilege, or right granted by a public
fractious adj (esp. of children) easily upset authority. 3 Commerce authorization grant-
and angered, often due to tiredness. ed to a distributor to sell a company’s
fracture n 1 breaking, esp. the breaking or goods, -vb -chising, -chised 4 Commerce
cracking of a bone. ~vb-turing, -tured 2 to chiefly US & Canad to grant (a person, firm,
break, fractural adj etc.) a franchise.
fragile adj 1 able to be broken or damaged Franciscan n 1 a member of a Christian reli-
easily. 2 in a weakened physical state: gious order of friars or nuns founded by
you’re looking a bit fragile this morning. Saint Francis of Assisi, -adj 2 of this
fragility n order.
fragment n 1 a piece broken off. 2 an incom- francium n Chem an unstable radioactive el-
plete piece: fragments of information, —vb ement of the alkali-metal group. Symbol: Fr
3 to break into small pieces or different Franco- combining form indicating France
parts, fragmentation n or French; the Franco-Prussian war.
fragmentary adj made up of small or uncon- frank adj 1 honest and straightforward in
nected pieces: fragmentary evidence to speech or attitude, —vb 2 Chiefly Brit to
support his theory. put a mark on (a letter), ensuring free car-
fragrance n 1 a pleasant smell. 2 a perfume riage. —n 3 an official mark stamped to a
or scent. letter ensuring free delivery, frankly adv
fragrant adj having a pleasant smell. frankness n
frail adj 1 physically weak and delicate. 2 Frank n a member of the West Germanic
easily damaged: the frail aircraft. 3 easily peoples who in the late 4th century a d
tempted. gradually conquered most of Gaul.
frailty n 1 physical or moral weakness. 2 (p7 Frankenstein n a creation or monster that
-ties) an inadequacy or fault resulting from brings disaster and is beyond the control of
moral weakness. its creator. Also called: Frankenstein’s
monster
frame n 1 an open structure that gives shape
and support to something, such as a build- frankfurter n a smoked sausage of pork or
ing. 2 an enclosing case or border into beef.
which something is fitted: the window frankincense n an aromatic gum resin burnt
frame. 3 the system around which some- as incense.
thing is built up: caught up in the frame of Frankish n 1 the ancient West Germanic
the revolution. 4 the structure of the human language of the Franks, -adj 2 of the
body. 5 one of a series of exposures on film Franks or their language.
used in making motion pictures. 6 a televi- frantic adj 1 distracted with fear, pain, joy,
sion picture scanned by electron beams at a etc. 2 hurried and disorganized: frantic ac-
particular frequency. 7 Snooker a a single tivity. frantically adv
game in a match, b a wooden triangle used frappe adj (esp. of drinks) chilled.
to arrange the red balls in formation before
the start of a game. 8 short for cold frame. fraternal adj 1 of a brother; brotherly. 2 des-
9 Slang a frame-up. 10 frame of mind a ignating twins that developed from two
state of mind: in a complacent frame of separate fertilized ova. fraternally adv
mind, -vb framing, framed 11 to con- fraternity n, pl -ties 1 a body of people unit-
struct by fitting parts together. 12 to create ed in interests, aims, etc. 2 friendship be-
and develop (plans or a policy). 13 to con- tween groups of people. 3 US & Canad a so-
struct (a statement) in a particular kind of ciety of male students.
language. 14 to provide or enclose with a fraternize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
frame. 15 Slang to conspire to incriminate -nising, -nised to associate on friendly
(someone) on a false charge. terms: fraternizing with the customers is
frame of reference n 1 a set of standards off-limits, fraternization or -nisation n
that determines behaviour. 2 any set of fratricide n 1 the act of killing one’s brother.
planes or curves, such as the three coordi- 2 a person who kills his or her brother,
nate axes, used to locate a point in space. fratricidal adj
frame-up n Slang a conspiracy to incrimi- Frau (rhymes with , how) n, pl Frauen or
nate someone on a false charge. Fraus a German form of address equivalent
framework n 1 a particular set of beliefs, to Mrs or Ms.
ideas, or rules referred to in order to solve a fraud n 1 deliberate deception or cheating
problem: a moral framework. 2 a structure intended to gain an advantage. 2 an act of
supporting something. such deception. 3 Informal a person who
franc n the standard monetary unit of -acts in a false or deceitful way.
France, Switzerland, Belgium, and various fraudster n a person who commits a fraud;
African countries. swindler.
franchise n 1 the right to vote, esp. for a fraudulent adj 1 acting with intent to de-
fraught 314 freesia
ceive. 2 proceeding from fraud, fraudu- freeboard n the space or distance between
lence n the deck of a vessel and the water line.
fraught (frawt) adj 1 fraught with involv- freebooter n a pirate.
ing or filled with: we expected the trip to be freeborn adj History not born in slavery.
fraught with difficulties. 2 tense or anx- Free Church n Chiefly Brit any Protestant
ious. Church other than the Established Church.
Fraulein (froy-line) n, pl -lein or -leins a freedman n, pl -men History a man freed
German form of address equivalent to Miss. from slavery.
fray1 n 1 a noisy quarrel or brawl. 2 the fray freedom n 1 the state of being free, esp. to
any challenging conflict: Woosnam returned enjoy political and civil liberties. 2 exemp-
to the fray with a win over Stadler. tion or immunity: freedom from govern-
fray2 vb 1 to wear away into loose threads, ment control. 3 liberation, such as from
esp. at an edge. 2 to make or become slavery. 4 the right or privilege of unre-
strained or irritated. stricted access: freedom of the skies. 5 self-
frazil (fray-zil) n small pieces of ice that government or independence. 6 the power
form in water moving turbulently enough to to order one’s own actions. 7 ease or frank-
prevent the formation of a sheet of ice. ness of manner.
free enterprise n an economic system in
frazzle n Informal the state of being ex- which commercial organizations compete
hausted: worn to a frazzle. for profit with little state control.
freak n 1 a person, animal, or plant that is free fall n 1 the part of a parachute descent
abnormal or deformed. 2 an object, event, before the parachute opens. 2 free descent
etc., that is abnormal: a statistical freak. 3 of a body in which gravity is the only force
Informal a person whose appearance or be- acting on it.
haviour is very unusual. 4 Informal a per- free-for-all n Informal a disorganized brawl
son who is very enthusiastic about some- ur argument involving all those present.
thing specified: a health freak, -adj 5 ab-
normal or unusual: a freak accident, freak- free hand n 1 unrestricted freedom to act:
ish adj freaky adj the president must be able to deal with for-
eign hostilities with a free hand, -adj, adv
freak out vb Informal to be or cause to be in freehand 2 (done) by hand without the use
a heightened emotional state. of guiding instruments.
freckle n 1 a small brownish spot on the freehold Property law -n 1 tenure of prop-
skin, -vb -ling, -led 2 to mark or become erty for life without restrictions, -adj 2 of
marked with freckles, freckled adj or held by freehold, freeholder n
free adj freer, freest 1 able to act at will; free house n Brit a public house not bound
not under compulsion or restraint. 2 not en- to sell only one brewer’s products.
slaved or confined. 3 (of a country) inde- free kick n Soccer an unopposed kick of the
pendent. 4 (of a translation) not exact or ball awarded for a foul or infringement.
literal. 5 provided without charge: free freelance n 1 a self-employed person doing
school meals. 6 not occupied or in use; specific pieces of work for various employ-
available: is this seat free? 7 (of a person) ers. -vb -lancing, -lanced 2 to work as a
not busy. 8 open or available to all. 9 not freelance, -adj, adv 3 of or as a freelance.
fixed or joined; loose: the free end. 10 with-
out obstruction or blockage: the free flow of freeloader n Slang a person who habitually
capital. 11 Chem chemically uncombined: depends on others for food, accommoda-
free nitrogen. 12 free and easy casual or tion, etc.
tolerant. 13 free from not subject to: free free love n Old-fashioned the practice of
from surveillance. 14 free with using or having sexual relationships outside mar-
giving (something) a lot: he was free with riage, often several relationships at the
his tongue. 15 make free with to behave same time.
too familiarly towards, -adv 16 in a free freeman n, pl -men a person who has been
manner. 17 without charge or cost, —vb given the freedom of a city as an honour in
freeing, freed 18 to release or liberate. 19 return for public service.
to remove obstructions or impediments free-market adj denoting an economic sys-
from. 20 to make available or usable: capi- tem which allows supply and demand to
tal freed by the local authority. 21 free of regulate prices and wages.
or from to relieve or rid of (obstacles, pain, Freemason n a member of a widespread se-
etc.), freely adv cret order whose members are pledged to
► Free of means “not subject to”: free of help each other. Also called: Mason Free-
charge. Free from suggests a change of cir- masonry n
cumstances: they were free from danger. free-range adj Chiefly Brit kept or pro-
-free adj combining form free from: duty- duced in natural conditions: free-range
free; nuclear-free zones. eggs.
freebie n Slang something provided without freesia n a plant with fragrant tubular
charge. flowers.
free space 315 frequency modulation
free space n a region that has no gravita- freezing point n the temperature below
tional and electromagnetic fields. which a liquid turns into a solid.
freestanding adj not attached to or sup- freezing works n Austral & NZ a slaughter-
ported by another object. house at which animal carcasses are frozen
freestyle n 1 a competition, such as in for export.
swimming, in which each participant may freight (frate) n 1 a commercial transport of
use a style of his or her choice. 2 Also goods, b the cargo transported, c the cost of
called: all-in wrestling a style of profes- this. 2 Chiefly Brit a ship’s cargo or part of
sional wrestling with no internationally it. ~vb 3 to transport (goods) by freight. 4
agreed set of rules. to load with goods for transport.
freethinker n a person who forms his or her freighter n a ship or aircraft designed for
ideas independently of authority, esp. in transporting cargo.
matters of religion. French adj 1 of France. ~n 2 the official
free trade n international trade that is free language of France and an official language
of such government interference as protec- of Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and cer-
tive tariffs. tain other countries. ~pl n 3 the French
free verse n unrhymed verse without a the people of France.
fixed rhythm. French beans pl n green beans, the pods of
freeway n US a motorway. which are eaten.
freewheel vb 1 to travel downhill on a bicy- French bread n white bread in a long, thin,
cle without pedalling. 2 ~n a device in the crusty loaf.
rear hub of a bicycle wheel that permits it French Canadian n a Canadian citizen
to rotate freely while the pedals are sta- whose native language is French.
tionary. French chalk n a variety of talc used to
freewheeling adj behaving in a relaxed mark cloth or remove grease stains.
spontaneous manner, without any long- French dressing n a salad dressing made
term plans or commitments: he had to from oil and vinegar with seasonings.
change his freewheeling lifestyle after his French fries pl n Chiefly US & Canad potato
son was born. chips.
free will n 1 the ability to make a choice French horn n Music a valved brass wind
without outside coercion or pressure: you instrument with a coiled tube.
walked in here of your own free will. 2 Phi-
losophy the belief that human behaviour is Frenchify vb -fies, -fying, -fied Informal to
an expression of personal choice and is not make or become French in appearance, etc.
determined by physical forces, Fate, or French letter n Brit slang a condom.
God. Frenchman or fem Frenchwoman n, pl
Free World n the non-Communist countries -men or-women a person from France.
collectively. French polish n a shellac varnish for wood,
freeze vb freezing, froze, frozen 1 to giving a high gloss.
change from a liquid to a solid by the reduc- French seam n a seam in which the edges
tion of temperature, such as water to ice. 2 are enclosed.
to preserve (food) by subjection to extreme French windows pl n Brit a window extend-
cold. 3 to cover or become covered with ice. ing to floor level, used as a door.
4 to fix fast or become fixed (to something)
frenetic (frin-net-ik) adj wild, excited, and
because of frost. 5 to feel or cause to feel uncontrolled, frenetically adv
the effects of extreme cold. 6 to die of ex-
treme cold. 7 to become motionless through frenzy n, pl -zies 1 violent or wild and un-
fear, shock, etc. 8 to cause (moving film) to controllable behaviour. 2 excited or agitat-
stop at a particular frame. 9 to fix (prices, ed activity: a frenzy of speculation, fren-
incomes, etc.) at a particular level. 10 to zied adj
forbid by law the exchange or collection of Freon n Trademark any of a group of gas or
(loans, assets, etc.). ~n 11 the act of freez- liquid chemical compounds of methane with
ing or state of being frozen. 12 Meteorol a chlorine and fluorine: used in propellants,
spell of temperatures below freezing point. aerosols, and solvents.
13 the fixing of incomes, prices, etc., by leg- frequency n, pl -cies 1 the number of times
islation. that an event occurs within a given period.
freeze-dry vb -dries, -drying, -dried to pre- 2 the state of being frequent. 3 Physics the
serve (food) by rapid freezing and drying in number of times a wave repeats itself in a
a vacuum. given time.
freeze out vb to prevent (someone) from frequency distribution n statistical data ar-
being involved in an activity, conversation, ranged to show the frequency with which
etc., by being unfriendly or reserved. the possible values of a variable occur.
freezer n an insulated cabinet for cold- frequency modulation n a method of
storage of perishable foods. transmitting information by varying the
frequent 316 frigid
frequency of the carrier wave in accord- camphor-like smell, used as an inhalant to
ance with the amplitude of the input signal. relieve bronchitis.
frequent adj 1 happening often. 2 habitual. friary n, pl -aries a house of friars,
-vb 3 to visit often: a spa town frequented fricassee n stewed meat, esp. chicken or
by the Prussian nobility, frequently adv veal, served in a thick white sauce.
frequentative Grammar -adj 1 denoting a fricative n 1 a consonant produced by fric-
verb or an affix meaning repeated action. tion of breath through a partly closed
~n 2 a frequentative verb or affix. mouth, such as (f) or (z). -adj 2 relating to
fresco n, pl -coes or -cos 1 a method of wall- or being a fricative.
painting using watercolours on wet plaster. friction n 1 a resistance encountered when
2 a painting done in this way. one body moves relative to another body
fresh adj 1 newly made, acquired, etc. 2 not with which it is in contact. 2 the act of rub-
thought of before; novel: fresh ideas. 3 most bing one object against another. 3 dis-
recent: fresh allegations. 4 further or addi- agreement or conflict, frictional adj
tional: a fresh supply. 5 (of food) not Friday n the sixth day of the week.
canned or frozen. 6 (of water) not salty. 7 fridge n a cabinet for keeping food and
bright and clear: a fresh morning. 8 (of a drink cool. In full: refrigerator
wind) cold and fairly strong. 9 not tired;
alert. 10 not worn or faded: the fresh col- fried vb the past of fry1.
ours of spring. 11 having a healthy or friend n 1 a person known well to another
ruddy appearance. 12 having recently come and regarded with liking, affection, and
(from somewhere): cakes fresh from the loyalty. 2 an ally in a fight or cause. 3 a pa-
oven. 13 youthful or inexperienced. 14 In- tron or supporter: our cause has many
formal overfamiliar or disrespectful, —adv friends in Europe. 4 make friends (with) to
15 recently: a delicious fresh-baked cake. become friendly (with). friendless adj
freshly adv freshness n friendship n
freshen vb 1 to make or become fresh or Friend n a member of the Society of Friends;
fresher. 2 (of the wind) to become stronger. Quaker.
3 freshen up to wash and tidy up one’s ap- friendly adj -lier, -liest 1 showing or ex-
pearance. pressing liking, goodwill, or trust. 2 on the
fresher or freshman n, pl -ers or -men a same side; not hostile. 3 tending to help or
first-year student at college or university. support. ~n, pl -lies 4 Sport a match
freshet n 1 the sudden overflowing of a played for its own sake and not as part of a
river. 2 a stream of fresh water emptying competition, friendliness n
into the sea. -friendly adj combining form helpful, easy,
freshwater adj of or living in fresh water. or good for the person or thing specified: a
fret1 vb fretting, fretted 1 to worry: he user-friendly computer system; an
would fret about the smallest of problems. en vironment-friendly means of transport.
2 to rub or wear away. 3 to feel or give an- friendly society n Brit an association of
noyance. —n 4 a state of irritation or anxi- people who pay regular dues in return for
ety. old-age pensions, sickness benefits, etc.
fret2 n 1 a repetitive geometrical figure used frier n a fryer.
for ornamentation. — vb fretting, fretted 2 fries pl n short for French fries.
to ornament with fret or fretwork. Friesian (free-zhan) n any of several breeds
fret3 n a small metal bar set across the of black-and-white dairy cattle.
fingerboard of a musical instrument, such frieze (freeze) n 1 a sculptured or decorated
as a guitar, as a guide to fingering. band on a wall. 2 Archit the horizontal band
fretful adj irritable or upset, fretfully adv between the architrave and cornice of a
fret saw n a fine-toothed saw with a long classical temple.
thin narrow blade, used for cutting designs frigate (frig-it) n 1 Brit a fast warship,
in thin wood or metal. smaller than a destroyer. 2 a medium-sized
fretwork n decorative geometrical carving in warship of the 18th and 19th centuries.
wood. fright n 1 sudden fear or alarm. 2 a sudden
Freudian (froy-dee-an) adj of or relating to alarming shock. 3 Informal a very strange
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), Austrian psy- or unattractive person or thing.
chiatrist, or his ideas. Freudianism n frighten vb 1 to terrify or scare. 2 to (force)
Freudian slip n a slip of the tongue that may someone to do something from fear afraid,
reveal an unconscious wish. frightening adj
Fri. Friday. frightful adj 1 very alarming or horrifying. 2
friable (fry-a-bl) adj easily broken up. fri- annoying or disagreeable: a frightful pair of
ability n socks. 3 Informal extreme: a frightful mess.
friar n a member of a male Roman Catholic frightfully adv
religious order. frigid (frij-id) adj 1 (esp. of a woman) lack-
friar’s balsam n a compound with a ing sexual responsiveness. 2 very cold: the
frill 317 front
frigid air. 3 formal or stiff in behaviour or frock coat n a man’s skirted coat, as worn in
temperament, frigidity n the 19th century.
frill n 1 a long narrow strip of fabric with frog1 n 1 a smooth-skinned tailless amphib-
many folds in it attached at one edge of ian with long back legs used for jumping. 2
something as a decoration. 2 an unneces- a frog in one’s throat phlegm on the vocal
sary part of something added to make it cords, hindering speech.
more attractive or interesting: no fuss, no frog2 n a military style fastening on a coat
frills, just a purity of sound and clarity of consisting of a button and a loop, frogging
vision, frilly or frilled adj n
fringe n 1 hair cut short and hanging over frog3 n horny material in the centre of the
the forehead. 2 an ornamental edge of hang- sole of a horse’s foot.
ing threads, tassels, etc. 3 an outer edge: frogman n, pl -men a swimmer equipped
London’s southern fringe. 4 the minor and with a rubber suit, flippers, and breathing
less important parts of an activity or or- equipment for working underwater.
ganization: two agents on the fringes of es- frogmarch Chiefly Brit —n 1 a method of
pionage activity. 5 a small group of people carrying a resisting person in which each
within a larger body, but differing from it limb is held and the victim is face down-
in certain aims and ideas: the radical fringe wards. -vb 2 to carry in a frogmarch or
of the Green Party, -adj 6 (of theatre) un- cause to move forward unwillingly.
official or unconventional, -vb fringing, frogspawn n a jelly-like substance contain-
fringed 7 to form a border for: sandy paths ing a frog’s eggs.
fringing the water’s edge. 8 to decorate frolic vb -icking, -icked 1 to run and play in
with a fringe: tinsel fringed the desk. a lively way. —n 2 lively and merry behav-
fringe benefit n a benefit given in addition iour. 3 a light-hearted occasion.
to a regular salary or wage. frolicsome adj merry and playful.
fringed adj 1 (of clothes, curtains, etc.) from prep 1 indicating the original location,
decorated with a fringe. 2 fringed with or situation, etc.: from America. 2 in a period
by bordered with or by: a field fringed with of time starting at: from 1950 to the current
trees. year. 3 indicating the distance between two
frippery n, pl -peries 1 showy but useless things or places: 60 miles from the Iraqi
ornamentation. 2 unimportant or trivial border. 4 indicating a lower amount: from 5
matters. to 6. 5 showing the model of: drawn from
Frisian (free-zhan) n 1 a language spoken in life. 6 used with a verbal noun to denote
the NW Netherlands. 2 a speaker of this prohibition, etc.: she was banned from
language, -adj 3 of this language or its smoking at meetings. 7 because of: five
speakers. hundred horses collapsed from exhaustion.
frisk vb 1 to leap, move about, or act in a ► The use of off to mean from is very infor-
playful manner. 2 Informal to search mal: they bought milk from (rather than
(someone) by feeling for concealed weap- off) a farmer.
ons, etc. ~n 3 a playful movement. 4 In- fromage frais (from-ahzh fray) n a low-fat
formal an instance of frisking a person. soft cheese with a smooth light texture.
frisky adj friskier, friskiest lively, high- frond n 1 the compound leaf of a fern. 2 the
spirited, or playful, friskily adv leaf of a palm.
frisson (freess-on) n a short sudden feeling front n 1 that part or side that is forward, or
of fear or excitement. most often seen or used. 2 a position or
place directly before or ahead. 3 the begin-
fritter n a piece of food, such as apple, that ning, opening, or first part. 4 the position of
is dipped in batter and fried in deep fat. leadership. 5 a promenade at a seaside re-
fritter away vb to waste: he did not fritter sort. 6 Mil a the total area in which oppos-
away his energy on trivialities. ing armies face each other, b the space in
frivolous adj 1 not serious or sensible in con- which a military unit is operating. 7
tent, attitude, or behaviour. 2 unworthy of Meteorol the dividing line between two dif-
serious or sensible treatment: frivolous ferent air masses. 8 an outward appear-
distractions, frivolity n ance: he put on a bold front. 9 Informal a
frizz vb 1 (of hair) to form or cause (hair) to business or other activity serving as a re-
form tight curls. ~n 2 hair that has been spectable cover for another, usually crimi-
frizzed, frizzy adj nal, organization. 10 Also called: front man
a nominal leader of an organization. 11 a
frizzle1 vb -zling, -zled 1 to form (hair) into particular field of activity: on the economic
tight crisp curls, —n 2 a tight curl. front. 12 a group of people with a common
frizzle2 vb -zling, -zled to cook or heat until goal: the National Liberation Front, -adj
crisp or shrivelled up. '13 of, at, or in the front, -vb 14 to face
frock n Old-fashioned 1 a girl’s or woman’s (onto). 15 to be a front of or for. 16 to ap-
dress. 2 a loose garment, formerly worn by pear as a presenter in (a television show).
peasants. 17 to be the leader of (a band) on stage.
frontage 318 frying pan
frontage n 1 the facade of a building or the fructify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to bear or
front of a plot of ground. 2 the extent of the cause to bear fruit.
front of a shop, plot of land, etc. fructose n a crystalline sugar occurring in
frontal adj 1 of, at, or in the front. 2 of or re- honey and many fruits.
lating to the forehead. frugal (froo-gl) adj 1 economical in the use
front bench n the leadership of either the of money or resources; thrifty. 2 meagre
Government or Opposition in the House of and inexpensive: a frugal meal, frugality n
Commons or in various other legislative as- frugally adv
semblies. front-bencher n fruit n 1 any fleshy part of a plant that sup-
frontier n 1 the region of a country border- ports the seeds and is edible, such as the
ing on another or a line marking such a strawberry. 2 Bot the ripened ovary of a
boundary. 2 the edge of the settled area of a flowering plant, containing one or more
country. 3 frontiers the limit of knowledge seeds. 3 any plant product useful to man,
in a particular field: twenty years ago, laser including grain and vegetables. 4 fruits the
spectroscopy was on the frontiers of chemi- results of an action or effort, esp. if pleas-
cal research. ant: they have enjoyed the fruits of a com-
frontispiece n an illustration facing the title plete victory. ~vb 5 to bear fruit.
page of a book. fruiterer n Chiefly Brit a person who sells
frontrunner n Informal the leader or a fa- fruit.
voured contestant in a race or election. fruitful adj 1 producing good and useful re-
frost n 1 a white deposit of ice particles. 2 sults: a fruitful relationship. 2 bearing
an atmospheric temperature of below freez- much fruit, fruitfully adv
ing point, producing this deposit. ~vb 3 to fruition (froo-ish-on) n 1 the fulfilment of
cover with frost. 4 to kill or damage something worked for or desired. 2 the act
(plants) with frost. or condition of bearing fruit.
frostbite n destruction of tissues, esp. of the fruitless adj 1 producing nothing of value: a
fingers, ears, toes, and nose, by freezing, fruitless debate. 2 without fruit, fruitless-
frostbitten adj ly adv
frosted adj (of glass) having the surface fruit machine n Brit a coin-operated gam-
roughened so that it cannot be seen through bling machine that pays out money when a
clearly. particular combination of diagrams, usually
frosting n Chiefly US & Canad icing. of fruit, appear on a screen.
frosty adj frostier, frostiest 1 character- fruit salad or cocktail n a dish consisting of
ized by frost: the frosty air. 2 covered by pieces of different kinds of fruit.
frost. 3 unfriendly or disapproving: a frosty fruit sugar n same as fructose.
reception from the bank manager, frostily fruity adj fruitier, fruitiest 1 of or like
adv frostiness n fruit. 2 (of a voice) mellow or rich. 3 Infor-
froth n 1 a mass of small bubbles of air or a mal, chiefly Brit referring humorously to
gas in a liquid. 2 a mixture of saliva and air things relating to sex. fruitiness n
bubbles formed at the lips in certain diseas- frump n a woman who dresses in a dull and
es, such as rabies. 3 trivial but superficially old-fashioned way. frumpy or frumpish
attractive ideas or entertainment. ~vb 4 to adj
produce or cause to produce froth, frothy frustrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to upset or
adj anger (a person) by presenting difficulties
frown vb 1 to wrinkle one’s brows in worry, that cannot be overcome: his lack of ambi-
anger, or concentration. 2 frown on to dis- tion frustrated me. 2 to hinder or prevent
approve of: smoking at work is frowned on. (the efforts, plans, or desires) of. frustrat-
~n 3 the act of frowning. 4 a look of disap- ing adj frustration n
proval or displeasure. frustrated adj dissatisfied or unfulfilled,
frowsty adj frowstier, frowstiest stale or frustum n, pl -turns or-ta Geom the part of a
musty. solid, such as a cone or pyramid, contained
frowzy or frowsy adj frowzier, frowziest or between the base and a plane parallel to the
frowsier, frowsiest 1 slovenly or unkempt base that intersects the solid.
in appearance. 2 musty and stale. fry1 vb fries, frying, fried 1 to cook or be
froze vb the past tense of freeze. cooked in fat or oil, usually over direct
frozen vb 1 the past participle of freeze. heat. -n, pl fries 2 Also: fry-up Brit in-
~adj 2 turned into or covered with ice. 3 formal a dish of mixed fried food. -See
killed or stiffened by extreme cold. 4 (of also fries, fryer or frier n
food) preserved by a freezing process. 5 a fry2 pl n 1 the young of various species of
(of prices or wages) officially fixed at a cer- fish. 2 Sec small fry.
tain level, b (of business assets) not con- frying pan n 1 a long-handled shallow pan
vertible into cash. 6 motionless: she was used for frying. 2 out of the frying pan
frozen in horror. into the fire from a bad situation to a
FRS (in Britain) Fellow of the Royal Society. worse one.
FSH 319 fulminate
FSH Biol follicle-stimulating hormone: a thusiasm. 3 having consumed enough food
hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. or drink. 4 (of the face or figure) rounded
f-stop n Photog any of the lens aperture set- or plump. 5 complete: the full amount. 6
tings of a camera. with all privileges or rights: full member-
ft. foot or feet. ship. 7 Music powerful or rich in volume
fuchsia (fyew-sha) n an ornamental shrub and sound. 8 (of a garment) containing a
with hanging purple, red, or white flowers. large amount of fabric. 9 full of engrossed
with: she had been full of her own plans
fuck Taboo -vb 1 to have sexual inter- lately. 10 full of oneself full of pride or
course with (someone). ~n 2 an act of sex- conceit. 11 full up filled to capacity, -adv
ual intercourse. 3 Slang a partner in sexual 12 completely or entirely. 13 directly or
intercourse. 4 not give a fuck not to care at right: she hit him full in the face. 14 full
all. -interj 5 Offensive an expression of well very or extremely well: we knew full
strong disgust or anger, fucking n, adj, adv well that she was watching every move we
fuck off vb Offensive taboo slang to go made. ~n 15 in full without omitting or
away. shortening. 16 to the full thoroughly or
fuck up vb Offensive taboo slang to make a fully, fullness or esp US fulness n
mess of (something). full2 vb to make (cloth) more compact during
fuddle vb -dling, -died 1 to cause to be con- manufacture through shrinking and beat-
fused or intoxicated. ~n 2 a confused state, ing.
fuddled adj fullback n Soccer, hockey, & rugby a defen-
fuddy-duddy n, pl -dies Informal a person, sive player.
esp. an elderly one, who is extremely con- full-blooded adj 1 vigorous or enthusiastic.
servative or dull. 2 (esp. of horses) having ancestors of a sin-
fudge1 n a soft sweet made from sugar, but- gle race or breed.
ter, and milk. full-blown adj fully developed.
fudge2 vb fudging, fudged 1 to make (an full board n the daily provision by a hotel of
issue or problem) less clear deliberately. 2 bed, breakfast, and midday and evening
to avoid making a firm statement or deci- meals.
sion. full-bodied adj having a full rich flavour or
fuel n 1 any substance burned for heat or quality: a full-bodied vintage port.
power, such as coal or petrol. 2 the material fuller’s earth n a natural absorbent clay
that produces energy by fission in a nuclear used for fulling cloth.
reactor. 3 add fuel to to make (a difficult
situation) worse. -vb fuelling, fuelled or full-frontal adj Informal exposing the geni-
US fueling, fueled 4 to supply with or re- tals to full view.
ceive fuel. 5 to intensify or make worse (a full house n 1 a theatre filled to capacity. 2
feeling or situation): the move is bound to (in bingo) the set of numbers needed to win.
fuel speculation. full-length adj 1 (of a mirror, portrait, etc.)
fuel cell n a cell in which chemical energy is showing the complete human figure. 2 not
converted directly into electrical energy. abridged.
fug n Chiefly Brit a hot stale atmosphere, full moon n the phase of the moon when it is
fuggy adj visible as a fully illuminated disc.
fugitive (fyew-jit-iv) n 1 a person who flees, full-scale adj 1 (of a plan) of actual size. 2
esp. from arrest or pursuit, -adj 2 fleeing. using all resources; all-out.
3 not permanent; fleeting. full stop n the punctuation mark (.) used at
fugue (fyewg) n a musical form consisting the end of a sentence and after
of a theme repeated above or below the con- abbreviations. Also called (esp. US and
tinuing first statement, fugal adj Canad.): period
Fiihrer n a leader: the title used by Hitler as full-time adj 1 for all of the normal working
Nazi dictator. week: a full-time job. -adv full time 2 on a
-ful adj suffix 1 full of or characterized by: full-time basis: she worked full time until
painful; restful. 2 able or tending to: useful. she was 72. —n full time 3 Soccer, rugby,
~n suffix 3 as much as will fill the thing & hockey the end of the game.
specified: mouthful. full toss or pitch n Cricket a bowled ball
fulcrum n, pl -crums or-era the pivot about that reaches the batsman without bouncing,
which a lever turns. fully adv 1 to the greatest degree or extent. 2
fulfil or US fulfill vb-filling, -filled 1 to bring amply or adequately. 3 at least: fully a
about the achievement of (a desire or prom- hundred people.
ise). 2 to carry out (a request or order). 3 to fully-fashioned adj (of stockings or knit-
satisfy (demands or conditions). 4 fulfil wear) shaped and seamed so as to fit close-
oneself to achieve one’s potential, fulfil- ~ ly-
ment or US fulfillment n fulmar n a heavily-built Arctic sea bird with
full1 adj 1 holding as much or as many as a short tail.
possible. 2 abundant in supply: full of en- fulminate vb -nating, -nated fulminate
fulsome 320 funny bone
against to criticize or denounce angrily, fundamental particle n Physics same as el-
fulmination n ementary partiele.
fulsome adj exaggerated and elaborate, and fundi (foon-dee) n S African an expert,
often sounding insincere: fulsome praise. funding n 1 the provision of money for a
fumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to use the hands project or organization. 2 the amount of
clumsily or grope about blindly: fumbling money provided.
for a cigarette. 2 to say or do awkwardly. fundraiser n 1 a person involved in organiz-
~n 3 the act of fumbling. ing fundraising activities. 2 an event held to
fume vb fuming, fumed 1 to be overcome raise money for a cause.
with anger or fury. 2 to give off (fumes) or fundraising n 1 the activity involved in rais-
(of fumes) to be given off, esp. during a ing money for a cause. —adj 2 of, for, or re-
chemical reaction. 3 to treat with fumes. lating to fundraising: a fundraising disco.
~n 4 a pungent or toxic vapour, gas, or funds pl n money that is readily available,
smoke. funeral n 1 a ceremony at which a dead per-
fumigate (fyew-mig-gate) vb -gating, -gated son is buried or cremated. 2 it’s your fu-
to treat (something contaminated) with neral Informal a mistake has been made
fumes, fumigation n and you alone will be responsible for its
fun n 1 pleasant, enjoyable, and light- consequences. —adj 3 of or for a funeral,
hearted activity or amusement. 2 for or in funerary adj
fun for amusement or as a joke. 3 make fun funeral director n an undertaker.
of or poke fun at to ridicule or tease. -adj funeral parlour n a place where the dead are
4 (of a person) amusing and likeable. 5 (of a prepared for burial or cremation.
place or activity) amusing and enjoyable. funereal (fyew-neer-ee-al) adj suggestive of
function n 1 the intended role or purpose of a funeral; gloomy or sombre, funereally
a person or thing. 2 an official or formal so- adv
cial gathering. 3 a factor, the precise nature funfair n Brit an amusement park with ma-
of which depends upon another thing in chines to ride on and stalls.
some way: muscle breakdown is a function
of vitamin E deficiency. 4 Maths a quantity, fungicide n a substance used to destroy
the value of which depends on the varying fungi.
value of another quantity. 5 a sequence of fungoid adj resembling a fungus.
operations that a computer or calculator fungous adj appearing suddenly and spread-
performs when a specified key is pressed. ing quickly like a fungus.
—vb 6 to operate or work. 7 funetion as to fungus n, pl fungi or funguses a plant
perform the action or role of (something or without leaves, flowers, or roots, that re-
someone else). produce by spores, including moulds,
functional adj 1 of or performing a function. yeasts, and mushrooms, fungal adj
2 practical rather than decorative. 3 in funicular (fyew-nik-yew-lar) n a railway up
working order. 4 Med affecting a function the side of a mountain, consisting of two
of an organ without structural change, cars at either end of a cable passing round a
functionally adv driving wheel at the summit. Also called:
functionalism n the theory that the form of funicular railway
a thing should be determined by its use. funk1 Old-fashioned, Brit ~n 1 a state of
functionalist n, adj nervousness, fear, or depression. 2 a cow-
functionary n, pl -aries a person acting in an ard. ~vb 3 to avoid doing (something)
official capacity, such as for a government; through fear.
official. funk2 n a type of Black dance music with a
fund n 1 a reserve of money set aside for a strong beat.
certain purpose. 2 a supply or store of funky adj -kier, -kiest (of jazz or pop) hav-
something. -vb 3 to provide money to. 4 ing a strong beat.
Finance to convert (short-term debt) into funnel n 1 a tube with a wide mouth taper-
long-term debt bearing fixed interest. ~See ing to a small hole, used for pouring liquids
also funds. into narrow openings. 2 a chimney of a ship
fundamental adj 1 essential or primary: or steam train, -vb -nelling, -nelled or US
fundamental mathematical concepts. 2 -neling, -neled 3 to move or cause to move
basic: a fundamental error. ~n 3 funda- through or as if through a funnel.
mentals the most important and basic parts funny adj -nier, -niest 1 causing amusement
of a subject or activity. 4 the lowest note of or laughter; humorous. 2 peculiar or odd. 3
a harmonic series, fundamentally adv Informal faint or ill: this smell is making me
fundamentalism n 1 Christianity the view feci a bit funny. 4 funny business Informal
that the Bible is literally true. 2 Islam a suspicious or dubious behaviour, funnily
movement favouring strict observance of adv funniness n
Islamic law. fundamentalist n, adj funny bone n a sensitive area near the
fur 321 fussy
elbow where the nerve is close to the sur- further education n (in Britain) formal edu-
face of the skin. cation beyond school other than at a uni-
fur n 1 the dense coat of fine silky hairs on versity or polytechnic.
many mammals. 2 the skin of certain ani- furthermore adv in addition.
mals, with the hair left on. 3 a garment furthest adv 1 to the greatest degree or ex-
made of fur. 4 make the fur fly to cause a tent. 2 to or at the greatest distance in time
scene or disturbance. 5 Informal a whitish or space; farthest, -adj 3 most distant in
coating on the tongue, caused by illness. 6 time or space; farthest.
Brit a deposit on the insides of water pipes furtive adj sly, cautious, and secretive, fur-
or kettles, caused by hard water. -vb fur- tively adv
ring, furred 7 Also: fur up to cover or be-
fury n, pl -ries 1 violent anger. 2 uncon-
come covered with a furlike deposit.
trolled violence: the fury of the sea. 3 an
furbelow n Old-fashioned 1 a pleated or outburst of violent anger. 4 a person with a
gathered piece of material used as a decora- violent temper. 5 like fury Old-fashioned
tion on a woman’s garment; ruffle. 2 with great energy, strength, or power.
furbelows showy ornamentation.
Fury n, pl -ries See Furies,
furbish vb Formal to brighten up or reno-
vate. furze n gorse, furzy adj
furcate vb -eating, -cated 1 to divide into fuse1 or US fuze n 1 a lead containing an ex-
two parts, -adj 2 forked: furcate branches. plosive for detonating a bomb, -vb fusing,
furcation n fused or fuzing, fuzed 2 to equip with such
a fuse, fuseless adj
Furies pl n, sing Fury Classical myth the
goddesses of vengeance, who pursued un- fuse2 n 1 a protective device for safeguard-
punished criminals. ing electric circuits, containing a wire that
melts and breaks the circuit when the cur-
furious adj 1 extremely angry or annoyed. 2 rent exceeds a certain value, —vb fusing,
violent or unrestrained, such as in speed or fused 2 Brit to fail or cause to fail as a re-
energy: fast and furious dance routines. sult of a fuse blowing. 3 to equip (a plug or
furiously adv circuit) with a fuse. 4 to join or become
furl vb to roll up (an umbrella, flag, or sail) combined: the two ideas fused in his mind. 5
neatly and securely. to unite or become united by melting. 6 to
furlong n a unit of length equal to 220 yards become or cause to become liquid, esp. by
(201.168 metres). the action of heat.
furlough (fur-loh) n leave of absence from fuselage (fyew-zill-lahzh) n the main body
military duty. of an aircraft.
furnace n 1 an enclosed chamber in which fusible adj capable of being melted.
heat is produced to destroy refuse or smelt fusilier (fyew-zill-leer) n (formerly) an in-
ores. 2 Informal a very hot place. fantryman armed with a light musket: a
furnish vb 1 to provide (a house or room) term still used in the names of certain Brit-
with furniture, etc. 2 to supply or provide, ish regiments.
furnished adj fusillade (fyew-zill-lade) n 1 a rapid contin-
furnishings pl n furniture, carpets, and fit- ual discharge of firearms. 2 a sudden out-
tings with which a room or house is fur- burst of criticism, questions, etc.
nished. fusion n 1 the act or process of melting to-
furniture n the large movable articles, such gether. 2 something produced by fusing. 3 a
as chairs and tables, that equip a room or kind of popular music that is a blend of two
house. or more styles, such as jazz and funk. 4
furore (fyew-ror-ee) n a very angry or ex- something new created by a mixture of
cited reaction by people to something: the qualities, ideas, or things. 5 See nuclear fu-
furore over “The Satanic Verses”. sion.
furrier n a person who makes or sells fur fuss n 1 needless activity and worry. 2 com-
garments. plaint or objection: it was silly to make a
furrow n 1 a long narrow trench made in the fuss over seating arrangements. 3 an exhi-
ground by a plough. 2 any long deep groove, bition of affection or admiration: when I ar-
esp. a deep wrinkle on the forehead, -vb 3 rived my nephews made a big fuss of me.
to become wrinkled. 4 to make furrows in -vb 4 to worry unnecessarily. 5 to be ex-
(land). cessively concerned over trivial matters. 6
furry adj -rier, -riest like or covered with fur to bother (a person). 7 fuss over to show
or something furlike. great or excessive concern or affection for.
further adv 1 in addition. 2 to a greater de- fusspot n Brit informal a person who is dif-
gree or extent. 3 to or at a more advanced ficult to please and complains often.
point. 4 to or at a greater distance in time or fussy adj fussier, fussiest 1 inclined to
space, -adj 5 additional. 6 more distant or fuss. 2 very particular about detail. 3 over-
remote in time or space, —vb 7 to assist the elaborate: a fussy, overdecorated palace.
progress of (something), furtherance n fussily adv
fustian 322 fwd
fustian n 1 (formerly) a hard-wearing fabric have been performed by a certain time. —n
of cotton mixed with flax or wool. 2 pomp- 2 the future perfect tense.
ous talk or writing. futures pl n commodities bought or sold at
fusty adj -tier, -tiest 1 smelling of damp or an agreed price for delivery at a specified
mould. 2 old-fashioned, fustiness n future date.
futile (fyew-tile) adj 1 useless or having no futurism n an early 20th-century artistic
chance of success. 2 foolish and of no value: movement making use of the characteristics
her futile remarks began to annoy me. fu- of the machine age. futurist n, adj
tility n
futuristic adj 1 of design or technology that
futon (foo-tonn) n a Japanese padded quilt,
laid on the floor as a bed. appears to belong to some future time. 2 of
futurism.
future n 1 the time yet to come. 2 undeter-
mined events that will occur in that time. 3 futurity n, pl -ties 1 future. 2 a future event,
the condition of a person or thing at a later futurology n the study or prediction of the
date. 4 prospects: he had faith in its future. future of mankind.
5 Grammar a tense of verbs used when the fuzz1 n a mass or covering of fine or curly
action specified has not yet taken place. 6 hairs, fibres, etc.
in future from now on. —adj 7 that is yet
to come or be. 8 of or expressing time yet to fuzz2 n Slang the police or a policeman.
come. 9 destined to become. 10 Grammar in fuzzy adj fuzzier, fuzziest 1 of, like, or cov-
or denoting the future as a tense of verbs. ered with fuzz. 2 unclear, blurred, or dis-
—See also futures. torted. 3 (of hair) tightly curled, fuzzily
future perfect Grammar -adj 1 denoting a adv fuzziness n
tense of verbs describing an action that will fwd forward.
 G
g 1 gallon(s). 2 gram(s). 3 acceleration due prive of free speech. ~n 4 something, usu-
to gravity. ally a piece of cloth, stuffed into or tied
G 1 Music the fifth note of the scale of C across the mouth. 5 any restraint on free
major. 2 gravity. 3 good. 4 giga-. 5 Slang speech. 6 a device for keeping the jaws
grand (a thousand pounds or dollars). apart: a dentist’s gag.
Ga Chem gallium. gag2 Informal —n 1 a joke, usually one told
GA Georgia. by a professional comedian, —vb gagging,
gagged 2 to tell jokes.
gab Informal -vb gabbing, gabbed 1 to
talk a lot, esp. about unimportant things. gaga (gah-gah) adj Informal 1 confused and
~n 2 idle talk. 3 gift of the gab the ability suffering some memory loss as a result of
to talk easily and persuasively. old age. 2 foolishly doting: she’s gaga over
him.
gabardine or gaberdine n 1 a strong twill
cloth used esp. for raincoats. 2 a coat made gage1 n (formerly) a glove or other object
of this cloth. thrown down to indicate a challenge to
fight.
gabble vb -bling, -bled 1 to speak rapidly
and indistinctly. ~n 2 rapid and indistinct gage2 n, vb gaging, gaged US same as
speech. gauge.
gable n the triangular upper part of a wall gaggle n 1 Informal a group of people gath-
between the sloping ends of a ridged roof, ered together. 2 a flock of geese.
gabled adj gaiety n, pl -ties 1 a state of lively good spir-
its. 2 festivity; merrymaking.
gad vb gadding, gadded (often foil, by
about or around) to go about in search of gaily adv 1 in a lively manner; cheerfully. 2
pleasure. with bright colours.
gadabout n Informal a person who restless- gain vb 1 to acquire (something desirable). 2
ly seeks amusement. to increase, improve, or advance: the shares
gained 4p. 3 gain on to get nearer to or
gadfly n, pl -flies 1 a large fly that bites catch up on. 4 to get to; reach: gaining the
livestock. 2 a constantly irritating person. top of one of the hills. 5 (of a watch or
gadget n a small mechanical device or ap- clock) to become or be too fast, —n 6 some-
pliance. gadgetry n thing won or acquired; profit; advantage: a
gadoid (gay-doid) adj 1 of or belonging to clear gain would result. 7 an increase in size
the cod family of marine fishes. ~n 2 any or amount. 8 Electronics the ratio of the
gadoid fish. output signal of an amplifier to the input
gadolinium n Chem a silvery-white metallic signal, usually measured in decibels.
element of the rare-earth group. Symbol: Gd gainful adj useful or profitable, gainfully
gadzooks interj Archaic a mild oath. adv
Gael (gayl) n a Gaelic-speaker of Scotland, gainsay vb -saying, -said Archaic or liter-
Ireland, or the Isle of Man. Gaeldom n ary to deny or contradict.
Gaelic (gal-lik, gay-lik) n 1 any of the close- gait n 1 manner of walking. 2 (of horses and
ly related Celtic languages of Scotland, Ire- dogs) the pattern of footsteps at a particu-
land, or the Isle of Man. -adj 2 of the Celt- lar speed, such as a trot.
ic people of Scotland, Ireland, or the Isle of gaiters pl n cloth or leather coverings for
Man, or their language. the legs or ankles.
gaff1 n 1 Angling a pole with a hook at- gal n Old-fashioned, slang a girl.
tached for landing large fish. 2 Naut a spar gala (gah-la) n 1 a special social occasion,
hoisted to support a fore-and-aft sail. esp. a special performance. 2 Chiefly Brit a
gaff2 n blow the gaff Brit slang to give sporting occasion with competitions in sev-
away a secret. eral events: next week’s sports gala.
gaffe n something said or done that is social- galactic adj of the Galaxy or other galaxies,
ly upsetting or incorrect. galaxy n, pl -axies 1 a star system held to-
gaffer n 1 Informal, chiefly Brit a boss or gether by gravitational attraction. 2 a col-
foreman. 2 an old man: often used affec- lection of brilliant people or things: a gal-
tionately. 3 Informal the senior electrician axy of legal talent.
on a television or film set. Galaxy n the Galaxy the spiral galaxy that
gag1 vb gagging, gagged 1 to choke as if _ contains the solar system. Also called:
about to vomit or as if struggling for Milky Way
breath. 2 to stop up (a person’s mouth), gale n 1 a strong wind, specifically one of
usually with a piece of cloth, to prevent force 8 on the Beaufort scale. 2 gales a loud
them from speaking or crying out. 3 to de- outburst: gales of laughter.
galena 324 game
galena or galenite n a soft bluish-grey min- gallop vb 1 (of a horse) to run fast with a
eral consisting of lead sulphide: the chief two-beat stride in which all four legs are off
source of lead. the ground at once. 2 to ride (a horse) at a
Galia melon n a kind of melon with a raised gallop. 3 to move or progress rapidly. ~-n 4
network texture on the skin and sweet the fast two-beat gait of horses. 5 a gallop-
flesh. ing.
gall1 (gawl) n 1 In forma/ bold impudence: gallows n, pl -lowses or -lows 1 a wooden
she was stunned I had the gall to ask. 2 a structure consisting of two upright posts
feeling of great bitterness. 3 Physiol obso- with a crossbeam, used for hanging crimi-
lete same as bile. nals. 2 the gallows execution by hanging.
gall2 (gawl) vb 1 to annoy or irritate. 2 to gallstone n a small hard mass formed in the
make the skin sore by rubbing. ~-n 3 some- gall bladder or its ducts.
thing that causes annoyance. 4 a sore on the Gallup Poll n a sampling of the views of a
skin caused by rubbing. representative cross section of the popula-
gall3 (gawl) n an abnormal outgrowth on a tion, usually used to forecast voting.
tree or plant caused by parasites. galop n 1 a 19th-century dance in quick
gallant adj 1 persistent and courageous in duple time. 2 music for this dance.
the face of overwhelming odds: a gallant galore adj in abundance: there were
fight. 2 (of a man) making a show of polite bargains galore.
attentiveness to women. 3 having a reputa- galoshes pl n a pair of waterproof over-
tion for bravery: Poliee Medal for gallant shoes.
and meritorious serviees. ~n 4 History a galumph vb Informal to leap or move about
young man who tried to impress women clumsily or joyfully.
with his fashionable clothes or daring acts,
gallantly adv galvanic adj 1 of or producing an electric
gallantry n 1 showy, attentive treatment of current by chemical means, such as in a bat-
women. 2 great bravery in war or danger. tery. 2 Informal stimulating, startling, or
energetic.
gall bladder n a muscular sac, attached to
the liver, that stores bile. galvanize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
-nising, -nised 1 to stimulate into action. 2
galleon n a large, three-masted sailing ship to cover (metal) with a protective zinc coat-
used from the 15th to the 18th centuries. ing. 3 to stimulate by an electric current,
gallery n, pl -leries 1 a room or building for galvanization orx -nisation n
displaying works of art. 2 a balcony run- galvanometer n a sensitive instrument for
ning along or around the inside wall of a detecting or measuring small electric cur-
church, hall, or other building. 3 Theatre a rents.
an upper floor that projects from the rear
and contains the cheapest seats, b the audi- gambit n 1 an opening remark or action in-
ence seated there. 4 an underground pas- tended to gain an advantage. 2 Chess an
sage in a mine or cave. 5 a group of specta- opening move in which a piece, usually a
tors, for instance at a golf match. 6 play to pawn, is sacrificed to gain an advantageous
the gallery to try to gain approval by ap- position.
pealing to popular taste. gamble vb -bling, -bled 1 to play games of
galley n 1 the kitchen of a ship, boat, or air- chance to win money or prizes. 2 to risk or
craft. 2 a ship propelled by oars or sails, bet (something) on the outcome of an event
used in ancient or medieval times. or sport. 3 gamble on to act with the expec-
galley slave n 1 a criminal or slave forced to tation of: she has gambled on proving
row in a galley. 2 Informal a drudge. everyone wrong. 4 gamble away to lose by
gambling. ~n 5 a risky act or venture. 6 a
Gallic adj 1 French. 2 of ancient Gaul or the bet or wager, gambler n gambling n
Gauls.
gamboge (gam-boje) n a gum resin obtained
Gallicism n a word or idiom borrowed from from a tropical Asian tree, used as a yellow
French. pigment and as a purgative.
gallinaceous adj of an order of birds, in- gambol vb -boiling, -boiled or US -boling,
cluding poultry, pheasants, and grouse, -boled 1 to jump about playfully; frolic. ~n
that have a heavy rounded body. 2 playful jumping about; frolicking.
galling (gawl-ing) adj annoying or bitterly game1 n 1 an amusement for children. 2 a
humiliating. competitive activity with rules. 3 a single
gallium n Chem a silvery metallic element period of play in such an activity. 4 (in
used in high-temperature thermometers and some sports) the score needed to win. 5 a
low-melting alloys. Symbol: Ga single contest in a series; match. 6 short for
gallivant vb to go about in search of pleas- computer game. 7 style or ability in play-
ure. ing a game: Swansea’s game suddenly loos-
gallon n 1 Brit a unit of liquid measure equal ened. 8 an activity that seems to operate
to 4.55 litres. 2 US a unit of liquid measure according to unwritten rules: the politieal
equal to 3.79 litres. game of power. 9 an activity undertaken in
game 325 garden centre
a spirit of playfulness: people who regard gangplank n Naut a portable bridge for
life as a game. 10 wild animals, birds, or boarding and leaving a ship.
fish, hunted for sport or food. 11 the flesh gangrene n decay of body tissue caused by
of such animals, used as food. 12 an object the blood supply being interrupted by dis-
of pursuit: fair game. 13 Informal a trick or ease or injury, gangrenous adj
scheme: what’s his game? 14 games an gangsta rap n a style of rap music portray-
event consisting of various sporting con- ing life in Black ghettos in the U.S. and fea-
tests, usually in athletics: Commonwealth turing lyrics that are anti-authority and de-
Games. 15 on the game Slang, chiefly Brit rogatory to women.
working as a prostitute. 16 give the game
away to reveal one’s intentions or a secret. gangster n a member of an organized gang
17 play the game to behave fairly. 18 the of criminals.
game is up the scheme or trick has been gangue n valueless material in an ore.
found out and so cannot succeed, —adj 19 gang up on or against vb Informal to com-
Informal full of fighting spirit; plucky. 20 bine in a group against.
Informal prepared or willing: I’m always gangway n 1 Brit an aisle between rows of
game for a new sensation, -vb gaming, seats. 2 same as gangplank. 3 an opening in
gamed 21 to play games of chance for a ship’s side to take a gangplank.
money; gamble, gamely adv gameness n
gannet n 1 a heavily built white sea bird. 2
game2 adj lame: he had a game leg. Slang a greedy person.
gamekeeper n a person employed to take
ganoid adj 1 (of the scales of certain fishes)
care of game on an estate. consisting of an inner bony layer covered
gamesmanship n Informal the art of win- with an enamel-like substance. 2 (of a fish)
ning by cunning practices without actually having such scales, —n 3 a ganoid fish.
cheating.
gantry n, pl -tries a large metal framework
gamester n a gambler. used to support something, such as a travel-
gamete (gam-eet) n a cell that can fuse with ling crane, or to position a rocket on its
another in reproduction, gametic adj launching pad.
gamey or gamy adj gamier, gamiest having gaol (jayl) n, vb Brit same as jail, gaoler n
the smell or flavour of game. gap n 1 a break or opening in something. 2
gamin n a street urchin. an interruption or interval. 3 a difference in
gamine (gam-een) n a slim and boyish girl ideas or viewpoint: the generation gap.
or young woman. gappy adj
gaming n gambling. gape vb gaping, gaped 1 to stare in wonder
gamma n the third letter in the Greek al- with the mouth open. 2 to open the mouth
phabet (r, 7). wide, as in yawning. 3 to be or become wide
gamma radiation n electromagnetic radia- open: a hole gaped in the roof, gaping adj
tion of shorter wavelength and higher ener- garage n 1 a building used to keep cars. 2 a
gy than x-rays. place where cars are repaired and petrol is
gamma rays pl n streams of gamma radia- sold, -vb -aging, -aged 3 to put or keep a
tion. car in a garage.
gammon n 1 cured or smoked ham. 2 the garage sale n a sale of household items held
hindquarter of a side of bacon. at a person’s home, usually in the garage.
gammy adj -mier, -miest Brit slang (of the garb n 1 clothes, usually the distinctive
leg) lame. dress of an occupation or group: modern
gamp n Brit informal an umbrella. military garb, —vb 2 to clothe.
gamut n 1 entire range or scale: a rich gamut garbage n 1 US household waste. 2 worth-
of facial expressions. 2 Music a a scale, b less rubbish or nonsense.
the whole range of notes. garbled adj (of a story, message, etc.) jum-
gamy adj same as gamey. bled and confused.
gander n 1 a male goose. 2 Informal a quick gar£on (garss-on) n a waiter.
look: have a gander. garda n, pl gardai a member of the police
gang1 n 1 a group of people who go around force of the Republic of Ireland.
together, often to commit crime. 2 an organ- garden n 1 Brit an area of land usually next
ized group of workmen, -vb 3 to become or to a house, for growing flowers, fruit, or
act as a gang. —See also gang up on. vegetables. 2 Also: gardens a cultivated
gang2 vb Scot to go or walk, area of land open to the public: Kensington
gangland n the criminal underworld, Gardens. 3 lead someone up the garden
gangling or gangly adj lanky and awkward path Informal to mislead or deceive some-
in movement. one. -vb 4 to work in or take care of a gar-
ganglion n, pl -glia, or -glions a collection of den. gardenern gardening/?
nerve cells outside the brain and spinal garden centre n a place where plants and
cord, ganglionic adj gardening tools and equipment are sold.
garden city 326 gate
garden city n Brit a planned town of limited gasbag n Informal a person who talks too
size surrounded by countryside. much.
gardenia (gar-deen-ya) n 1 a large fragrant gas chamber n an airtight room which is
waxy white flower. 2 the evergreen shrub filled with poison gas to kill people.
on which it grows. gaseous adj of or like a gas.
gargantuan adj huge or enormous. gash n 1 a long deep cut. -vb 2 to make a
gargle vb -gling, -gled 1 to rinse the mouth long deep cut in.
and throat with (a liquid) by slowly breath- gasholder n a large tank for storing gas be-
ing out through the liquid. ~n 2 the liquid fore distributing it to users.
used for gargling. 3 the act or sound of gar- gasify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to change into a
gling. gas. gasification n
gargoyle n (on ancient buildings) a water- gasket n a piece of paper, rubber, or metal
spout below the roof carved in the form of a sandwiched between the faces of a metal
grotesque face or figure. joint to provide a seal.
garish adj crudely bright or colourful, gar- gaslight n 1 a lamp in which light is pro-
ishly adv garishness n duced by burning gas. 2 the light produced
garland n 1 a wreath of flowers and leaves by such a lamp.
worn round the head or neck or hung up. gasman n, pl -men a man employed to read
-vb 2 to decorate with a garland or gar- household gas meters and install or repair
lands. gas fittings, etc.
garlic n the bulb of a plant of the onion fami- gas mask n a mask fitted with a chemical
ly, with a strong taste and smell, made up filter to protect the wearer from breathing
of small segments which are used in cook- in harmful gases.
ing. garlicky adj gas meter n a device for measuring and re-
garment n an article of clothing. cording the amount of gas passed through
garner vb to collect or gather: the financial it.
rewards garnered by his book. gasoline or gasolene n US & Canad petrol,
garnet n a red semiprecious gemstone, gasometer (gas-som-it-er) n same as gas-
garnish vb 1 to decorate (food) with some- holder.
thing to add to its appearance or flavour. gasp vb 1 to draw in the breath sharply or
~n 2 a decoration for food. with difficulty. 2 to utter breathlessly. -n
garret n an attic in a house. 3 a short convulsive intake of breath.
garrison n 1 soldiers who guard a base or gas ring n a circular metal pipe with several
fort. 2 the place itself. -vb 3 to station holes in it fed with gas for cooking.
(soldiers) in (a fort or base). gassy adj -sier, -siest filled with, contain-
garrotte or garotte n 1 a Spanish method of ing, or like gas. gassiness n
execution by strangling. 2 a cord, wire, or gastric adj of the stomach.
iron collar, used to strangle someone. -vb
-rotting, -rotted 3 to execute with a gar- gastric juice n a digestive fluid secreted by
rotte. the stomach.
garrulous adj constantly chattering; talka- gastric ulcer n an ulcer on the lining of the
tive. garrulousness n stomach.
garter n 1 a band, usually of elastic, worn gastritis n inflammation of the lining of the
round the leg to hold up a sock or stocking. stomach, causing vomiting or gastric ulcers,
2 US & Canad a suspender. gastroenteritis n inflammation of the stom-
Garter n the Order of the Garter the high- ach and intestine, causing vomiting and di-
est order of British knighthood. arrhoea.
garter stitch n knitting in which all the rows gastronomy n the art of good eating, gas-
are knitted in plain stitch. tronomic adj
gas n, pl gases or gasses 1 an airlike sub- gastropod n a mollusc, such as a snail or
stance that is neither liquid nor solid at whelk that has a single flat muscular foot,
room temperature and atmospheric pres- eyes on stalks, and usually a spiral shell.
sure. 2 a fossil fuel in the form of a gas, gasworks n a factory in which coal gas is
used as a source of heat. 3 an anaesthetic in made.
the form of a gas. 4 Mining firedamp or the gate n 1 a movable barrier, usually hinged,
explosive mixture of firedamp and air. 5 for closing an opening in a wall or fence. 2 a
US, Canad, Austral, NZ petrol. 6 a poison- the number of people admitted to a sporting
ous gas used in war. 7 Informal idle talk or event or entertainment, b the total entrance
boasting. 8 Slang an entertaining person or money received from them. 3 an exit at an
thing: Monterey was a gas for musicians airport by which passengers get to an air-
and fans alike, -vb gases or gasses, gas- craft. 4 Electronics a circuit with one or
sing, gassed 9 to subject to gas fumes so as more input terminals and one output termi-
to make unconscious or to suffocate. 10 In- nal, the output being determined by the
formal to talk a lot; chatter. combination of input signals. 5 a slotted
gateau 327 gear
metal frame that controls the positions of gavotte n 1 an old formal dance in quadru-
the gear lever in a motor vehicle. ple time. 2 music for this dance.
gateau (gat-toe) n, pl -teaux (-toes) a large gawk vb 1 to stare stupidly. ~n 2 a clumsy
rich layered cake. stupid person.
gate-crash vb Informal to gain entry to (a gawky adj gawkier, gawkiest clumsy and
party) without invitation, gate-crasher n awkward.
gatehouse n a building at or above a gate- gawp vb Slang to stare stupidly.
way. gay adj 1 homosexual. 2 carefree and merry:
gate-leg table or gate-legged table n a with gay abandon. 3 bright and cheerful:
table with leaves supported by hinged legs smartly dressed in gay colours. ~n 4 a
that can swing back to let the leaves hang homosexual, esp. a homosexual man: soli-
from the frame. darity amongst lesbians and gays.
gateway n 1 an entrance that may be closed
► The meaning “homosexual” is now the
by a gate. 2 a means of entry or access: his most frequent use of gay, which retains the
meaning “happy” only in older books.
only gateway to the outside world.
gayness n homosexuality.
gather vb 1 to come or bring together. 2 to
increase gradually in (pace, speed, or mo- gaze vb gazing, gazed 1 to look long and
mentum). 3 to prepare oneself for a task or steadily at someone or something. ~n 2 a
challenge by collecting one’s thoughts, long steady look.
strength, or courage. 4 to learn from infor- gazebo (gaz-zee-boh) n, pl -bos a summer-
mation given; conclude: this is pretty im- house or pavilion with a good view.
portant, I gather. 5 to draw (fabric) into gazelle n a small graceful fawn-coloured
small folds or tucks. 6 to pick or harvest antelope of Africa and Asia.
(crops). ~n 7 gathers small folds or tucks gazette man official newspaper that gives
in fabric. lists of announcements, for instance in legal
gathering n a group of people, usu. meeting or military affairs.
for some particular purpose. gazetteer n a book or section of a book that
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and lists and describes places.
Trade. gazump vb Brit informal to raise the price
gauche (gohsh) ad) socially awkward, of a house after agreeing a price verbally
gaucho (gow-choh) n, pl -chos a cowboy of with an intending buyer.
the South American pampas. gazunder vb Brit informal to reduce an
gaudy adj gaudier, gaudiest vulgarly
offer on a house immediately before ex-
changing contracts, having earlier agreed a
bright or colourful, gaudily adv gaudi- higher price with (the seller).
ness n
GB Great Britain.
gauge (gayj) vb gauging, gauged 1 to esti-
mate or judge (people’s feelings or reac- GBH grievous bodily harm.
tions). 2 to measure using a gauge. ~n 3 an GC George Cross (a Brit, award for brav-
instrument for measuring quantities: a pet- ery).
rol gauge. 4 a scale or standard of meas- GCE (in Britain) 1 General Certificate of
urement. 5 a standard for estimating peo- Education. 2 Informal a pass in a GCE ex-
ple’s feelings or reactions: a gauge of public amination.
opinion. 6 the diameter of the barrel of a GCSE (in Britain) 1 General Certificate of
gun. 7 the distance between the rails of a Secondary Education; an examination in
railway track. specified subjects which replaced the GCE
Gaul n a native of ancient Gaul. 0 level and CSE. 2 Informal a pass in a
gaunt adj 1 bony and emaciated in appear- GCSE examination.
ance. 2 (of a place) bleak or desolate: the Gd Chem gadolinium.
gaunt disused flour mill, gauntness n GDP gross domestic product.
gauntlet1 n 1 a long heavy protective glove. Ge Chem germanium.
2 a medieval armoured glove. 3 take up the gear n 1 a set of toothed wheels that en-
gauntlet to accept a challenge. gages with another or with a rack in order
gauntlet2 n run the gauntlet to be exposed to change the speed or direction of trans-
to criticism or harsh treatment. mitted motion. 2 a mechanism for transmit-
gauss (rhymes with mouse) n, pl gauss the ting motion by gears. 3 the setting of a gear
cgs unit of magnetic flux density. to suit engine speed ov direction: a higher
gear; reverse gear. 4 clothing or personal
gauze n a transparent, loosely woven cloth, belongings. 5 equipment for a particular
often used for surgical dressings, gauzy adj task: police in riot gear. 6 in or out of gear
gave vb the past tense of give. with the gear mechanism engaged or disen-
gavel (gav-vl) n a small hammer used by a gaged. ~vb 7 to prepare or organize for
judge, auctioneer, or chairman to call for something: a population geared for war.
order or attention. -See also gear up.
gearbox 328 generation
gearbox n the metal casing enclosing a set genealogy (jean-ce-al-a-jee) n 1 the direct
of gears in a motor vehicle. descent of an individual or group from an
gearing n a system of gears designed to ancestor. 2 (pl -gies) a chart showing the
transmit motion. descent of an individual or group, genea-
gear lever or US & Canad gearshift n a logical adj genealogist n
lever used to engage or change gears in a genera (jen-er-a) n a plural of genus,
motor vehicle. general adj 1 common or widespread: gen-
gear up vb to prepare for an activity: to eral goodwill. 2 of, affecting, or including
gear up for a massive relief operation. all or most of the members of a group. 3 not
gearwheel n one of the toothed wheels in specialized or specializing: a general hospi-
the gears of a motor vehicle. tal. 4 including various or miscellaneous
gecko n, pl geckos a small tropical lizard, items: general knowledge. 5 not definite;
gee interj US & Canad informal a mild ex- vague: the examples used will give a gener-
clamation of surprise, admiration, etc. Also: al idea. 6 highest in authority or rank: the
gee whiz club’s general manager. ~n 7 a very senior
military officer. 8 in general generally;
geese n the plural of goose1, mostly or usually.
geezer n Informal a man. general anaesthetic n a substance that
Geiger counter (guy-ger) or Geiger-Muller causes general anaesthesia. See anaesthe-
counter n an instrument for detecting and sia.
measuring radiation. general election n an election in which rep-
geisha (gay-sha) n a professional female resentatives are chosen in all constituencies
companion for men in Japan, trained in of a state.
music, dancing, and conversation. generalissimo n, pl -mos a supreme com-
gel (jell) n 1 a thick jelly-like substance, mander of combined armed forces.
esp. one used to keep a hairstyle in shape. generality n 1 (pl -ties) a general principle
~vb gelling, gelled 2 to become a gel. 3 or observation: speaking in generalities. 2
same as jell. 4 to apply gel to (one’s hair). Old-fashioned the majority: the generality
gelatine (jell-a-teen) or gelatin n a clear of mankind.
water-soluble protein made by boiling ani- generalization or -isation n a principle or
mal hides and bones, used in cooking, pho- statement based on specific instances but
tography, etc.
applied generally: the argument sinks to
gelatinous (jill-at-in-uss) adj with a thick, generalizations and name-calling.
semi-liquid consistency.
generalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
geld vb gelding, gelded or gelt to castrate -ised 1 to form general principles or conclu-
(a horse or other animal). sions from specific instances. 2 to speak in
gelding n a castrated male horse. generalities. 3 to make widely used or
gelignite n a type of dynamite used for known: generalized violence.
blasting. generally adv 1 usually; as a rule: these
gem n 1 a precious stone used for decora- protests have generally been peaceful. 2
tion. 2 a person or thing regarded as pre- commonly or widely: it’s generally agreed
cious or special: a perfect gem of a hotel. he has performed well. 3 not specifically;
Gemini n Astrol the third sign of the zodiac; broadly: what are your thoughts generally
the Twins. about the war?
gemsbok (hemss-bok) n S African same as general practitioner n a doctor who does
oryx. not specialize but has a general medical
gemstone n a precious or semiprecious practice in which he or she treats all
stone, esp. one which has been cut and pol- illnesses.
ished. general-purpose adj having a variety of
gen n Brit, Austral & NZ informal informa- uses: general-purpose cooking oil.
tion: I want to get as much gen as I can general staff n officers who assist com-
about the American market. -See also gen manders in the planning and execution of
up on. military operations.
Gen. General. general strike n a strike by all or most of
gendarme (zhahn-darm) n a member of the the workers of a country.
French police force. generate vb -ating, -ated to produce or cre-
gender n 1 the state of being male, female, ate.
or neuter. 2 the classification of nouns in generation n 1 all the people of approxi-
certain languages as masculine, feminine, or mately the same age: the younger genera-
neuter. tion. 2 a successive stage in descent of peo-
gene (jean) n a unit composed of DNA form- ple or animals: passed on from generation
ing part of a chromosome, by which inherit- to generation. 3 the average time between
ed characteristics are transmitted from two generations of a species, about 35 years
parent to offspring. for humans: an alliance which has lasted a
generation gap 329 geometric
generation. 4 a specified stage of develop- polite. 2 respectable, polite, and well-bred,
ment: the next generation of fighter air- genteelly adv
craft. 5 production, esp. of electricity or gentian (jen-shun) n a mountain plant with
heat. blue or purple flowers.
generation gap n the difference in outlook gentian violet n a violet-coloured solution
and the lack of understanding between used as an antiseptic and in the treatment
people of different generations. of burns.
generative adj capable of producing or Gentile n 1 a person who is not a Jew. —adj
originating something. 2 not Jewish.
generator n a device for converting me- gentility n, pl -ties 1 noble birth or ancestry.
chanical energy into electrical energy. 2 respectability and good manners.
generic (jin-ner-ik) adj of a whole class, or gentle adj 1 kind and calm in character. 2
group, or genus, generically adv temperate or moderate: gentle autumn rain.
generous adj 1 ready to give freely; unself- 3 soft; not sharp or harsh: gentle curves.
ish. 2 free from pettiness in character and gentleness n gently adv
mind. 3 large or plentiful: a generous dona- gentlefolk pl n Old-fashioned people re-
tion. generously adv generosity n garded as being of good breeding.
genesis (jen-iss-iss) n, pl -ses (-seez) the gentleman n, pl -men 1 a cultured, cour-
beginning or origin of anything. teous, and well-bred man. 2 a man who
comes from a family of high social position.
genetic (jin-net-tik) adj of genetics, genes, 3 a polite name for a man. gentlemanly adj
or the origin of something, genetically adv gentrification n a process by which the
genetic code n Biochem the order in which character of a traditionally working class
the four nucleic acid bases of DNA are ar- area is made fashionable by middle class
ranged in the molecule for transmitting ge- people, gentrify vb
netic information to the cells. gentry n Brit old-fashioned people just
genetic engineering n alteration of the ge- below the nobility in social rank.
netic structure of an organism in order to gents n Brit informal a men’s public toilet,
produce more desirable traits. genuflect vb to bend the knee as a sign of
genetic fingerprinting n the use of a per- reverence or deference, esp. in church,
son’s unique pattern of DNA, which can be genuflection n
obtained from blood, saliva, or tissue, as a genuine adj 1 real and exactly what it ap-
means of identification, genetic finger- pears to be: a genuine antique. 2 sincerely
print n felt: genuine concern. 3 (of a person) honest
genetics n the study of heredity and vari- and without pretence. genuinely adv
ation in organisms, geneticist n genuineness n
genial (jean-ee-al) adj cheerful, easy-going, gen up on vb genning, genned Brit infor-
and friendly, geniality n genially adv mal to become, or make someone else, fully
genie (jean-ee) n (in fairy tales) a servant informed about.
who appears by magic and fulfils a person’s genus (jean-uss) n, pl genera or genuses 1
wishes. Biol one of the groups into which a family is
genital adj of the sexual organs or reproduc- divided, containing one or more species. 2 a
tion. class or group.
genitals or genitalia (jen-it-ail-ya) pl n the geocentric adj 1 having the earth as a cen-
external sexual organs. tre. 2 measured as from the centre of the
earth.
genitive n Grammar a grammatical case in
geodesic adj 1 relating to the geometry of
some languages used to indicate a relation curved surfaces, —n 2 the shortest line be-
of ownership or association.
tween two points on a curved surface.
genius (jean-yuss) n, pl -uses 1 a person geodesy n the study of the shape and size
with exceptional ability in a particular sub- of the earth.
ject or activity. 2 such ability. 3 a person
considered as exerting influence of a cer- geography n 1 the study of the earth’s sur-
tain sort: the evil genius behind the drug- face, including physical features, climate,
smuggling empire. and population. 2 the physical features of a
region, geographer n geographical or
genocide (jen-no-side) n the deliberate kill- geographic adj geographically adv
ing of a people or nation, genocidal adj geology n 1 the study of the origin, struc-
genre (zhahn-ra) n 1 a kind or type of liter- ture, and composition of the earth. 2 the
ary, musical, or artistic work: the mystery geological features of an area, geologist n
and supernatural genres. 2 a kind of paint- geological adj geologically adv
ing depicting incidents from everyday life. geometric or geometrical adj 1 of geom-
gent n Old-fashioned, informal short for etry. 2 consisting of shapes used in geom-
gentleman. etry, such as circles, triangles, and straight
genteel adj 1 overly concerned with being lines: geometric design, geometrically adv
geometric progression 330 get away
geometric progression n a sequence of development: the germinal phases of the
numbers, eaeh of which differs from the case. 2 of germ cells.
succeeding one by a constant ratio, for ex- germinate vb -nating, -nated to grow or
ample 1, 2, 4, 8. cause to grow, germination n
geometry n the branch of mathematics con- germ warfare n the military use of disease-
cerned with points, lines, curves, and sur- spreading bacteria against an enemy.
faces. geometrician n gerontology n the scientific study of ageing
geophysics n the study of the earth’s and the problems of old people, gerontolo-
physieal properties and the physical forces gist n
which affect it. geophysical adj geo- gerrymandering n the practice of dividing
physicist n the constituencies of a voting area so as to
Geordie Brit -n 1 a person from Tyneside. give one party an unfair advantage.
2 the Tyneside dialect. -adj 3 of Tyneside: gerund (jer-rund) n a noun formed from a
a Geordie accent. verb, ending in -ing, denoting an action or
George Cross n a British award for brav- state, for example running.
ery, usu. awarded to civilians. gesso (jess-oh) n plaster used for painting
georgette (jor-jet) n a thin crepe dress ma- or in sculpture.
terial. Gestapo n the secret state police of Nazi
Georgian adj 1 of or in the reigns of any of Germany.
the kings of Great Britain and Ireland called gestation n 1 the process of carrying and
George. 2 denoting a style of architecture or developing babies in the womb during
furniture prevalent in Britain in the 18th pregnancy, or the time during which this
century: an elegant Georgian terrace in Ed- proeess takes place. 2 the process of devel-
inburgh. oping a plan or idea in the mind.
geostationary adj (of a satellite) orbiting so gesticulate vb -lating, -lated to make ex-
as to remain over the same point on the pressive movements with the hands and
earth’s surface. arms, usually while talking, gesticulation
geothermal adj of or using the heat in the n
earth’s interior. gesture n 1 a movement of the hands, head,
geranium n a cultivated plant with scarlet, or body to express or emphasize an idea or
pink, or white flowers. emotion. 2 something said or done to indi-
gerbil (jur-bill) n a small rodent with long cate intention, or .as a formality: a gesture
back legs, often kept as a pet. of goodwill, —vb -turing, -tured 3 to make
geriatric adj 1 of geriatrics or old people. expressive movements with the hands and
~n 2 an old person, esp. as a patient. arms.
geriatrics n the braneh of medicine con- get vb getting, got 1 to come into posses-
cerned with illnesses affecting old people. sion of. 2 to bring or fetch. 3 to cateh (an
germ n 1 a tiny living thing, esp. one that illness). 4 to become: they get frustrated
causes disease: a diphtheria germ. 2 the be- and angry. 5 to cause to be done or to hap-
ginning from which something may devel- pen: he got a wart removed; to get steamed
op: the germ of a book. up. 6 to hear or understand: did you get
German adj 1 of Germany. —n 2 a person that joke? 7 to reaeh (a place or point): we
from Germany. 3 the official language of could not get to the airport in time. 8 to
Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzer- catch (a bus or train). 9 to persuade: she
land. trying to get him to give secrets away. 10
Informal to annoy: you know what really
germane adj relevant: the studies provided gets me? 11 Informal to baffle: now you’ve
some evidence germane to these questions. got me. 12 Informal to hit: a bit of grenade
Germanic n 1 the ancient language from got me on the left hip. 13 Informal to be re-
which English, German, and the Scandina- venged on. 14 Informal to start: we got talk-
vian languages developed, -adj 2 of this ing about it; it got me thinking. 15 -n 16
ancient language or the languages that de- Brit slang same as git. -See also get
veloped from it. 3 characteristic of German about, get across, etc.
people or things: Germanie-looking indi- get about or around vb 1 to be socially ac-
viduals. tive. 2 (of news or a rumour) to circulate.
germanium n Chem a brittle grey metalloid get across vb to make (something) under-
element that is a semiconductor and is used stood.
in transistors. Symbol: Ge
get at vb 1 to gain access to: to get at the in-
German measles n same as rubella. formation on these disks. 2 to imply or
German shepherd dog n same as Alsatian, mean: it is hard to see quite what he is get-
germ cell n a sexual reproductive cell, ting at. 3 to annoy or criticize persistently:
germicide n a substance used to destroy people who know they’re being got at.
germs. get away vb 1 to escape or leave. 2 get
germinal adj I of or in the earliest stage of away with to do (something wrong) with-
get back 331 giddy
out being caught or punished, —interj 3 an charges steam and hot water. 2 Brit a do-
exclamation of disbelief. ~n getaway 4 the mestic gas water heater.
act of escaping, usually by criminals, -adj ghastly adj -tier, -liest 1 Informal very un-
getaway 5 used to escape: the getaway car pleasant. 2 deathly pale. 3 horrible: a ghast-
was abandoned. ly accident.
get back vb 1 to have (something) returned ghat n (in India) 1 stairs leading down to a
to one. 2 to return to a former state or activ- river. 2 a mountain pass.
ity: get back to normal. 3 get back at to re- ghee (gee) n clarified butter, used in Indian
taliate against. 4 get one’s own back In- cookery.
formal to get one’s revenge. gherkin n a small pickled cucumber.
get by vb Informal to manage in spite of dif- ghetto n, pl -tos or -toes an area that is in-
ficulties: he saw for himself what people habited by people of a particular race, reli-
did to get by. gion, nationality, or class.
get in vb 1 to arrive. 2 to be elected. 3 get in ghetto blaster n Informal a large portable
on to join in (an activity). cassette recorder with built-in speakers.
get off vb 1 to leave (a bus or train or a ghillie n same as gillie.
place). 2 to escape the consequences of or ghost n 1 the disembodied spirit of a dead
punishment for an action: the real culprits person, supposed to haunt the living. 2 a
have got off scot-free. 3 get off with Brit faint trace: the ghost of a smile. 3 a faint
informal to begin a romantic or sexual rela- secondary image in an optical instrument
tionship with. on a television screen, —vb 4 short for
get on vb 1 to enter (a bus or train). 2 to ghostwrite.
have a friendly relationship: he had a flair ghostly adj -tier, -liest frightening in ap-
forgetting on with people. 3 to grow old: he pearance or effect: ghostly noises.
was getting on in years. 4 (of time) to ghost town n a town that used to be busy
elapse: the time was getting on. 5 to make but is now deserted.
progress: how are the children getting on? 6
get on with to continue to do: you can get ghostwrite vb -writing, -wrote, -written to
on with whatever you were doing before. 7 write (an article or book) on behalf of a
getting on for approaching (a time, age, or person who is then credited as author,
amount): getting on for half a century ago. ghostwriter n
ghoul (gool) n 1 a person who is interested
get out vb 1 to leave or escape. 2 to become
known. 3 to gain something of significance in morbid or disgusting things. 2 a demon
or value: that’s all I got out of it. 4 get out that eats corpses, ghoulish adj ghoulishly
adv
of to avoid: to get out of doing the dishes.
GHQ Mil General Headquarters.
get over vb 1 to recover from (aq illness or
unhappy experience). 2 to overcome (a Gl n, pl GIs or GI’s US informal a soldier in
problem). 3 get over with to bring (some- the US Army.
thing necessary but unpleasant) to an end: giant n 1 a mythical figure of superhuman
better to get it over with. size and strength. 2 a person or thing of ex-
get round vb 1 to overcome (a problem or
ceptional size, ability, or importance: indus-
difficulty). 2 (of news or a rumour) to circu- trial giants, -adj 3 remarkably large. 4 (of
late. 3 Informal to gain the indulgence of an atom or ion or its structure) having large
(someone) by praise or flattery: a child who numbers of particles present in a crystal
learned to get round everybody and have lattice, with each particle exerting a strong
her own way. 4 get round to to come to (a force of attraction on those near to it.
task) eventually: I will get round to paying giant panda n See panda.
the bill. gibber (jib-ber) vb to talk in a fast and un-
get through vb 1 to complete (a task or pro- intelligible manner.
cess). 2 to use up (money or supplies). 3 to gibberish n rapid incomprehensible talk;
succeed in (an examination or test). 4 get nonsense.
through to a to succeed in making (some- gibbet (jib-bit) n a gallows.
one) understand, b to contact (someone) by gibbon (gib-bon) n a small agile ape of the
telephone. forests of S Asia.
get-together n 1 Informal a small informal gibbous adj (of the moon) more than half
social gathering, -vb get together 2 to but less than fully illuminated.
meet socially or in order to have a discus- gibe (jibe) n, vb gibing, gibed same as
sion. jibe1.
get up vb 1 to get out of bed. 2 get up to In- giblets (jib-lits) pl n the gizzard, liver,
formal to be involved in: I don’t know what heart, and neck of a fowl.
those guys got up to down there. ~n get-up gidday interj Austral & NZ informal same as
3 Informal a costume or outfit. good day.
get-up-and-go n Informal energy or drive, giddy adj -dier, -diest 1 feeling weak and
geyser (geez-er) n 1 a spring that dis- unsteady on one’s feet, as if about to faint.
gift 332 give
2 happy and excited: a state of giddy expec- ginger beer n a drink made by fermenting a
tation. giddiness n mixture of syrup and root ginger.
gift n 1 something given to someone: a birth- gingerbread n a moist brown cake fla-
day gift. 2 a special ability or power: a gift voured with ginger.
for caricature. ginger group n a group within a larger
gifted adj having natural talent or aptitude: group that agitates for a more active policy.
that era’s most gifted director. gingerly adv carefully or cautiously: she sat
giftwrap vb -wrapping, -wrapped to wrap gingerly on the edge of the chair.
(a gift) in decorative wrapping paper. ginger nut or snap n a hard biscuit fla-
gig1 n 1 a single performance by jazz or pop voured with ginger.
musicians. -vb gigging, gigged 2 to play gingham n a cotton fabric with a checked or
gigs- striped design.
gig2 n a light open two-wheeled onc-horse gingivitis (jin-jiv-vite-iss) n inflammation of
carriage. the gums.
giga- prefix 1 denoting 109: gigavolt. 2 Com- ginormous adj Informal very large.
puters denoting 230: gigabyte. gin rummy n a version of rummy in which a
gigantic adj extremely large. player may finish if the odd cards in his
giggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to laugh nervously hand total less than ten points.
or foolishly. ~n 2 a nervous or foolish ginseng (jin-seng) n the root of a plant of
laugh. 3 Informal an amusing person or China and N America, believed to have
thing, giggly adj tonic and energy-giving properties.
gigolo (jig-a-lo) n, pl -los a man who is paid 9ip (jip) n same as gyp.
by an older woman to be her escort or lover. Gipsy n, pl -sies same as Gypsy.
gigot n a leg of lamb or mutton. giraffe n a cud-chewing African mammal
gild vb gilding, gilded or gilt 1 to cover with a very long neck and long legs and a
with a thin layer of gold. 2 to make (some- spotted yellowy skin.
thing) appear golden: the morning sun gild- gird vb girding, girded or girt 1 to put a
ed the hills. 3 gild the lily a to adorn un- belt or girdle around. 2 gird up one’s loins
necessarily something already beautiful, b to prepare oneself for action.
to praise someone excessively. girder n a large steel or iron beam used in
9ill (Jill) n a unit of liquid measure equal to the construction of bridges and buildings.
one quarter of a pint (0.14 litres). girdle n 1 a woman's elastic corset that cov-
gillie or ghillie n Scot a sportsman’s attend- ers the stomach and hips. 2 anything that
ant or guide for hunting or fishing. surrounds something or someone: his girdle
gills (gillz) pl n the breathing organs of fish
of supporters. 3 Anat an encircling ar-
and other water creatures. rangement of bones: the shoulder girdle,
-vb -dling, -died 4 to surround: a ring of
gilt vb 1 a past of gild. -adj 2 covered with volcanic ash girdling the earth.
a thin layer of gold. ~n 3 a thin layer of girl n 1 a female child. 2 a young woman,
gold, used as decoration. girlhood n girlish adj
gilt-edged adj denoting government secu- girlfriend n 1 a female friend with whom a
rities on which interest payments and final person is romantically or sexually involved.
repayments are guaranteed. 2 any female friend.
gilts pl n gilt-edged securities. Girl Guide n a former name for Guide.
gimcrack (jim-krak) adj showy but cheap; girlie adj Informal featuring naked or scanti-
shoddy. ly dressed women: girlie magazines.
gimlet (gim-let) n 1 a small hand tool with a giro (jire-oh) n, pl -ros 1 a system of trans-
pointed spiral tip, used for boring holes in ferring money within a bank or post office,
wood. -adj 2 penetrating or piercing: gim- directly from one account into another. 2
let eyes. Brit informal a social-security payment by
gimmick n Informal something designed to giro cheque.
attract attention or publicity, gimmicky girt vb a past of gird.
adj gimmickry n girth n 1 the measurement around some-
gin1 n an alcoholic drink distilled from malt- thing. 2 a band fastened round a horse’s
ed grain and flavoured with juniper berries. middle to keep the saddle in position.
gin2 n a noose of thin strong wire for catch- gist (j’ist) n the main point or meaning of
ing small mammals. something: the gist of letter.
ginger n 1 the root of a tropical plant, pow- git n Brit slang a contemptible person.
dered and used as a spice or sugared and give vb giving, gave, given 1 to present or
eaten as a sweet. ~adj 2 light reddish- hand (something) to someone. 2 to pay (an
brown: ginger hair, gingery adj amount of money) for a purchase. 3 to grant
ginger ale n a nonalcoholic fizzy drink fla- or provide: to give an answer. 4 to utter (a
voured with ginger extract. shout or cry). 5 to perform, make, or do: the
give-and-take 333 glaze
prime minister gave a speech. 6 to host (a to fight in arenas to provide entertainment,
party). 7 to sacrifice or devote: comrades gladiatorial adj
who gave their lives for their country. 8 to gladiolus (glad-ee-oh-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) a
concede: he was very efficient, I have to garden plant with brightly coloured funnel-
give him that. 9 to yield or break under shaped flowers.
pressure: something has got to give. 10 give glad rags pl n Informal one’s best clothes,
or take plus or minus: about one hundred
metres, give or take five. ~n 11 a tendency gladsome adj Old-fashioned joyous or
to yield under pressure; elasticity. -See cheerful.
also give away, give in, etc. giver n glamorous adj attractive or fascinating,
give-and-take n 1 mutual concessions and glamour or US glamor n exciting or alluring
cooperation. 2 a smoothly flowing exchange charm or beauty, glamorize or -ise vb
of ideas and talk: a relaxed give-and-take glance n 1 a quick look, —vb glancing,
about their past involvement. glanced 2 to look quickly at something. 3 to
give away vb 1 to donate as a gift. 2 to re- be deflected off an object at an oblique
veal (a secret). 3 to present (a bride) for- angle: the ball glanced off a spectator.
mally to her husband in a marriage ceremo- glancing adj
ny. —n giveaway 4 something that reveals gland n 1 an organ that synthesizes and se-
hidden feelings or intentions. —adj give- cretes chemical substances for the body to
away 5 very cheap or free: a giveaway rent. use or eliminate. 2 a similar organ in plants.
give in vb to admit defeat. glandular adj of or affecting a gland or
given vb 1 the past participle of give, -adj glands.
2 specific or previously stated: priorities glandular fever n an acute infectious viral
within the given department. 3 to be as- disease that causes fever, sore throat, and
sumed: any given place on the earth. 4 painful swollen lymph nodes.
given to inclined to: a man not given to glare vb glaring, glared 1 to stare angrily. 2
undue optimism. (of light or colour) to be too bright. —n 3 an
give off vb to send out (heat, light, or a angry stare. 4 a dazzling light or brilliance.
smell). 5 in the glare of publicity receiving a lot
give out vb 1 to hand out: the bloke that was of attention from the media or the public.
giving out those tickets. 2 to send out (heat, glaring adj conspicuous or obvious: glaring
light, or a smell). 3 to make known: the man inconsistencies, glaringly adv
who gave out the news. 4 to fail: the engine glasnost n a policy of public frankness and
gave out. accountability, developed in the USSR in
give over vb 1 to set aside for a specific the 1980s under Mikhail Gorbachov.
purpose: the amount of space given over to glass n 1 a hard brittle transparent solid,
advertisements. 2 Informal to stop doing consisting of metal silicates or similar com-
something annoying: tell him to give over. pounds. 2 a drinking vessel made of glass. 3
give up vb 1 to stop (doing something): I did the amount contained in a drinking glass: a
give up smoking. 2 to resign from (a job or glass of wine. 4 objects made of glass, such
position). 3 to admit defeat or failure. 4 to as drinking glasses and bowls.
abandon (hope). 5 give oneself up a to sur- glass-blowing n the process of shaping a
render to the police or other authorities, b mass of molten glass by blowing air into it
to devote oneself completely: she gave her- through a tube, glass-blower n
self up to her work. glasses pl n a pair of lenses for correcting
gizzard n the part of a bird’s stomach in faulty vision, in a frame that rests on the
which hard food is broken up. nose and hooks behind the ears.
glace (glass-say) adj preserved in a thick glasshouse n Brit same as greenhouse,
sugary syrup: glace cherries. glassy adj glassier, glassiest 1 smooth,
glacial adj 1 of glaciers or ice. 2 extremely clear, and shiny, like glass: the glassy sea. 2
cold. 3 cold and unfriendly: a glacial stare. expressionless: that glassy look.
glacial period n same as Ice Age. Glaswegian (glaz-weej-an) adj 1 of Glas-
glaciation n the process of covering part of gow, a city in W Scotland. ~n 2 a person
the earth’s surface with glaciers or masses from Glasgow. 3 the Glasgow dialect.
of ice. glaciated adj glaucoma n an eye disease in which in-
glacier n a slowly moving mass of ice creased pressure in the eyeball causes
formed by an accumulation of snow. gradual loss of sight.
glad adj gladder, gladdest 1 happy and glaze vb glazing, glazed 1 to fit or cover
pleased. 2 very willing: he was only too glad with glass. 2 to cover (a piece of pottery)
to help. 3 Archaic causing happiness: glad with a protective shiny coating. 3 to cover
tidings, gladly adv gladness n gladden - (food) with beaten egg or milk before cook-
vb ing, in order to produce a shiny coating. ~n
glade n an open space in a forest. 4 a protective shiny coating applied to a
gladiator n (in ancient Rome) a man trained piece of pottery. 5 a shiny coating of beaten
glaze over 334 glory hole
egg or milk applied to food. ~See also and glitter of the European aristocracy. 6
glaze over, glazed adj glazing n tiny pieces of shiny decorative material. 7
glaze over vb to become dull through bore- Canad ice formed from freezing rain, glit-
dom or inattention: the listener’s eyes glaze tering adj glittery adj
over. glitzy adj glitzier, glitziest Slang showily
glazier n a person who fits windows or attractive.
doors with glass. gloaming n Scot poetic twilight; dusk.
gleam n 1 a small beam or glow of light. 2 a gloat vb to regard one’s own good fortune or
brief or dim indication: a gleam of anticipa- the misfortune of others with smug or mali-
tion in his eye. ~vb 3 to shine, gleaming cious pleasure.
adj glob n Informal a rounded mass of thick
glean vb 1 to gather (information) bit by bit. fluid.
2 to gather the useful remnants of (a crop) global adj 1 of or applying to the whole
after harvesting, gleaner n earth: global environmental problems. 2 of
gleanings pl n pieces of information that or applying to the whole of something: a
have been gleaned. global total for local-authority revenue.
glebe n Brit land granted to a clergyman as globally adv
part of his benefice. global warming n an increase in the overall
glee n great merriment or joy, esp. caused temperature worldwide believed to be
by the misfortune of another person. caused by the greenhouse effect.
gleeful adj merry or joyful, esp. over some- globe n 1 a sphere on which a map of the
one else’s mistake or misfortune, gleefully world is drawn. 2 the globe the earth. 3 a
adv spherical object, such as a glass lamp shade
glen n a deep narrow mountain valley, or fishbowl. 4 S African an electric light
bulb.
glengarry n, pl -ries a brimless Scottish cap
with a crease down the crown. globetrotter n a habitual worldwide travel-
ler. globetrotting n, adj
glib adj glibber, glibbest fluent and easy,
often in an insincere or deceptive waj █ globular adj shaped like a globe or globule,
there were no glib or easy answers, glibly globule n a small round drop of liquid,
adv glibness n globulin n a simple protein found in living
glide vb gliding, glided 1 to move easily and tissue.
smoothly. 2 (of an aircraft) to land without glockenspiel n a percussion instrument
engine power. 3 to fly a glider. 4 to float on consisting of tuned metal plates played
currents of air. with a pair of small hammers.
glider n an aircraft that does not use an en- gloom n 1 depression or melancholy. 2 par-
gine, but flies by floating on air currents. tial or total darkness.
glide time n NZ same as flexitime. gloomy adj gloomier, gloomiest 1 despair-
gliding n the sport of flying in a glider, ing or sad. 2 causing depression or gloom:
gloomy economic forecasts. 3 dark or dis-
glimmer vb 1 (of a light) to glow faintly or mal. gloomily adv
flickeringly. ~n 2 a faint indication: a
glimmer of hope. 3 a glow or twinkle. glorify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make
(something) seem more important than it
glimpse n 1 a brief view: a glimpse of a rare really is: computers are just glorified add-
snow leopard. 2 a vague indication: ing machines. 2 to praise: few countries
glimpses of insecurity. ~vb glimpsing, have glorified success in business more
glimpsed 3 to catch sight of momentarily. than the United States. 3 to worship (God),
glint vb 1 to gleam brightly. ~n 2 a bright glorification n
gleam. glorious adj 1 brilliantly beautiful: in glori-
glissade n 1 a gliding step in ballet. 2 a con- ous colour. 2 delightful or enjoyable: the
trolled slide down a snow slope. ~vb glorious summer weather. 3 having or full
-sading, -saded 3 to perform a glissade. of glory: glorious successes, gloriously adv
glissando n, pl -dos Music a slide between glory n, pl -ries 1 fame, praise, or honour:
two notes in which all intermediate notes tales of glory. 2 splendour: the glory of the
are played. tropical day. 3 something worthy of praise:
glisten vb (of a wet or glossy surface) to the Lady Chapel is the great glory of Lich-
gleam by reflecting light: sweat glistened field. 4 adoration or worship: the greater
above his eyes. glory of God. ~vb -ries, -rying, -ried 5
glitch n a small problem that stops some- glory in to take great pleasure in: the
thing from working properly. workers were glorying in their new-found
glitter vb 1 (of a surface) to reflect light in freedom.
bright flashes. 2 (of light) to be reflected in glory box n Austral & NZ a box in which a
bright flashes. 3 to be brilliant in a showy young woman stores her trousseau.
way. she glitters socially. ~n 4 a sparkling glory hole n an untidy cupboard or store-
light. 5 superficial glamour: the trappings room.
Glos 335 90
Glos Gloucestershire. fumes to produce intoxicating or hallucina-
gloss1 n 1 a bright shine on a surface. 2 a tory effects, glue-sniffer n
superficially attractive appearance. 3 a glum adj glummer, glummest gloomy and
paint with a shiny finish. 4 a cosmetic used quiet, usu. because of a disappointment,
to give a shiny appearance: lip gloss. -vb 5 glumly adv
to paint with gloss. 6 gloss over to conceal glut n 1 an excessive supply, —vb glutting,
(an error, failing, or awkward moment) by glutted 2 to supply (a market) with a com-
minimizing it: don’t try to gloss over bad modity in excess of the demand for it. 3
news. glut oneself to eat or drink more than one
gloss2 n 1 an explanatory comment added to really needs.
the text of a book. -vb 2 to add a gloss or gluten (gloo-ten) n a sticky protein found in
glosses to. cereal grains, such as wheat.
glossary n, pl -ries an alphabetical list of glutinous (gloo-tin-uss) adj gluelike in tex-
technical or specialist words in a book, with ture.
explanations. glutton n 1 someone who eats and drinks too
glossy adj glossier, glossiest 1 smooth and much. 2 a person who has a great capacity
shiny: glossy black hair. 2 superficially at- for something: a glutton for work, glut-
tractive or sophisticated: his glossy Man- tonous adj
hattan flat. 3 (of a magazine) produced on gluttony n the practice of eating too much,
expensive shiny paper. glycerine (gliss-ser-reen) or glycerin n a
glottal stop n Phonetics a speech sound nontechnical name for glycerol.
produced by tightly closing and then open- glycerol (gliss-ser-ol) n a colourless odour-
ing the glottis. less syrupy liquid obtained from animal and
glottis n the opening at the top of the wind- vegetable fats, used as a solvent, antifreeze,
pipe, between the vocal cords. and sweetener, and in explosives.
glove n 1 a shaped covering for the hand glycogen (glike-oh-jen) n a starchlike car-
with individual sheaths for each finger and bohydrate stored in the liver and muscles of
the thumb. 2 a protective hand covering humans and animals.
worn in sports such as boxing. glycolysis (glike-kol-iss-iss) n Biochem the
glove compartment n a small storage area breakdown of glucose by enzymes, with the
in the dashboard of a car. release of energy.
gloved adj covered by a glove or gloves: a gm gram.
gloved hand. G-man n, pl G-men US slang an FBI agent.
glow n 1 light produced as a result of great GMB General, Municipal and Boilermakers
heat. 2 a steady light without flames. 3 (Trade Union).
brightness of complexion. 4 a feeling of GMT Greenwich Mean Time.
wellbeing or satisfaction. —vb 5 to produce gnarled adj rough, twisted, and knobbly,
a steady light without flames. 6 to shine in- usually through age.
tensely. 7 to experience a feeling of well- gnash vb to grind (the teeth) together in
being or satisfaction: she glowed with pain or anger.
pleasure. 8 (of the complexion) to have a gnat n a small biting two-winged insect.
strong bright colour: his pale face glowing
at the recollection. gnaw vb 1 to bite or chew constantly so as
to wear away bit by bit. 2 gnaw at to cause
glower (rhymes with power) vb 1 to stare constant distress or anxiety to: uneasiness
angrily. —n 2 an angry stare. gnawed at his mind, gnawing adj
glowing adj full of praise: agiowing tribute. gneiss n a coarse-grained layered metamor-
glow-worm n a European beetle, the females phic rock.
and larvae of which have organs producing gnome n 1 an imaginary creature in fairy
a soft greenish light. tales that looks like a little old man. 2 a
gloxinia n a plant with white, red, or purple small statue of a gnome in a garden.
bell-shaped flowers. gnomic (no-mik) ac(j Literary of or contain-
glucose n a white crystalline sugar found in ing short clever sayings: gnomic pro-
plant and animal tissues. nouncements.
glue n 1 a substance used for sticking things Gnosticism (noss-tiss-siz-zum) n a religious
together, -vb gluing or glueing, glued 2 movement involving belief in intuitive
to join or stick together with glue. 3 glued spiritual knowledge. Gnostic n, adj
to paying full attention to: golf fans will be GNP gross national product.
glued to their televisions today for the Open gnu (noo) n, pl gnus or gnu a sturdy African
Championship, gluey adj antelope with an oxlike head.
glue ear n an accumulation of fluid in the go vb going, went, gone 1 to move or pro-
middle ear of children, caused by infection ceed to or from a place: go forward. 2 to be
and causing deafness. in regular attendance at (work, church, or a
glue-sniffing n the practice of inhaling glue place or learning). 3 to lead to a particular
go about 336 God
place: the path that goes right along the unitary nonracial South Africa is the ANC’s
bank. 4 to be kept in a particular place: accepted goal, goalless adj
where does this go? 5 to do or become as goalie n Informal a goalkeeper.
specified: he went white; the gun went goalkeeper n Sport a player whose duty is
bang. 6 to be or continue to be in a specified to prevent the ball or puck from entering
state: to go to sleep. 7 to operate or func- the goal.
tion: the car wouldn’t go. 8 to follow a goal line n Sport the line marking each end
specified course; fare: I’d hate the meeting of the pitch, on which the goals stand.
to go badly. 9 to be allotted to a particular
purpose or recipient: a third of the total goalpost n 1 either of two uprights support-
budget goes on the army. 10 to be sold: the ing the crossbar of a goal. 2 move the
portrait went for £231 000 to a telephone goalposts to change the aims of an activity
bidder. 11 (of words or music) to be ex- to ensure the desired results.
pressed or sung: the song goes like this. 12 to goat n 1 an agile cud-chewing mammal with
fail or break down: my eyesight is going; he hollow horns. 2 act the goat Informal to
was on lap nineteen when the engine went. behave in a silly manner. 3 get someone’s
13 to die: he went quickly at the end. 14 to goat Slang to annoy someone.
be spent or finished: all tension and all hope goatee n a small pointed beard that does not
had gone. 15 to proceed up to or beyond cover the cheeks.
certain limits: I think this is going too far. goatherd n a person who looks after a herd
16 to carry authority: what Daddy says of goats.
goes. 17 to endure or last out: they go for goatskin n leather made from the skin of a
eight or ten hours without resting. 18 Non- goat.
standard to say: then she goes, “shut up”.
19 anything goes anything is acceptable. goatsucker n US & Canad same as nightjar,
20 be going to to intend or be about to: she go-away bird n S African a grey lourie.
was afraid of what was going to happen gob1 n a thick mass of a soft substance.
next. 21 let go to relax one’s hold on; re- gob2 n Slang, chiefly Brit the mouth.
lease. 22 let oneself go a to act in an unin- go back on vb to fail to fulfil (a promise),
hibited manner, b to lose interest in one’s gobbet n a chunk or lump.
appearance. 23 to go remaining: two days
to go till the holidays. ~n, pl goes 24 an at- gobble1 vb -bling, -bled to eat quickly and
tempt: he had a go at the furniture busi- greedily.
ness. 25 a verbal or physical attack: he gobble2 n 1 the loud rapid gurgling sound
couldn’t resist having another go at me. 26 made by a turkey, -vb -bling, -bled 2 to
a turn to do something in a game: “Your go make this sound.
now!” I shouted. 27 Informal the quality of gobbledegook or gobbledygook n preten-
being active and energetic: a grand old man, tious or unintelligible language.
full of go and determination. 28 from the gobbler n Informal a turkey,
word go Informal from the very beginning. go-between n a person who acts as a mes-
29 make a go of Informal to be successful senger between two people or groups.
in (a business venture or a relationship). 30 goblet n a drinking vessel with a base and
on the go Informal active and energetic. stem but without handles.
~See also go about, go against, etc.
goblin n a small grotesque creature in fairy
go about vb 1 to tackle (a problem or task): tales that causes trouble for people.
he went about it in the wrong way. 2 to gobsmacked adj Brit slang astonished and
busy oneself with: people have been going astounded.
about their business as usual.
goby n, pl -by or -bies a small spiny-finned
goad vb 1 to provoke (someone) to take fish.
some kind of action, usually in anger. ~n 2 go by vb 1 to pass: as time goes by. 2 to be
something that provokes someone to take guided by: if my experience is anything to
some kind of action. 3 a sharp pointed stick goby.
for driving cattle.
go-cart n same as go-kart.
go against vb 1 to conflict with (someone’s
wishes or beliefs). 2 to be unfavourable to god n 1 a supernatural being, worshipped as
(a person): a referendum would almost cer- the controller of the universe or some as-
tainly go against them. pect of life or as the personification of some
force. 2 an image of such a being. 3 a person
go-ahead n 1 give the go-ahead Informal to or thing to which excessive attention is
give permission to proceed, —adj 2 enter- given: the All Blacks are gods in New Zea-
prising or ambitious: prosperous and go- land. 4 the gods the top balcony in a thea-
ahead republics. tre. goddess fem n
goal n 1 Sport the space into which players God n 1 the sole Supreme Being, Creator and
try to propel the ball or puck to score. 2 ruler of all, in religions such as Christian-
Sport a a successful attempt at scoring, b ity, Judaism, and Islam, -interj 2 an oath
the score so made. 3 an aim or purpose: a or exclamation of surprise or annoyance.
godchild 337 gold rush
godchild n, pl -children a person who is go into vb to describe or investigate in de-
sponsored by godparents at baptism. tail.
goddaughter n a female godchild. goitre or US goiter (goy-ter) n Pathol a
godetia n a garden plant with showy flow- swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck.
ers. go-kart n a small four-wheeled motor vehi-
godfather n 1 a male godparent. 2 the head cle, used for racing.
of a Mafia family or other criminal ring. gold n 1 a bright yellow precious metal, used
God-fearing adj deeply religious, as a monetary standard and in jewellery
godforsaken adj desolate or dreary: some and plating. Symbol: Au 2 jewellery or coins
godforsaken village in the Himalayas. made of this metal. 3 short for gold medal.
Godhead n the nature and condition of -adj4 deep yellow.
being God. goldcrest n a small bird with a bright
godless adj 1 wicked or unprincipled. 2 not yellow-and-black crown.
religious, godlessness n gold-digger n Informal a woman who mar-
godly adj -tier, -liest deeply religious, god- ries or has a relationship with a man for his
liness n money.
godmother n a female godparent, gold dust n 1 gold in the form of small par-
godparent n a person who promises at a ticles or powder. 2 like gold dust in great
person’s baptism to look after his or her re- demand because difficult to obtain: kidney
ligious upbringing. machines were like gold dust.
godsend n a person or thing that comes un- golden adj 1 made of gold: golden bangles. 2
expectedly but is very welcome. of the colour of gold: golden corn. 3 Infor-
mal very successful or destined for success:
godson n a male godchild. the golden girl of British athletics. 4 excel-
Godspeed interj an expression of good lent or valuable: a golden opportunity for
wishes for a person’s safe journey and suc- peace. 5 (of an anniversary) the fiftieth:
cess. golden wedding; Golden Jubilee.
goer n a person who attends something golden age n the most flourishing and out-
regularly: a church goer. standing period in the history of an art or
go for vb 1 to choose: any politician will go nation: the golden age of Dixieland jazz.
for the soft option. 2 Informal to like very golden eagle n a large mountain eagle of
much. 3 to attack. 4 to apply equally to: the the N hemisphere with golden-brown feath-
same might go for the other woman. ers.
go-getter n Informal an ambitious enter- golden handshake n Informal money given
prising person, go-getting adj to an employee either on retirement or to
gogga (hohh-a) n S African informal an in- compensate for loss of employment.
sect. golden mean n the middle course between
goggle vb -gling, -gled to stare with wide- extremes.
open eyes. -See also goggles, goggle-eyed golden retriever n a retriever with silky
adj wavy gold-coloured hair.
gogglebox n Brit slang a television set. goldenrod n a tall plant with spikes of small
goggles pl n close-fitting protective specta- yellow flowers.
cles. golden rule n an important principle: the
go-go adj denoting a type of dancing per- golden rule is to start with the least diffi-
formed to pop music by young women cult problems.
wearing few clothes. golden syrup n Brit a light golden-coloured
Goidelic n 1 the group of Celtic languages, treacle.
consisting of Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, goldfinch n a European finch the male of
and Manx, —adj 2 of this group of lan- which has yellow-and-black wings.
guages.
go in for vb 1 to enter (a competition). 2 to goldfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a gold or
take up or take part in (an activity). orange-red freshwater fish, often kept as a
pet.
going n 1 the condition of the ground with
regard to walking or riding: the going for gold foil n thin gold sheet that is thicker
the cross-country is perfect. 2 Informal than gold leaf.
speed or progress: not bad going for a lad of gold leaf n very thin gold sheet made by
58. -adj 3 thriving: the racecourse was a rolling or hammering gold and used for gild-
going concern. 4 current or accepted: this is ing.
the going rate for graduates. gold medal n a medal made of gold, award-
going-over n, pl goings-over Informal 1 a ed to the winner of a race or competition.
thorough examination or investigation. 2 a ~ gold-plated adj covered with a very thin
physical beating. coating of gold.
goings-on pl n Informal mysterious or gold rush n a large-scale migration of people
shady activities. to a territory where gold has been found.
goldsmith 338 go on
goldsmith n a person who makes gold jewel- good day interj an expression of greeting or
lery and other articles. farewell used during the day.
gold standard n a monetary system in good-for-nothing n 1 an irresponsible or
which the basic currency unit equals a worthless person, -adj 2 irresponsible or
specified weight of gold. worthless.
golf n 1 a game in which a ball is struck with Good Friday n Christianity the Friday be-
elubs into a series of eighteen holes in a fore Easter, observed as a commemoration
grassy course. - vb 2 to play golf, golfer n of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
golf club n 1 a long-shafted elub used to goodies pl n any things considered particu-
strike a golf ball. 2 a an association of golf larly desirable.
players, b the premises of such an associa- goodly adj -lier, -liest fairly large: a goodly
tion. n umber of children.
golf course or links n an area of ground laid good morning interj an expression of greet-
out for golf. ing or farewell used in the morning.
golliwog n a soft doll with a black face, usu- good-natured adj tolerant and kindly,
ally made of eloth. goodness n 1 the quality of being good.
golly interj an exclamation of mild surprise, -interj 2 an exelamation of surprise.
gonad n an organ in which reproductive good night interj an expression of farewell
cells are produced, such as a testis or ovary. used in the evening or at night.
gondola n 1 a long narrow flat-bottomed goods pl n 1 articles produced to be sold:
boat with a high ornamented stem, tradi- consumer goods. 2 movable personal prop-
tionally used on the canals of Veniee. 2 a erty: houses and goods are insured from
moving cabin suspended from a cable, used fire. 3 deliver the goods Informal to do
as a ski lift. what is expected or required. 4 have the
goods on someone US & Canad slang to
gondolier n a person who propels a gondola, know something incriminating about some-
gone vb 1 the past participle of go. -adj 2 one.
no longer present or no longer in existence. Good Samaritan n a person who helps
goner n Slang a person who is about to die someone in difficulty or distress.
or who is beyond help. good-tempered adj tolerant and kindly,
gong n 1 a flat circular metal disc that is hit good turn n a helpful and friendly aet.
with a hammer to give out a loud sound. 2 goodwill n 1 kindly feelings towards other
Brit slang a medal. people. 2 the popularity and good reputa-
gonorrhoea or esp US gonorrhea (gon-or- tion of a well-established business, consid-
ree-a) n a sexually transmitted disease that ered as a valuable asset.
causes inflammation and a discharge from goody interj 1 a child’s exelamation of
the genital organs. pleasure. ~n, pl goodies 2 Informal the
goo n Informal a sticky substance. hero in a film or book. 3 See goodies.
good adj better, best 1 having admirable, goody-goody Informal ~n, pl -goodies 1 a
pleasing, or superior qualities: a good lis- person who behaves well in order to please
tener. 2 morally excellent; virtuous: a good people in authority, —adj 2 behaving well
person. 3 beneficial: exercise is good for the in order to please people in authority.
heart. 4 kindly or generous: he is so good to gooey adj gooier, gooiest Informal 1
us. 5 competent or talented: she's good at sticky, soft, and often sweet. 2 sentimental:
physics. 6 obedient or well-behaved: a good one knows the whole gooey performance is
boy. 7 reliable or recommended: a good an act.
make. 8 complete or thorough: she went to goof vb Informal 1 to bungle or boteh. 2
have a good look round. 9 appropriate or goof off to spend time in a lazy or foolish
opportune: a good time to clear the air. 10 way: he’s goofing off on the Costa del Sol.
satisfying or enjoyable: a good holiday. 11
newest or of the best quality: keep the good go off vb 1 to stop functioning: the heating
dishes for guests. 12 fairly large, extensive, went off. 2 to make a sudden loud noise: a
or long: they contain a good amount of pro- bomb went off. 3 to occur as specified: the
tein. 13 as good as virtually or practically: actual launch went off perfectly. 4 Brit in-
the war was as good as over. ~n 14 advan- formal (of food) to become stale or rotten. 5
tage or benefit : what is the good of it all? 15 Brit informal to stop liking.
positive moral qualities; virtue. 16 for good goofy adj goofier, goofiest Informal silly or
for ever; permanently: his political career ridiculous.
was over for good. —See also goods. googly n. p7-lies Cricket a ball bowled like a
► Note that good is an adjective. To modify a leg break but spinning from off to leg on
verb, use well: she did well. pitching.
goodbye interj 1 an expression used on goon n 1 a stupid person. 2 US informal a
parting. ~n 2 the aet of saying goodbye: he hired thug.
said his goodbyes. go on vb 1 to continue or proceed. 2 to take
goosander 339 gotten
place: there’s a war going on. 3 to talk at gorse n an evergreen shrub with small yel-
length and annoyingly. low flowers and prickles, which grows wild
goosander n a duck of Europe and North in the countryside.
America with a dark head and white body. gory adj gorier, goriest 1 horrific or blood-
goose1 n, pl geese 1 a fairly large web- thirsty: the gory details. 2 bloody: gory re-
footed long-necked migratory bird. 2 the mains.
female of such a bird. 3 the flesh of the gosh interj an exclamation of mild surprise
goose used for food. 4 Informal a silly per- or wonder.
son. goshawk n a large swift short-winged
goose2 vb goosing, goosed Slang to prod hawk.
(someone) playfully in the bottom. gosling n a young goose.
gooseberry n, pl -ries 1 a small edible green go-slow n Brit a deliberate slowing of the
berry with tiny hairs on the skin. 2 play rate of production by workers as a tactic in
gooseberry Brit informal to be an unwant- industrial conflict.
ed single person accompanying a couple.
gospel n 1 a the teachings of Jesus Christ, b
goose flesh n the bumpy condition of the the story of Christ’s life and teachings. 2 a
skin due to cold or fear, in which the mus- doctrine held to be of great importance: the
cles at the base of the hair follicles con- gospel of self-help. 3 Also called: gospel
tract, making the hair bristle. Also: goose truth unquestionable truth: gross inaccura-
pimples cies which are sometimes taken as gospel,
goose-step vb -stepping, -stepped to —adj 4 denoting a kind of religious music
march raising the legs high alternately originating in the churches of the Black
while keeping the legs straight. people in the Southern US.
go out vb 1 to go to entertainments or social Gospel n Christianity any of the first four
functions. 2 go out with to have a romantic books of the New Testament, namely Mat-
relationship with. 3 to be extinguished or thew, Mark, Luke, and John, which tell the
cease to function: the lights went out. 4 (of story of Jesus Christ.
information) to be released publicly. 5 (of a gossamer n 1 a very fine fabric. 2 a filmy
broadcast) to be transmitted. cobweb often seen on foliage or floating in
go over vb 1 to examine very carefully. 2 go the air.
over to to change to: he went over to the gossip n 1 idle talk, usually about other
Free Orthodox Church. people’s private lives, esp. of a disapprov-
gopher (go-fer) n an American burrowing ing or malicious nature: office gossip. 2 an
rodent with wide cheek pouches. informal conversation, esp. about other
Gordian knot n cut the Gordian knot to people’s private lives: to have a gossip and
solve a complicated problem by bold or a giggle. 3 a person who habitually talks
forceful action. about other people, usually maliciously.
gore1 n blood shed from a wound. — vb 4 to talk idly or maliciously, esp.
gore2 vb goring, gored (of an animal) to about other people’s private lives, gossipy
pierce or stab (a person or another animal) adj
with a horn or tusk. got vb 1 the past of get. 2 have got to pos-
gore3 n a tapering piece of material in a sess. 3 have got to must: you have got to be
garment, sail, or umbrella. prepared to work hard.
gorge n 1 a deep narrow steep-sided valley. Gothic adj 1 of a style of architecture used
2 one’s gorge rises one feels disgusted or in W Europe from the 12th to the 16th cen-
nauseated, -vb gorging, gorged 3 Also: turies, characterized by pointed arches,
gorge oneself to eat greedily. ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. 2 of a
literary style featuring stories of gloom,
gorgeous adj 1 strikingly beautiful or at- horror, and the supernatural, popular in the
tractive. 2 Informal warm, sunny, and very late 18th century. 3 of or in a heavy ornate
pleasant: a gorgeous day. gorgeously adv script typeface, —n 4 Gothic architecture
Gorgon n 1 Greek myth one of three mon- or art.
strous sisters who had live snakes for hair, go through vb 1 to experience (a difficult
and were so horrifying that anyone who time or process). 2 to name or describe: the
looked at them was turned to stone. 2 In- president went through a list of govern-
formal a terrifying or repulsive woman. ment ministers. 3 to qualify for the next
Gorgonzola n a sharp-flavoured blue-veined stage of a competition: Linford Christie
Italian cheese. went through as a heat winner to the
gorilla n a very large W African ape with second-round stage. 4 to be approved: the
coarse black hair. bill went through parliament. 5 go through
gormless adj Brit informal stupid or dull- -with to bring to a successful conclusion,
witted. often by persistence.
go round vb to be sufficient: there wasn’t gotten vb Chiefly US a past participle of
enough money to go round. get.
gouache 340 gradual
gouache n opaque watercolour paint bound of. 2 to take (food, drink, or rest) hurriedly.
with glue. 3 to take (an opportunity) eagerly. 4 to
Gouda n a round mild-flavoured Dutch seize illegally or unscrupulously: land grab-
cheese. bing. 5 Informal to interest or impress. ~n
gouge (gowj) vb gouging, gouged 1 to 6 the act of grabbing.
scoop or force (something) out of its posi- grace n 1 elegance and beauty of movement,
tion. 2 to cut (a hole or groove) in something form, or expression. 2 a pleasing or charm-
with a pointed object. ~n 3 a mark or ing quality: architecture with few redeem-
groove made by gouging. ing graces. 3 courtesy or decency: at least
goulash (goo-lash) n a rich stew seasoned she had the grace to laugh. 4 a delay grant-
with paprika, originating in Hungary. ed for the completion of a task or payment
of a debt: another year's grace. 5 Christian
gourd (goord) n 1 a large hard-shelled fruit theol the free and unmerited favour of God
similar to a cucumber or marrow. 2 a con- shown towards humankind. 6 a short pray-
tainer made from a dried gourd shell. er of thanks for a meal. 7 airs and graces
gourmand (goor-mand) n a person devoted an affected manner. 8 with bad grace un-
to eating and drinking, usually to excess. willingly or grudgingly: independence was
gourmet (goor-may) n an expert on good granted with bad grace. 9 with good grace
food and drink. willingly or ungrudgingly: to accept with
gout (gowt) n a disease that causes painful good grace, -vb gracing, graced 10 to
inflammation of certain joints, for example honour or favour: graced by the presence of
of the big toe. gouty adj Henry Fonda. 11 to decorate or make more
govern vb 1 to direct and control the policy attractive: bedsit walls graced by Che Gue-
and affairs of (a country or an organiza- vara and James Dean.
tion). 2 to control or determine: the interna- Grace n Your, His or Her Grace a title used
tional organizations governing athletics and to address or refer to a duke, duchess, or
rugby, governable adj archbishop.
governance n government, control, or graceful adj having beauty of movement,
authority. style, or form, gracefully adv graceful-
governess n a woman employed in a private ness n
household to teach the children. graceless adj 1 lacking elegance. 2 lacking
government n 1 the executive policy- manners.
making body of a country or state. 2 the grace note n Music a note that ornaments a
state and its administration: the assembled melody.
heads of state and government. 3 the sys- Graces pl n Greek myth the three sister
tem by which a country or state is ruled: goddesses of charm and beauty.
the old hard-line government, governmen- gracious adj 1 showing kindness and cour-
tal adj tesy. 2 characterized by elegance, ease, and
governor n 1 the chief political administra- indulgence: gracious living, -interj 3 an
tor of a region, such as a US state or a colo- expression of mild surprise or wonder,
ny. 2 Brit the senior administrator of a graciously adv graciousness n
school, prison, or other institution. 3 Brit gradation n 1 a series of systematic stages;
informal one’s employer or father, gover- gradual progression. 2 a stage in such a se-
norship n ries or progression.
governor general n, pl governors general grade n 1 a place on a scale of quality, rank,
or governor generals the chief representa- or size. 2 a mark or rating indicating a stu-
tive of the British government in a Com- dent’s level of achievement. 3 a rank or
monwealth country. level of importance in a company or organi-
go with vb 1 to blend or harmonize with: the zation. 4 US & Canad a class or year in a
style goes well with modern art. 2 to be school. 5 make the grade Informal to be
linked with: respect goes with age. successful by reaching a required standard.
go without vb Chiefly Brit to be denied or -vb grading, graded 6 to arrange accord-
deprived of: no soldier should go without a ing to quality or rank: passes are graded
pension. from A down to E. 7 to give a grade to: sen-
gown n 1 a woman’s long formal dress. 2 a ior secretaries will need shorthand and be
surgeon’s overall. 3 a loose wide official graded accordingly.
robe worn by clergymen, judges, lawyers, gradient n 1 Also (esp. US): grade a sloping
and academics. part of a railway, road, or path. 2 Also (esp.
goy n, pl goyim or goys a Jewish word for a US): grade a measure of the steepness of
Gentile. such a slope. 3 a measure of the change in
something, such as the angle of a curve,
GP general practitioner. over a specified distance.
GPMU Graphical, Paper and Media Union. gradual adj occurring, developing, or mov-
GPO general post office. ing in small stages: a gradual handover of
grab vb grabbing, grabbed 1 to seize hold power, gradually adv
gradualism 341 grandiose
gradualism n the policy of changing some- grammarian n a person who studies or
thing gradually, gradualist adj writes about grammar for a living.
graduate n 1 a person who holds a univer- grammar school n 1 Brit (esp. formerly) a
sity or college degree. 2 US & Canad a stu- secondary school for children of high aca-
dent who has completed a course of studies demic ability. 2 US same as elementary
at a high school and received a diploma. 3 school. 3 Austral a private school, usually
same as postgraduate. ~vb -ating, -ated 4 one controlled by a church. 4 NZ a second-
to receive a degree or diploma. 5 to change ary school forming part of the public educa-
by degrees: the winds graduate from tropi- tion system.
cal storms to cyclones. 6 to mark (a measur- grammatical adj 1 of grammar. 2 (of a sen-
ing flask or instrument) with units of meas- tence) following the rules of grammar,
urement. grammatically adv
graduation n 1 the act of graduating from gramme n same as gram.
university or college. 2 US & Canad the act gramophone n an old-fashioned type of rec-
of graduating from high school. 3 the cer- ord player.
emony at which degrees and diplomas are
given to graduating students. 4 a mark indi- grampus n, pl -puses a dolphin-like mammal
cating measure on an instrument or con- with a blunt snout.
tainer. gran n Informal a grandmother.
Graeco-Roman or esp US Greco-Roman granary n, pl -ries 1 a building for storing
(greek-oh-rome-an) adj of, or showing the threshed grain. 2 a region that produces a
influence of, both Greek and Roman cul- large amount of grain.
tures. Granary adj Trademark (of bread or flour)
graffiti (graf-fee-tee) n drawings or words containing malted wheat grain.
scribbled or sprayed on walls or posters. grand adj 1 large or impressive in size or
► English does not have a singular form for appearance; magnificent: the grand hall. 2
this word and tends to use graffiti for both ambitious or important: grand themes. 3
singular and multiple examples. dignified or haughty. 4 Informal excellent
graft1 n 1 Surgery a piece of tissue trans- or wonderful. 5 comprehensive or complete:
planted to an area of the body in need of the the grand total. ~n 6 (pl grand) Slang a
tissue. 2 a small piece of tissue from one thousand pounds or dollars. 7 short for
plant that is joined to another plant so that grand piano, grandly adv
they grow together as one. ~vb 3 to trans- grandad, granddad or US granddaddy n, pl
plant (tissue) to an area of the body in need -dads or-daddies Informal a grandfather.
of the tissue. 4 to join (part of one plant) grandchild n, pl -children a son or daughter
onto another plant so that they grow to- of one’s son or daughter.
gether as one. 5 to attach or incorporate: to granddad or US granddaddy n Informal See
graft Japanese production methods onto grandad.
the American talent for innovation.
granddaughter n a daughter of one’s son or
graft2 n 1 Informal hard work. 2 the practice daughter.
of obtaining money by taking advantage of
one’s position. ~vb 3 Informal to work grand duke n a prince or nobleman who
hard. rules a territory, state, or principality,
grand duchess fem n grand duchy n
Grail n See Holy Grail.
grande dame (grond dam) n a woman re-
grain n 1 the small hard seedlike fruit of a garded as the most prominent or respected
cereal plant. 2 a mass of such fruits gath- member of her profession or group: the
ered for food. 3 cereal plants in general. 4 a grande dame of international fashion.
small hard particle: a grain of salt. 5 a very
small amount: a grain of compassion. 6 a grandee n 1 a high-ranking Spanish noble-
the arrangement of the fibres, layers, or man. 2 a person who has a high rank or po-
particles in wood, leather, or stone, b the sition: the Party’s grandees.
pattern or texture resulting from this. 7 go grandeur n 1 personal greatness, dignity, or
against the grain to be contrary to one’s nobility: delusions of grandeur. 2 magnifi-
natural inclinations, grainy adj cence or splendour: cathedral-like gran-
gram or gramme n a metric unit of weight deur.
equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. grandfather n the father of one’s father or
graminivorous adj (of an animal) grass- mother.
eating. grandfather clock n an old-fashioned clock
grammar n 1 the rules of a language, that
in a tall wooden case that stands on the
show how sentences are formed, or how floor.
words area inflected. 2 the way in which grandiloquent adj using pompous or unnec-
grammar is used: the teacher found errors essarily complicated language, grandilo-
of spelling and grammar. 3 a book on the quence n
rules of grammar. grandiose adj impressive, or meant to im-
grand jury 342 -graphy
press: grandiose plans for constructing a granted a to accept that something is true
new stadium. without requiring proof, b to take advan-
grand jury n Law chiefly US a jury that in-. tage of (someone or something) without
vestigates accusations of crime to decide showing appreciation. ~n 5 a sum of
whether the evidence is adequate to bring a money provided by a government or public
prosecution. fund to a person or organization for a spe-
grandma or grandmama n Informal a cific purpose: student grants.
grandmother. Granth (grunt) n the sacred scripture of the
grand mal n a form of epilepsy in which Sikhs.
there is loss of consciousness and violent granular adj of, like, or containing granules:
convulsions. granular materials such as powders.
grandmaster n a person who is exceptional- granulated adj (of sugar) in the form of
ly good at a particular activity or skill, es- coarse grains.
pecially chess. granule n a small grain of something: gravy
grandmother n the mother of one’s father or granules.
mother. grape n a small round sweet juicy fruit with
Grand National n an annual steeplechase for a purple or green skin, which can be eaten
horses, run at Aintree, Liverpool. raw, dried to make raisins, currants, or
grandnephew n same as great-nephew, sultanas, or used to make wine.
grandniece n same as great-niece. grapefruit n, pl -fruit or -fruits a large
grand opera n an opera that has a serious round yellow juicy citrus fruit with a slight-
plot and no spoken dialogue. ly bitter taste.
grandpa or grandpapa n Informal a grand- grapeshot n ammunition for cannons con-
father. sisting of a cluster of iron balls that scatter
grandparent n the father or mother of one’s
after firing.
father or mother. grapevine n 1 a vine grown for its grapes. 2
Informal an unofficial means of passing on
grand piano n a large piano in which the information from person to person: he’d
strings are arranged horizontally. doubtless heard rumours on the grapevine.
Grand Prix (gron pree) n 1 an international graph n a diagram showing the relation be-
formula motor race. 2 a very important tween certain sets of numbers or quantities
international competitive event in other by means of a series of dots or lines plotted
sports, such as athletics. with reference to a set of axes.
grandsire n Old-fashioned a grandfather,
-graph n combining form 1 an instrument
grand slam n 1 the achievement of winning that writes or records: tachograph. 2 a writ-
all the games or major tournaments in a ing or record: autograph. -graphic or
sport in one season. 2 See slam2. -graphical adj combining form -graphi-
grandson n a son of one’s son or daughter, cally adv combining form
grandstand n the main block of seats giving graphic adj 1 vividly described: a graphic
the best view at a sports ground. account of her three days in captivity. 2 of
grand tour n 1 (formerly) an extended tour the graphic arts: graphic design. 3 Also:
of continental Europe. 2 Informal a tour of graphical Maths of or using a graph: a
inspection: a grand tour of the house. graphic presentation, graphically adv
grange n Chiefly Brit a farmhouse or coun- graphic arts pl n the visual arts based on
try house with its farm buildings. drawing or the use of line.
granite (gran-nit) n a very hard rock con- graphics n 1 the art of drawing in accord-
sisting of quartz and feldspars that is wide- ance with mathematical rules, ~-pl n 2 the
ly used for building. illustrations in a magazine or book, or in a
granivorous adj (of an animal) grain-eating, television or film production. 3 Computers
granny or grannie n, pl -nies Informal a information displayed in the form of dia-
grandmother. grams or graphs.
granny flat n a flat in or joined on to a graphite n a soft black form of carbon used
house, suitable for an elderly relative to in pencils, as a lubricant, and in some nu-
live in. clear reactors.
granny knot n a reef knot with the ends graphology n the study of handwriting,
crossed the wrong way, making it liable to usually to analyse the writer’s character,
slip or jam. graphologist n
grant vb 1 to give (a sum of money or a graph paper n paper printed with a design
right) formally: to grant a thirty-eight per of small squares for drawing graphs or dia-
cent pay rise; only the President can grant a grams on.
pardon. 2 to consent to perform or fulfil: -graphy n combining form indicating: 1 a
granting the men’s request for sanctuary. 3 form of writing or representing things: cal-
to admit that (something) is true: I grant ligraphy; photography. 2 an art or descrip-
that her claims must be true. 4 take for tive science: choreography; topography.
grapnel 343 gravy
grapnel n a device with several hooks at one gratis adv, adj without payment; free: what
end, which is used to grasp or secure an ob- I did for you was free, gratis.
ject, esp. in sailing. gratitude n a feeling of being grateful for
grapple vb -pling, -pled grapple with a to gifts or favours.
try to cope with: a difficult concept to gratuitous (grat-tyoo-it-uss) adj 1 unjusti-
grapple with, b to come to grips with fied or unreasonable: gratuitous violence. 2
(someone) in hand-to-hand combat. given or received without charge or obliga-
grappling iron n same as grapnel. tion: his gratuitous voluntary services.
grasp vb 1 to grip firmly. 2 to understand: gratuitously adv
his failure to grasp the gravity of the crisis. gratuity (grat-tyoo-it-ee) n, pl -ties money
~n 3 a very firm grip. 4 understanding or given for services rendered; tip.
comprehension: a good grasp of detail. 5 grave1 adj (rhymes with save) 1 serious and
within someone’s grasp almost certain to worrying: grave concern. 2 serious and sol-
be accomplished or won: he now has that emn in appearance or behaviour: the man
prize within his grasp. looked grave and respectful. 3 (rhymes
grasping adj greedy for money. with halve) denoting an accent (-) over a
grass n 1 a very common green plant with vowel in some languages, such as French,
jointed stems and long narrow leaves, eaten which indicates that the vowel is pro-
by animals such as sheep and cows, and nounced in a particular way. —n (rhymes
used for lawns and sports fields. 2 a par- with halve) 4 a grave accent, gravely adv
ticular kind of grass, such as bamboo. 3 a grave2 (rhymes with save) n 1 a place where
lawn. 4 Slang marijuana. 5 Brit slang a per- a dead person is buried. 2 death: people are
son who informs, usually on criminals. —vb smoking themselves to an early grave. 3
6 grass on Brit slang to inform on (some- make someone turn in his or her grave to
one) to the police or some other authority. 7 do something that would have shocked a
grass over to cover with grass, grassy ad/ person who is now dead.
grass hockey n (in W Canada) field hockey, gravel n 1 a mixture of rock fragments and
as contrasted with ice hockey. pebbles that is coarser than sand. 2 Pathol
grasshopper n an insect with long hind legs small rough stones in the kidneys or blad-
which it uses for leaping. der. —vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 3
to cover with gravel.
grassland n 1 land covered with grass. 2
pasture land. gravelly adj 1 covered with gravel. 2 (of a
voice or sound) harsh and grating.
grass roots pl n 1 ordinary members of a
group or organization, as distinct from its graven image n Chiefly Bible a carved
leaders, —adj grassroots 2 of the ordinary image used as an idol.
members of a group or organization: at gravestone n a stone marking a grave,
grassroots level. graveyard n a place where dead people are
grass snake n a harmless European snake buried.
with a brownish-green body. gravid (grav-id) adj Med pregnant,
grass widow n a woman whose husband is gravimeter (grav-vim-it-er) n 1 an instru-
regularly absent for a time. ment for measuring the force of gravity. 2
grate1 vb grating, grated 1 to reduce to
an instrument for measuring relative den-
shreds by rubbing against a rough surface: sity.
grated cheese. 2 to produce a harsh rasping gravitas (grav-vit-tass) n seriousness or so-
sound by scraping against an object or sur- lemnity.
face: the clutch plates grated. 3 grate on to gravitate vb -tating, -tated 1 gravitate to-
annoy: his manner always grated on me. wards to be attracted or influenced by: the
grate2 n 1 a framework of metal bars for mathematically inclined often gravitate to-
holding coal or wood in a fireplace. 2 same wards computers. 2 Physics to move under
as grating1. the influence of gravity.
grateful adj feeling or showing thanks, gravitation n Physics 1 the force of attrac-
gratefully adv tion that bodies exert on one another as a
result of their mass. 2 the process or result
grater n a tool with a sharp surface for grat- of this interaction, gravitational adj
ing food. gravity n, pl -ties 1 Physics a the force that
gratify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to satisfy or attracts bodies towards the centre of the
please (someone). 2 to yield to (a desire or earth, a moon, or any planet, b same as
whim): all his wishes were to be gratified. gravitation. 2 seriousness or importance:
gratification n - the gravity of the situation. 3 seriousness
grating1 n a framework of metal bars cover- or solemnity of appearance or behaviour:
ing an opening in a wall or in the ground. his priestly gravity.
grating2 adj 1 (of a sound) rough or unpleas- gravy n, pl-vies a the juices that come from
ant. 2 annoying or irritating: his cringing meat during cooking, b the sauce made by
obsequiousness was grating. thickening and flavouring these juices.
gravy boat 344 greenhouse
gravy boat n a small boat-shaped dish with Greats pl n (at Oxford University) 1 the
a spout, used for serving gravy or sauce. Honours course in classics and philosophy.
gravy train n Slang a job or scheme that 2 the final examinations at the end of this
produces a lot of money for little effort. course.
gray adj, n, vb Chiefly US grey. great-uncle n an uncle of one’s father or
graze1 vb grazing, grazed a (of an animal) mother.
to eat (grass or other growing plants), b to Great War n same as World War I.
feed (animals) on grass or other growing greave n a piece of armour for the shin,
plants. grebe n a diving water bird.
graze2 vb grazing, grazed 1 to break the Grecian (gree-shan) adj of ancient Greece,
skin of (a part of the body) by scraping. 2 to greed n excessive desire for something,
brush against someone gently in passing. such as food or money.
~n 3 an injury on the skin caused by scrap-
greedy adj greedier, greediest having an
ing. excessive desire for something, such as food
grazier n a rancher or farmer who keeps or money: greedy for personal possessions.
cattle or sheep on grazing land. greedily adv
grazing n land where grass is grown for
Greek adj 1 of Greece. ~n 2 a person from
farm animals to feed upon. Greece. 3 the language of Greece.
grease n 1 soft melted animal fat. 2 a thick
oily substance, such as the kind put on ma- Greek cross n a cross with each of the four
chine parts to make them work smoothly. arms of the same length.
~vb greasing, greased 3 to apply grease green adj 1 of a colour between yellow and
to: lightly grease a baking tin. 4 grease blue; of the colour of grass. 2 covered with
someone’s palm Slang to bribe someone. grass, plants, or trees: green fields. 3 of or
greasepaint n theatrical make-up. concerned with conservation and improve-
ment of the environment: used in a political
greaseproof paper n any paper that is re- context: green issues. 4 (of fruit) fresh,
sistant to penetration by grease and oil, esp. raw, or unripe. 5 pale and sick-looking. 6
one used for lining baking dishes or wrap- inexperienced or gullible. 7 green with
ping food. envy very envious. ~n 8 a colour between
greasy adj greasier, greasiest 1 covered yellow and blue. 9 anything green, such as
with or containing grease. 2 excessively green clothing or green ink: printed in
pleasant or flattering in an insincere man- green. 10 a small area of grassy land: the
ner. greasiness n village green. 11 an area of smooth turf
great adj 1 large in size. 2 large in number or kept for a special purpose: putting greens.
amount: the great majority. 3 larger than 12 greens the leaves and stems of certain
others of its kind: the great white whale. 4 plants, eaten as a vegetable: turnip greens.
extreme or more than usual: great difficul- 13 Green a person who supports environ-
ty. 5 of importance or consequence: a great mentalist issues, greenish or greeny adj
discovery. 6 of exceptional talents or greenness n
achievements: a great artist. 7 skilful: he’s a green beans pl n long narrow green beans
great storyteller; they are great at problem that are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
solving. 8 Informal excellent. ~n 9 the
greats the most successful people in a par- green belt n a protected zone of parkland or
ticular field: the all-time greats of golf. open country surrounding a town or city.
greatly adv greatness n Green Cross Code n Brit a road-safety code
great- prefix (in expressing relationship) for children.
one generation older or younger than: great- greenery n green leaves or growing plants:
grandmother. lush greenery.
great auk n an extinct large auk that could green-eyed monster n jealousy.
not fly. greenfinch n a European finch the male of
great-aunt n an aunt of one’s father or which has olive-green feathers.
mother. green fingers pl n skill in growing plants,
Great Britain n the mainland part of the greenfly n, pl -flies a green aphid commonly
British Isles; England, Scotland, and Wales. occurring as a pest on plants.
great circle n Maths a circular section of a greengage n a green sweet variety of plum,
sphere that has a radius equal to the greengrocer n Brit a shopkeeper who sells
sphere’s radius. fruit and vegetables.
greatcoat n a heavy overcoat. greenhorn n an inexperienced person; nov-
Great Dane n a very large dog with short ice.
smooth hair. greenhouse n 1 a building with glass walls
great-nephew n a son of one's nephew or and roof where plants are grown under con-
niece. trolled conditions. -acO' 2 relating to or
great-niece n a daughter of one’s nephew or contributing to the greenhouse effect:
niece. greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
greenhouse effect 345 grill
greenhouse effect n the gradual rise in (of hair) having partly turned white, b (of a
temperature in the earth’s atmosphere due person) having grey hair. 3 dismal, dark, or
to heat being absorbed from the sun and gloomy: a grey and misty morning. 4 dull or
being trapped by gases such as carbon diox- boring: in 1948 life generally was grey. ~n
ide in the air around the earth. 5 a colour between black and white. 6 any-
greenkeeper n a person responsible for thing grey, such as grey paint or grey cloth-
maintaining a golf course or bowling green. ing: available in grey or brown. 7 a grey or
green light n 1 a signal to go. 2 permission whitish horse, greyness n greyish adj
to proceed with a project. grey area n a situation or area that has no
green paper n (in Britain) a government clearly defined characteristics or that falls
document containing policy proposals to be somewhere between two categories.
discussed. Grey Friar n a Franciscan friar,
green pepper n the green unripe fruit of the greyhound n a tall slender dog that can run
sweet pepper, eaten as a vegetable. very fast and is used for racing.
greenroom n (esp. formerly) a backstage greying adj becoming grey: greying hair.
room in a theatre where performers rest or greylag or greylag goose n a large grey
receive visitors. Eurasian goose.
greenstick fracture n a fracture in which grey matter n Informal intellect or brains,
the bone is partly bent and splinters only on grey squirrel n a grey-furred squirrel, na-
the outer side of the bend. tive to E North America but now common in
greensward n Archaic or literary an area of Britain.
fresh green turf. grid n 1 a network of crossing parallel lines
green tea n tea made from leaves that have on a map, plan, or graph paper for locating
been dried quickly without fermenting. points. 2 the grid the national network of
Greenwich Mean Time (gren-itch) n the cables or pipes by which electricity, gas, or
local time of the 0° meridian passing water is distributed. 3 Electronics an elec-
through Greenwich, England: a basis for trode that controls the flow of electrons be-
calculating times throughout most of the tween the cathode and anode of a valve.
world. griddle n a thick round iron plate placed on
greet1 vb 1 to address or meet with expres- top of a cooker and used to cook food.
sions of friendliness or welcome. 2 to re- gridiron n 1 a utensil of parallel metal bars,
ceive in a specified manner: a direct request used to grill food. 2 a the field of play in
would be greeted coolly. 3 to be immediate- American football, b Informal same as
ly noticeable to: the scene of devastation American football.
which greeted him. grief n 1 deep or intense sorrow. 2 come to
greet2 vb Scot to weep. grief to have an unfortunate or unsuccess-
greeting n the act or words of welcoming on
ful end or outcome.
meeting. grief-stricken adj deeply affected by sor-
greetings interj an expression of friendly
row.
salutation. grievance n 1 a real or imaginary cause for
complaint. 2 a feeling of resentment at hav-
gregarious adj 1 enjoying the company of ing been unfairly treated.
others. 2 (of animals) living together in
herds or flocks. grieve vb grieving, grieved to feel or cause
to feel great sorrow or distress, grieved adj
Gregorian calendar n the revision of the grieving adj
calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope
Gregory XIII and still widely used. grievous adj 1 very severe or painful: griev-
ous injuries. 2 very serious or worrying: a
Gregorian chant n same as plainsong. grievous loss, grievously adv
gremlin n an imaginary imp jokingly blamed grievous bodily harm n Criminal law seri-
for malfunctions in machinery. ous injury caused by one person to another.
grenade n a small bomb filled with explo- griffin, griffon, or gryphon n a mythical
sive or gas, thrown by hand or fired from a winged monster with an eagle’s head and a
rifle. lion’s body.
grenadier n Mil 1 (in the British Army) a griffon n 1 a large vulture with a pale feath-
member of the senior regiment of infantry ers and black wings. 2 a small wire-haired
in the Household Brigade (the Grenadier breed of dog.
Guards). 2 (formerly) a soldier trained to grill vb 1 to cook by direct heat under a grill
throw grenades. or over a hot fire. 2 Informal to subject to
grenadine (gren-a-deen) n a syrup made relentless questioning: the jury pool was
from pomegranate juice, often used as an grilled for signs of prejudice. ~n 3 a device
ingredient in cocktails. on a cooker that radiates heat downwards
grew vb the past tense of grow. for grilling food. 4 a gridiron for cooking
grey or US gray adj 1 of a colour between food. 5 a dish of grilled food. 6 See griU-
black and white; of the colour of ashes. 2 a room. grilled adj grilling n
grille 346 grommet
grille or grill n a metal or wooden grating, complaint. 4 the gripes a sudden intense
used as a screen or partition. pain in the bowels.
grillroom n a restaurant specializing in grippe n a former name for influenza.
grilled foods. gripping adj very interesting and exciting: a
grilse (grillss) n, pl grilses or grilse a salm- gripping story.
on on its first return from the sea to fresh grisly adj -lier, -liest causing horror or
water. dread: grisly murders.
grim adj grimmer, grimmest 1 unfavour- grist n 1 grain that is to be or that has been
able and worrying: grim figures on unem- ground. 2 grist to the mill anything that
ployment. 2 harsh and unpleasant: grim can be turned to profit or advantage.
conditions in the detention centres. 3 stern
or resolute: a grim determination to fight gristle n tough stringy animal tissue found
on. 4 Informal unpleasant or disagreeable, in meat, gristly adj
grimly adv grimness n grit n 1 small hard particles of sand, earth,
grimace n 1 an ugly or distorted facial ex- or stone. 2 courage and determination. ~vb
pression of disgust, pain, or displeasure. gritting, gritted 3 to cover (an icy road)
~vb -macing, -maced 2 to make a grimace. with grit. 4 grit one’s teeth a to rub one’s
grime n 1 ingrained dirt. ~vb griming, upper and lower teeth against each other,
grimed 2 to make very dirty: sweat-grimed as if chewing, b to decide to carry on in a
faces, grimy adj difficult situation: he urged the Cabinet to
grit its teeth and continue cutting public
grin vb grinning, grinned 1 to smile broad- spending.
ly, showing one’s teeth. 2 grin and bear it
Informal to suffer hardship without com- grits pl n coarsely ground grain, a popular
plaint. —n3 abroad smile, grinning adj dish in the Southern US.
grind vb grinding, ground 1 to reduce to gritter n a vehicle that spreads grit on the
small particles by pounding or rubbing: roads in icy weather.
grinding coffee. 2 to smooth, sharpen, or gritty adj -tier, -tiest 1 courageous and
polish by friction. 3 (of two objects) to tough. 2 covered with grit.
scrape together with a harsh rasping sound. grizzle vb -zling, -zled Informal, chiefly Brit
4 an axe to grind See axe (sense 2). 5 grind to whine or complain.
one’s teeth to rub one’s upper and lower grizzled adj 1 (of hair) streaked or mixed
teeth against each other, as if chewing. 6 with grey. 2 (of a-person) having grey hair.
grind to a halt to come to an end or a
standstill: without enzymes life would grind grizzly n, pl -zlies a large fierce greyish-
to a halt. ~n 7 Informal hard or tedious brown bear of N America. In full: grizzly
work: the grind of everyday life. -See also bear
grind down. groan n 1 a long deep cry of pain, grief, or
grind down vb to treat harshly so as to sup- disapproval. 2 Informal a grumble or com-
press resistance: to grind down the opposi- plaint. ~vb 3 to give a long deep cry of
tion. pain, grief, or disapproval. 4 Informal to
grinder n a device for grinding substances: a
complain or grumble. 5 groan under to be
coffee grinder. weighed down by: chemists’ shelves groan
under the weight of slimming aids, groan-
grindstone n 1 a revolving stone disc used ing adj, n
for sharpening, grinding, or polishing
things. 2 keep one’s nose to the grind- groat n a former British coin worth four old
stone to work hard and steadily. pennies.
grip n 1 a very tight hold: he felt a grip at groats pl n the crushed grain of various ce-
his throat. 2 the style or manner of holding reals.
something, such as a golf club or tennis grocer n a shopkeeper who sells food and
racket. 3 power or control over a situation, other household supplies.
person, or activity: rebel forces tighten groceries pl n food and other household
their grip around the capital; families in the supplies.
grip of the moneylenders. 4 get or come to grocery n, pl -ceries the business or prem-
grips with to face up to and deal with (a ises of a grocer.
problem or subject). 5 a travelling bag or grog n 1 an alcoholic drink, usually rum, di-
holdall. 6 a hairgrip. 7 a handle. 8 a person luted with water. 2 Austral & NZ informal
who manoeuvres the cameras in a film or
television studio. ~vb gripping, gripped 9 any alcoholic drink.
to take a tight hold of. 10 to affect strongly: groggy adj -gier, -giest Informal faint,
sudden panic gripped her. 11 to hold the in- weak, or dizzy.
terest or attention of: gripped by the inten- groin n 1 the part of the body where the ab-
sity of the film; the story gripped him. domen joins the legs. 2 Archit a curved edge
gripe vb griping, griped 1 Informal to com- formed where two intersecting vaults meet.
plain persistently. 2 to cause sudden in- grommet n 1 a rubber, plastic, or metal ring
tense pain in the bowels. ~n 3 Informal a or eyelet. 2 Med a small tube inserted into
groom 347 group
the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle cricket ground. 4 a matter for consideration
ear. or discussion: there is no need to cover the
groom n 1 a person employed to clean and same ground. 5 an advantage in an argu-
look after horses. 2 short for bridegroom. ment or competition: neither side seems
—vb 3 to clean and smarten (a horse or willing to give ground in this trial of
other animal). 4 to keep (oneself or one’s strength. 6 the background colour of a
appearance) clean and tidy: carefully painting. 7 US & Canad an electrical earth.
groomed hair. 5 to train (someone) for a 8 grounds a the land around a building, b
particular task or occupation: groomed for reason or justification: the hostages should
future leadership, grooming n be freed on humanitarian grounds, c sedi-
groove n 1 a long narrow furrow cut into a ment or dregs: coffee grounds. 9 break new
surface. 2 the spiral channel in a gramo- ground to do something that has not been
phone record, grooved adj done before. 10 common ground an agreed
groovy adj groovier, grooviest Old-
basis for identifying issues in an argument.
11 get something off the ground to get
fashioned slang attractive, fashionable, or something started: to get the peace confer-
exciting. ence off the ground. 12 into the ground to
grope vb groping, groped 1 to feel about exhaustion or excess: he was running him-
uncertainly for something. 2 to find (one’s self into the ground. 13 suit someone down
way) by groping. 3 to search uncertainly to the ground Brit informal to be totally
for a solution or expression: the new de- suitable or appropriate for someone, —adj
mocracies are groping for stability. 4 Slang 14 on the ground: ground troops, —vb 15 to
to fondle (someone) in a rough sexual way. confine (an aircraft or pilot) to the ground.
~n 5 an instance of groping. 16 Naut to move (a ship) onto the bottom of
gros point (groh) n 1 a cross-stitch in em- shallow water, so that it cannot move. 17 to
broidery. 2 work done in this stitch. instruct in the basics of a subject: the stu-
gross adj 1 outrageously wrong: gross dent who is not grounded in the elements
violations of human rights. 2 very coarse or cannot understand the advanced teaching.
vulgar: gross bad taste. 3 Slang disgusting 18 to provide a basis for; establish: a scien-
or repulsive: I think beards are gross. 4 re- tifically grounded documentation. 19 US &
pulsively fat. 5 with no deductions for tax Canad to connect (a circuit or electrical de-
or the weight of the container; total: gross vice) to an earth.
income; a gross weight of 20 000 lbs. —n 6 ground2 vb 1 the past of grind, -adj 2 re-
(pl gross) twelve dozen (144). 7 the entire duced to fine particles by grinding: ground
amount or weight. -vb 8 to earn as total glass.
revenue, before deductions, grossly adv ground bass n Music a short melodic bass
gross domestic product n the total value of line that is repeated over and over again.
all goods and services produced domestical- ground beef n finely chopped beef, some-
ly by a nation during a year. times used to make hamburgers.
gross national product n the total value of ground-breaking ad/innovative.
all final goods and services produced annu- ground control n the people and equipment
ally by a nation: equivalent to gross domes- on the ground that monitor the progress of
tic product plus net investment income aircraft or spacecraft.
from abroad.
ground cover n dense low plants that
gross profit n Accounting the difference be- spread over the surface of the ground.
tween total revenue from sales and the total
cost of purchases or materials. ground floor n the floor of a building that is
level, or almost level, with the ground.
grotesque (groh-tesk) adj 1 strangely dis-
grounding n a foundation, esp. the basic
torted or bizarre: a grotesque and pervasive
personality cult. 2 ugly or repulsive. —n 3 a general knowledge of a subject.
grotesque person or thing. 4 an artistic groundless adj without reason or justifica-
style in which parts of human, animal, and tion: the scare turned out to be groundless.
plant forms are distorted and mixed, or a groundnut n same as peanut.
work of art in this style, grotesquely adv groundsel (grounce-el) n a yellow-flowered
grotto n, pl-toes or -tos a small picturesque weed.
cave. groundsheet n a waterproof sheet placed on
grotty adj -tier, -tiest Brit slang 1 nasty or the ground in a tent to keep out damp.
unattractive. 2 in bad condition. groundsman n, pl -men a person employed
grouch Informal -vb 1 to complain or to maintain a sports ground or park.
grumble. ~n 2 a person who is always groundswell n a rapidly developing general
complaining. 3 a persistent complaint. feeling or opinion.
grouchy adj grouchier, grouchiest bad- groundwork n preliminary work as a foun-
tempered. dation or basis.
ground1 n 1 the land surface. 2 earth or soil. group n 1 a number of people or things con-
3 an area used for a particular purpose: a sidered as a unit. 2 a small band of players
group captain 348 grunge
or singers, esp. of popular music. 3 an asso- rumbling sound: his stomach growled. ~n 4
ciation of business firms that have the same the act or sound of growling.
owner. 4 Chem two or more atoms that are grown adj developed or advanced: fully
bound together in a molecule and behave as grown; a grown man.
a single unit: a methyl group -CH3. 5 Chem grown-up adj 1 having reached maturity;
a vertical column of elements in the period- adult. 2 of or suitable for an adult. ~n 3 an
ic table that all have similar properties: the adult.
halogen group. -vb 6 to put into or form grow on vb to become progressively more
into a group. acceptable or pleasant to: 1 didn't like that
group captain n a middle-ranking officer in programme at first but it has grown on me.
some air forces. grow out of vb to become too big or mature
groupie n Slang an ardent fan of a celebrity for: I used to be into the ’fifties scene but
or of a sport or activity: a polo groupie. grew out of it.
grouping n a set of people or organizations growth n 1 the process of growing. 2 an in-
who act or work together to achieve a crease in size, number, or significance: the
shared aim: a pro-democracy grouping growth of drug trafficking. 3 something
within China. grown or growing: a thick growth of ivy. 4
group therapy n Psychol the treatment of any abnormal tissue, such as a tumour.
people by bringing them together to share -adj 5 of or relating to growth: growth
their problems in group discussion. hormone.
grouse1 n, pl grouse 1 a game bird with a grow up vb to reach maturity; become adult,
stocky body and feathered legs and feet. 2 groyne n a wall or breakwater built out
the flesh of this bird used for food. from a shore to control erosion.
grouse2 vb grousing, groused 1 to complain grub n 1 Slang food. 2 the short legless larva
or grumble. —n 2 a persistent complaint. of certain insects, such as beetles, -vb
grouse3 adj Austral & NZ slang fine or excel- grubbing, grubbed 3 to search carefully
lent. for something by digging or by moving
things about. 4 grub up to dig (roots or
grout n 1 a thin mortar for filling joints be-
tween tiles or masonry. —vb 2 to fill with plants) out of the ground.
grout. grubby adj -bier, -biest 1 rather dirty. 2 un-
savoury or morally unacceptable: grubby
grove n a small wood or group of trees: or- activities, grubbiness n
ange groves.
grudge n 1 a persistent feeling of resent-
grovel (grov-el) vb -elling, -elled or US ment against a person who has caused harm
-eling, -eled 1 to behave excessively hum- or upset, -vb grudging, grudged 2 to give
bly towards someone, esp. a superior, in an unwillingly: the rich men who grudged pen-
attempt to win his or her favour. 2 to crawl nies for the poor. 3 to resent or envy the
on the floor, often in search of something: success or possessions of: none of their
grovelling on the floor for missing cards. guests grudged them this celebration, -adj
grovelling or US groveling adj, n 4 planned or carried out in order to settle a
grow vb growing, grew, grown 1 (of a per- grudge: a grudge match.
son or animal) to increase in size and devel- grudging adj felt or done unwillingly: grudg-
op physically. 2 (of a plant) to exist and in- ing admiration for his opponent, grudging-
crease in size: an ancient meadow where ly adv
wild flowers grow. 3 to produce (a plant) by gruel n thin porridge made by boiling oat-
planting seeds, bulbs, or cuttings, and look- meal in water or milk.
ing after it: many farmers have expressed a
wish to grow more cotton. 4 to let (one’s gruelling or US grueling adj extremely se-
hair or nails) develop: to grow a beard. 5 to vere or tiring: a gruelling journey.
increase in size or degree: the gulf between gruesome adj inspiring horror and disgust,
rich and poor is growing. 6 to originate or gruff adj 1 rough or surly in manner or
develop: Melbourne grew from a sheep- speech. 2 (of a voice) low and throaty,
farming outstation and occasional port to a gruffly adv gruffness n
city. 7 to become increasingly as specified: grumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to complain in a
as the night wore on the audience grew nagging way: his neighbour grumbled about
more intolerant. -See also grow on, grow the long wait. 2 to make low rumbling
out of, etc. growing adj grower n sounds: the storm grumbled in the distance.
growing pains pl n 1 pains in muscles or ~n 3 a complaint. 4 a low rumbling sound:
joints sometimes experienced by growing a distant grumble of artillery fire, grumb-
children. 2 difficulties experienced in the ling adj, n
early stages of a new enterprise. grumpy adj grumpier, grumpiest sulky and
growl vb 1 (of a dog or other animal) to bad-tempered, grumpily adv
make a low rumbling sound, usually in grunge n 1 a style of rock music with a
anger. 2 to say in a gruff or angry manner: fuzzy guitar sound. 2 a deliberately untidy
"You’re late," he growled. 3 to make a deep and uncoordinated fashion style.
grunt 349 guide
grunt vb 1 to make a low short gruff noise, guardian n 1 one who looks after, protects,
such as the sound made by a pig, or by a or defends someone or something: the na-
person to express annoyance. 2 to express tion’s moral guardians. 2 someone legally
(something) gruffly: he grunted his thanks. appointed to manage the affairs of another
~n 3 a low short gruff noise, such as the person, such as a child or a person who is
sound made by a pig, or by a person to ex- mentally ill. guardianship n
press annoyance. guardsman n, pl -men Mil a member of a
Gruyere (grew-yair) n a hard flat pale yel- regiment responsible for ceremonial duties.
low cheese with holes. guard’s van n Brit & NZ a small railway
gryphon n same as griffin. carriage in which the guard travels.
G-string n a strip of cloth worn between the guava (gwah-va) n a round tropical fruit
legs and attached to a waistband. with yellow skin and pink pulp.
G-Suit n a close-fitting pressurized garment gubernatorial adj Chiefly US of or relating
that is worn by the crew of high-speed air- to a governor.
craft. gudgeon1 n a small slender European
GT gran turismo: a touring car, usually a freshwater fish, used as bait by anglers.
fast sports car with a hard fixed roof. gudgeon2 n the socket of a hinge, which fits
guano (gwah-no) n the dried manure of sea round the pin.
birds, used as a fertilizer. guelder rose (geld-er) n a Eurasian shrub
guarantee n 1 a formal assurance in writing with clusters of white flowers.
that a product or service will meet certain Guernsey (gurn-zee) n a breed of dairy cat-
standards or specifications. 2 something tle that produces rich creamy milk, origi-
that makes a specified condition or outcome nating from Guernsey, in the Channel Is-
certain: there was no guarantee that there lands.
would not be another military coup. 3 same guerrilla or guerilla n a member of an irregu-
as guaranty. -vb -teeing, -teed 4 to prom- lar, politically motivated, armed force that
ise or make certain: to guarantee absolute fights regular forces.
loyalty. 5 (of a company) to provide a guar- guess vb 1 to form an estimate or conclu-
antee in writing for (a product or service). 6 sion about (something), without proper
to take responsibility for the debts or obli- knowledge: a competition to guess the
gations of (another person). weight of the cake. 2 to arrive at a correct
guarantor n a person who gives or is bound estimate of (something) by guessing: I had a
by a guarantee or guaranty. notion that he guessed my thoughts. 3 In-
guaranty n, pl -ties 1 a pledge of responsibil- formal, chiefly US & Canad to think or sup-
ity for fulfilling another person’s obliga- pose: I guess he must have been a great ath-
tions in case of that person’s default. 2 a lete. ~n 4 an estimate or conclusion ar-
thing given or taken as security for a guar- rived at by guessing: around 30 million
anty. pounds is the guess.
guard vb 1 to watch over or shield from guesswork n the process of arriving at con-
danger or harm; protect: US marines who clusions or estimates by guessing.
guard the American embassy. 2 to keep guest n 1 a person who receives hospitality
watch over (a prisoner) to prevent escape. 3 at someone else’s home. 2 a person who is
to protect (a right or privilege). 4 to take taken out socially by someone else who
precautions: to guard against a possible pays all the expenses. 3 a performer or
coup attempt. ~n 5 a person or group of speaker taking part in an event, show, or
people who protect or watch over people or film by special invitation. 4 a person who is
things. 6 Brit the official in charge of a, staying in a hotel, -vb 5 to be a guest in an
train. 7 a device or part of a machine de- event, show, or film: he guested in concert
signed to protect the user against injury. 8 with Eric Clapton.
anything that provides protection: a guard guesthouse n a private home or boarding
against future shocks. 9 off guard having house offering accommodation.
one’s defences down; unprepared: England
were caught off guard as the Dutch struck guest of honour n a famous or important
two telling blows. 10 on guard on duty to person who is the most important guest at a
protect or watch over people or things. 11 dinner or other social occasion.
on one’s guard prepared to face danger or guff n Slang ridiculous talk; nonsense,
difficulties: parents have been warned to be guffaw vb 1 to laugh loudly and raucously.
on their guard against kidnappers. 12 stand ~n 2 a loud raucous laugh.
guard (of a sentry) to keep watch. guidance n help, advice, or instruction,
guarded adj cautious and avoiding any usually from someone more experienced or
commitment: a guarded welcome, guarded- - more qualified: marriage guidance.
ly adv guide n 1 a person who conducts parties of
guardhouse or guardroom n Mil a military tourists around places of interest, such as
police office in which prisoners can be museums. 2 a person who leads travellers to
detained. a place, usually in a dangerous area: a
Guide 350 gummy
mountain guide. 3 something that can be guinea fowl n a domestic bird with a heavy
used to gauge something or to help in plan- rounded body and speckled feathers.
ning one’s actions: starting salary was not guinea pig n 1 a tailless S American rodent,
an accurate guide to future earnings. 4 commonly kept as a pet or used in scientific
same as guidebook. 5 a book that explains experiments. 2 a person used in an experi-
the basics of a subject or skill: a guide to ment.
higher education. ~vb guiding, guided 6 guipure (geep-pure) n heavy lace that has
to lead the way for (tourists or travellers). its pattern connected by threads, rather
7 to control the movement or course of; than supported on a net mesh.
steer. 8 to direct the affairs of (a person, guise (rhymes with size) n 1 a false appear-
team, or country): he will stay with the club ance: in the guise of a wood-cutter. 2 gener-
he guided to promotion to the First Divi- al appearance or form: haricot beans are
sion. 9 to influence (a person) in his or her best known in Britain in their popular guise
actions or opinions: to be guided by the law. of baked beans.
guiding adj guitar n a stringed instrument with a flat
Guide n a member of an organization for back and a long neck with a fretted finger-
girls that encourages discipline and practi- board, which is played by plucking or
cal skills. strumming, guitarist n
guidebook n a book which gives tourist in- Gulag n a system or department that
formation on a place. silences dissidents, esp. in the former Soviet
guided missile n a missile whose course is Union.
controlled electronically. gulch n US & Canad a narrow ravine with a
guide dog n a dog that has been trained to stream running through it.
lead a blind person. gulf n 1 a large deep bay. 2 something that
guideline n a principle put forward to set divides or separates people, such as a lack
standards or determine a course of action: of understanding: gradually the gulf be-
guidelines for arms exporting. tween father and son has lessened.
guild n 1 an organization or club for people gull n a large sea bird with white feathers
with shared interests. 2 (in Medieval Eu- tipped with black or grey.
rope) an association of men in the same gullet n the muscular tube through which
trade or craft. food passes from the throat to the stomach.
guilder n, pl -ders or -der the standard mon- gullible adj easily tricked; too trusting, gul-
etary unit of the Netherlands. libility n
guildhall n Brit a hall where members of a gully orgulley n, pl -lies or-leys 1 a channel
guild meet. or small valley originally worn away by
running water. 2 Cricket a fielding position
guile (gile) n craftiness or deviousness, on the off side, between the slips and point.
guileless adj gulp vb 1 to swallow (a drink or food) rapid-
guillemot (gil-lee-mot) n a black-and-white ly in large mouthfuls. 2 to gasp or breathe
diving sea bird. in violently, for example when nervous or
guillotine n 1 a device formerly used, esp. in when swimming. 3 gulp back to stifle or
France, for beheading people, consisting of suppress: he gulped back the tears as he
a weighted blade between two upright said his goodbyes. ~n 4 the act of gulping.
posts, which was dropped on the neck. 2 a 5 the quantity taken in a gulp.
device with a blade for cutting paper. ~vb gum1 n 1 a sticky substance obtained from
-tining, -tined 3 to behead with a guillotine, certain plants, which hardens on exposure
guilt n 1 the fact or state of having done to air and dissolves in water. 2 a substance
wrong: the court was unable to establish used for sticking things together. 3 short
guilt. 2 remorse or self-reproach caused by for chewing gum or bubble gum. 4 Chiefly
feeling that one has done something wrong: Brit a gumdrop. ~vb gumming, gummed 5
he feels no guilt about the planned cut- to stick with gum. ~Sce also gum up.
backs. gum2 n the fleshy tissue that covers the
guiltless adj free of all responsibility for bases of the teeth.
wrongdoing or crime; innocent. gum arabic n a gum obtained from certain
guilty adj guiltier, guiltiest I Lawjudged to acacia trees, used to make ink, food
have committed a crime: she has been found thickeners, and pills.
guilty of drug trafficking. 2 responsible for gumboil n an abscess on the gum.
doing something wrong: students who are gumboots pl n Old-fashioned same as Wel-
guilty of cheating. 3 showing, feeling, or in- lington boots.
dicating guilt: guilty conscience, guiltily gumdrop n a small hard fruit-flavoured
adv jelly-like sweet.
guinea n a former British unit of currency gummy1 adj -mier, -miest 1 sticky or tacky.
worth £1.05 (21 shillings), sometimes still 2 producing gum.
used in quoting professional fees. gummy2 adj-mier, -miest toothless.
gumption 351 gutta-percha
gumption n Brit informal common sense or many fights using guns, esp. in the frontier
initiative. days of the American West.
gumtree n 1 any of various trees that yield gunstock n the wooden handle to which the
gum, such as the eucalyptus. 2 up a gum- barrel of a rifle is attached.
tree Brit informal in an awkward position; gunwale n Naut the top of the side of a ship,
in difficulties. guppy n, pl -pies a small brightly coloured
gum up vb gum up the works Informal to tropical fish, often kept in aquariums in
spoil a plan or hinder progress. people’s homes.
gun n 1 a weapon with a metallic tube or gurgle vb -gling, -gled 1 (of water) to make
barrel from which a missile is fired, usually low bubbling noises when flowing. 2 to
by force of an explosion. 2 a device used to make low throaty bubbling noises: the baby
force out (a substance, such as grease or gurgled in delight. ~n 3 the sound of gur-
paint) under pressure: a spray gun. 3 jump gling.
the gun Informal to act prematurely. 4 Gurkha n 1 a member of a Hindu people liv-
stick to one’s guns Informal to stand by ing mainly in Nepal. 2 a member of a Gur-
one’s opinions or intentions in spite of op- kha regiment in the Indian or British Army.
position. -vb gunning, gunned 5 gun
down to shoot (someone) with a gun. 6 to gurnard n, pl -nard or -nards a sea fish with
press hard on the accelerator of (a vehicle’s a spiny head and long finger-like pectoral
engine). ~See also gun for. fins.
gunboat n a small ship carrying mounted guru n 1 a Hindu or Sikh religious teacher or
guns. leader. 2 a leader or adviser of a person or
gunboat diplomacy n diplomacy conducted
group of people: marketing gurus.
by threats of military intervention. Guru Granth Sahib n same as Granth.
guncotton n a form of cellulose nitrate used gush vb 1 to pour out suddenly and profuse-
as an explosive. ly. 2 to speak or behave in an overenthusi-
gun dog n 1 a dog trained to locate or re- astic manner. ~n 3 a sudden large flow of
trieve birds or animals that have been shot liquid. 4 a sudden surge of strong feeling:
in a hunt. 2 a dog belonging to any breed she felt a gush of pure affection for her
traditionally used for these activities. mother.
gunfire n the repeated firing of guns. gusher n 1 a person who gushes. 2 a spurt-
ing oil well.
gun for vb Informal to search for (someone)
in order to harm him or her in some way. gushing adj behaving in an overenthusiastic
manner: gushing television commentators.
gunge n Informal a sticky or congealed sub-
stance. gungy adj gusset n a piece of material sewn into a
garment to strengthen it.
gunk n Informal a slimy, oily, or dirty sub-
stance. gust n 1 a sudden blast of wind. 2 a sudden
surge of strong feeling: a gust of joviality,
gunman n, pl -men a man who uses a gun to
-vb 3 to blow in gusts, gusty adj
commit a crime.
gusto n vigorous enjoyment: he downed a
gunmetal n 1 a type of bronze containing
copper, tin, and zinc, -adj 2 dark grey. pint with gusto.
gut n 1 same as intestine. 2 Slang a stom-
gunnel (gun-nel) n same as gunwale.
ach, esp. a fat one. 3 short for catgut. 4 a
gunner n a member of the armed forces who silky fibrous substance extracted from
works with, uses, or specializes in guns. silkworms and used in the manufacture of
gunnery n the art and science of the effi- fishing tackle, -vb gutting, gutted 5 to
cient design and use of large guns. remove the internal organs from (a dead
gunny n Chiefly US a coarse hard-wearing animal or fish). 6 (of a fire) to destroy the
fabric, made from jute and used for sacks. inside of (a building), -adj 7 Informal
gunpoint n at gunpoint being under or basic, essential, or natural: I have a gut
using the threat of being shot: eight tourists feeling she’s after something. -See also
have been kidnapped at gunpoint by un- guts.
identified men. gutless adj Informal lacking courage or de-
gunpowder n an explosive mixture of po- termination.
tassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur, used guts pl n 1 the internal organs of a person or
to make fireworks. an animal. 2 Informal courage, willpower,
gunrunning n the practice of smuggling guns or daring. 3 Informal the inner or essential
and ammunition into a country, gunrunner part: the new roads have torn apart the
n guts of the city.
gunshot n 1 bullets fired from a gun. 2 the- gutsy adj gutsier, gutsiest Slang 1 bold or
sound of a gun being fired. 3 the firing courageous: the gutsy kid who lost a leg to
range of a gun: within gunshot. cancer. 2 robust or vigorous: a gutsy ren-
gunslinger n Slang a person who can shoot dering of “Bobby Shaftoe ”.
very accurately and has been involved in gutta-percha n a whitish rubber substance,
gutted 352 gyroscope
obtained from a tropical Asian tree and event in which horses and riders take part
used in electrical insulation and dentistry. in various races and contests.
gutted adj Brit informal disappointed and gymnasium n a large room containing
upset: the supporters will be absolutely equipment such as bars, weights, and ropes,
gutted if the manager leaves the club. for physical exercise.
gutter n 1 a channel on the roof of a building gymnast n a person who is skilled or trained
or alongside a kerb, used to collect and in gymnastics.
carry away rainwater. 2 Tenpin bowling gymnastics n 1 practice or training in exer-
one of the channels on either side of an cises that develop physical strength and
alley. 3 the gutter a poverty-stricken, de- agility. ~pl n 2 such exercises, gymnastic
graded, or criminal environment: he rose adj
from the gutter. ~vb 4 (of a candle) to gym shoes pl n same as plimsolls.
flicker and be about to go out. guttering n gymslip n a tunic formerly worn by
gutter press n Informal the section of the schoolgirls as part of school uniform.
popular press that concentrates on the sen- gynaecology or US gynecology (guy-nee-
sational aspects of the news. kol-la-jee) n the branch of medicine con-
guttersnipe n a child who spends most of cerned with diseases and conditions specific
his or her time in the streets, usually in a to women, gynaecological or US gyneco-
slum area. logical adj gynaecologist or US gynecolo-
gist n
guttural (gut-ter-al) adj 1 Phonetics pro-
nounced at the back of the throat. 2 harsh- gyp or gip n give someone gyp Brit & NZ
sounding. slang to cause someone severe pain.
gypsophila n a garden plant with small
guy1 n 1 Informal a man or boy. 2 Chiefly US white flowers.
a person of either sex: it's been very nice
talking to you guys again. 3 Brit a crude gypsum n a mineral used in making plaster
model of Guy Fawkes, that is burnt on top of Paris.
of a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day (November Gypsy or Gipsy n, pl -sies a member of a
5). travelling people scattered throughout Eu-
rope and North America.
guy2 n a rope or chain for steadying or se-
curing something such as a tent. Also: gyrate (jire-rate) vb -rating, -rated to turn
guyrope round and round in a circle, gyration n
gyrfalcon (jur-fawl-kon) n a very large rare
guzzle vb -zling, -zled to eat or drink quick- falcon of northern regions.
ly or greedily.
gyro n, pl -ros short for gyroscope.
gybe or jibe (jibe) Naut ~vb gybing, gyrocompass n a nonmagnetic compass
gybed or jibing, jibed 1 (of a fore-and-aft that uses a motor-driven gyroscope to indi-
sail) to swing suddenly from one side of a cate true north.
ship to the other. 2 to change the course of
(a ship) by letting the sail gybe. ~n 3 an in- gyroscope (jire-oh-skope) n a device con-
stance of gybing. taining a disc rotating on an axis that can
turn freely in any direction, so that the disc
gym n short for gymnasium or gymnastics, maintains the same position regardless of
gymkhana (jim-kah-na) n Chiefly Brit an the movement of the surrounding structure.
 H
H 1 Chem hydrogen. 2 Physics henry. horse kept for riding, often one for hire. 3
h. orH. 1 height. 2 hour. Brit a country ride on horseback. ~vb 4
ha 1 or hah interj an exclamation expressing Brit to ride (a horse) cross-country for
triumph, surprise, or scorn. pleasure. ~adj 5 unoriginal or of a low
standard: clumsily contrived hack verse.
ha2 hectare.
hacker n Slang a computer enthusiast, esp.
Ha Chem hahnium. one who through a personal computer
habeas corpus (hay-bee-ass kor-puss) n breaks into the computer system of a com-
Law a writ ordering a person to be brought pany or government, hacking or hackery
before a judge, so as to decide whether his n
or her detention is lawful. hacking adj (of a cough) dry, painful and
haberdasher n Brit a dealer in small articles harsh-sounding.
used for sewing, haberdashery n hacking jacket n a jacket with vents at the
Haber process (hah-ber) n Chem a method side and sloping pockets, orig. designed for
of making ammonia by reacting nitrogen wearing on horseback.
with hydrogen at high pressure in the pres- hackles pl n 1 make one’s hackles rise
ence of a catalyst. make one feel angry or hostile. 2 the hairs
habiliments pl n clothes. or feathers on the back of the neck of cer-
habit n 1 a tendency to act in a particular tain animals or birds, which rise when they
way. 2 established custom or use: the Eng- are angry.
lish habit of taking tea in the afternoon. 3 hackney n 1 a taxi. 2 same as hack2 (sense
an addiction to a drug. 4 mental disposition 2).
or attitude: deference was a deeply in- hackneyed (hak-need) adj (of a word or
grained habit of mind. 5 the costume of a phrase) unoriginal and overused.
nun or monk. 6 a woman’s riding costume.
hacksaw n a small saw for cutting metal,
habitable adj fit to be lived in. habitability
n had vb the past of have.
habitant n an early French settler in Canada haddock n, pl -dock a North Atlantic food
or Louisiana or a descendant of one, esp. a fish.
farmer. hadedah or hadeda (hah-dee-dah) n a large
habitat n the natural home of an animal or grey-green S African ibis.
plant. Hades (hay-deez) n Greek myth the under-
habitation n 1 occupation of a dwelling world home of the souls of the dead.
place: unfit for human habitation. 2 Formal hadj n same as hajj.
a dwelling place. hadji n, pl hadjis same as hajji.
habit-forming adj tending to become a habit hadn’t had not.
or addiction. haemal or US hemal (heem-al) adj of the
habitual adj 1 done regularly and repeated- blood.
ly: habitual behaviour patterns. 2 by habit: haematic or US hematic (hee-mat-ik) adj
a habitual criminal, habitually adv relating to or containing blood.
habituate vb -ating, -ated to accustom; get haematite n a type of iron ore which is
used to: habituated to failure, habituation reddish-brown when powdered.
n haematology or US hematology n the
habitue (hab-it-yew-ay) n a frequent visitor branch of medical science concerned with
to a place. the blood, haematologist or US hema-
hachure (hash-yoor) n shading of short tologist n
lines drawn on a map to indicate the degree haemoglobin or US hemoglobin (hee-moh-
of steepness of a hill. globe-in) n a protein in red blood cells that
hacienda (hass-ee-end-a) n (in Spanish- carries oxygen from the lungs to the tis-
speaking countries) a ranch or large estate sues.
with a house on it. haemophilia or US hemophilia (hee-moh-
hack1 vb 1 to chop roughly or violently. 2 to fill-lee-a) n a hereditary disorder, usually
cut and clear (a way) through undergrowth. affecting males, in which the blood does not
3 (in sport) to foul (an opposing player) by clot properly, haemophiliac n
kicking his or her shins. ~n 4 a cut or gash. haemorrhage or US hemorrhage (hem-or-
5 a tool, such as a pick. 6 a chopping blow. 7 ij) n 1 heavy bleeding from ruptured blood
a kick on the shins, such as in rugby. vessels. ~vb -rhaging, -rhaged 2 to bleed
hack2 n 1 a writer or journalist who pro- heavily.
duces work fast and on a regular basis. 2 a haemorrhoids or US hemorrhoids (hem-or-
haeremai 354 half
oydz) pl n Pathol swollen veins in the wall reaction. 9 split hairs to make petty and
of the anus. unnecessary distinctions, hairless adj
haeremai (hire-a-my) interj NZ an expres- hairdo n, pl -dos Informal the style of a per-
sion of greeting or welcome. son’s hair.
hafnium n Chem a metallic element found in hairdresser n 1 a person who cuts and
zirconium ores. Symbol: Hf styles hair. 2 a hairdresser’s premises,
haft n the handle of an axe, knife, or dagger, hairdressing n
hag n 1 an unpleasant or ugly old woman. 2 hairgrip n Chiefly Brit a small bent clasp
a witch, haggish adj used to fasten the hair.
haggard adj looking tired and ill. hairline n 1 the edge of hair at the top of the
haggis n a Scottish dish made from sheep’s forehead, —adj 2 very fine or narrow: a
or calf’s offal, oatmeal, suet, and season- hairline crack.
ings boiled in a skin made from the animal’s hairpiece n a section of false hair added to a
stomach. person’s real hair.
haggle vb -gling, -gled to bargain or wran- hairpin n a thin U-shaped pin used to fasten
gle (over a price). the hair.
hagiography n, pl -phies the writing of lives hairpin bend n a bend in the road that
of the saints, hagiographer n curves very sharply.
hagiology n, pl -gies literature about the hair-raising adj very frightening or exciting,
lives and legends of saints. hair’s-breadth n an extremely small margin
hag-ridden adj distressed or worried, or distance.
hah interj same as ha1. hair shirt n a shirt made of horsehair cloth
worn against the skin as a penance.
ha-ha1 or haw-haw interj a written repre-
sentation of the sound of laughter. hair slide n a decorative clasp used to fasten
the hair.
ha-ha2 n a wall set in a ditch so as not to in-
terrupt a view of the landscape. hairsplitting n 1 the act of making petty dis-
tinctions. -adj 2 characterized by petty
hahnium n Chem a transuranic element arti- distinctions.
ficially produced from californium. Symbol:
Ha hairspring n a fine spring in some clocks and
watches which regulates the timekeeping.
haiku (hie-koo) n, pl -ku a Japanese verse
form in 17 syllables. hairstyle n the out and arrangement of a
person’s hair, hairstylist n
hail1 n 1 small pellets of ice falling from
hair trigger n a trigger that responds to the
thunderclouds. 2 words, ideas, missiles, slightest pressure.
etc., directed with force and in great quan-
tity: a hail of abuse. ~vb 3 to fall as hail: hairy adj hairier, hairiest 1 covered with
it’s hailing. 4 to fall like hail: blows hailed hair. 2 Slang dangerous, exciting, and diffi-
down on him. cult. hairiness n
hail2 vb 1 to call out to; greet: a voice from hajj or hadj n the pilgrimage a Muslim makes
behind hailed him. 2 to praise, acclaim, or to Mecca.
acknowledge: his crew had been hailed as hajji or hadji n, pl hajjis or hadjis a Muslim
heroes. 3 to stop (a taxi) by shouting or ges- who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
turing. 4 hail from to come originally from: haka n NZ 1 a Maori war chant accompanied
she hails from Nova Scotia. ~n 5 within by actions. 2 a similar chant by a sports
hailing distance within hearing range. team.
-interj 6 Poetic an exclamation of greet- hake n, pl hake or hakes an edible fish of
ing. the cod family.
hail-fellow-well-met adj genial and familiar halal or hallal n meat from animals that
in an offensive way. have been slaughtered according to Muslim
Hail Mary n RC Church a prayer to the Vir- law.
gin Mary. halberd n History a tall spear that includes
hailstone n a pellet of hail. an axe blade and a pick.
hailstorm n a storm during which hail falls, halcyon (hal-see-on) adj 1 peaceful, gentle,
hair n 1 any of the threadlike outgrowths on and calm. 2 halcyon days a time, usually in
the skin of mammals. 2 a mass of such the past, of greatest happiness or success.
outgrowths, such as on a person’s head or hale adj healthy and robust: hale and
an animal’s body. 3 Bot a threadlike growth hearty.
from the outer layer of a plant. 4 a very half n, pl halves 1 either of two equal or cor-
small distance or margin: missed death by a responding parts that together make up a
hair. 5 get in someone’s hair Informal to whole. 2 the fraction equal to one divided
annoy someone. 6 hair of the dog an alco- by two. 3 half a pint, esp. of beer. 4 Sport
holic drink taken as a cure for a hangover. 7 one of two equal periods of play in a game.
let one’s hair down to enjoy oneself with- 5 a half-price ticket. 6 by halves without
out restraint. 8 not turn a hair to show no being thorough: in Italy they rarely do
half-and-half 355 hallowed
things by halves. 7 go halves to share ex- -pennies a former British coin worth half a
penses. ~adj 8 denoting one of two equal penny.
parts: a half chicken. ~adv 9 half in degree half-pie adj NZ informal badly planned; not
or quantity: half as much. 10 partially; to properly thought out: a half-pie scheme.
an extent: half hidden in the trees. 11 by half-price adj, adv for half the normal price:
half to an excessive degree: too clever by special half-price tickets; jeans bought half-
half. 12 not half Informal a Brit very; in- price in a sale.
deed: it isn’t half hard to look at these half-sister n the daughter of either one’s
charts, b yes, indeed. mother or father by another partner.
half-and-half adj half one thing and half an- half term n Brit education a short holiday
other thing. midway through a term.
halfback n Rugby a player positioned im- half-timbered adj (of a building) having an
mediately behind the forwards. exposed timber framework filled with brick
half-baked adj Informal poorly planned: or plaster.
half-baked policies. half-time n Sport an interval between the
half board n the daily provision by a hotel two halves of a game.
of bed, breakfast, and evening meal. half-title n the first right-hand page of a
half-bottle n a bottle of spirits or wine that book, with only the title on it.
contains half the quantity of a standard halftone n a photographic illustration in
bottle. which the image is composed of a large
half-breed n Often offensive a person whose number of black and white dots.
parents are of different races. half-track n a vehicle with moving tracks on
half-brother n the son of either one’s mother the rear wheels.
or father by another partner. half-truth n a partially true statement, half-
half-caste n a person whose parents are of true adj
different races. half volley n Sport 1 a stroke or shot in
half-cock n go off at half-cock or half- which the ball is hit immediately after it
cocked to fail because of lack of prepara- bounces. ~vb half-volley 2 to hit or kick (a
tion. ball) immediately after it bounces.
half-crown or half-a-crown n a former Brit- halfway adv, adj 1 at or to half the distance.
ish coin worth two shillings and sixpence 2 at or towards the middle of a period of
(12^p). time or of an event or process: he only man-
half-cut adj Brit slang rather drunk, aged to get halfway up the hill. 3 meet
half-day n a day when one works only in the someone halfway to compromise with
morning or only in the afternoon. someone.
half-dozen n six. halfway house n 1 a place to rest midway
half-hearted adj without enthusiasm or de- on a journey. 2 the halfway stage in any
termination. half-heartedly adv process: a halfway house between the thea-
half-hitch n a knot made by passing the end tre and cinema is possible.
of a piece of rope around itself and through halfwit n a foolish or feeble-minded person,
the loop so made. halfwitted adj
half-hour n 1 a period of 30 minutes. 2 the halibut n a large edible flatfish,
point of time 30 minutes after the beginning halitosis n bad-smelling breath.
of an hour, half-hourly adv, adj hall n 1 an entry area to other rooms in a
half-life n the time taken for radioactive ma- house. 2 a building or room for public meet-
terial to lose half its radioactivity. ings, dances, etc. 3 a residential building in
half-light n a dim light, such as at dawn or a college or university. 4 a great house of an
dusk. estate; manor. 5 a large dining room in a col-
half-mast n the halfway position of a flag on lege or university. 6 the large room of a cas-
a mast as a sign of mourning. tle or stately home.
half measures pl n inadequate actions or hallelujah, halleluiah (hal-ee-loo-ya) or alle-
solutions: the education system cannot be luia interj an exclamation of praise to God.
reformed by half measures. hallmark n 1 a typical feature: secrecy be-
half-moon n 1 the moon when half its face is came the hallmark of government. 2 Brit an
illuminated. 2 the time at which a half- official seal stamped on gold, silver, or
moon occurs. 3 something shaped like a platinum articles to guarantee purity and
half-moon. date of manufacture. 3 a mark of authentic-
half-nelson n a wrestling hold in which a ity or excellence. ~vb 4 to stamp with a
wrestler places an arm under his oppo- hallmark.
nent’s arm from behind and exerts pressure hallo interj, n same as hello.
with his palm on the back of his opponent’s halloo interj a shout used to call hounds at a
neck. hunt.
halfpenny or ha’penny (hayp-nee) n, pl hallowed adj 1 regarded as holy: hallowed
Hallowe’en 356 hand
ground. 2 respected and revered because of 2 the part of a gun that causes the bullet to
age, importance, or reputation: the hal- shoot when the trigger is pulled. 3 Athletics
lowed pitch at Lord’s. a a heavy metal ball attached to a flexible
Hallowe’en or Halloween n October 31, cel- wire: thrown in competitions, b the sport of
ebrated by children by dressing up as throwing the hammer. 4 an auctioneer’s
ghosts, witches, etc. mallet. 5 the part of a piano that hits a
hallucinate vb -nating, -nated to seem to see string when a key is pressed. 6 come or go
something that is not really there. under the hammer to be on sale at auction.
hallucination n the experience of seeming to 7 hammer and tongs with great effort or
see something that is not really there, hal- energy. -vb 8 to hit with or as if with a
lucinatory adj hammer. 9 hammer in or into to force
(facts or ideas) into someone through rep-
hallucinogen n any drug that causes hallu- etition. 10 hammer away at to work at
cinations. hallucinogenic adj (something) constantly: the paper ham-
hallway n an entrance area. mered away at the same theme all the way
halo (hay-loh) n, pl -loes or -los 1 a ring of through the campaign. 11 Brit to criticize
light around the head of a sacred figure. 2 a severely. 12 Informal to defeat heavily. 13
circle of refracted light around the sun or to feel or sound like hammering: his heart
moon. ~vb -loes or -los, -loing, -loed 3 to was hammering.
surround with a halo. hammer and sickle n the emblem on the
halogen (hal-oh-jen) n Chem any of the flag of the former Soviet Union, represent-
nonmetallic chemical elements fluorine, ing the industrial workers and the peasants,
chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine hammerhead n a shark with a wide flat-
which form salts when combined with tened head.
metal.
hammer out vb to settle (differences) with
halt vb 1 to come to a stop or bring (someone great effort.
or something) to a stop. ~n 2 a temporary
standstill. 3 a military command to stop. 4 hammertoe n a condition in which the toe is
Chiefly Brit a minor railway station with- permanently bent at the joint.
out a building. 5 call a halt to to put an end hammock n a hanging bed made of canvas
to. or net.
halter n 1 a strap around a horse’s head with hamper1 vb to make it difficult for (someone
a rope to lead it with. ~vb 2 to put a halter or something) to move or progress.
on (a horse). hamper2 n 1 a large basket with a lid. 2 Brit
halterneck n a woman’s top or dress which a selection of food and drink packed as a
fastens behind the neck, leaving the back gift.
and arms bare. hamster n a small rodent with a stocky
halting adj hesitant or uncertain: she spoke body, short tail, and cheek pouches.
halting Italian. ► Note the spelling. There is no “p”.
halve vb halving, halved 1 to divide (some- hamstring n 1 one of the tendons at the back
thing) into two equal parts. 2 to reduce (the of the knee, -vb -stringing, -strung 2 to
size or amount of something) by half. 3 Golf make it difficult for someone to take any
to draw with one’s opponent on (a hole or action.
round). hand n 1 the part of the body at the end of
halyard n Naut a line for hoisting or lower- the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers,
ing a ship’s sail or flag. and a palm. 2 a person’s style of writing:
ham* n smoked or salted meat from a pig’s scrolls written in her own hand. 3 the influ-
thigh. ence a person or thing has over a particular
ham2 n 1 Informal an amateur radio opera- situation: the hand of the military in shap-
tor. 2 Theatre informal an actor who ing policy was obvious. 4 a part in some ac-
overacts and exaggerates the emotions and tivity: I remember with gratitude Fortune's
gestures of a part. -adj 3 (of actors or hand in starting my collection. 5 assistance:
their performances) exaggerated and over- give me a hand with the rice. 6 a round of
stated. —vb hamming, hammed 4 ham it applause: give a big hand to the most excit-
up In formal to overact. ing duo in the game. 7 consent to marry
hamba interj S African usually offensive go someone: he asked for her hand in mar-
away. riage. 8 a manual worker. 9 a member of a
ship’s crew. 10 a pointer on a dial or gauge,
hamburger n a flat round of minced beef, esp. on a clock. 11a the cards dealt in one
often served in a bread roll. round of a card game, b one round of a card
ham-fisted or ham-handed adj Informal game. 12 a position indicated by its location
very clumsy or awkward. to the side of an object or the observer: on
hamlet n a small village. the right hand. 13 a contrasting aspect or
hammer n 1 a hand tool consisting of a condition: on the other hand. 14 source: I
heavy metal head on the end of a handle, had experienced at first hand many man-
used for driving in nails, beating metal, etc. agement styles. 15 a person who creates
handbag 357 hands
something: a good hand at baking. 16 a unit hands, such as weaving. 2 the objects pro-
of length equalling four inches, used for duced by people with such skills.
measuring the height of horses. 17 by hand handiwork n 1 the result of someone’s work
a by manual rather than mechanical means, or activity. 2 work produced by hand.
b by messenger: the fetter was delivered by handkerchief n a small square of fabric
hand. 18 from hand to mouth with no food used to wipe the nose.
or money in reserve: living from hand to
mouth. 19 hand in glove in close associa- handle n 1 the part of an object that is held
tion. 20 hand over fist steadily and quick- or operated in order that it may be used. 2 a
ly: losing money hand over fist. 21 in hand small lever used to open and close a door or
a under control, b receiving attention: the window. 3 Slang a person’s name. 4 a rea-
business in hand, c available in reserve: son for doing something: trying to get a
Rangers had a game in hand. 22 keep one’s handle on why companies borrow money. 5
hand in to continue to practise something. fly off the handle Informal to become sud-
23 (near) at hand very close. 24 on hand denly extremely angry. ~vb -dling, -died 6
close by; available. 25 out of hand a be- to hold, move, operate or touch with the
yond control, b decisively, without possible hands. 7 to have responsibility for: she
reconsideration: he dismissed the competi- handles all their affairs personally. 8 to
tion out of hand. 26 show one’s hand to re- manage successfully: I can handle this chal-
veal one’s plans. 27 to hand accessible. lenge. 9 to discuss (a subject). 10 to deal
~vb 28 to pass or give by the hand or with in a specified way: the affair was neat-
hands. 29 hand it to someone to give credit ly handled. 11 to trade or deal in (specified
to someone. ~See also hand down, hand merchandise): we handle 1800 properties in
on, hands, etc. handless adj Normandy. 12 to react or respond in a
specified way to operation or control: it’s
handbag n a woman’s small bag carried to light and handles well, handling n
contain personal articles.
handlebars pl n a metal tube with handles
handball n a game in which players strike a at each end, used for steering a bicycle or
ball against a wall with their hands. motorcycle.
handbill n a small printed notice for distri- handler n 1 a person who trains and controls
bution by hand. an animal. 2 a person who handles some-
handbook n a reference manual giving prac- thing: a baggage handler.
tical information on a subject. handmade adj made by hand, not by ma-
handbrake n a brake in a motor vehicle op- chine.
erated by a hand lever. handmaiden or handmaid n 1 Old-fashioned
h & C hot and cold (water). a female servant. 2 a person or thing that
handcart n a simple cart pushed or pulled serves a useful but lesser purpose: these
by hand, used for transporting goods. policies resulted in agriculture becoming
handcrafted adj made by handicraft, the poor handmaiden of industry.
handcuff n 1 (p/) a linked pair of locking hand-me-down n Informal an item of cloth-
metal rings used for securing prisoners. ing that someone has finished with and
~vb 2 to put handcuffs on (a person). passed on to someone else.
hand down vb 1 to pass on (knowledge, pos- hand on vb to pass (something) to the next
sessions, or skills) to a younger generation. person in a succession.
2 to pass (outgrown clothes) on from one hand-out n 1 clothing, food, or money given
member of a family to a younger one. 3 US to a needy person. 2 a leaflet, free sample,
& Canad Law to announce (a verdict). etc., given out to publicize something. 3 a
handful n, pl -fuls 1 the amount that can be piece of written information given out to
held in the hand. 2 a small number: a hand- the audience at a talk, lecture, etc. ~vb
ful of parents. 3 Informal a person or ani- hand out 4 to distribute.
mal that is difficult to control: as a child hand over vb to give up possession of or
she was a real handful. transfer (something).
handicap n 1 a physical or mental disability. hand-pick vb to select (a person) with great
2 something that makes progress difficult. 3 care, such as for a special job. hand-picked
a a contest in which competitors are given adj
advantages or disadvantages in an attempt handrail n a rail alongside a stairway, to
to equalize their chances, b the advantage provide support.
or disadvantage given. 4 Golf the number of hands pl n 1 in someone’s hands in some-
strokes by which a player’s averaged score one’s control or power: that’s in the hands
exceeds par for the course. ~vb -capping, of the courts. 2 change hands to pass from
-capped 5 to make it difficult for (someone) the possession of one person to another. 3
to do something. have one’s hands full to be completely oc-
handicapped adj physically or mentally cupied. 4 off one’s hands no longer one’s
disabled. responsibility. 5 on one’s hands for which
handicraft n 1 a skill performed with the one is responsible: what a problem case I’ve
handset 358 Hanoverian
got on my hands. 6 wash one’s hands of to idly somewhere. 2 (foil, by with) to spend a
have nothing more to do with. 7 win hands lot of time in the company (of someone).
down to win easily. hangar n a large building for storing air-
handset n a telephone mouthpiece and ear- craft.
piece in a single unit. hang back vb to be reluctant to do some-
handshake n the act of grasping and shak- thing.
ing a person’s hand, such as in greeting or hangdog adj dejected, ashamed, or guilty in
when agreeing on a deal. appearance or manner.
handsome adj 1 (esp. of a man) good- hanger n same as coat hanger.
looking. 2 (of a building, garden, etc.) large, hanger-on n, pl hangers-on an unwanted
well-made, and with an attractive appear- follower, esp. of a rich or famous person.
ance: a handsome building. 3 (of an amount
of money) generous or large: a handsome hang-glider n an unpowered aircraft con-
dividend, handsomely adv sisting of a large cloth wing stretched over
a light framework from which the pilot
hands-on adj involving practical experience hangs in a harness, hang-gliding n
of equipment: Navy personnel joined the hangi (hung-ee) n NZ 1 an open-air cooking
1986 expedition for hands-on operating ex-
perience. pit. 2 the food cooked in it. 3 the social
gathering at the resultant meal.
handspring n a gymnastic exercise in which hanging n 1 the act or practice of putting a
a person leaps forwards or backwards into person to death by suspending the body by
a handstand and then onto his or her feet. the neck. 2 a large piece of cloth hung on a
handstand n the act of supporting the body wall as a decoration.
on the hands in an upside-down position. hanging valley n Geog a tributary valley
hand-to-hand adj, adv (of combat) at close that enters a main valley high up because
quarters, with fists or knives. the main valley has been deepened through
hand-to-mouth adj, adv with barely enough erosion by a glacier.
money or food to live on. hangman n, pl -men an official who carries
handwork n work done by hand rather than out a sentence of hanging.
by machine. hangnail n a piece of skin partly torn away
handwriting n 1 writing by hand rather than from the base or side of a fingernail.
by typing or printing. 2 a person’s charac- hang on vb 1 Informal to wait: hang on a
teristic writing style, handwritten adj minute, will you? 2 to continue or persist
handy adj handier, handiest 1 conveniently with effort or difficulty. 3 to grasp or hold.
within reach. 2 easy to handle or use. 3 4 to depend on: a lot hangs on its success. 5
good at manual work, handily adv to listen attentively to: she hangs on to
handyman n, pl -men a man skilled at odd every word our leader says.
jobs. hang out vb 1 to suspend, be suspended, or
hang vb hanging, hung 1 to fasten or be fas- lean. 2 Informal to live or spend a lot of
tened from above. 2 to place (something) in time in a place: fishermen hang out in
position, for instance by a hinge, so as to waterfront bars. 3 let it all hang out In-
allow free movement: to hang a door. 3 to formal, chiefly US to relax completely; act
be suspended so as to allow movement from or speak freely. ~n hang-out 4 Informal a
the place where it is attached: her long hair place where someone spends a lot of time.
hung over her face. 4 to decorate with hangover n a feeling of sickness and head-
something suspended, such as pictures. 5 ache after drinking too much alcohol.
(of cloth or clothing) to fall or flow in a par- hang together vb 1 to be united. 2 to be
ticular way: the fine gauge knit hangs loose- consistent: the story simply did not hang
ly with graceful femininity. 6 (pt & pp together.
hanged) to suspend or be suspended by the hang up vb 1 to replace (a telephone receiv-
neck until dead. 7 to hover: clouds hung er) at the end of a conversation. 2 to put on
over the mountains. 8 to fasten to a wall: to a hook or hanger. ~n hang-up 3 Informal
hang wallpaper. 9 to exhibit or be exhibited an emotional or psychological problem.
in an art gallery. 10 hang over to threaten hank n a loop or coil, esp. of yarn.
or overshadow: the threat of war hung over
the Middle East. 11 (pt & pp hanged) Slang hanker vb (foil, by for or after) to have a
to damn: used in mild curses or great desire for. hankering n
interjections. 12 hang fire to put off doing hanky or hankie n, pl hankies Informal
something. ~n 13 the way in which some- short for handkerchief.
thing hangs. 14 get the hang of something hanky-panky n Informal 1 casual sexual re-
Informal to understand the technique of lations. 2 mischievous behaviour.
doing something. -Sec also hang about, Hanoverian (han-no-veer-ee-an) adj of or re-
hang back, etc. lating to the British royal house ruling from
hang about or around vb 1 to stand about 1714 to 1901.
Hansard 359 hard labour
Hansard n the official report of the proceed- man. 7 forceful: a hard knock. 8 cool or un-
ings of the British or Canadian parliament. compromising: we took a long hard look at
Hanseatic League (han-see-at-ik) n History our profit factor. 9 indisputable and proven
a commercial organization of towns in N to be true: hard facts. 10 (of water) contain-
Germany formed in the 14th century to pro- ing calcium salts which stop soap lathering
tect and control trade. freely. 11 practical, shrewd, or calculating:
hansom n formerly, a two-wheeled one- he is a hard man in business. 12 harsh: hard
horse carriage with a fixed hood. Also light. 13 (of currency) high and stable in
called: hansom cab exchange value. 14 (of alcoholic drink)
Hants Hampshire. being a spirit rather than a wine or beer. 15
(of a drug) highly addictive. 16 hard-core.
Hanukkah n same as Chanukah. 17 Phonetics denoting the consonants c and
haphazard adj not organized or planned, g when they are pronounced as in cat and
haphazardly adv got. 18 politically extreme: the hard left. 19
hapless adj unlucky: the hapless victim of a hard of hearing slightly deaf. 20 hard up
misplaced murder attempt. Informal in need of money. ~adv 21 with
haploid adj Biol denoting a cell or organism great energy or force: they fought so hard
with unpaired chromosomes. and well in Spain. 22 with great intensity:
happen vb 1 to take place; occur. 2 to thinking hard about the conversation. 23
chance (to be or do something): I happen to hard by very close to: Cleveland Place,
know him. 3 to be the case, esp. by chance: hard by Bruntsfield Square. 24 hard put
it happens that I know him. 4 happen to (of (to it) scarcely having the capacity (to do
some unforeseen event, such as death) to be something). ~n 25 have a hard on Taboo
the experience or fate of: if anything hap- slang to have an erection of the penis,
pens to me you will know. hardness n
happening n an event that often occurs in a hard-and-fast adj (of rules) fixed and not
way that is unexpected or hard to explain: able to be changed.
some strange happenings in the village re- hardback n 1 a book with stiff covers. ~adj
cently. 2 of or denoting a hardback.
happy adj -pier, -piest 1 feeling or express- hard-bitten adj Informal tough and deter-
ing joy. 2 causing joy or gladness: the hap- mined.
piest day of my life. 3 fortunate or lucky: it hardboard n stiff board made in thin sheets
was a happy coincidence. 4 satisfied or con- of compressed sawdust and wood chips.
tent: he seems happy to let things go on as hard-boiled adj 1 (of an egg) boiled until
they are. 5 willing: I’ll be happy to arrange solid. 2 Informal tough, realistic, and une-
a loan for you. happily adv happiness n motional.
happy-go-lucky adj carefree or easy-going, hard cash n money or payment in money, as
hara-kiri n (formerly, in Japan) ritual sui- opposed to payment by cheque, credit, etc.
cide by disembowelment when disgraced or hard copy n computer output printed on
under sentence of death. paper.
harangue vb -ranguing, -rangued 1 to ad-
hard core n 1 the members of a group who
dress (a person or group) in an angry or most resist change. 2 broken stones used to
forcefully persuasive way. ~n 2 a forceful form a foundation for a road. ~adj hard-
or angry speech. core 3 (of pornography) showing sexual
harass vb to trouble or annoy (someone) by acts in explicit detail.
repeated attacks, questions, or problems, hard disk n Computers an inflexible disk in
harassed adj harassment n
a sealed container.
harbinger (har-binge-er) n Literary a person
harden vb 1 to make or become hard; freeze,
or thing that announces or indicates the ap- stiffen, or set. 2 to make or become tough or
proach of something: a harbinger of death. unfeeling: life in the camp had hardened
harbour or US harbor n 1 a sheltered port. 2 her considerably. 3 to make or become
a place of refuge or safety. ~vb 3 to main- stronger or firmer: they hardened defences.
tain secretly in the mind: he might be har- 4 to make or become more determined or
bouring a death wish. 4 to give shelter or resolute: the government has hardened its
protection to: the government accused her attitude to the crisis. 5 Commerce (of prices
of harbouring criminals. or a market) to cease to fluctuate.
harbour master n an official in charge of a hardened adj toughened by experience: a
harbour. hardened criminal.
hard adj 1 firm, solid, or rigid. 2 difficult to hard-fyeaded adj tough, realistic, or shrewd,
do or understand: a hard sum. 3 showing or esp. in business.
requiring a lot of effort or application: hard
work. 4 unkind or unfeeling: she’s very hardhearted adj unsympathetic and uncar-
hard, no pity for anyone. 5 causing pain, ing.
sorrow, or hardship: the hard life of a hardihood n courage or daring.
northern settler. 6 tough or violent: a hard hard labour n difficult and tiring physical
hard line 360 harpoon
work: used as a punishment for a crime in hark vb Old-fashioned to listen; pay atten-
some countries. tion: hark, the cocks are crowing.
hard line n 1 an uncompromising policy. hark back vb to return (to an earlier subject
-adj hard-line 2 tough and uncompromis- in speech or thought): he keeps harking
ing: a hard-line attitude to the refugee prob- back to his music-hall days.
lem. hardliner n harlequin n 1 Theatre a stock comic charac-
hardly adv 1 scarcely; barely: he’d hardly ter, usually wearing a diamond-patterned
sipped his whisky. 2 Ironic not at all: it was multicoloured costume and a black mask.
hardly in the Great Train Robbery league. 3 —adj 2 in varied colours.
with difficulty: their own families would harlequinade n Theatre a play in which har-
hardly recognize them. lequin has a leading role.
► Hardly already has a negative sense and is harlot n Literary a prostitute, harlotry n
not used with no or not.
harm vb 1 to injure physically, morally, or
hard pad n (in dogs) an abnormal increase in mentally. ~n 2 physical, moral, or mental
the thickness of the foot pads: a sign of dis- injury.
temper.
harmful adj causing or tending to cause
hard palate n the bony front part of the roof harm, esp. to a person’s health.
of the mouth.
harmless adj 1 safe to use, touch, or be near.
hard-pressed adj 1 under a great deal of 2 unlikely to annoy or worry people: a
strain and worry: hard-pressed companies harmless habit.
having to cut costs. 2 closely pursued.
harmonic adj 1 of, producing, or character-
hard science n one of the natural or physi- ized by harmony; harmonious. ~n 2 Music
cal sciences, such as physics, chemistry, or an overtone of a musical note produced
biology. when that note is played, but not usually
hard sell n an aggressive insistent technique heard as a separate note. -See also har-
of selling. monics. harmonically adv
hardship n 1 conditions of life that are diffi- harmonica n a small wind instrument in
cult to endure. 2 something that causes suf- which reeds enclosed in a narrow oblong
fering. box are made to vibrate by blowing and
hard shoulder n Brit a surfaced verge run- sucking.
ning along the edge of a motorway for harmonics n the science of musical sounds,
emergency stops. harmonious adj 1 (esp. of colours or sounds)
hardtack n a kind of hard saltlcss biscuit, consisting of parts which blend together
formerly eaten by sailors. well. 2 showing agreement, peacefulness,
hardware n 1 metal tools or implements, and friendship: a harmonious relationship.
esp. cutlery or cooking utensils. 2 Comput- 3 tuneful or melodious.
ers the physical equipment used in a com- harmonium n a musical keyboard instru-
puter system. 3 heavy military equipment, ment in which air from pedal-operated bel-
such as tanks and missiles. lows causes the reeds to vibrate.
hard-wired adj (of a circuit or instruction) harmonize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
permanently wired into a computer. -nising, -nised 1 to sing or play in harmony,
hardwood n the wood of a deciduous tree such as with another singer or player. 2 to
such as oak, beech, or ash. make or become harmonious.
hardy adj -dier, -diest 1 able to stand diffi- harmony n, pl -nies 1 a state of peaceful
cult conditions. 2 (of plants) able to live out agreement and cooperation. 2 Music a
of doors throughout the winter, hardiness pleasant combination of two or more notes
n sounded at the same time. 3 the way parts
hare n, pl hares or hare 1 a mammal like a combine well together or into a whole.
large rabbit, with longer ears and legs, -vb harness n 1 an arrangement of straps for at-
haring, hared 2 (foil, by off or after) Brit taching a horse to a cart or plough. 2 some-
informal to run fast or wildly. thing resembling this, for attaching some-
harebell n a blue bell-shaped flower, thing to a person’s body: a parachute har-
ness. 3 in harness at one’s routine work.
harebrained adj foolish or impractical: -vb 4 to put a harness on (a horse or other
harebrained schemes. animal). 5 to control something in order to
harelip n a slight split in the mid line of the make use of it: learning to harness the
upper lip. power of your own mind.
harem n 1 a Muslim man’s wives and harp n 1 a large upright triangular stringed
concubines collectively. 2 the part of an instrument played by plucking the strings
Oriental house reserved for wives and with the fingers, -vb 2 harp on to speak in
concubines. a persistent and tedious manner (about a
haricot bean or haricot (har-rik-oh) n a subject), harpist n
white edible bean, which can be dried. harpoon n 1 a barbed spear attached to a
harpsichord 361 hat trick
long rope and thrown or fired when hunting ble. 2 a prolonged argument. — vb -sling,
whales, etc. ~vb 2 to spear with a harpoon. -sled 3 to cause annoyance or trouble to
harpsichord n a keyboard instrument, re- (someone).
sembling a small piano, with strings that hassock n a cushion for kneeling on in
are plucked mechanically. church.
harpy n, pl -pies a violent, unpleasant, or haste n 1 speed, esp. in an action. 2 the act
greedy woman. of hurrying in a careless manner. 3 make
harridan n a scolding old woman; nag. haste to hurry or rush. —vb hasting,
harrier1 n a cross-country runner. hasted 4 Poetic to hasten.
harrier2 n a bird of prey with broad wings hasten vb 1 to hurry or cause to hurry. 2 to
and long legs and tail. be anxious (to say something).
harrow n 1 an implement used to break up hasty adj -tier, -tiest 1 done or happening
clods of soil. ~vb 2 to draw a harrow over suddenly or quickly. 2 done too quickly and
(land). without thought; rash, hastily adv
harrowing adj very upsetting or disturbing, hat n 1 a head covering, often with a brim,
harry vb -ries, -rying, -ried keep asking usually worn to give protection from the
(someone) to do something; pester. weather. 2 Informal a role or capacity: I’m
wearing my honorary consul’s hat. 3 keep
harsh adj 1 severe and difficult to cope with: something under one’s hat to keep some-
harsh winters. 2 unkind and showing no thing secret. 4 pass the hat round to collect
understanding: the Judge was very harsh money for a cause. 5 take off one’s hat to
on the demonstrators. 3 excessively hard, someone to admire or congratulate some-
bright, or rough: harsh sunlight. 4 (of one.
sounds) unpleasant and grating, harshly
adv harshness n hatband n a band or ribbon around the base
of the crown of a hat.
hart n, pl harts or hart the male of the deer,
hatch1 vb 1 to cause (the young of various
esp. the red deer. animals, esp. birds) to emerge from the egg
hartebeest n a large African antelope with or (of young birds, etc.) to emerge from the
curved horns and a fawn-coloured coat. egg. 2 (of eggs) to break and release the
harum-scarum adj 1 reckless, —adv 2 reck- young animal within. 3 to devise (a plot or
lessly. —n 3 an impetuous person. plan).
harvest n 1 the gathering of a ripened crop. hatch2 n 1 a hinged door covering an open-
2 the crop itself. 3 the season for gathering ing in a floor or wall. 2 a short for hatch-
crops. 4 the product of an effort or action. way. b a door in an aircraft or spacecraft. 3
—vb 5 to gather (a ripened crop). Also called: serving hatch an opening in a
harvester n 1 a harvesting machine, esp. a wall between a kitchen and a dining area. 4
combine harvester. 2 a person who Informal short for hatchback.
harvests. hatch3 vb Drawing, engraving, etc to mark
harvest festival n 1 a Christian church ser- (a figure, etc.) with fine parallel or crossed
vice held every year to thank God for the lines to indicate shading, hatching n
harvest. 2 any of various ceremonies cel- hatchback n a car with a single lifting door
ebrating the harvest in other religions. in the rear.
harvest moon n the full moon occurring hatchet n 1 a short axe used for chopping
nearest to the autumn equinox. wood, etc. bury the hatchet to make
harvest mouse n a very small reddish- peace or resolve a disagreement. 2 — adj
brown mouse that lives in cornfields or narrow and sharp: a hatchet face.
hedgerows. hatchet job n Informal a malicious verbal or
has vb third person singular of the present written attack.
tense of have. hatchet man n Informal a person who car-
has-been n Informal a person who is no ries out unpleasant tasks on behalf of an
longer popular or successful. employer.
hash1 n 1 a dish of diced cooked meat, veg- hatchway n an opening in the deck of a ves-
etables, etc., reheated: corned-beef hash. 2 sel to provide access below.
a reworking of old material. 3 make a hash hate vb hating, hated 1 to dislike (someone
of Informal to mess up or destroy. or something) intensely. 2 to be unwilling
hash2 n Slang short for hashish. (to do something): I hate to trouble you. ~n
hashish (hash-eesh) n a drug made from the 3 intense dislike. 4 Informal a person or
hemp plant, smoked for its intoxicating ef- thing that is hated: my own pet hate is res-
fects. taurants.
hasn’t has not. hateful adj causing or deserving hate.
hasp n a clasp which fits over a staple and is ~ hatred n intense dislike.
secured by a pin, bolt, or padlock, used as a hatter n 1 a person who makes and sells
fastening. hats. 2 mad as a hatter eccentric.
hassle Informal —n 1 a great deal of trou- hat trick n 1 Cricket the achievement of a
hauberk 362 hazard
bowler in taking three wickets with three killed, b to have lost one’s last chance. 20
successive balls. 2 any achievement of three have it off Taboo, Brit slang to have sexual
successive goals, victories, etc. intercourse. ~n 21 haves Informal people
hauberk n History a long sleeveless coat of who have wealth, security, etc.: the haves
mail. and the have-nots. -See also have on,
haughty adj -tier, -tiest having or showing have out, etc.
excessive pride or arrogance, haughtily haven n 1 a place of safety. 2 a harbour for
adv haughtiness n shipping.
haul vb 1 to drag or pull (something) with haven’t have not.
effort. 2 to transport, such as in a lorry. 3 have on vb 1 to wear: he’d got a long pair of
Naut to alter the course of (a vessel). ~n 4 trousers on. 2 to have a commitment: what
the act of dragging with effort. 5 a quantity do you have on this afternoon? 3 Informal
of something obtained: a good haul of fish; to trick or tease: he’s having you on. 4 to
a huge haul of stolen goods. 6 long haul a a have (information, esp. when incriminat-
long journey, b a long difficult process. ing) about (a person): she’s got something
haulage n 1 the business of transporting on him.
goods. 2 a charge for transporting goods. have out vb to settle (a matter), esp. by
haulier n Brit a person or firm that trans- fighting or by frank discussion: I went to
ports goods by road. Carl's office to have it out with him.
haulm (hawm) n the stalks of beans, peas, or haver vb 1 Scot & N English dialect to talk
potatoes collectively. nonsense. 2 to be unsure and hesitant; dith-
haunch n 1 the human hip or fleshy hind- er.
quarter of an animal. 2 the leg and loin of haversack n a canvas bag carried on the
an animal, used for food. back or shoulder.
haunt vb 1 to visit (a person or place) in the have up vb to bring to trial: what, and get
form of a ghost. 2 to remain in the memory me had up for kidnapping?
or thoughts of: it was a belief which haunt- havoc n 1 Informal chaos, disorder, and con-
ed her. 3 to visit (a place) frequently. ~n 4 fusion. 2 play havoc with to cause a great
a place visited frequently. deal of damage or confusion to.
haunted adj 1 (of a place) frequented or vis- haw1 n the fruit of the hawthorn.
ited by ghosts. 2 (of a person) obsessed or haw2 vb hum or hem and haw to hesitate in
worried. speaking.
haunting adj having a quality of great beau- hawk1 n 1 a bird of prey with short rounded
ty or sadness so as to be memorable: a wings and a long tail. 2 a supporter or ad-
haunting melody. vocate of warlike policies. —vb 3 to hunt
hautboy (oh-boy) n Old-fashioned an oboe, with falcons or hawks, hawkish adj hawk-
haute couture (oat koo-ture) n high fash- like adj
ion. hawk2 vb to offer (goods) for sale in the
hauteur (oat-ur) n haughtiness. street or door-to-door.
Havana n a fine-quality cigar. hawk3 vb 1 to clear the throat noisily. 2 to
have vb has, having, had 1 to possess: he force (phlegm) up from the throat.
has a massive collection of old movies; I hawker n a person who travels from place to
have an iron constitution. 2 to receive, take, place selling goods.
or obtain: I had a long letter. 3 to hold in the hawk-eyed adj having extremely keen eye-
mind: she always had a yearning to be a sight.
schoolteacher. 4 to possess a knowledge of: hawser n Naut a large heavy rope.
/ have no German. 5 to experience or be af- hawthorn n a thorny tree or shrub with
fected by: a good way to have a change. 6 to white or pink flowers and reddish fruits.
suffer from: to have a blood pressure prob- hay n 1 grass cut and dried as fodder. 2 hit
lem. 7 to gain control of or advantage over: the hay Slang to go to bed. 3 make hay
you have me on that point. 8 Slang to cheat while the sun shines to take full advantage
or outwit: I’ve been had. 9 to show: have of an opportunity.
mercy on me. 10 to take part in; hold: I had hay fever n an allergic reaction to pollen,
a telephone conversation. 11 to cause to be
done: have my shoes mended by Friday. 12 which causes sneezing, runny nose, and wa-
have to used to express compulsion or ne- tery eyes.
cessity: you'd have to wait six months. 13 haystack or hayrick n a large pile of hay
to eat or drink. 14 Taboo slang to have sex- built in the open and covered with thatch.
ual intercourse with. 15 to tolerate or allow: haywire adj go haywire Informal to stop
I won’t have all this noise. 16 to receive as a functioning properly.
guest: we have visitors. 17 to be pregnant hazard n 1 a thing likely to cause injury,
with or give birth to (offspring). 18 used to loss, etc. 2 at hazard at risk. 3 risk or like-
form past tenses: I have gone; I had gone. 19 lihood of injury, loss, etc.: evaluate the
have had it Informal a to be exhausted or level of hazard in a situation. 4 Golf an ob-
hazard lights 363 headlong
stacle such as a bunker. —vb 5 to risk: his head to allow someone greater freedom
hazarding the health of his crew. 6 hazard or responsibility. 22 go to one’s head a (of
a guess to make a guess. an alcoholic drink) to make one slightly
hazard lights or hazard warning lights n a drunk, b to make one conceited: success has
device on a motor vehicle which when gone to his head. 23 head over heels (in
switched on causes all the direction indica- love) very much (in love). 24 keep one’s
tor lights to flash simultaneously. head to remain calm. 25 not make head
hazardous adj involving great risk. nor tail of not to understand (a problem,
etc.). 26 off one’s head Slang very foolish
haze n 1 Meteorol reduced visibility as a re- or insane. 27 on one’s own head at a one’s
sult of condensed water vapour, dust, etc., own risk. 28 over someone’s head a to a
in the air. 2 confused or unclear under- higher authority: the taboo of going over
standing or feeling. the head of their immediate boss, b beyond
hazel n 1 a shrub with edible rounded nuts. a person’s understanding. 29 put our, your,
-adj 2 greenish-brown: hazel eyes. or their heads together Informal to con-
hazelnut n the nut of a hazel shrub, which sult together. 30 turn someone’s head to
has a smooth shiny hard shell. make someone conceited, —vb 31 to be at
hazy adj -zier, -ziest 1 (of the sky or a view) the front or top of: Barnes headed the list.
unable to be seen clearly because of dust or 32 to be in charge of. 33 (often foil, by for)
heat. 2 dim or vague: my memory is a little to go or cause to go (towards): to head for
hazy on this, hazily adv haziness n the Channel ports. 34 Soccer to propel (the
Hb haemoglobin. ball) by striking it with the head. 35 to pro-
vide with a heading. ~See also head off,
HB Brit (of pencil lead) hard-black: denoting heads.
a medium-hard lead.
headache n 1 a continuous pain in the head.
H-bomb n short for hydrogen bomb. 2 Informal any cause of worry, difficulty,
he pron refers to: 1 a male person or animal. or annoyance.
2 a person or animal of unknown or un- head-banger n Slang 1 a person who shakes
specified sex: a member may vote as he sees his head violently to the beat of heavy-
fit. —n 3 a male person or animal: a he- metal music. 2 a crazy or stupid person.
goat.
► Try to avoid the use of he as a pronoun of headboard n a vertical board at the head of
general reference. It can appear sexist if the a bed.
reference is to both men and women. headdress n any decorative head covering,
He Chem helium. headed adj 1 having a head or heads: two-
HE His or Her Excellency. headed; bald-headed. 2 having a heading:
head n 1 the upper or front part of the body headed notepaper.
that contains the brain, eyes, mouth, nose, header n 1 Soccer the action of striking a
and ears. 2 a person’s mind and mental abil- ball with the head. 2 Informal a headlong
ities: I haven’t any head for figures. 3 the fall or dive.
most forward part of a thing: the head of a headfirst adv 1 with the head foremost. 2
queue. 4 the highest part of a thing; upper quickly and without thinking carefully: she
end: the head of the pass. 5 something re- jumped into marriage headfirst.
sembling a head in form or function, such as headgear n hats collectively.
the top of a tool. 6 the position of leader-
ship or command. 7 the person commanding head-hunting n 1 (of companies) the prac-
most authority within a group or an organi- tice of actively searching for new high-level
zation. 8 Bot the top part of a plant, where personnel, often from rival companies. 2
the leaves or flowers grow in a cluster. 9 a the practice among certain peoples of re-
culmination or crisis: the matter came to a moving the heads of enemies they have
head in December 1928. 10 the froth on the killed and preserving them as trophies,
top of a glass of beer. 11 the pus-filled tip of head-hunter n
a pimple or boil. 12 part of a computer or heading n 1 a title for a page, chapter, etc. 2
tape recorder that can read, write, or erase a main division, such as of a speech. 3 Min-
information. 13 the source of a river or ing a horizontal tunnel.
stream. 14 the side of a coin that usually headland n a narrow area of land jutting out
bears a portrait of the head of a monarch, into a sea.
etc. 15 a headland or promontory: Beachy headlight or headlamp n a powerful light
Head. 16 pressure of water or steam in an on the front of a vehicle.
enclosed space. 17 (pl head) a person or
animal considered as a unit: the cost per headline n 1 a phrase in heavy large type at
head of Paris’s refuse collection; six hun- the top of a newspaper or magazine article
dred head of cattle. 18 a headline or head- indicating the subject. 2 (pl) the main points
ing. 19 Informal short for headmaster, of a television or radio news broadcast.
headmistress or head teacher. 20 Infor- headlong adv, adj 1 with the head foremost;
mal short for headache. 21 give someone headfirst. 2 with great haste and without
headmaster 364 heart
much thought: they rushed headlong into society, ete.: the economic health of the re-
buying a house. publics.
headmaster or fem headmistress n the health centre n the surgery and offiees of
principal of a school. the doctors in a district.
head off vb 1 to intercept and force to health farm n a residential establishment
change direction: police head off New Age for people wishing to improve their health
travellers. 2 to prevent or avert: trying to by losing weight, exercising, ete.
head off the prospect of civil war. health food n natural food, organically
head-on adv, adj 1 front foremost: a head- grown and free from additives.
on collision. 2 with directness or without healthful adj same as healthy (senses 1, 2,
compromise: a head-on confrontation with 3).
the unions. health visitor n (in Britain) a nurse em-
headphones pl n two small loudspeakers ployed to visit mothers, their preschool
held against the ears by a strap, worn to lis- children, and the elderly in their homes.
ten to the radio or recorded music without healthy adj healthier, healthiest 1 having
other people hearing it. or showing good health. 2 likely to produce
headquarters pl n any centre from which good health: healthy seaside air. 3 function-
operations are directed. ing well or being sound: this is a very
headroom or headway n the space below a healthy business to be in. 4 Informal con-
roof or bridge which allows an object to siderable: healthy profits. 5 sensible: a
pass or stay underneath it without touching healthy scepticism about his promises.
it. healthily adv healthiness n
heads adv with the side of a coin uppermost heap n 1 a pile of things lying one on top of
which has a portrait of a head on it. another. 2 (often pl) Informal a large num-
headship n the position or state of being a ber or quantity, -adv 3 heaps much: he
leader, esp. the head teacher of a school. was heaps better, -vb 4 to collect into a
headshrinker n Slang a psychiatrist, pile. 5 to give freely (to): film roles were
headstall n the part of a bridle that fits heaped on her.
round a horse’s head. hear vb hearing, heard 1 to pereeive (a
head start n an initial advantage in a com- sound) with the sense of hearing. 2 to listen
petitive situation. to: I didn’t want to hear what he had to say.
3 to be informed,(of something); receive in-
headstone n a memorial stone at the head formation (about something): I hear you
of a grave. mean to join the crusade. 4 Law to give a
headstrong adj determined to do something hearing to (a case). 5 hear of to allow: she
in one’s own way and ignoring the advice of wouldn’t hear of it. 6 hear from to receive
others. a letter or telephone call from. 7 hear!
head teacher n the principal of a school, hear! an exclamation of approval, hearer n
head-to-head adv, adj Informal in direct hearing n 1 the sense by which sound is per-
competition. ceived. 2 an opportunity for someone to be
headwaters pl n the tributary streams of a listened to. 3 the range within which sound
river in the area in which it rises. can be heard; earshot. 4 the investigation of
headway n 1 progress towards achieving a matter by a court of law.
something: have the police made any head- hearing aid n a small amplifier worn by a
way? 2 motion forward: we felt our way out partially deaf person in or behind the ear to
to the open sea, barely making headway. 3 improve hearing.
same as headroom. hearken vb Archaic to listen,
headwind n a wind blowing directly against hearsay n gossip or rumour.
the course of an aircraft or ship. hearse n a large car used to carry a coffin at
heady adj headier, headiest 1 (of an ex- a funeral.
perience or period of time) extremely excit- heart n 1 a hollow muscular organ whose
ing. 2 (of alcoholic drink, atmosphere, etc.) contractions pump the blood throughout
strongly affeeting the physical senses: a the body. 2 this organ considered as the
powerful, heady scent of cologne. 3 rash centre of emotions, esp. love. 3 tenderness
and impetuous. or pity: my heart went out to her. 4 courage
heal vb 1 (of a wound) to repair by natural or spirit. 5 the most central part or impor-
processes, such as by scar formation. 2 to tant part: at the heart of Italian motor rac-
restore (someone) to health. 3 to repair (a ing. 6 (of vegetables, such as cabbage) the
rift in a personal relationship or an emo- inner compact part. 7 the breast: she held
tional wound), healer n healing n, adj him to her heart. 8 a shape representing the
health n 1 the general condition of body and heart, with two rounded lobes at the top
mind: better health. 2 the state of being meeting in a point at the bottom. 9 a a red
bodily and mentally vigorous and free from heart-shaped symbol on a playing eard. b a
disease. 3 the condition of an organization, card with one or more of these symbols or
heartache 365 heavy
(when pl.) the suit of cards so marked. 10 hearty adj heartier, heartiest 1 warm,
break someone’s heart to cause someone friendly, and enthusiastic. 2 strongly felt: a
to grieve very deeply, esp. by ending a love hearty dislike. 3 (of a meal) substantial and
affair. 11 by heart by memorizing. 12 have nourishing, heartily adv
a change of heart to experience a profound heat vb 1 to make or become hot or warm.
change of outlook or attitude. 13 have ~n 2 the state of being hot. 3 the energy
one’s heart in one’s mouth to be full of transferred as a result of a difference in
apprehension, excitement, or fear. 14 have temperature. 4 hot weather: he loves the
the heart to have the necessary will or cal- heat of Africa. 5 intensity of feeling: the
lousness (to do something): I didn’t have heat of their argument. 6 the most intense
the heart to tell him. 15 set one’s heart on part: in the heat of an election campaign. 7
something to have something as one’s am- Sport a preliminary eliminating contest in a
bition. 16 take heart to become encour- competition. 8 in or on heat (of some fe-
aged. 17 take something to heart to take male mammals) ready for mating, heating
something seriously or be upset about n
something. 18 wear one’s heart on one’s heated adj impassioned or highly emotional:
sleeve to show one’s feelings openly. 19 a heated debated, heatedly adv
with all one’s heart deeply and sincerely.
heater n a device for supplying heat.
heartache n very great sadness and emo-
tional suffering. heath n 1 Brit a large open area, usually
with sandy soil, low shrubs, and heather. 2
heart attack n a sudden severe malfunction a low-growing evergreen shrub with small
of the heart. bell-shaped pink or purple flowers.
heartbeat n one complete pulsation of the heathen n, pl -thens or -then Old-fashioned
heart. 1 a person who does not believe in an estab-
heartbreak n intense and overwhelming lished religion; pagan. -adj 2 of or relating
grief, esp. after the end of a love affair, to heathen peoples.
heartbreaking adj heartbroken adj
heather n a shrub with small bell-shaped
heartburn n a burning sensation in the chest flowers growing on heaths and mountains.
caused by indigestion.
Heath Robinson adj (of a mechanical de-
hearten vb to encourage or make cheerful, vice) absurdly complicated in design for a
heartening adj simple function.
heart failure n 1 a condition in which the heatstroke n same as sunstroke.
heart is unable to pump an adequate
amount of blood to the tissues. 2 sudden heat wave n a spell of unusually hot weath-
stopping of the heartbeat, resulting in er.
death. heave vb heaving, heaved or hove 1 to lift
heartfelt adj sincerely and strongly felt: or move (something) with a great effort. 2
heartfelt thanks. to throw (something heavy) with effort. 3
hearth n 1 the floor of a fireplace. 2 this as a
to utter (a sigh) noisily or unhappily. 4 to
symbol of the home. rise and fall heavily. 5 (pt & pp hove) Naut
a to move in a specified direction: heave her
heartland n 1 the central region of a country bows around and head north, b (of a vessel)
or continent: we headed west towards the to pitch or roll. 6 to vomit or retch. ~n 7
heartland of Tibet. 2 the area where the the act of heaving.
thing specified is most common or strong-
est: Germany’s industrial heartland. heaven n 1 the place where God is believed
to live and where those leading good lives
heartless adj unkind or cruel, heartlessly are believed to go when they die. 2 a place
adv or state of happiness. 3 heavens the sky. 4
heart-rending adj causing great sadness and Also: heavens God or the gods, used in ex-
pity: a heart-rending story. clamatory phrases: for heaven’s sake!
heart-searching n examination of one’s feel- heavenly adj 1 Informal wonderful or very
ings or conscience. enjoyable: a heavenly meal. 2 of or occur-
heartstrings pl n Often facetious deep emo- ring in space: a heavenly body. 3 of or relat-
tions: tugging our heartstrings with pic- ing to heaven.
tures of suffering. heave to vb to stop (a ship) or (of a ship) to
heart-throb n a man, esp. a film or pop star, stop.
who is attractive to a lot of women or girls. heavy adj heavier, heaviest 1 of compara-
heart-to-heart adj 1 (of a talk) concerned tively great weight. 2 with a relatively high
with personal problems or intimate feel- density: lead is a heavy metal. 3 great in
ings. ~n 2 an intimate conversation. degree or amount: heavy traffic. 4 consid-
heart-warming adj inspiring feelings of erable: heavy emphasis. 5 hard to fulfil: an
happiness: the heart-warming spectacle of exceptionally heavy demand for this issue.
family reunion. 6 using or consuming a lot of something
heartwood n the central core of dark hard quickly: a heavy drinker. 7 deep and loud:
wood in tree trunks. heavy breathing. 8 clumsy and slow: a
heavy-duty 366 height
heavy lumbering trot. 9 (of a movement or hedge n 1 a row of shrubs or bushes form-
action) with great downward force or pres- ing a boundary. 2 a barrier or protection
sure: a heavy blow with a club. 10 solid or against something, esp. against the risk of
fat: mountain animals acquire a heavy loss on an investment, —vb hedging,
layer of fat. 11 not easily digestible: a hedged 3 to avoid making a decision by
heavy meal. 12 (of cakes or bread) insuffi- making noncommittal statements. 4 hedge
ciently raised. 13 (of soil) with a high clay against to guard against the risk of loss in
content. 14 sad or dejected: you feel heavy (a bet or disagreement), by supporting the
or sad afterwards. 15 (of facial features) opposition as well.
looking sad and tired. 16 (of a situation) se- hedgehog n a small mammal with a protec-
rious and causing anxiety or sadness. 17 tive covering of spines.
cloudy or overcast: heavy clouds obscured hedgehop vb -hopping, -hopped (of an air-
the sun. 18 (of an industry) engaged in the craft) to fly close to the ground, such as in
large-scale manufacture of large objects or crop spraying, hedge-hopping n
extraction of raw materials. 19 Mil (of guns, hedgerow n a hedge of shrubs or low trees
etc.) large and powerful. 20 dull and unin- bordering a field.
teresting: Diana finds his friends very
heavy going. 21 (of music, literature, etc.) hedge sparrow n a small brownish song-
difficult to understand or not immediately bird.
appealing. 22 Slang (of rock music) loud hedonism n the doctrine that the pursuit of
and having a powerful beat. 23 Slang using, pleasure is the most important thing in life,
or prepared to use, violence or brutality. hedonist n hedonistic adj
~n, pl heavies 24 Slang a large strong man heebie-jeebies pl n the heebie-jeebies
hired to threaten violence or deter others Slang nervous apprehension.
by his presence. 25 a a villainous role, b an heed Formal —n 1 careful attention: he
actor who plays such a part. 26 the heavies must have taken heed of her warning, -vb
Informal serious newspapers. —adv 27 2 to pay close attention to (a warning or
heavily: time hung heavy, heavily adv piece of advice).
heaviness n heedless adj taking no notice; careless or
heavy-duty adj made to withstand hard thoughtless, heedlessly adv
wear, bad weather, etc. heehaw interj a representation of the bray-
heavy-handed adj acting forcefully and ing sound of a donkey.
without care and thought. heel1 n 1 the back part of the foot. 2 the part
heavy-hearted adj sad and discouraged, of a stocking or sock designed to fit the
heavy hydrogen n same as deuterium, heel. 3 the part of a shoe supporting the
heavy metal n a type of very loud rock heel. 4 Slang a contemptible person. 5 at
music featuring guitar riffs. one’s heels following closely behind one. 6
heavy water n water formed of oxygen and cool or kick one’s heels to be kept waiting.
deuterium. 7 down at heel untidy and in poor condi-
tion. 8 take to one’s heels to run off. 9 to
heavyweight n 1 a professional boxer heel under control, such as a dog walking
weighing over 175 pounds (79 kg) or an by a person’s heel, —vb 10 to repair or re-
amateur weighing over 81 kg. 2 a person place the heel of (a shoe or boot).
who is heavier than average. 3 Informal an
important or highly influential person. heel2 vb to lean to one side.
Heb. orHebr. Hebrew (language). heelball n a a mixture of beeswax and
lampblack used by shoemakers, b a similar
Hebraic (hib-ray-ik) adj of the Hebrews or substance used to take brass rubbings.
their language or culture.
hefty adj heftier, heftiest Informal 1 large
Hebrew n 1 the ancient language of the He- in size, weight, or amount. 2 forceful and
brews, revived as the official language of vigorous: a hefty slap on the back. 3 involv-
Israel. 2 a member of an ancient Semitic ing a large amount of money: a hefty fine.
people; an Israelite, -adj 3 of the Hebrews
or their language. hegemony (hig-em-on-ee) n, pl -nies domi-
nation of one state, country, or class within
heck interj a mild exclamation of surprise, a group of others.
irritation, etc.
Hegira n the starting point of the Muslim era
heckle vb -ling, -led to interrupt (a public the flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Me-
speaker) with comments, questions, or dina in 622 a d , regarded as being the start-
taunts, heckler n ing point of the Muslim era.
hectare n a unit of measure equal to one heifer (hef-fer) n a young cow.
hundred ares (10 000 square metres or height n 1 the vertical distance from the
2.471 acres).
bottom of something to the top. 2 the verti-
hectic adj involving a lot of rushed activity, cal distance of a place above sea level. 3
hector vb 1 to bully or torment, —n 2 a relatively great distance from bottom to
blustering bully. top. 4 the topmost point; summit. 5 the pe-
he’d he had or he would. riod of greatest intensity: the height of the
heighten 367 hem
shelling. 6 an extreme example: the height Hellene n a Greek.
of luxury. 7 heights extremes: dizzy Hellenic adj 1 of the Greeks or their lan-
heights of success. guage. 2 of or relating to ancient Greece
heighten vb to make or become higher or during the classical period (776-323 bc ).
more intense, heightened adj Hellenism n 1 the principles and ideals of
height of land n US & Canad a ridge of high classical Greek civilization. 2 the spirit or
ground dividing two river basins. national character of the Greeks. Hellenist
heinous adj evil and shocking. n
heir n the person legally succeeding to the Hellenistic adj of Greek civilization during
property of a deceased person, heiress fem the period 323-30 bc .
n hellfire n the torment of hell, imagined as
heir apparent n, pl heirs apparent 1 Law a eternal fire.
person whose right to succeed to certain hellish adj Informal very unpleasant.
property cannot be defeated. 2 a person hello, hallo, or hullo interj 1 an expression
whose succession to a role or position is ex- of greeting or surprise. 2 a call used to at-
tremely likely: heir apparent to the England tract attention. ~n, pl -los 3 the act of say-
captaincy. ing “hello”.
heirloom n an object that has been in a fami- Hell’s Angel n a member of a motorcycle
ly for generations. gang noted for their lawless behaviour.
heir presumptive n Property law a person helm n 1 Naut the tiller or wheel for steering
who expects to succeed to an estate but a ship. 2 at the helm in a position of leader-
whose right may be defeated by the birth of ship or control, helmsman n
an heir nearer in blood to the ancestor. helmet n a piece of protective headgear
held vb the past of hold1, worn by motorcyclists, soldiers, policemen,
helical adj of or like a helix. divers, etc.
helicopter n an aircraft, powered by rotat- helot n (in ancient Greece) a serf or slave,
ing overhead blades, that is capable of hov- help vb 1 to assist (someone to do some-
ering, vertical flight, and horizontal flight thing). 2 to contribute to: to help Latin
in any direction. America’s economies. 3 to improve a situa-
heliograph n an instrument with mirrors tion: a felt or rubber underlay will help. 4 a
and a shutter used for sending messages in to refrain from: I couldn’t help feeling fool-
Morse code by reflecting the sun’s rays. ish. b to be responsible for: you must not
heliotrope n a plant with small fragrant blame him, he simply can’t help it. 5 to
purple flowers. serve (a customer). 6 help oneself to take
heliport n an airport for helicopters, something, esp. food or drink, for oneself,
helium (heel-ee-um) n Chem a very light
without being served. —n 7 the act of help-
ing. 8 a person or thing that helps, esp. a
colourless odourless inert gas. Symbol: He farm worker or domestic servant. 9 a rem-
helix (heel-iks) n, pl helices (hell-iss-seez) edy: there’s no help for it. -interj 10 used
or helixes a spiral. to call for assistance. —See also help out.
hell n 1 (in Christianity and some other reli- helper n
gions) the place or state of eternal punish- helpful adj giving help, helpfully adv help-
ment of the wicked after death. 2 (in vari- fulness n
ous religions and cultures) the abode of the helping n a single portion of food.
spirits of the dead. 3 Informal a situation
that causes suffering or extreme difficulty: helpless adj 1 unable to manage indepen-
war is hell. 4 come hell or high water In- dently. 2 made weak: it reduced her to help-
formal whatever difficulties may arise. 5 less laughter, helplessly adv helpless-
for the hell of it Informal for the fun of it. ness n
6 from hell Informal denoting a person or helpline n a telephone line set aside for call-
thing that is particularly bad or alarming:- ers to contact an organization for help with
the neighbour from hell. 7 give someone a problem.
hell Informal a to give someone a severe helpmate or helpmeet n a companion and
reprimand or punishment, b to be a torment helper, esp. a husband or wife.
to someone. 8 hell for leather at great help out vb to assist (someone) by sharing
speed. 9 the hell Informal a used for em- the burden or cost of something.
phasis: what the hell, b an expression of helter-skelter adj 1 hurried or disorganized,
strong disagreement: the hell you do! -adv 2 in a hurried or disorganized man-
~interj 10 Informal an exclamation of ner. ~n 3 Brit a high spiral slide at a fair-
anger or surprise. ground.
he’ll he will or he shall. hem1 n 1 the bottom edge of a garment, fold-
hellbent adj Informal rashly intent: hellbent ed under and stitched down. ~vb hem-
on revenge. ming, hemmed 2 to provide (a garment)
hellebore n a plant with white flowers that with a hem. -See also hem in.
bloom in winter. hem2 n 1 a representation of the sound of
he-man 368 Hereford
clearing the throat, used to gain attention. of: his arrival was heralded by excited
~vb hemming, hemmed 2 to make this barking, heraldic adj
sound. 3 hem and haw See haw2. heraldry n, pl -ries the study of coats of
he-man n, pl -men Informal a strong man, arms and family trees.
esp. one who shows off his strength. herb n 1 an aromatic plant that is used for
hemi- prefix half: hemisphere. flavouring in cookery, and in medicine. 2
hem in vb to surround and prevent from Bot a seed-bearing plant whose parts above
moving. ground die back at the end of the growing
hemipterous adj of an order of insects with season, herbal adj herby adj
sucking or piercing mouthparts. herbaceous adj designating plants that are
hemisphere n one half of a sphere, esp. of soft-stemmed rather than woody.
the earth (northern and southern hemi- herbaceous border n a flower bed that con-
sphere) or of the brain, hemispherical adj tains perennials rather than annuals.
hemline n the level to which the hem of a herbage n herbaceous plants collectively,
skirt or dress hangs. esp. those on which animals graze.
hemlock n a poisonous drug derived from a herbalist n a person who grows or special
plant with spotted stems and small white izes in the use of medicinal herbs.
flowers.
herbicide n a substance used to destroy
hemp n 1 an Asian plant with tough fibres. 2 plants, esp. weeds.
the fibre of this plant, used to make canvas
and rope. 3 a narcotic drug obtained from herbivore (her-biv-vore) n an animal that
this plant, hempen adj feeds only on plants, herbivorous (her-
hen n the female of any bird, esp. the do- biv-or-uss) adj
mestic fowl. herculean (her-kew-lee-an) adj 1 (of a task)
henbane n a poisonous plant with sticky requiring tremendous effort or strength. 2
hairy leaves. resembling Hercules, hero of classical myth,
in strength or courage.
hence adv 1 for this reason; therefore. 2
from this time: two weeks hence. 3 Archaic herd n 1 a large group of mammals, esp. cat-
from here. tle living and feeding together. 2 Often dis-
henceforth or henceforward adv from now paraging a large group of people. ~vb 3 to
on. collect or be collected into or as if into a
herd.
henchman n, pl -men a person employed by
someone powerful to carry out orders. herd instinct n Psychol the inborn tendency
henge n a circular monument, often contain- to associate with others and follow the
ing a circle of stones, dating from the Neo- group’s behaviour.
lithic and Bronze Ages. herdsman n, pl -men Chiefly Brit a man who
henna n 1 a reddish dye, obtained from a looks after a herd of animals.
shrub or tree of Asia and N Africa which is here adv 1 in, at, or to this place, point,
used to colour hair. ~vb 2 to dye (the hair) case, or respect: I am pleased to be back
with henna. here. 2 here and there at several places in
hen party n Informal a party at which only or throughout an area. 3 here’s to a con-
women are present. vention used in proposing a toast. 4 neither
henpecked adj (of a man) harassed by the here nor there of no relevance. ~n 5 this
persistent nagging of his wife. place: they leave here tonight.
henry n, pl -ry, -ries, or -rys the SI unit of hereabouts or hereabout adv in this region,
electric inductance. hereafter adv 1 Formal or law in a subse-
hepatic adj of the liver. quent part of this document, matter, or
hepatitis n inflammation of the liver, caus- case. 2 at some time in the future. ~n 3 the
ing fever, jaundice, and weakness. hereafter a life after death, b the future.
hepta- combining form seven: heptameter. hereby adv (used in official statements and
heptagon n Geom a figure with seven sides. documents) by means of or as a result of
heptagonal adj this.
heptathlon n an athletic contest for women hereditable adj same as heritable.
in which athletes compete in seven differ- hereditary adj 1 passed on genetically from
ent events. one generation to another. 2 Law passed on
her pron refers to: 1 a female person or ani- to succeeding generations by inheritance.
mal: he loves her. 2 things personified as heredity (hir-red-it-ee) n, pl -ties the pass-
feminine, sueh as ships and nations. ~adj 3 ing on from one generation to another of
of, belonging to, or associated with her: her genetic factors that determine individual
hair. characteristics.
herald n 1 a person who announces impor- Hereford n a hardy breed of beef cattle
tant news. 2 Often literary a forerunner. which has a reddish body with white mark-
~vb 3 to announce or signal the approach ings.
herein 369 heterogeneous
herein adv Formal or Jaw in this place, mat- is idealized for having superior qualities in
ter, or document. any field.
hereinafter adv Formal or law from this heroism (herr-oh-izz-um) n great courage
point on in this document, matter, or case. and bravery.
hereof adv Formal or law of or concerning heron n a wading bird with a long neck, long
this. legs, and grey or white feathers.
heresy (herr-iss-ee) n, pl -sies 1 an opinion heronry n, pl -ries a colony of breeding her-
contrary to the principles of a religion. 2 ons.
any belief thought to be contrary to official hero worship n admiration for heroes or
or established theory. idealized people.
heretic (herr-it-ik) n 1 Now chiefly FC herpes (her-peez) n any of several inflam-
Church a person who maintains beliefs con- matory skin diseases, including shingles
trary to the established teachings of the and cold sores.
Church. 2 a person who holds unorthodox herpes simplex n an acute viral disease
opinions in any field, heretical (hir-ret-ik- causing clusters of watery blisters.
kl) adj herpes zoster n same as shingles.
hereto adv Formal or law to this place, mat- Herr (hair) n, pl Herren a German form of
ter, or document. address equivalent to Mr.
heretofore adv Formal or law until now. herring n, pl -rings or -ring a food fish of
hereupon adv following immediately after northern seas, with a long silver-coloured
this; at this stage. body.
herewith adv Formal together with this: a herringbone n a zigzag pattern consisting of
schedule of the event is appended herewith. short lines of V shapes, used esp. in fabrics.
heritable adj capable of being inherited, herring gull n a common gull that has a
heritage n 1 something inherited at birth. 2
white feathers with black-tipped wings.
anything that has been carried over from hers pron 1 something belonging to her: hers
the past or handed down by tradition. 3 the is the highest paid part-time job; the money
evidence of the past, such as historical which is rightfully hers. 2 of hers belonging
sites, considered as the inheritance of to her.
present-day society. herself pron 1 a the reflexive form of she or
hermaphrodite (her-maf-roe-dite) n an ani- her. she busied herself at the stove, b used
mal, flower, or person that has both male for emphasis: none other than The Great
and female reproductive organs, hermaph- Mother herself. 2 her normal self: she
roditic adj hasn’t been herself all week.
hermetic adj sealed so as to be airtight, Herts Hertfordshire.
hermetically adv hertz n, pl hertz the SI unit of frequency,
equal to one cycle per second.
hermit n a person living in solitude, esp. for
religious reasons. he’s he is or he has.
hermitage n 1 the home of a hermit. 2 any hesitant adj doubtful and unsure in speech
retreat. or action, hesitancy n hesitantly adv
hesitate vb -tating, -tated 1 to be slow and
hermit crab n a small crab that lives in the
uncertain in acting. 2 to be reluctant (to do
empty shells of other shellfish. something): I hesitate to use the word
hernia n protrusion of an organ or part “squandered”. 3 to pause during speech be-
through the lining of the body cavity in cause of uncertainty, hesitation n
which it is normally situated. hessian n a coarse jute fabric similar to
hero n, pl -roes 1 the principal male charac- sacking.
ter in a novel, play, etc. 2 a man of excep- hetero- combining form other, another, or
tional courage, nobility, etc. 3 a man who is different: heterosexual.
idealized for having superior qualities in heterodox adj different from established or
any field. accepted doctrines or beliefs, heterodoxy
heroic adj 1 brave and courageous: heroic n
work by the army engineers. 2 of, like, or heterodyne Electronics -vb -dyning,
befitting a hero, heroically adv -dyned 1 to combine (two alternating sig-
heroics pl n behaviour or language consid- nals) so as to produce two signals with fre-
ered too melodramatic or extravagant for quencies corresponding to the sum and the
the particular situation in which they are difference of the original frequencies, -adj
used. 2 produced or operating by heterodyning
heroin n a highly addictive drug derived _ two signals.
from morphine. heterogeneous (het-er-oh-jean-ee-uss) adj
heroine n 1 the principal female character varied in content; composed of different
in a novel, play, etc. 2 a woman of excep- parts: a heterogeneous collection of Euro-
tional courage, nobility, etc. 3 a woman who pean art. heterogeneity n
heteromorphic 370 high
heteromorphic adj Biol 1 differing from the state of having such spasms. 3 Informal a
normal form. 2 (esp. of insects) having dif- minor difficulty, -vb -cuping, -cuped or
ferent forms at different stages of the life -cupping, -cupped 4 to make a hiccup or
cycle, heteromorphism n hiccups. Also: hiccough
heterosexual n 1 a person who is sexually hick n Informal, chiefly US & Canad an un-
attracted to members of the opposite sex. sophisticated country person.
-adj 2 (of a person) sexually attracted to hickory n, pl -ries 1 a North American tree
members of the opposite sex. 3 (of a sexual with edible nuts. 2 the hard wood of this
relationship) between a man and a woman, tree.
heterosexuality n hidden vb 1 a past participle of hide1, -adj
het up adj Informal agitated or excited: he 2 not easily noticed or obscure: hidden
was very het up about the traffic. dangers. 3 difficult to find.
heuristic (hew-rist-ik) adj (of a method of hidden agenda n a set of motives or inten-
teaching) allowing students to learn things tions concealed from others who might ob-
for themselves by trial and error. ject to them.
hew vb hewing, hewed, hewed or hewn 1 to hide1 vb hiding, hid, hidden or hid 1 to con-
chop or cut with an axe. 2 to carve (some- ceal (oneself or an object) from view or dis-
thing) from a substance: a tunnel hewn out covery: in an attempt to hide from his wife.
of the living rock. 2 to keep (information or one’s feelings) se-
hex n 1 short for hexadecimal notation. cret. 3 to obscure or cover (something) from
—adj 2 of or relating to hexadecimal nota- view: the collar hid his face. ~n 4 Brit a
tion: hex code. place of concealment, disguised to appear
hexa- combining form six: hexameter. as part of its surrounding, used by hunters,
hexadecimal notation n a number system bird-watchers, etc.
with a base of 16, the numbers 10-15 being hide2 n the skin of an animal, either tanned
represented by the letters A-F. or raw.
hexagon n Geom a figure with six sides, hide-and-seek n a game in which one player
hexagonal adj covers his or her eyes while the others hide,
hexagram n Geom a star formed by extend- and that player then tries to find them.
ing the sides of a regular hexagon to meet at hideaway n a hiding place or secluded spot,
six points. hidebound adj restricted by petty rules and
hexameter (hek-sam-it-er) n Prosody a unwilling to accept new ideas.
verse line consisting of six metrical feet. hideous (hid-ee-uss) adj extremely ugly or
hey interj 1 an expression of surprise or for unpleasant.
catching attention. 2 hey presto! an excla- hide-out n a hiding place.
mation used by conjurors at the climax of a hiding1 n 1 a state of concealment: in hiding.
trick. 2 hiding place a place of concealment.
heyday n the time of most power, popular- hiding2 n Informal a severe beating.
ity, or success: Bette Davis in her heyday. hie vb hieing or hying, hied Archaic or po-
Hf Chem hafnium. etic to hurry.
Hg Chem mercury. hierarchy (hire-ark-ee) n, pl -chies 1 a sys-
HGV (in Britain, formerly) heavy goods ve- tem of people or things arranged in a grad-
hicle. ed order. 2 the hierarchy the people in
HH 1 His (or Her) Highness. 2 His Holiness power in any organization, hierarchical
(title of the Pope). adj
hi interj Informal hello. hieroglyphic (hire-oh-gliff-ik) adj 1 of or re-
lating to a form of writing using picture
HI Hawaii. symbols, as used in ancient Egypt. ~n also
hiatus (hie-ay-tuss) n, pl -tuses or -tus a hieroglyph 2 a symbol that is difficult to
pause or an interruption in continuity: dip- decipher. 3 a picture or symbol represent-
lomatic relations restored after a four-year ing an object, idea, or sound.
hiatus. hieroglyphics n 1 a form of writing, as used
hiatus hernia n protrusion of the stomach in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or sym-
through the diaphragm at the hole for the bols are used to represent objects, ideas, or
gullet. sounds. 2 writing that is difficult to deci-
hibernate vb -nating, -naled (of some ani- pher.
mals) to pass the winter in a resting state in hi-fi n Informal 1 a set of high-quality sound-
which heartbeat, temperature, and breath- reproducing equipment. 2 short for high fi-
ing rate are very low. hibernation n delity. -adj 3 producing high-quality
Hibernia n Poetic Ireland. Hibernian adj, n sound: a hi-fi amplifier.
hibiscus n, pl -cuses a tropical plant with higgledy-piggledy adj, adv Informal in a
large brightly coloured flowers. muddle.
hiccup n 1 a spasm of the breathing organs high adj 1 being a relatively great distance
with a sharp coughlike sound. 2 (pl) the from top to bottom: a high stone wall. 2
High Arctic 371 high-powered
being at a relatively great distance above highfalutin (hie-fa-loot-in) adj Informal (of
sea level: a high village. 3 being a specified behaviour) excessively grand or pompous.
distance from top to bottom: three feet high fidelity n 1 the electronic reproduction
high. 4 coming up to a specified level: waist- of sound with little or no distortion, —adj 2
high. 5 being at its peak: high summer. 6 of able to produce sound with little or no dis-
greater than average height: a high ceiling. tortion: high-fidelity stereo earphones.
7 greater than usual in intensity or amount: high-flown adj extravagant or pretentious:
high blood pressure; high fees. 8 (of a high-flown language.
sound) acute in pitch. 9 (of food) slightly
decomposed, regarded as enhancing the high-flyer or high-flier n 1 a person who is
flavour of game. 10 towards the top of a extremely ambitious. 2 a person of great
scale of importance or quality: high fash- ability in a career, high-flying adj, n
ion. 11 intensely emotional: high drama. 12 high frequency n a radio frequency between
very cheerful: high spirits. 13 Informal 30 and 3 megahertz.
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 14 High German n the standard German lan-
luxurious or extravagant: high life. 15 ad- guage.
vanced in complexity: high finance. 16 for- high-handed adj using authority in an un-
mal and elaborate: High Mass. 17 high and necessarily forceful way. high-
dry abandoned in a difficult situation. 18 handedness n
high and mighty Informal too confident high jump n the high jump a an athletic
and full of self-importance. 19 high opin- event in which competitors have to jump
ion a favourable opinion, —adv 20 at or to over a high bar. b Brit informal a severe
a height: flying high. ~n 21 a high level. 22 reprimand or punishment: I was for the
same as anticyclone. 23 on a high Informal high jump again.
a in a state of intoxication by alcohol or Highland adj of or denoting the Highlands, a
drugs, b in a state of great excitement and mountainous region of NW Scotland. High-
happiness. lander n
High Arctic n the regions of Canada, esp. the Highland cattle n a breed of cattle with
northern islands, within the Arctic Circle. shaggy reddish-brown hair and long horns.
highball n Chiefly US a long iced drink con- Highland fling n an energetic Scottish solo
sisting of whisky with soda water or ginger dance.
ale. highlands n relatively high ground.
highbrow Often disparaging -adj 1 con- high-level language n a computer-
cerned with serious, intellectual subjects. programming language that is close to
—n 2 a person with such tastes. human language.
highchair n a long-legged chair with a table- highlight n 1 Also called: high spot the most
like tray, used for a child at meal times. exciting or memorable part of something. 2
High Church n 1 the movement within the an area of the lightest tone in a painting or
Church of England stressing the importance photograph. 3 a lightened streak in the hair
of ceremony and ritual, —adj High-Church produced by bleaching, -vb 4 to give em-
2 of or relating to this movement. phasis to: the prime minister repeatedly
high commissioner n the senior diplomatic highlighted the need for lower pay.
representative sent by one Commonwealth highlighter n 1 a cosmetic cream or powder
country to another. applied to the face to highlight the
high country n the high country NZ sheep cheekbones or eyes. 2 a fluorescent felt-tip
pastures in the foothills of the Southern pen used as a marker to emphasize a section
Alps. of text without obscuring it.
High Court n (in England, Wales, Australia, highly adv 1 extremely: highly desirable. 2
and New Zealand) the supreme court deal- towards the top of a scale of importance,
ing with civil law cases. admiration, or respect: highly paid doctors.
Higher n (in Scotland) 1 the advanced level highly strung or US & Canad high-strung
of the Scottish Certificate of Education. 2 a adj tense and easily upset.
pass in a subject at this level: she has got High Mass n a solemn and elaborate Mass,
four Highers. high-minded adj having high moral princi-
higher education n education and training ples.
at colleges, universities, and polytechnics. Highness n (preceded by Your, His or Her) a
higher-up n Informal a person of higher title used to address or refer to a royal per-
rank. son.
highest common factor n the largest num- high-pitched adj (of a sound, esp. a voice)
ber that divides equally into each member pitched high in tone.
of a group of numbers. high-powered adj 1 (of machinery or
high explosive n an extremely powerful equipment) powerful, advanced, and so-
chemical explosive, such as TNT or gelig- phisticated. 2 important, successful, or in-
nite. fluential: a high-powered business contact.
high-pressure 372 hip
high-pressure adj Informal (of selling) per- hilt n 1 the handle or shaft of a sword, dag-
suasive in an aggressive and persistent ger, or knife. 2 to the hilt to the full: he
manner. plays the role to the hilt.
high priest n the head of a cult or move- hilum n, pl -la Bot a scar on a seed marking
ment. high priestess fem n its point of attachment to the seed vessel.
high-rise adj of or relating to a building that him pron refers to a male person or animal: I
has many storeys: a high-rise block. greeted him at the hotel; I must send him a
high-risk adj denoting a group or area that is note of congratulation.
particularly subject to a danger. himself pron 1 a the reflexive form of he or
highroad n a main road. him: he secretly asked himself, b used for
high school n a secondary school. emphasis: approved of by the Creator him-
high seas pl n the open seas, which are out- self. 2 his normal self: he was almost him-
side the authority of any one nation. self again.
high season n the most popular time of year hind1 adj hinder, hindmost situated at the
at a holiday resort, etc. back: a hind leg.
high-spirited adj lively and wishing to have hind2 n, pl hinds or hind the female of the
fun and excitement. deer, esp. the red deer.
high tea n Brit an early evening meal con- hinder1 vb to get in the way of (someone or
sisting of a cooked dish, bread, cakes, and something).
tea. hinder2 adj situated at the back.
high-tech adj same as hi-tech. Hindi n 1 a language or group of dialects of
high technology n any type of sophisticated N central India. 2 a formal literary dialect
industrial process, esp. one involving elec- of this language, the official language of
tronics. India.
high-tension adj (of electricity cable) carry- hindmost adj furthest back; last,
ing a powerful current. hindquarters pl n the rear of a four-legged
high tide n the sea at its highest level on the animal.
coast. hindrance n 1 an obstruction or snag. 2 the
high time adv Informal the latest possible act of hindering.
time: it was high time she got married. hindsight n the ability to understand, after
high treason n a serious crime directly af- something has happened, what should have
fecting a sovereign or state. been done.
high-water mark n 1 the level reached by Hindu n, pl -dus 1 a person who practises
sea water at high tide or a river in flood. 2 Hinduism, -adj 2 of Hinduism.
the highest or most successful stage: the Hinduism n the dominant religion of India,
high-water mark of the British Empire. which involves the worship of many gods
highway n 1 a public road that everyone and belief in reincarnation.
may use. 2 Chiefly US & Canad a main road, Hindustani n a group of northern Indian
esp. one that connects towns. languages that includes Hindi and Urdu.
Highway Code n (in Britain) a booklet of hinge n 1 a device for holding together two
regulations and recommendations for all parts, such as a door and its frame, so that
road users. one can swing freely. ~vb hinging, hinged
highwayman n, pl -men (formerly) a robber, 2 hinge on to depend on: billions of dollars
usually on horseback, who held up travel- of western aid hinged on the outcome of the
lers on public roads. talks. 3 to join or open (something) by
hijack vb 1 to seize control of or divert (a means of a hinge, hinged adj
vehicle or aircraft) while travelling. ~n 2 hinny n, pl -nies the offspring of a male
an instance of hijacking, hijacker n horse and a female donkey.
hike vb hiking, hiked 1 to walk a long way hint n 1 a suggestion given in an indirect or
in the country, usually for pleasure. 2 to subtle manner. 2 a helpful piece of advice. 3
raise (prices). 3 to pull up with a quick a small amount: a hint of irony. ~vb 4
movement: he hiked up his trouser legs. ~n (sometimes foil, by at) to suggest indirectly:
4 a long walk. 5 a rise in price, hiker n a solution has been hinted at by a few poli-
hilarious adj very funny, hilariously adv ticians.
hilarity n hinterland n 1 land lying behind a coast or
hill n 1 a natural elevation of the earth’s sur- the shore of a river. 2 an area near and de-
face, less high than a mountain. 2 a heap or pendent on a large city, esp. a port.
mound. 3 an incline or slope, hilly adj hip1 n either side of the body below the
hillbilly n, pl -lies 1 Usually disparaging an waist and above the thigh.
unsophisticated person from the mountain- hip2 n the berry-like brightly coloured fruit
ous areas in the southeastern US. 2 same as of a rose bush. Also called: rosehip
country and western. hip3 interj an exclamation used to introduce
hillock n a small hill or mound. cheers: hip, hip, hurrah.
hip 373 hitch
hip4 adj hipper, hippest Slang aware of or pound released by the body tissues in aller-
following the latest trends. gic reactions.
hip bath n a portable bath in which the histogram n a statistical graph that repre-
bather sits. sents the frequency of values of a quantity
hipbone n either of the two bones that form by vertical bars of varying heights and
the sides of the pelvis. widths.
hip flask n a small metal flask for whisky, histology n the study of the tissues of an
brandy, etc. animal or plant.
hip-hop n a US pop-culture movement origi- historian n a person who writes or studies
nating in the 1980s, comprising rap music, history.
graffiti, and break dancing. historic adj important in history, or likely to
hippie n same as hippy2. be seen as important in the future.
hippo n, pl -pos Informal short for hippo- historical adj 1 occurring in the past. 2 de-
potamus. scribing or representing situations or peo-
Hippocratic oath n an oath taken by a doc- ple that existed in the past: a historical
tor to observe a code of medical ethics. novel. 3 belonging to or typical of the study
hippodrome n 1 a music hall, variety thea- of history: historical perspective, histori-
tre, or circus. 2 (in ancient Greece or Rome) cally adv
an open-air course for horse and chariot historicism n 1 the belief that natural laws
races. govern historical events. 2 excessive re-
hippopotamus n, pl -muses or -mi a very spect for historical institutions, such as
large mammal with thick wrinkled skin and traditions or laws.
short legs, which lives around the rivers of historicity n historical authenticity,
tropical Africa. historiographer n a historian employed to
hippy1 adj -pier, -piest Informal having write the history of a group or public insti-
large hips. tution. historiography n
hippy2 or hippie n, pl -pies (esp. during the history n, pl -ries 1 a record or account of
1960s) a person whose behaviour and dress past events and developments. 2 all that is
imply a rejection of conventional values. preserved of the past, esp. in written form.
hipsters pl n Brit trousers cut so that the 3 the study of interpreting past events. 4
top encircles the hips. the past events or previous experiences of a
hire vb hiring, hired 1 to acquire the tempo- place, thing, or person: he knew the whole
rary use of (a thing) or the services of (a history of the place. 5 a play that depicts
person) in exchange for payment. 2 to em- historical events.
ploy (a person) for wages. 3 to provide histrionic adj 1 very dramatic and full of
(something) or the services of (oneself or exaggerated emotion: histrionic bursts of
others) for payment. 4 hire out Chiefly Brit invective. ~n 2 (pl) behaviour of this kind,
to pay independent contractors for (work to histrionically adv
be done). ~n 5 the act of hiring. 6 for hire
available to be hired. hit vb hitting, hit 1 to strike or touch (a per-
son or thing) forcefully. 2 to come into vio-
hireling n Disparaging a person who works lent contact with: a helicopter hit a Volvo. 3
only for money. to propel (a ball) by striking. 4 Cricket to
hire-purchase n Brit a system in which a score (runs). 5 to affect (a person, place, or
buyer takes possession of merchandise on thing) badly: the airline says that its rev-
payment of a deposit and completes the enue will be hit. 6 to reach (a point or,
purchase by paying a series of instalments place): the ERM hit new heights. 7 h^t the
while the seller retains ownership until the bottle Slang to start drinking excessive
final instalment is paid. amounts of alcohol. 8 hit the road Informal
hirsute (her-suit) adj hairy. to set out on a journey. —n 9 an impact or
his adj 1 of, belonging to, or associated with collision. 10 a shot or blow that reaches its
him: his birthday. -pron 2 something be- target. 11 Informal a person or thing that
longing to him: his is on the left; that book gains wide appeal: those early collections
is his. 3 of his belonging to him. made her a hit with the club set. ~See also
Hispanic adj 1 of or derived from Spain or hit off, hit on, hit out at.
the Spanish. —n 2 US a US citizen of Latin- hit-and-run adj denoting a motor-vehicle ac-
American descent. cident in which the driver does not stop to
hiss n 1 a sound like that of a prolonged s. 2 give assistance or inform the police.
such a sound as an expression of dislike or hitch n 1 a temporary or minor problem or
disapproval. -vb 3 to utter a hiss. 4 to ex- -difficulty. 2 a knot that can be undone by
press with a hiss: she hissed the name. 5 to pulling against the direction of the strain
show dislike or disapproval towards (a that holds it. -vb 3 Informal to obtain (a
speaker or performer) by hissing. ride) by hitchhiking. 4 to fasten with a knot
histamine (hiss-ta-meen) n a chemical com- or tie. 5 get hitched Slang to get married. 6
hitchhike 374 hog
hiteh up to pull up (one’s trousers etc.) formed on the ground by condensation at
with a quick jerk. temperatures below freezing point.
hitchhike vb -hiking, -hiked to travel by hoarse adj 1 (of a voice) rough and unclear
getting free lifts in motor vehicles, hitch- through illness or too much shouting. 2 hav-
hiker n ing a rough and unclear voice, hoarsely
hi-tech adj using sophisticated, esp. elec- adv hoarseness n
tronic, technology. hoary adj hoarier, hoariest 1 having grey
hither adv Old-fashioned to or towards this or white hair. 2 very old: a hoary old prob-
place: come hither. lem.
hitherto adv Formal until this time: funda- hoax n 1 a deception, esp. a practical joke.
mental questions which have hitherto been ~vb 2 to deceive or play a joke on (some-
ignored. one).
hit list n Informal 1 a list of people to be hob n the flat top part of a cooker, or a
murdered. 2 a list of targets to be eliminat- separate flat surface, containing hotplates
ed: the Treasury draws up a hit list for or burners.
spending cuts. hobble vb -bling, -bled 1 to walk with a
hit man n a person hired by terrorists or lame awkward movement. 2 to tie the legs
gangsters to murder someone. of (a horse) together in order to restrict its
hit Off vb hit it off Informal to have a good
movement.
relationship with someone. hobby n, pl -bies an activity pursued in
hit on or upon vb to think of (an idea or a so-
one’s spare time for pleasure or relaxation.
lution). hobbyhorse n 1 a favourite topic about
which a person likes to talk at every oppor-
hit-or-miss adj Informal unplanned or un- tunity: public transport is his hobbyhorse. 2
predictable: hit-or-miss service. Also: hit- a toy consisting of a stick with a figure of a
and-miss horse’s head at one end. 3 a figure of a
hit out at vb 1 to direct blows forcefully and horse attached to a performer’s waist in a
vigorously at (someone). 2 to make a verbal morris dance.
attack upon (someone). hobgoblin n a small, mischievous creature in
HIV human immunodeficiency virus, the fairy stories.
cause of AIDS. hobnail boots n Old-fashioned heavy boots
hive n 1 a structure in which bees live. 2 with short nails in the soles to lessen wear
hive of activity a busy place with many and tear.
people working hard. hobnob vb -nobbing, -nobbed to socialize or
hive off vb to transfer (part of a business, talk informally: hobnobbing with the rich.
esp. the profitable part of a nationalized in- hobo n, pl -boes or -bos Chiefly US & Canad
dustry) to new ownership. a tramp or vagrant.
hives n Pathol an allergic reaction in which Hobson’s choice n the choice of taking
itchy red or whitish raised patches develop what is offered or nothing at all.
on the skin.
hock1 n the joint in the leg of a horse or simi-
HM Her (or His) Majesty. lar animal that corresponds to the human
HMI (in Britain) Her (or His) Majesty’s In- ankle.
spector; a government official who hock2 n a white wine from the German
examines and supervises schools. Rhine.
H.M.S. or HMS Her (or His) Majesty’s Ship. hock3 Informal ~vb 1 to pawn or pledge.
HMSO (in Britain) Her (or His) Majesty’s ~n 2 in hoek a in debt, b in pawn.
Stationery Office. hockey n 1 a game played on a field by two
HNC (in Britain) Higher National Certifi- teams of 11 players who try to hit a ball
cate; a qualification recognized by many na- into their opponents’ goal using long sticks
tional technical and professional institu- curved at the end. 2 US ice hockey.
tions. hocus-pocus n Informal something said or
HND (in Britain) Higher National Diploma; a done in Oder to confuse or trick someone.
qualification in a technical subject equiva- hod n an open wooden box attached to a
lent to an ordinary degree. pole, for carrying bricks or mortar.
Ho Chem holmium. hodgepodge n Chiefly US & Canad same as
hoar n short for hoarfrost. hotchpotch.
hoard n 1 a store of money, food, etc., hid- Hodgkin’s disease n a malignant disease
den away for future use. ~vb 2 to save or that causes enlargement of the lymph
store (money, food, etc.), hoarder n nodes, spleen, and liver.
hoarding n a large board at the side of a hoe n 1 a long-handled implement used to
road, used for displaying advertising post- loosen the soil or to weed. ~vb hoeing,
ers. hoed 2 to scrape or weed with a hoc.
hoarfrost n a white layer of ice crystals hog n 1 a castrated male pig. 2 US & Canad
Hogmanay 375 hole
any mammal of the pig family. 3 Informal a holdall n Brit a large strong travelling bag.
greedy person. 4 go the whole hog Slang to hold back vb 1 to restrain (someone) or re-
do something in the most complete way frain from doing something: managers
possible. ~vb hogging, hogged 5 Slang to declined to hold back the crowds; buyers
take more than one’s share of (something). held back in the expectation of further
Hogmanay n New Year’s Eve in Scotland, price decreases. 2 to withhold: holding back
hogshead n a large cask for storing alcohol- the wages they owe.
ic drinks. hold down vb 1 to restrain or control some-
hogwash n Informal nonsense. one. 2 Informal to manage to keep (a job). 3
ho-ho interj a written representation of the
to prevent (wages, prices, etc.) from rising
sound of a deep laugh. much.
hold forth vb to speak for a long time.
hoick vbto raise abruptly and sharply.
hold in vb to control or conceal (one’s feel-
hoi polloi n the ordinary people when com- ings).
pared to the rich or well-educated.
holding n 1 land held under a lease. 2 prop-
hoist vb 1 to raise or lift up, esp. by me- erty to which the holder has legal title, such
chanical means, —n 2 any apparatus or de- as land, stocks, or shares.
vice for lifting things.
holding company n a company that holds
hoity-toity adj Informal arrogant or haugh- the controlling shares in one or more other
ty. companies.
hokonui (hoke-a-noo-ee) n NZ illegally dis- holding paddock n Austral & NZ a paddock
tilled whisky. in which cattle or sheep are kept temporari-
hokum n Slang, chiefly US & Canad 1 non- ly, such as when awaiting sale.
sense; bunk. 2 obvious sentimental material hold off vb 1 to keep (an attacker or attack-
in a play or film. ing force) at a distance. 2 to put off (doing
hold1 vb holding, held 1 to keep (an object something): he held off distributing weap-
or a person) with or within the hands or ons.
arms. 2 to support: a rope made from 1000 hold on vb 1 to maintain a firm grasp (of
hairs would hold a large adult. 3 to main- something or someone). 2 hold on to to
tain in a specified state or position: his keep: he held on to his world No. 1 ranking.
reputation continued to hold secure. 4 to 3 Informal to wait, esp. on the telephone.
have the capacity for: trains designed to hold out vb 1 to offer (something). 2 to last:
hold more than 400. 5 to set aside or re- I could hold out until we return home. 3 to
serve: they will hold our tickets until to- continue to stand firm and manage to resist
morrow. 6 to restrain or keep back: de- opposition. 4 hold out for to wait patiently
signed to hold dangerous criminals. 7 to re- for (the fulfilment of one’s wishes). 5 hold
main unbroken: if the elastic holds. 8 (of out on someone In formal to keep from tell-
the weather) to remain dry and bright. 9 to ing someone some important information.
keep (the attention of): a writer holds a
reader by his temperament. 10 to arrange hold over vb to postpone: several cases had
and cause to take place: we must hold an to be held over pending further investiga-
inquiry. 11 to have the ownership or pos- tion.
session of: she holds a degree in Egyptol- hold-up n 1 an armed robbery. 2 a delay: a
ogy. 12 to have responsibility for: she can- traffic hold-up. ~vb hold up 3 to delay. 4
not hold an elective office. 13 to be able to to support (an object). 5 to stop and rob
control the outward effects of drinking (al- (someone), using a weapon. 6 to exhibit or
cohol): he can’t hold his liquor. 14 to (cause present (something) as an example: he was
to) remain committed to (a promise, etc.). held up as a model professional.
15 to claim or believe: some Sufis hold that hold with vb approve of: I don’t hold with
all religious leaders were prophets. 16 to divorce.
remain valid or true: the categories are not hole n 1 an area hollowed out in a solid. 2 an
the same and equivalency does not hold. 17 opening in or through something. 3 an ani-
to consider in a specified manner: philoso- mal’s burrow. 4 Informal a fault or error:
phies which we hold so dear. 18 to defend this points to a very big hole in parliamen-
successfully: the Russians were holding the tary security. 5 pick holes in to point out
Volga front. 19 Music to sustain the sound faults in. 6 Informal an unattractive town
of (a note). ~n 20 a way of holding some- or other place. 7 in a hole Slang in a diffi-
thing or the act of holding it. 21 something cult and embarrassing situation. 8 (on a golf
to hold onto for support. 22 controlling in- course) any one of the divisions of a course
fluence: drugs will take a hold. 23 with no (usually 18) represented by the distance be-
holds barred with all limitations removed. tween the tee and the sunken cup on the
-See also hold back, hold down, etc. green into which the ball is to be played. 9
holder n make a hole in Informal to use a great
hold2 n the space in a ship or aircraft for amount of (one’s money or food supply).
storing cargo. ~vb holing, holed 10 to make a hole or
hole-and-corner 376 home
holes in (something). 11 to hit (a golf ball) produce holograms, holographic adj holo-
into a hole, holey adj graphically adv
hole-and-corner adj Informal furtive or se- hols pl n Brit school slang holidays.
cretive. holster n a sheathlike leather case for a pis-
hole in the heart n a congenital defect of the tol, worn attached to a belt.
heart, in which there is an abnormal open- holt n the lair of an otter.
ing in the partition between the left and holy adj -lier, -liest 1 of or associated with
right halves. God or a deity. 2 (of a person) religious and
hole up vb Informal to go into hiding. leading a virtuous life, holiness n
Holi (holl-lee) n an annual Hindu spring fes- Holy Communion n Christianity a church
tival, honouring Krishna. service in which people take bread and
holiday n 1 a period of time spent away wine in remembrance of Christ’s Last Sup-
from home for enjoyment and relaxation. 2 per and His atonement for the sins of the
(often pl) Chiefly Brit a period in which a world.
break is taken from work or studies for rest Holy Ghost n the Holy Ghost same as Holy
or recreation. 3 a day on which work is sus- Spirit.
pended by law or custom, such as a bank Holy Grail n the Holy Grail (in medieval
holiday. -vb 4 Chiefly Brit to spend a legend) the bowl used by Jesus at the Last
holiday. Supper.
holier-than-thou adj offensively self- Holy Land n the Holy Land Palestine.
righteous. holy of holies n 1 any sacred place or a
Holiness n (preceded by His or Your) a title place considered as if it were sacred: the
reserved for the pope. Long Room at Lord’s, English cricket's holy
holism n 1 the view that a whole is greater of holies. 2 the innermost chamber of a Jew-
than the sum of its parts. 2 (in medicine) ish temple.
consideration of the complete person in the holy orders pl n the status of an ordained
treatment of disease, holistic adj Christian minister.
hollandaise sauce n a rich sauce of egg Holy See n the Holy See RC Church the see
yolks, butter, vinegar, and lemon juice. of the pope as bishop of Rome.
holler Informal ~vb 1 to shout or yell. —n 2 Holy Spirit n the Holy Spirit Christianity
a shout or yell. one of the three aspects of God.
hollow adj 1 having a hole or space within; Holy Week n Christianity the week before
not solid. 2 curving inwards: hollow cheeks. Easter Sunday.
3 (of sounds) as if echoing in a hollow place. homage n a public show of respect or hon-
4 without any real value or worth: a hollow our towards someone or something: the
enterprise, lacking purpose, and lacking master’s jazzy-classical homage to
soul. —adv 5 beat someone hollow Brit in- Gershwin.
formal to defeat someone thoroughly. —n 6 homburg n a man’s soft felt with a dented
a cavity or space in something. 7 a dip in crown and a stiff upturned brim.
the land. -vb 8 (often foil, by out) to form
a hole or cavity in. hollowly adv home n 1 the place where one lives. 2 the
country or area of one’s birth. 3 a building
holly n an evergreen tree with prickly leaves or organization set up to care for people in a
and bright red berries, used for Christmas certain category, such as orphans or the
decorations. aged. 4 the place where something is in-
hollyhock n a tall garden plant with spikes vented or started: the home of the first air-
of colourful flowers. craft. 5 Sport a team’s own ground: the
holmium n Chem a silver-white metallic el- match is at home. 6 Baseball, rounders, etc
ement, the compounds of which are highly the objective towards which a player runs
magnetic. Symbol: Ho after striking the ball. 7 at home a in one’s
holm oak n an evergreen oak tree with own home or country, b at case: he felt
prickly leaves like holly. more at home with the Russians, c receiving
holocaust n 1 destruction or loss of life on a visitors. -adj 8 of one’s home, birthplace,
massive scale. 2 the Holocaust mass mur- or native country. 9 (of an activity)
der of the Jews in Europe by the Nazis done in one’s house: home movies. 10
(1940-45). Sport played on one’s own ground: a
Holocene adj of the current geological
home game. 11 home and dry Brit slang
epoch, which began about 10 000 years ago. definitely safe or successful -adv 12 to or
at home: I came home. 13 to or on the
hologram n a three-dimensional photo- point: the message struck home. 14 to the
graphic image produced by means of a split fullest extent: they drove their spears
laser beam. home. 15 bring something home to some-
holograph n a book or document hand- one to make something clear to some-
written by its author. one. -vb homing, homed 16 home in on to
holography n the science of using lasers to be directed towards (a goal or target). 17
homeboy 377 homologous
(of birds) to return home accurately from a house and adjoining tract of land (originally
distance. often 160 acres) that was granted by the
homeboy n Slang, chiefly US 1 a close government for development as a farm.
friend. 2 a member of a gang. Homesteads are exempt from seizure or sale
home-brew n beer or other alcoholic drink for debt.
brewed at home. homesteader n (in the western U.S. &
homecoming n a return home, esp. after a Canada) a person who lives on and farms a
long absence. homestead.
Home Counties pl n the counties surround- homestead law n (in the western U.S. &
ing London. Canada) any of various laws granting cer-
home economics n the study of diet, budg-
tain privileges to owners of homesteads.
eting, child care, and other subjects con- home truths pl n unpleasant facts told to a
cerned with running a home. person about himself or herself.
home farm n Brit a farm that belonged to home unit n Austral & NZ a self-contained
and provided food for a large country residence which is part of a block of such
house. residences.
Home Guard n a part-time military force of homeward adj 1 going home, —adv also
volunteers recruited for the defence of the homewards 2 towards home.
United Kingdom in the Second World War. homework n 1 school work done at home. 2
home help n Brit a person employed by a
research or preparation.
local authority to do housework in an elder- homicide n 1 the act of killing someone. 2 a
ly or disabled person’s home. person who kills someone, homicidal adj
homeland n 1 the country from which the homily n, pl -lies a moralizing talk or piece
ancestors of a person or group came. 2 the of writing, homiletic adj
official name in S Africa for a Bantustan. homing adj 1 Zool denoting the ability to re-
homeless adj 1 having nowhere to live. ~pl turn home after travelling great distances.
n 2 people who have nowhere to live: night 2 (of a missile) capable of guiding itself
shelters for the homeless, homelessness n onto a target.
homely adj -tier, -liest 1 simple, ordinary, homing pigeon n a pigeon developed for its
and comfortable. 2 (of a person) a Brit homing instinct, used for racing.
warm and friendly, b Chiefly US & Canad hominid n 1 any member of the family of
plain or unattractive, homeliness n primates that includes modern man and the
home-made adj (esp. of foods) made at extinct forerunners of man. —adj 2 of or
home or on the premises. belonging to this family.
hominoid adj 1 of or like man; manlike. ~n
Home Office n Brit government the depart-
ment responsible for law and order, immi- 2 a manlike animal.
gration, and other domestic affairs. hominy n Chiefly US coarsely ground maize
homeopathy or homoeopathy (home-ee-
prepared as a food by boiling in milk or
water.
op-ath-ee) n a method of treating disease by
the use of small amounts of a drug that homo- combining form same or like: ho-
produces symptoms of the disease in mologous.
healthy people, homeopath or homoeo- homogeneous (home-oh-jean-ee-uss) adj
path (home-ee-oh-path) n homeopathic or having parts or members which are all the
homoeopathic adj same or which consist of only one sub-
homeostasis or homoeostasis (hom-ee-oh- stance: the Arabs are not a single, homo-
stass-iss) n the tendency of an organism to geneous nation, homogeneity n
achieve a stable metabolic state by compen- homogenize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
sating automatically for violent changes in -nising, -nised 1 to break up the fat glob-
the environment and other disruptions. ules in (milk or cream) so that they are
homeowner n a person who owns the home evenly distributed. 2 to make different el-
in which he or she lives. ements the same or similar: homogenized
products for a mass market.
Homeric (home-mer-rik) adj of or relating to
homogenous (hom-oj-in-uss) adj having a
Homer, Greek epic poet (circa 800 bc ). similar structure because of common ances-
home rule n self-government in domestic af- try.
fairs. homograph n a word spelt the same as an-
Home Secretary n Brit government the other, but having a different meaning, such
head of the Home Office. as bear (to carry) and bear (the animal).
homesick adj depressed by being away from homologous (hom-ol-log-uss) adj 1 having a
home and family, homesickness n 'related or similar position or structure. 2
homespun adj (of philosophies or opinions) Biol (of organs and parts) having the same
plain and unsophisticated. origin but different functions: the wing of a
homestead n 1 a farmhouse and the adjoin- bat and the arm of a monkey are homolo-
’ ing land. 2 (in the western U.S. & Canada) a gous.
homology 378 hooded crow
homology (hom-ol-a-jee) n the condition of the sound made by a goose. —vb 3 to make
being homologous. or cause (something) to make a honking
homonym n a word pronounced and spelt sound.
the same as another, but having a different honky-tonk n 1 US & Canad slang a cheap
meaning, such as novel (a book) and novel disreputable nightclub or dance hall. 2 a
(new). style of ragtime piano-playing, esp. on a
homophobia n intense hatred or fear of tinny-sounding piano.
homosexuals. honorarium n, pl -iums or -ia a voluntary fee
homophone n a word pronounced the same paid for a service which is usually free.
as another, but having a different meaning honorary adj a held or given as a mark of
or spelling or both, such as bear and bare. respect, without the usual qualifications,
Homo sapiens (home-oh sap-ee-enz) n the payment, or work: an honorary degree, b
name for modern man as a species. (of a secretary, treasurer, etc.) unpaid.
homosexual n 1 a person who is sexually honorific adj showing respect: an honorific
attracted to members of the same sex. -adj title.
2 (of a person) sexually attracted to mem-
bers of the same sex. 3 (of a sexual rela- honour or US honor n 1 a person’s good
tionship) between members of the same sex. reputation and the respect they are given
homosexuality n by other people. 2 a fame or glory, b a per-
homy or esp US homey adj homier, homi-
son who wins fame or glory for his or her
est like a home; pleasant and cosy. country, school, etc.: he was an honour to
his nation. 3 great respect or esteem, or an
Hon. Honourable (title). outward sign of this. 4 a privilege or pleas-
hone vb honing, honed 1 to develop and ure: it was an honour to meet him. 5 Old-
improve (a quality or ability): a workshop fashioned a woman’s virginity. 6 Bridge,
to hone interview techniques. 2 to sharpen whist any of the top four or five cards in a
(a tool). ~n 3 a fine whetstone used for suit. 7 Golf the right to tee off first. 8 in
sharpening edged tools and knives. honour of out of respect for. 9 on one’s
honest adj 1 truthful and moral in behav- honour under a moral obligation, —vb 10
iour; trustworthy. 2 open and sincere in re- to hold someone in respect. 11 to give
lationships and attitudes; without preten- (someone) special praise, attention, or an
sions. 3 gained or earned fairly: an honest award. 12 to accept and then pay (a cheque
income. or bill). 13 to keep (one’s promise); fulfil (a
honestly adv 1 in an honest manner. 2 truly: previous agreement).
honestly, that’s all I can recall. Honour n (preceded by Your, His or Herj a
honesty n, pl -ties 1 the quality of being title used to address or refer to certain
truthful and trustworthy. 2 a plant with judges.
flattened silvery pods which are used for honourable or US honorable adj worthy of
indoor decoration. respect or esteem, honourably adv
honey n 1 a sweet edible sticky substance Honourable adj the Honourable a title of
made by bees from nectar. 2 Chiefly US & respect placed before a name: used of vari-
Canad a term of affection. 3 Informal, chief- ous officials, of the children of certain
ly US & Canad something very good of its peers, and in Parliament by one member
kind: a honey of a picture about American speaking of another.
family life.
honeybee n a bee widely domesticated as a honours or US honors pl n 1 (in a university
source of honey and beeswax. degree course) a rank or mark of the high-
honeycomb n a waxy structure, constructed
est academic standard: an honours degree.
by bees in a hive, that consists of many six- 2 observances of respect, esp. at a funeral.
3 do the honours to serve as host or host-
sided cells in which honey is stored. ess by serving food or pouring drinks.
honeydew n a sugary substance excreted by
aphids and similar insects. hooch (rhymes with smooch) n Informal al-
honeydew melon n a melon with yellow
coholic drink, esp. illegally distilled spirits.
skin and sweet pale flesh. hood1 n 1 a loose head covering either at-
honeyed adj Poetic flattering or soothing: tached to a coat or made as a separate gar-
honeyed words. ment. 2 US & Canad the bonnet of a car. 3
honeymoon n 1 a holiday taken by a newly
the folding roof of a convertible car or a
married couple. 2 the early period of an pram, -vb 4 to cover with or as if with a
undertaking or activity, such as the start of hood, hoodlike adj
new government’s term of office, when an hood2 n Slang short for hoodlum.
attitude of goodwill prevails. ~vb3 to take hooded adj 1 (of a garment) having a hood.
a honeymoon, honeymooner n 2 (of eyes) having heavy eyelids that ap-
honeysuckle n a climbing shrub with sweet- pear to be half-closed.
smelling white, yellow, or pink flowers. hooded crow n a crow that has a grey body
honk n 1 the sound made by a motor horn. 2 and black head, wings, and tail.
hoodlum 379 hops
hoodlum n a violent criminal, esp. one who brown plumage with black-and-white wings
is a member of a gang. and a fanlike crest.
hoodoo n, pl -doos 1 Informal bad luck. 2 hooray interj, n same as hurrah.
Informal a person or thing that brings bad Hooray Henry n, pl Hooray Henries or-rys
luck. 3 Chiefly US same as voodoo. a young upper-class man with an affectedly
hoodwink vb to trick or deceive. loud and cheerful manner.
hooey n Slang nonsense. hoot1 n 1 the sound of a car horn. 2 the cry
hoof n, pl hooves or hoofs 1 the horny cov- of an owl. 3 a high-pitched noise showing
ering of the end of the foot in the horse, disapproval. 4 Informal an amusing person
deer, and certain other mammals. ~vb 2 or thing. ~vb 5 Brit to blow (a car horn). 6
hoof it Slang to walk, hoofed adj to make a hoot. 7 to jeer or yell contemptu-
ously at someone. 8 to drive (speakers or
hoo-ha n a noisy commotion or fuss. performers on stage) off by hooting.
hook n 1 a curved piece of metal or plastic hoot2 n Austral & NZ slang money.
used to hang, hold, or pull something. 2 hooter n Chiefly Brit 1 a device that hoots,
something resembling a hook, such as a such as a car horn. 2 Slang a nose.
sharp bend in a river or a sharply curved
strip of land. 3 Boxing a short swinging Hoover n 1 Trademark a vacuum cleaner.
blow with the elbow bent. 4 Cricket, golf a ~vb 2 hoover to vacuum-clean (a carpet).
shot that causes the ball to go to the play- hooves n a plural of hoof.
er’s left. 5 by hook or by crook by any hop1 vb hopping, hopped 1 to jump for-
means: get into the charts by hook or by wards or upwards on one foot. 2 (of frogs,
crook. 6 hook, line, and sinker Informal birds, etc.) to move forwards in short
completely: we fell for it hook, line, and jumps. 3 to jump over something. 4 Infor-
sinker. 7 let someone off the hook Slang to mal to move quickly (in, on, out of, etc.):
free someone from an obligation or a diffi- hop into bed. 5 hop it Brit slang to go away.
cult situation. 8 sling one’s hook Brit slang ~n 6 an instance of hopping. 7 Informal an
to leave. ~vb 9 to fasten with or as if with informal dance. 8 Informal a short journey,
a hook. 10 to catch (a fish) on a hook. 11 usually in an aircraft. 9 on the hop Infor-
Cricket, golf to play (a ball) with a hook. 12 mal a active or busy: he keeps me on the
Rugby to obtain and pass (the ball) back- hop. b Brit unawares or unprepared: you
wards from a scrum, using the feet. caught me on the hop.
hookah n an oriental pipe for smoking mari- hop2 n a climbing plant with green conelike
juana or tobacco, with a long flexible stem flowers. See also hops.
connected to a container of water through hope vb hoping, hoped 1 to desire (some-
which smoke is drawn and cooled. thing), usually with some possibility of ful-
hooked adj 1 bent like a hook. 2 hooked on filment: you would hope for their coopera-
a Slang addicted to: hooked on drugs, b ob- tion. 2 to trust or believe: I hope I’ve ar-
sessed with: hooked on football. ranged that. ~n 3 a feeling of desire for
hooker n 1 Slang a prostitute. 2 Rugby a something, usually with confidence in the
player who uses his feet to get the ball in a possibility of its fulfilment: the news was
scrum. greeted by some as hope for further interest
rate cuts. 4 a reasonable ground for this
hook-up n the linking of broadcasting feeling: there is hope for you yet. 5 the per-
equipment or stations to transmit a special son, thing, situation, or event that gives
programme. cause for hope or is desired: the young are a
hookworm n a blood-sucking worm with symbol of hope for the future.
hooked mouthparts. hopeful adj 1 having, inspiring, or express-
hooligan n Slang a young person who ing hope. ~n 2 a person considered to be on
behaves in a noisy and violent way in pub- the brink of success: a young hopeful.
lic. hooliganism n hopefully adv 1 in a hopeful manner. 2 In-
hoop n 1 a rigid circular band of metal, plas- formal it is hoped: hopefully I’ve got a long
tic, or wood. 2 a child’s toy shaped like a career ahead of me.
hoop and rolled on the ground or whirled ► Although many people dislike the use of
around the body. 3 Croquet any of the iron hopefully as in I’ll see you in June, hopeful-
arches through which the ball is driven. 4 a ly, it is now well established.
large ring through which performers or hopeless adj 1 having or offering no hope. 2
animals jump. 5 go or be put through the impossible to solve. 3 Informal without skill
hoops to go through an ordeal or test. ~vb or ability: I’m hopeless at maths, hopeless-
6 to surround (something) with a hoop, ly adv hopelessness n
hooped ac(j hopper n a funnel-shaped device from
hoopla n Brit a fairground game in which ' which solid materials can be discharged
hoops are thrown over objects in an attempt into a receptacle below.
to win them. hops pl n the dried flowers of the hop plant,
hoopoe (hoop-oo) n a bird with pinkish- used to give a bitter taste to beer.
hopscotch 380 horsepower
hopscotch n a children’s game in which a horrendous adj very unpleasant or shock-
player throws a stone to land in one of a ing.
pattern of squares marked on the ground horrible adj 1 disagreeable and unpleasant:
and then hops over to it to pick it up. a horrible hotel room. 2 causing fear, shock,
horde n a very large crowd, often frighten- or disgust: he died a horrible death, horri-
ing or unpleasant. bly adv
horehound n a plant that produces a bitter horrid adj 1 disagreeable or unpleasant: it
juice formerly used as a cough medicine, had been a horrid day at school. 2 Informal
horizon n 1 the apparent line that divides (of a person) unkind and nasty: her horrid
the earth and the sky. 2 (pl) the limits of a parents.
person’s interests and activities: seeking to horrific adj provoking horror: horrific inju-
broaden his horizons at college. 3 on the ries. horrifically adv
horizon almost certainly going to happen or horrify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to cause feel-
be done in the future: a new type of com- ings of horror in (someone); shock (some-
puter is on the horizon. one) greatly.
horizontal adj 1 flat and level with the horror n 1 extreme fear or terror. 2 intense
ground or with a line considered as a base. 2 hatred: she had a horror of violence. 3 a
affecting or happening at one level in a sys- thing or person causing fear, loathing, or
tem or organization: a horizontal division of distaste, -adj 4 having a frightening sub-
labour. —n 3 a horizontal plane, position, ject, usu. concerned with the supernatural:
or line, horizontally adv a horror film.
hormone n 1 a chemical substance produced horrors pl n the horrors Slang a fit of nerv-
in an endocrine gland and transported in ousness or anxiety.
the blood to a certain tissue, on which it has hors d’oeuvre (or durv) n, pl hors d’oeuvre
a specific effeet. 2 a similar substance pro- or hors d’oeuvres (or durv) an appetizer,
duced by a plant that is essential for usually served before the main meal.
growth. 3 a synthetie substanee having the
same effects, hormonal adj horse n 1 a four-footed mammal with
hooves, a mane, and a tail, used for riding
horn n 1 either of a pair of permanent bony and pulling carts, etc. 2 the adult male of
outgrowths on the heads of animals such as this species; stallion. 3 the horses Informal
cattle and antelopes. 2 any hornlike projec- horse races on which bets may be placed: an
tion, such as the eyestalk of a snail. 3 the occasional flutter on the horses. 4 Gymnas-
antler of a deer. 4 the hard substance of tics a padded apparatus on legs, used for
which horns are made. 5 a musical wind in- vaulting. 5 be or get on one’s high horse
strument made from horn. 6 any musical in- Informal to act in a haughty manner. 6 the
strument consisting of a pipe or tube of horse’s mouth the most reliable source: I’ll
brass fitted with a mouthpiece. 7 a device, tell you straight from the horse’s mouth.
sueh as on a vehicle, for producing a warn-
ing or signalling noise, horned adj horse around or about vb Informal to play
roughly or boisterously.
hornbeam n a tree with smooth grey bark,
horseback n a horse’s back: on horseback.
hornbill n a tropical bird with a bony growth
on its large beak. horsebox n Brit a van or trailer used for
transporting horses.
hornblende n a green-to-black mineral con-
taining aluminium, calcium, sodium, mag- horse brass n a decorative brass ornament,
nesium, and iron. originally attached to a horse’s harness.
hornet n 1 a large wasp that can inflict a se- horse chestnut n 1 a tree with broad leaves
vere sting. 2 hornet’s nest a very unpleas- and brown shiny inedible nuts enclosed in a
ant situation that is difficult to deal with: spiky case. 2 the nut of this tree.
you ’ll stir up a hornet’s nest. horseflesh n 1 horses collectively: Ascot’s
horn of plenty n same as cornucopia. annual parade of fashion and horseflesh. 2
the flesh of a horse as food.
hornpipe n 1 a solo dance, traditionally per-
formed by sailors. 2 music for this dance. horsefly n, pl -flies a large fly which sueks
the blood of horses, cattle, and people.
horny adj hornier, horniest 1 of, like, or
hard as horn. 2 Slang sexually aroused. horsehair n hair from the tail or mane of a
horse, used in upholstery.
horology n the art of making clocks and
watches or of measuring time, horological horse laugh n a loud and coarse laugh,
adj horseman n, p] -men 1 a man who is skilled
horoscope n 1 the prediction of a person’s in riding. 2 a man riding a horse, horse-
manship n horsewoman fem n
future based on the positions of the planets,
sun, and moon at the time of birth. 2 a dia- horseplay n rough or rowdy play,
gram showing the positions of the planets, horsepower n a unit of power (equivalent to
sun, and moon at a particular time and 745.7 watts), used to measure the power
place. of an engine.
horseradish 381 hotelier
horseradish n a plant with a white strong- Host n Christianity the bread used in Holy
tasting root, which is used to make a sauce. Communion.
horse sense n same as common sense. hostage n a person who is illegally held
horseshoe n 1 a piece of iron shaped like a prisoner until certain demands are met by
U, nailed to the bottom of a horse’s hoof to other people.
protect the foot. 2 an object of similar hostel n 1 a building providing overnight
shape: often regarded as a symbol of good accommodation at a low cost for particular
luck. groups of people, such as the homeless. 2
horsetail n a plant with small dark toothlike same as youth hostel. 3 Brit a supervised
leaves. lodging house for nurses, students, etc.
horsewhip n 1 a whip with a long thong, hosteller or US hosteler n
used for managing horses. ~vb -whipping, hostelry n, pl -ries Archaic or facetious an
-whipped 2 to beat (a person or animal) inn.
with such a whip. hostel school n Canad same as residential
horsey or horsy adj horsier, horsiest 1 of school.
or relating to horses: a horsey smell. 2 de- hostess n 1 a woman who receives and en-
voted to horses: the horsey set. 3 like a tertains guests, esp. in her own house. 2 a
horse: a horsey face. woman who receives and entertains patrons
hortatory or hortative adj Formal encourag- of a club, restaurant, or dance hall.
ing. hostile adj 1 unfriendly and aggressive. 2
horticulture n the art or science of cultivat- opposed (to): hostile to the referendum. 3
ing gardens, horticultural adj horticul- relating to or involving the enemies of a
turalist or horticulturist n country.
hosanna interj an exclamation of praise to hostility n, pl -ties 1 unfriendly and aggres-
God. sive feelings or behaviour. 2 (p/) acts of
warfare.
hose1 n 1 a flexible pipe, for conveying a
liquid or gas. ~vb hosing, hosed 2 to wash hot adj hotter, hottest 1 having a relatively
or water (a person or thing) with a hose. high temperature. 2 having a temperature
higher than desirable. 3 spicy or causing a
hose2 n 1 Old-fashioned stockings, socks, burning sensation on the tongue: hot chil-
and tights collectively. 2 History a man’s lies. 4 (of a temper) quick to flare up. 5 (of a
garment covering the legs and reaching up contest or conflict) intense. 6 recent or new:
to the waist. hot from the press. 7 much favoured: a hot
hosiery n stockings, socks, and knitted favourite. 8 Informal having a dangerously
underclothing collectively. high level of radioactivity. 9 Slang stolen or
hospice (hoss-piss) n 1 a nursing home that otherwise illegally obtained. 10 (of a col-
specializes in caring for the terminally ill. 2 our) intense; striking: hot pink. 11 follow-
Archaic a place of shelter for travellers, ing closely: this LP appeared hot on the
esp. one kept by a religious order. heels of the debut smash. 12 Informal dan-
hospitable adj generous, friendly, and wel- gerous or unpleasant: they’re making it hot
coming to guests or strangers, hospitably for me here. 13 (in various games) very
adv near the answer. 14 hot on Informal a strict
hospital n an institution for the medical or about: they are extremely hot on sloppy
psychiatric care and treatment of patients. language, b particularly knowledgeable
about. 15 hot under the collar Informal
hospitality n, pl -ties kindness in welcoming aroused with anger, annoyance, or resent-
strangers or guests. ment. 16 in hot water Informal in trouble.
hospitalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, —See also hot up. hotly adv
-ised to admit or send (a person) into a hos- hot air n Informal empty and usually boast-
pital. hospitalization or -isation n ful talk.
hospitaller or US hospitaler n a member of hotbed n a place offering ideal conditions
a religious order dedicated to hospital for the growth of an idea or activity: a hot-
work, ambulance services, etc. bed of resistance.
host1 n 1 a person who receives or enter- hot-blooded adj passionate or excitable,
tains guests, esp. in his own home. 2 the or- hotchpotch or esp US & Canad hodge-
ganization or country providing the facil- podge n a jumbled mixture.
ities for a function or event: Barcelona, host
of the 1992 Olympic Games. 3 the compere hot cross bun n a yeast bun marked with a
of a radio or television programme. 4 Biol cross and traditionally eaten on Good Fri-
an animal or plant in or on which a parasite day.
lives. 5 Old-fashioned the owner or manager hot dog n a long roll split lengthways with a
of an inn. ~vb 6 to be the host of (a party, hot sausage inside.
programme, or event): he’s hosting a radio hotel n a commercially run establishment
show. providing lodging and meals for guests.
host2 n a great number; multitude. hotelier n an owner or manager of a hotel.
hotfoot 382 house lights
hotfoot adv with all possible speed: hotfoot takes an hour to trickle from one section to
to the accident. the other.
hot-gospeller n Informal a revivalist houri n, pl -ris (in Muslim belief) any of the
preacher with a highly enthusiastic deliv- nymphs of Paradise.
ery. hourly adj 1 of, occurring, or done once
hot-headed adj impetuous, rash, or hot- every hour. 2 measured by the hour: hourly
tempered. hot-headedness n charges. 3 frequent, —adv 4 once every
hothouse n a greenhouse in which the tem- hour. 5 by the hour: hourly paid. 6 fre-
perature is maintained at a fixed level. quently. 7 at any moment: the arrival of the
hot line n a direct telephone link between men was hourly expected.
heads of government for emergency use. hours pl n 1 an indefinite time: they play on
hot money n capital that is transferred their bikes for hours. 2 a period regularly
from one financial centre to another seek- appointed for work or business. 3 one’s
ing the best opportunity for short-term times of rising and going to bed: you keep
gain. very late hours. 4 RC Church prayers recit-
hotplate n 1 a heated metal surface on an ed at seven specified times of the day.
electric cooker. 2 a portable device on house n, pl houses 1 a building used as a
which food can be kept warm. home; dwelling. 2 the people in a house. 3 a
hotpot n Brit a casserole of meat and veg- building for some specific purpose: beach
etables covered with a layer of potatoes. house. 4 a family or dynasty: the House of
hot rod n a car with an engine that has been Windsor. 5 a commercial company: auction
modified to produce increased power. house. 6 a law-making body or the hall
hot seat n 1 in the hot seat Informal in a where it meets. 7 a division of a large
difficult and responsible position. 2 US school: he was captain of the house rugby
slang the electric chair. team. 8 the audience in a theatre or cinema.
9 Astrol any of the 12 divisions of the zodi-
hot spot n 1 a place where there is a lot ac. 10 Informal a brothel. 11 get on like a
of exciting activity or entertainment: house on fire Informal (of people) to get on
Birmingham's fashionable hot spots. 2 an very well together. 12 on the house (usual-
area where there is fighting or political un- ly of drinks) paid for by the management.
rest: a political hot spot in the Caucasus. 3 a 13 put one’s house in order to settle or or-
small area of abnormally high temperature ganize one’s affairs, -adj 14 (of wine) sold
or radioactivity. unnamed by a restaurant, at a lower price
hot stuff n Informal 1 a person, object, or than wines specified on the wine list: house
activity considered attractive, exciting, or red. -vb housing, housed 15 to give ac-
important. 2 pornographic or erotic books, commodation to. 16 to contain or cover
plays, films, ete. (something).
Hottentot n 1 a race of indigenous people of house arrest n confinement to one’s own
South Africa which is now almost extinct. 2 home rather than in prison.
a member of this race. 3 Also called: Khoi
Khoi the language of this race. houseboat n a stationary boat used as a
home.
hotting n the performing of high-speed
stunts in a stolen car. hotter n housebound adj unable to leave one’s
hot up vb hotting, hotted Informal to make
house, usually because of illness.
or become more active and exciting. housebreaking n Criminal law the act of en-
hot-water bottle n a rubber container, de- tering a building as a trespasser for an un-
signed to bc filled with hot water and used lawful purpose, housebreaker n
for warming a bed. housecoat n a woman’s loose robelike gar-
hound n 1 a dog used for hunting: to ride ment for casual wear.
with the hounds. 2 a despicable person. housefly n, pl -flies a common fly often
-vb 3 to pursue, disturb, or criticize re- found in houses.
lentlessly: hounded by the press. household n 1 all the people living together
hour n 1 a period of time equal to 60 min- in one house. 2 -adj relating to the running
utes; '/2( of a day. 2 any of the points on the of a household: household budget.
face of a clock or watch that indicate inter- householder n a person who owns or rents a
vals of 60 minutes: in my hurry I mistook house.
the hour. 3 the time of day. 4 the time al- household name or word n a person or
lowed for or used for something: a three thing that is very well known.
and a half hour test. 5 the distance covered
in an hour: an hour from the heart of housekeeper n a person employed to run
Tokyo. 6 a special moment: the decisive someone clse’s household.
hour. -See also hours. housekeeping n 1 the running of a house-
hourglass n a device consisting of two hold. 2 money allotted for this.
transparent sections linked by a narrow house lights pl n the lights in the audito-
channel, containing a quantity of sand that rium of a theatre or cinema.
housemaid 383 hue
housemaid n (esp. formerly) a female ser- about? used to suggest something: how
vant employed to do housework. about some tea? 5 how are you? what is
housemaid’s knee n a fluid-filled swelling your state of health? 6 how’s that? a what
of the kneecap. is your opinion?: we’ll go out for a late-
houseman n, pl -men Med a junior doctor in night supper - how’s that? b Cricket Also
a hospital. written: howzat (an appeal to the umpire)
house martin n a swallow with a slightly
is the batsman out?
forked tail. howdah n a seat for riding on an elephant’s
back.
House music or House n a type of disco
music of the late 1980s, based on funk, with however adv 1 still; nevertheless: the book
fragments of other recordings edited in does, however, almost get funny. 2 by
electronically. whatever means: get there however you
can. 3 (with an adjective or adverb} no mat-
House of Commons n (in Britain and Cana- ter how: however low we plunge, there is
da) the lower chamber of Parliament. always hope.
House of Keys n the lower chamber of the howitzer n a large gun that fires shells at a
law-making body of the Isle of Man. steep angle.
House of Lords n (in Britain) the upper howl n 1 the long, loud wailing noise made
chamber of Parliament, composed of the by a wolf or a dog. 2 a similar cry of pain or
peers of the realm. sorrow. 3 a loud burst of laughter. —vb 4 to
house party n 1 a party, usually in a coun- express (something) in a howl or utter such
try house, at which guests are invited to cries. 5 (of the wind, etc.) to make a wailing
stay for several days. 2 the guests who are noise.
invited. howl down vb to prevent (a speaker) from
house-proud adj excessively concerned being heard by shouting disapprovingly.
with the appearance, cleanliness, and tidi- howler n Informal a glaring mistake,
ness of one’s house. howling adj Informal great: a howling suc-
houseroom n not give something house- cess.
room not to want to have something in
hoy interj a cry used to attract someone’s at-
one’s house. tention.
housetops pl rt shout or proclaim some- hoyden n Old-fashioned a wild boisterous
thing from the housetops to announce
girl; tomboy, hoydenish adj
something publicly.
HP or h.p. 1 Brit hire-purchase. 2 horse-
house-train vb Brit to train (a pet) to uri- power.
nate and defecate outside.
HQ orh.q. headquarters.
house-warming n a party given after mov-
ing into a new home. hr hour.
housewife n, pl -wives a woman who runs HRH Her (or His) Royal Highness.
her own household and does not have a HRT hormone replacement therapy.
paid job. housewifely ad; hub n 1 the central portion of a wheel,
housework n the work of running a home, through which the axle passes. 2 the cen-
such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping. tral, most important, or active part of a
housing n 1 houses collectively. 2 the job of place or organization.
providing people with accommodation. 3 a hubble-bubble n 1 same as hookah. 2 Ar-
part designed to contain and support a chaic turmoil or confusion.
component or mechanism: the inspection hubbub n 1 a confused noise of many voices.
panel in the concrete housing. 2 great confusion or excitement.
hove vb Chiefly naut a past of heave. hubby n, pl -bies Informal a husband,
hovel n a small house or hut that is dirty or hubcap n a metal disc that fits on to and
badly in need of repair. protects the hub of a wheel, esp. on a car.
hover vb 1 (of a bird, insect, or helicopter) hubris (hew-briss) n Formal pride or arro-
to remain suspended in one place in the air. gance. hubristic adj
2 to linger uncertainly in a place. 3 to be in huckster n 1 a person who uses aggressive
an unsettled or uncertain situation or frame methods of selling. 2 Now rare a person
of mind: hovering between two options. who sells small articles or fruit in the
hovercraft n a vehicle that is able to travel street.
across both land and water on a cushion of huddle n 1 a small group of people or things
air. standing or lying close together. 2 go into a
how adv 1 in what way, by what means: huddle Informal to have a private confer-
how did you spend the evening?; observing .ence. -vb -dling, -died 3 (of a group of
how elderly people coped. 2 to what extent: people) to crowd or nestle closely together.
they don’t know how tough I am. 3 how 4 to curl up one’s arms and legs close to
good, how well, what ... like: how good are one’s body through cold or fear.
the copies?; so that’s how things are. 4 how hue n 1 the feature of colour that enables an
hue and cry 384 hummock
observer to classify it as red, blue, etc. 2 a vour of a belief in the advancement of hu-
shade of a colour. manity by its own efforts, humanist n, adj
hue and cry n a loud public outcry. humanistic adj
huff n 1 a passing mood of anger or resent- humanitarian adj 1 having the interests of
ment: in a huff. ~vb 2 to blow or puff mankind at heart. ~n 2 a person who has
heavily. 3 Draughts to remove (an oppo- the interests of mankind at heart, humani-
nent’s draught) from the board for failure tarianism n
to make a capture. 4 huffing and puffing humanity n, pl -ties 1 the human race. 2 the
empty threats or objections, huffy adj quality of being human. 3 kindness or
huffily adv mercy. 4 (pl) the study of literature, phi-
hug vb hugging, hugged 1 to clasp (someone losophy, and the arts.
or something) tightly, usually with affec- humanize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
tion. 2 to keep close to (a shore or the kerb). -ised to make human or humane, humani-
~n 3 a tight or fond embrace. zation or -isation n
huge adj extremely large, hugely adv humankind n the human race; humanity,
huggermugger Archaic ~n 1 confusion or humanly adv by human powers or means: as
secrecy. ~adj, adv 2 in confusion. fast as is humanly possible.
Huguenot (hew-gan-oh) n a French Calvin- humanoid adj 1 like a human being in ap-
ist of the 16th or 17th centuries. pearance. ~n 2 (in science fiction) a robot
huh interj an exclamation of derision, bewil- or creature resembling a human being.
derment, or inquiry. human race n all men, women and children
hui (hoo-ee) n NZ 1 a Maori social gathering. collectively.
2 any party. human rights pl n the basic rights of indi-
hula n a Hawaiian dance performed by a viduals to liberty, justice, etc.
woman. humble adj 1 conscious of one’s failings. 2
Hula-Hoop n Trademark a plastic hoop modest and unpretentious: humble domestic
swung round the body by wriggling the objects. 3 ordinary or not very important:
hips. humble beginnings. ~vb -bling, -bled 4 to
hulk n 1 the body of an abandoned ship. 2 cause to become humble; humiliate, hum-
Disparaging a large ungainly person or bly adv
thing. humble pie n eat humble pie to be forced to
hulking adj big and ungainly. behave humbly^be humiliated.
hull n 1 the main body of a boat. 2 the outer humbug n 1 Brit a hard peppermint sweet
covering of a fruit or seed such as a pea or with a striped pattern. 2 a speech or piece
bean. 3 the leaves round the stem of a of writing that is obviously untrue, dishon-
strawberry, raspberry, or similar fruit. est, or nonsense. 3 a dishonest person.
~vb 4 to remove the hulls from (fruit or humdinger n Slang an excellent person or
seeds). thing.
hullabaloo n, pl -loos a loud confused noise humdrum adj ordinary, dull, and uninterest-
or commotion. ing.
hullo interj, n same as hello. humerus (hew-mer-uss) n, pl -meri (-mer-
hum vb humming, hummed 1 to make a low rye) the bone from the shoulder to the
continuous vibrating sound. 2 (of a person) elbow, humeral adj
to sing with the lips closed. 3 to utter an in- humid adj (of the weather) damp and warm,
distinct sound when hesitating. 4 Informal
to be in a state of feverish activity: the humidex (hew-mid-ex) n Canad a system of
town hums with activity and life. 5 Slang to measuring discomfort showing the com-
smell unpleasant. 6 hum and haw See haw2. bined effect of humidity and temperature.
~n 7 a low continuous murmuring sound. 8 humidify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make the
an unpleasant smell. ~interj, n 9 an indis- air in (a room) more humid or damp, hu-
tinct sound of hesitation. midifier n
human adj 1 of or relating to people: human humidity n 1 dampness. 2 a measure of the
occupants. 2 having the qualities of people amount of moisture in the air.
as opposed to animals, divine beings, or ma- humiliate vb -ating, -ated to hurt the dignity
chines: human nature. 3 kind or consider- or pride of: the English cricket team was
ate. ~n 4 a human being. humiliated by Australia, humiliating adj
human being n a man, woman, or child, humiliation n
humane adj 1 showing kindness and sympa- humility n the quality of being humble and
thy. 2 inflicting as little pain as possible: a modest.
humane method of killing minke whales. 3 hummingbird n a very small brightly-
considered to have a civilizing effect on coloured American bird with a long slender
people: the humane tradition of a literary bill, and powerful wings that hum as they
education. vibrate.
humanism n the rejection of religion in fa- hummock n a very small hill or a mound.
humongous 385 hurry
humongous (hew-mung-gus) adj Informal, ness caused by lack of food. 2 a lack of food
chiefly US very large; enormous. that causes suffering or death: refugees
humorist n a person who speaks or writes in dying of hunger and disease. 3 desire or
a humorous way. craving: Europe’s hunger for bullion, -vb
humorous adj amusing, esp. in a witty or 4 hunger for to have a great desire (for).
clever way. humorously adv hunger strike n a refusal of all food, usually
humour or US humor n 1 the quality of by a prisoner, as a means of protest.
being funny. 2 the ability to appreciate or hungry adj -grier, -griest 1 desiring food. 2
express things that are humorous: a sense (foil, by for) having a craving, desire, or
of humour. 3 situations, speech, or writings need for: hungry for revenge. 3 expressing
that are humorous. 4 a state of mind; mood: greed, craving, or desire: the media’s hun-
in astoundingly good humour. 5 Archaic gry search for impact. hungrily adv
any of various fluids in the body: aqueous hunk n 1 a large piece: a hunk of bread. 2
humour. ~vb 6 to be kind and indulgent to: Slang a sexually attractive man.
he decided the patient needed to be hunkers pl n haunches.
humoured, humourless adj hunt vb 1 to seek out and kill (animals) for
hump n 1 a rounded lump on the ground. 2 a food or sport. 2 hunt for to search for:
rounded deformity of the back. 3 a rounded Western companies are hunting for oppor-
lump on the back of a camel or related ani- tunities to invest. 3 hunt down to track in
mal. 4 the hump Brit informal a fit of sulk- an attempt to capture (someone): hunting
ing: you’ve got the hump today. ~vb 5 down villains. ~n 4 the act or an instance
Slang to carry or heave. of hunting. 5 a party organized for the pur-
humpback n 1 same as hunchback. 2 Also suit of wild animals for sport. 6 the mem-
called: humpback whale a large whalebone bers of such a party, hunting n
whale with a hump on its back. 3 Also hunter n 1 a person or animal that seeks out
called: humpback bridge Brit a road bridge and kills or captures game. 2 a person who
with a sharp slope on either side, hump- looks carefully for something: a house hun-
backed adj ter. 3 a horse or dog bred for hunting. 4 a
humph interj an exclamation of annoyance watch with a hinged metal lid or case to
or indecision. protect the glass.
humus (hew-muss) n a dark brown or black huntsman n, pl -men 1 a person who hunts.
mass of partially decomposed plant and 2 a person who trains hounds and manages
animal matter in the soil. them during a hunt.
Hun n, pl Huns or Hun 1 a member of any of hurdle n 1 Athletics one of a number of light
several Asiatic peoples who invaded the barriers over which runners leap in certain
Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries events. 2 a difficulty or problem: the main
a d . 2 Offensive, informal (esp. in World War technical hurdle is the environment. 3 hur-
I) a German. dles a race involving hurdles, —vb -dling,
hunch n 1 a feeling or suspicion not based on -died 4 to jump over (a hurdle or other ob-
facts. 2 same as hump. -vb 3 to draw stacle). hurdler n
(oneself or one’s shoulders) up or together. hurdy-gurdy n, pl hurdy-gurdies a me-
hunchback n a person who has an abnormal chanical musical instrument, such as a bar-
curvature of the spine, hunchbacked adj rel organ.
hundred n, pl -dreds or -dred 1 the cardinal hurl vb 1 to throw (something) with great
number that is the product of ten and ten. 2 force. 2 to utter (something) with force;
a numeral, 100 or C, representing this num- yell: onlookers hurled abuse at them.
ber. 3 (often pl) a large but unspecified hurling or hurley n a traditional Irish game
number, -adj 4 amounting to a hundred: a resembling hockey.
hundred yards, hundredth adj, n hurly-burly n great noise and activity; com-
hundreds and thousands pl n tiny beads of motion.
coloured sugar, used in decorating cakes. hurrah or hooray interj, n a cheer of joy or
hundredweight n, pl -weights or -weight 1 victory.
Brit a unit of weight equal to 112 pounds or hurricane n a severe, often destructive
50.802kg. 2 US & Canad a unit of weight storm, esp. a tropical cyclone.
equal to 100 pounds or 45.359kg. 3 a metric hurricane lamp n a paraffin lamp with a
unit of weight equal to 50 kilograms. glass covering.
hung vb 1 the past of hang (except in the hurried adj done quickly or too quickly,
sense of to execute) -adj 2 (of a parlia- hurriedly adv
ment or jury) with no side having a clear hurry vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 to move or act
majority. 3 hung over Informal suffering or cause to move or act in great haste: the
the effects of a hangover. umpires hurried the players off the ground.
Hungarian adj 1 of Hungary. ~n 2 a person 2 to speed up the completion or progress of:
from Hungary. 3 the language of Hungary. eat a small snack rather than hurry a main
hunger n 1 a feeling of emptiness or weak- meal. ~n 3 haste. 4 urgency or eagerness. 5
hurt 386 hydrogenate
in a hurry Informal a easily: striking old duce hybrids; crossbreed, hybridization or
guy, not the sort you’d forget in a hurry, b -isation n
willingly: he would not ease interest rates hydatid disease (hide-at-id) n a condition
again in a hurry. caused by the presence of bladder-like cysts
hurt vb hurting, hurt 1 to cause physical or (hydatids) in the liver, lungs, or brain.
mental injury to: is she badly hurt? 2 to hydra n 1 a mythical many-headed serpent.
cause someone to feel pain: my head hurt. 3 2 a persistent problem: killing the hydra of
Informal to feel pain: she was hurting. ~n drug production is impossible. 3 a micro-
4 physical or mental pain or suffering. scopic freshwater creature with a slender
-adj 5 injured or pained: his hurt head; a tubular body and tentacles around the
hurt expression, hurtful adj mouth.
hurtle vb -ling, -led to move very quickly or hydrangea n an ornamental shrub with
violently. large clusters of white, pink, or blue flow-
husband n 1 a woman’s partner in marriage. ers.
-vb 2 to use (resources, finances, etc.) hydrant n an outlet from a water main, from
economically. which water can be tapped for fighting
husbandry n 1 the art or skill of farming. 2 fires.
management of resources. hydrate Chem ~n 1 a compound containing
hush vb 1 to make or be silent. ~n 2 still- water chemically combined with a sub-
ness or silence, —interj 3 a plea or demand stance: chloral hydrate, —vb -drating,
for silence, hushed adj -drated 2 to treat or impregnate (a sub-
hush-hush adj Informal (esp. of official stance) with water, hydration n
work) secret and confidential. hydraulic adj operated by pressure trans-
hush money n Slang money given to a per- mitted through a pipe by a liquid, such as
son to ensure that something is kept secret. water or oil. hydraulically adv
hush up vb to suppress information or ru- hydraulics n the study of the mechanical
mours about (something). properties of fluids as they apply to practi-
cal engineering.
husk n 1 the outer covering of certain fruits
and seeds, -vb 2 to remove the husk from. hydride n Chem a compound of hydrogen
with another element.
husky1 adj huskier, huskiest 1 (of a voice)
slightly hoarse. 2 Informal (of a man) big hydro1 n, pl -dros Brit a hotel offering facil-
and strong, huskily adv ities for hydropathic treatment.
husky2 n, pl huskies an Arctic sledge dog hydro2 adj short for hydroelectric.
with thick hair and a curled tail. hydro- or before a vowel hydr- combining
hussar (hoo-zar) n History a member of a form 1 indicating water or fluid: hydrody-
light cavalry regiment. namics. 2 Chem indicating hydrogen in a
chemical compound: hydrochloric acid.
hussy n, pl -sies Old-fashioned a woman hydrocarbon n Chem a compound contain-
considered sexually immoral or improper. ing only carbon and hydrogen.
hustings pl n the campaigns and speeches at
hydrocephalus n accumulation of fluid in
a parliamentary election. the cavities of the brain, causing enlarge-
hustle vb -tling, -tied 1 to make (someone) ment of the head in children, hydrocephal-
move by pushing or jostling them: he ic adj
hustled her away. .2 to deal with (some- hydrochloric acid n Chem a solution of
thing) hurriedly: they did not heedlessly hydrogen chloride in water: a strong acid
hustle the tempo. 3 US & Canad slang (of a used in many industrial and laboratory pro-
prostitute) to solicit clients, -n 4 lively ac- cesses.
tivity and excitement.
hydrodynamics n the branch of science con-
hustler n US informal a person who tries to cerned with the mechanical properties of
make money or gain an advantage from fluids.
every situation, often by immoral or dis-
honest means. hydroelectric adj 1 generated by the pres-
sure of falling water: hydroelectric power.
hut n a small house or shelter. 2 of the generation of electricity by water
hutch n a cage for small animals. pressure: a hydroelectric scheme, hydro-
hyacinth n a plant with bell-shaped swect- electricity n
smclling flowers. hydrofoil n 1 a fast light vessel the hull of
hyaena n same as hyena. which is raised out of the water on one or
hybrid n 1 an animal or plant resulting from more pairs of fins. 2 any of these fins.
a cross between two different types of ani- hydrogen n Chem a colourless gas that
mal or plant. 2 anything that is a mixture of burns easily and is the lightest clement in
two different things, -adj 3 of mixed ori- the universe. It occurs in water and in most
gin: a hybrid electric car. organic compounds. Symbol: H hydrog-
hybridize or -ise vb -iziug, -ized or -ising, enous adj
-ised to product* or cause (species) to pro- hydrogenate (hide-roj-in-nate) vb -ating,
hydrogen bomb 387 hyphen
-ated Chem to combine (a substance) with measuring it, such as an animal or vegeta-
hydrogen: hydrogenated vegetable oil. ble fibre which contracts with moisture.
hydrogenation n hygroscopic adj (of a substance) tending to
hydrogen bomb n an extremely powerful absorb water from the air.
bomb in which energy is released by fusion hymen n Anat a membrane that partly cov-
of hydrogen nuclei to give helium nuclei. ers the entrance to the vagina and is usually
hydrogen peroxide n a colourless oily un- ruptured when sexual intercourse takes
stable liquid chemical used as a hair bleach place for the first time.
and as an antiseptic. hymenopterous adj of or belonging to an
hydrogen sulphide n a colourless poisonous order of insects with two pairs of membra-
gas with an odour of rotten eggs. nous wings.
hydrography (hide-rog-ra-fee) n the study hymn n a Christian song of praise sung to
of the oceans, seas, and rivers, hydrogra- God or a saint.
pher n hydrographic adj hymnal n a book of hymns. Also: hymn book
hydrology n the study of the distribution, hymnody n 1 the composition or singing of
conservation, and use of the water of the hymns. 2 hymns collectively.
earth and its atmosphere. hymnology n the study of hymn composi-
hydrolysis (hide-rol-iss-iss) n Chem a pro- tion. hymnologist n
cess of decomposition in which a compound hype Slang ~n 1 intensive or exaggerated
reacts with water to produce other com- publicity or sales promotion. ~vb hyping,
pounds. hyped 2 to market or promote (a commod-
hydrometer (hide-rom-it-er) n an instru- ity) using intensive or exaggerated public-
ment for measuring the density of a liquid. ity.
hydropathy n a method of treating disease hyped up adj Old-fashioned slang stimulat-
by the use of large quantities of water both ed or excited by or as if by drugs.
internally and externally, hydropathic adj hyper adj Informal overactive or overexcit-
hydrophilic adj Chem tending to dissolve in ed.
or mix with water: a hydrophilic layer. hyper- prefix above, over, or in excess:
hydrophobia n 1 same as rabies. 2 (esp. of a hypercritical.
person with rabies) a fear of drinking flu- hyperactive adj (of a person) unable to
ids. hydrophobic adj relax and always in a state of restless activ-
hydroplane n 1 a motorboat that raises its ity.
hull out of the water at high speeds. 2 a fin hyperbola (hie-per-bol-a) n Geom a curve
on the hull of a submarine for controlling produced when a cone is cut by a plane at a
its vertical motion. steeper angle to its base than its side.
hydroponics n a method of growing plants hyperbole (hie-per-bol-ee) n a deliberate
in gravel, etc., through which water con- exaggeration of speech or writing used for
taining the necessary nutrients is pumped. effect, such as he embraced her a thousand
hydrosphere n the watery part of the times.
earth’s surface. hyperbolic or hyperbolical adj of a hyper-
hydrostatics n the branch of science con- bola or a hyperbole.
cerned with the properties and behaviour hypercritical adj excessively critical,
of fluids that are not in motion, hydrostat- hyperglycaemia or US hyperglycemia (hie-
ic adj per-glice-seem-ee-a) n Pathol an abnormal-
hydrotherapy n Med the treatment of cer- ly large amount of sugar in the blood.
tain diseases by exercise in water. hypermarket n a huge self-service store,
hydrous adj containing water. hypersensitive adj 1 unduly emotionally
hydroxide n Chem a compound containing a vulnerable. 2 abnormally sensitive to an al-
hydroxyl group or ion. lergen, a drug, or high or low temperatures.
hydroxyl adj Chem of or containing the hypersonic adj having a speed of at least
monovalent group -OH or the ion OH-: five times the speed of sound.
forming a hydroxyl radical. hypertension n Pathol abnormally high
hyena or hyaena n a meat-eating doglike blood pressure.
mammal of Africa and S Asia. hypertrophy (hie-per-trof-fee) n, pl -phies
hygiene n 1 the principles and practices of enlargement of an organ or part resulting
health and cleanliness: personal hygiene. 2 from an increase in the size of the cells.
Also called: hygienics the science con- hyperventilation n an increase in the rate of
cerned with the maintenance of health, hy- breathing at rest, sometimes resulting in
gienic adj hygienically adv hygienist n cramp and dizziness, hyperventilate vb
hygrometer (hie-grom-it-er) n an instru- hyphen n the punctuation mark (-), used to
ment for measuring humidity. separate parts of compound words and be-
hygroscope n any device that indicates the tween syllables of a word split between two
humidity of the air without necessarily consecutive lines.
hyphenate 388 Hz
hyphenate vb -ating, -ated to separate hypodermic syringe n Med a syringe con-
(words) with a hyphen, hyphenation n sisting of a hollow cylinder, a piston, and a
hyphenated adj having two words or sylla- hollow needle, used for withdrawing blood
bles connected by a hyphen. samples or injecting drugs under the skin,
hypnosis n an artificially induced state of hypotension n Pathol abnormally low blood
relaxation in which the mind is more than pressure.
usually receptive to suggestion. hypotenuse (hie-pot-a-news) n the side in a
hypnotherapy n the use of hypnosis in the right-angled triangle that is opposite the
treatment of emotional and mental prob- right angle.
lems. hypothermia n Pathol an abnormally low
hypnotic adj 1 of or producing hypnosis or body temperature, as a result of exposure
sleep. 2 having an effect resembling hypno- to cold weather.
sis: the film makes for hypnotic viewing. hypothesis (hie-poth-iss-iss) n, pl -ses
~n 3 a drug that induces sleep, hypnoti- (-seez) a suggested explanation for a group
cally adv of facts, accepted either as a basis for fur-
hypnotism n the practice of or process of ther verification or as likely to be true, hy-
inducing hypnosis, hypnotist n pothesize or -ise vb
hypnotize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or hypothetical adj based on assumption ra-
-tising, -tised 1 to induce hypnosis in (a ther than fact or reality, hypothetically
person). 2 to hold the attention of (some- adv
one) completely; fascinate; mesmerize; hyrax (hire-ax) n, pl hyraxes or hyraces
hypnotized by her beauty. (hire-a-seez) a genus of hoofed rodent-like
hypo- or before a vowel hyp- prefix be- animals.
neath; less than: hypodermic.
hyssop n 1 an aromatic plant used in herbal
hypoallergenic adj not likely to cause an al- medicine. 2 a Biblical plant, used for sprin-
lergic reaction. kling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews,
hypocaust n an ancient Roman heating sys-
tem in which hot air circulated under the hysterectomy n, pl -mies surgical removal
floor and between double walls. of the womb.
hypochondria n abnormal anxiety concern- hysteria n 1 a mental disorder marked by
ing one’s health. emotional outbursts and, often, symptoms
such as paralysis. 2 any uncontrolled emo-
hypochondriac n a person abnormally con- tional state, such.as of panic, anger, or ex-
cerned about his or her health. citement.
hypocrisy (hip-ok-rass-ee) n, pl -sies 1 the
practice of claiming to have standards or hysteric n a hysterical person.
beliefs that are contrary to one’s real char- hysterical adj 1 in a state of uncontrolled
acter or actual behaviour. 2 an act or in- panic, anger, or excitement: a crazy hys-
stance of this. terical adolescent. 2 Informal wildly funny,
hypocrite (hip-oh-krit) n a person who pre- hysterically adv
tends to be what he or she is not. hypo- hysterics n 1 an attack of hysteria. 2 Infor-
critical adj mal wild uncontrollable bursts of laughter.
hypodermic adj 1 used for injecting. ~n 2 a Hz hertz.
hypodermic syringe or needle.
 I
i the imaginary number \/— 1. ice cream n a sweet frozen food, made from
11 pron used by a speaker or writer to refer cream, milk, or a custard base, flavoured in
to himself or herself as the subject of a various ways.
verb. iced adj 1 served very cold. 2 covered with
12 1 Chem iodine. 2 the Roman numeral for icing.
one. ice field n a large expanse of floating sea
I. 1 Independent. 2 Institute. 3 International. ice.
4 Island; Isle. ice floe n a sheet of ice floating in the sea.
IA Iowa. ice hockey n a game like hockey played on
iamb (eye-am) or iambus n, pl iambs or ice by two teams wearing skates.
iambuses Prosody a metrical foot of two Icelander adj a person from Iceland.
syllables, a short one followed by a long Icelandic adj 1 of Iceland. ~n 2 the official
one. language of Iceland.
iambic (eye-am-bik) Prosody -adj 1 writ- ice lolly n Brit informal a water ice or an ice
ten in metrical units of one short and one cream on a stick.
long syllable. ~n 2 an iambic foot, line, or
stanza. ice pack n 1 a bag or folded cloth containing
IBA (in Britain) Independent Broadcasting crushed ice, applied to a part of the body to
Authority. reduce swelling. 2 same as pack ice.
Iberian adj 1 of Iberia, the peninsula made ice skate n 1 a boot with a steel blade fitted
up of Spain and Portugal. ~n 2 a person to the sole which enables the wearer to
from Iberia. glide over ice. ~vb ice-skate, -skating,
-skated 2 to glide over ice on ice skates,
ibex (ibe-eks) n, pl ibexes or ibex a wild ice-skater n
mountain goat with large backward-curving
horns. I Ching n an ancient Chinese book of divina-
tion and a source of Confucian and Taoist
ibid. in the same place: used to refer to a philosophy.
book, page, or passage previously cited.
ichneumon (ik-new-mon) n a greyish-brown
ibis (ibe-iss) n, pl ibises or ibis a large wad-
ing bird with a long thin curved bill. mongoose.
Ibo (ee-boh) n 1 (p/Ibos or Ibo) a member of ichthyology (ik-thi-ol-a-jee) n the study of
an African people of S Nigeria. 2 their lan- fishes, ichthyological adj ichthyologist n
guage. icicle n a tapering spike of ice hanging
ICBM intercontinental ballistic missile. where water has dripped.
ice n 1 water that has frozen and become icing n 1 Also (esp. US and Canad.): frosting
solid. 2 a portion of ice cream. 3 break the a mixture of sugar and water or egg whites
ice to relax the atmosphere, esp. between used to cover and decorate cakes. 2 icing on
strangers. 4 on ice in readiness or reserve. the cake any unexpected extra or bonus. 3
5 on thin ice in an dangerous situation: he the formation of ice on a ship or aircraft.
knew he was on thin ice. ~vb icing, iced 6 icing sugar n Brit a very finely ground
(foil, by up or over) to become covered with sugar used for making icing or sweets.
ice. 7 to cover with icing. 8 to cool or chill icon or ikon n 1 a picture of Christ, the Vir-
with ice. gin Mary, or a saint, venerated in the
Ice Age n any period of time during which a Orthodox Church. 2 a picture on a computer
large part of the earth’s surface was cov- screen representing a computer function
ered with ice, caused by the advance of that can be activated by moving the cursor
glaciers. over it.
iceberg n 1 a large mass of ice floating in iconoclast n 1 a person who attacks estab-
the sea. 2 tip of the iceberg the small vis- lished or traditional ideas or principles. 2 a
ible part of a problem that is much larger. destroyer of religious images or objects,
iceberg lettuce n a type of lettuce with iconoclastic adj iconoclasm n
very crisp pale leaves tightly enfolded. icosahedron (ike-oh-sa-heed-ron) n, pl
icebox n 1 US & Canad a refrigerator. 2 a -drons or -dra (-dra) a solid figure with 20
compartment in a refrigerator for making faces.
or storing ice. 3 a container packed with ice icy adj icier, iciest 1 freezing or very cold. 2
for keeping food cold. covered with ice: an icy runway. 3 cold or
icebreaker n a ship designed to break a reserved in manner, icily adv iciness n
channel through ice. id n Psychoanal the primitive instincts and
icecap n a thick mass of glacial ice that energies in the unconscious mind that
permanently covers an area. underlie all psychological impulses.
ID 390 if
ID 1 Idaho. 2 identification. which a person or thing is recognized. 3 the
I’d 1 had or I would. state of being the same. 4 Maths Also called:
idea n 1 any product of mental activity; identity element a member of a set that
thought. 2 a scheme, intention, or plan. 3 when eombined with any other member of
the thought of something: the idea excites the set, leaves it unchanged: the identity for
me. 4 a belief or opinion. 5 a vague notion; multiplication of numbers is 1.
inkling: they had no idea of the severity of ideo- combining form of or indicating ideas:
my injuries. 6 a person’s conception of ideology.
something: his idea of integrity is not the ideogram or ideograph n a character or
same as mine. 7 aim or purpose: the idea is symbol that directly represents a concept or
to economize on transport. 8 Philosophy (in thing, rather than the sounds that form its
Plato) a universal model of which all things name.
in the same class are only imperfect imita- ideology n, pl-gies the body of ideas and be-
tions. liefs of a person, group, or nation, ideo-
ideal n 1 a conception of something that is logical adj ideologically adv ideologist n
perfect. 2 a person or thing considered to ides n (in the ancient Roman calendar) the
represent perfection. 3 something existing 15th day in March, May, July, and October
only as an idea. —adj 4 most suitable: they and the 13th of the other months.
seem to have adopted an ideal man as their idiocy n, pl -cies 1 utter stupidity. 2 a fool-
candidate. 5 of, involving, or existing only ish act or remark.
as an idea; imaginary: an ideal world.
ideally adv idiom n 1 a group of words which, when
idealism n 1 belief in or striving towards
used together, have a different meaning
ideals. 2 the tendency to represent things in from the one suggested by the individual
their ideal forms, rather than as they arc. 3 words, e.g. it was raining cats and dogs. 2
Philosophy the doctrine that material ob- linguistic usage that is grammatical and
jects and the external world do not exist in natural to native speakers. 3 the character-
reality, but are creations of the mind, istic vocabulary or usage of a person or
idealist n idealistic adj
group. 4 the characteristic artistic style of
an individual or school, idiomatic adj
idealize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
-ised to consider or represent (something) idiosyncrasy n, pl -sies a personal peculiar-
as ideal or more nearly perfect than is true, ity of mind, habit, or behaviour; quirk,
idealization or -isation n idiosyncratic adj
idee fixe (ee-day feeks) n, pl idees fixes idiot n 1 a foolish or senseless person. 2 a
(ee-day feeks) an idea with whieh a person person with severe mental retardation,
is obsessed. idiotic adj idiotically adv
idem pron, adj the same: used to refer to an idle adj 1 not doing anything. 2 not operat-
article, chapter, or book already quoted. ing or being used. 3 not wanting to work;
lazy. 4 ineffective or useless: it would be
identical adj 1 that is the same: they got the idle to look for a solution at this stage. 5
identical motel room as last year. 2 exaetly frivolous or trivial: idle pleasures. 6 with-
alike or equal. 3 (of twins) developed from out basis; unfounded: idle rumours, -vb
a single fertilized ovum that has split into idling, idled 7 (often foil, by away) to
two, and thus of the same sex and very waste or pass (time) in idleness. 8 (of an
much alike, identically adv engine) to run at low speed without trans-
identification parade n a group of people, mitting any power, idleness n idler n idly
including one suspeeted of a crime, assem- adv
bled to discover whether a witness can
identify the suspect. idol (eye-dl) n 1 an object of excessive devo-
tion or admiration. 2 an image of a god used
identify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to prove or as an object of worship.
recognize as being a certain person or thing;
determine the identity of. 2 (often foil, by idolatry (ide-ol-a-tree) n 1 the worship of
with) to understand and sympathize with a idols. 2 excessive devotion or reverence,
person or group because one regards one- idolater n idolatrous adj
self as being similar or similarly situated. 3 idolize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, -ised
to consider or treat as the same. 4 to con- 1 to love or admire excessively. 2 to wor-
nect or associate closely: he was closely ship as an idol, idolization or -isation n
identified with the community charge. idyll or US sometimes idyl (id-ill) n 1 a scene
identifiable adj identification n or time of peace and happiness. 2 a poem or
Identikit n Trademark a composite picture, prose work describing a charming rural
assembled from descriptions given, of a scene or episode, idyllic adj
person wanted by the police. i.e. that is to say.
identity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being a it conj 1 in the event that, or on condition
specified person or thing: the identity of his that: if you work hard you'll succeed. 2
murderers was not immediately estab- used to introduce an indirect question to
lished. 2 the individual characteristics by which the answer is cither yes or no;
iffy 391 illusory
whether: it doesn’t matter if the play is any ill-disposed adj unfriendly or unsympathet-
good or not. 3 even though: a splendid if ic.
slightly decaying house. 4 used to introduce illegal adj against the law. illegally adv il-
an unfulfilled wish, with only, if only you legality n
had told her. —n 5 a condition or stipula- illegible adj unable to be read or deciphered,
tion: there are no hidden ifs or buts. illegibility n
iffy adj Informal full of uncertainty. illegitimate adj 1 born of parents who were
igloo n, pl -loos a dome-shaped Eskimo not married to each other at the time. 2 il-
house, built of blocks of solid snow. legal; unlawful, illegitimacy n
igneous (ig-nee-uss) adj 1 (of rocks) formed ill-fated adj doomed or unlucky,
as molten rock cools and hardens. 2 of or ill-favoured adj ugly or unattractive,
like fire.
ill-founded adj not based on proper proof or
ignis fatuus (ig-niss fat-yew-uss) n, pl ignes evidence.
fatui (ig-neez fat-yew-eye) same as will-
o’-the-wisp. ill-gotten adj obtained dishonestly or illegal-
ly: ill-gotten gains.
ignite vb -niting, -nited to catch fire or set
fire to. ignitable adj ill-health n the condition of being unwell,
ignition n 1 the system used to ignite the illiberal adj 1 narrow-minded or intolerant. 2
fuel in an internal-combustion engine. 2 an not generous; mean. 3 lacking in culture or
igniting or the process of igniting. refinement, illiberality n
ignoble adj 1 dishonourable. 2 of low birth illicit adj 1 same as illegal. 2 forbidden or
or origins, ignobly adv disapproved of by society: an illicit kiss.
ignominy (ig-nom-in-ee) n, pl -minies dis- illiterate adj 1 unable to read and write. 2
grace or public shame, ignominious adj uneducated or ignorant: linguistically illit-
erate. ~n 3 an illiterate person, illiteracy
ignoramus n, pl -muses an ignorant person, n
ignorance n lack of knowledge or education, ill-mannered adj having bad manners,
ignorant adj 1 lacking in knowledge or edu- illness n 1 a disease or indisposition. 2 a
cation. 2 rude through lack of knowledge of state of ill health.
good manners: an ignorant remark. 3 igno-
rant of lacking in awareness or knowledge illogical adj 1 senseless or unreasonable. 2
of: ignorant of Asian culture. not following logical principles, illogical-
ity n illogically adv
ignore vb -noring, -nored to refuse to no-
tice; disregard deliberately. ill-starred adj very unlucky or unfortunate,
iguana n a large tropical tree lizard of the W ill-tempered adj having a bad temper,
Indies and S America with a spiny back. ill-timed adj done or happening at an un-
ikebana (eek-a-bah-na) n the Japanese art suitable time.
of flower arrangement. ill-treat vb to treat cruelly or harshly, ill-
ikon n same as icon. treatment n
IL Illinois. illuminant n 1 something that gives off light.
-adj 2 giving off light.
il- prefix same as in-1 or in-2.
illuminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to light up. 2
ileum n the third and lowest part of the to make easily understood; explain: the re-
small intestine. port obscures rather than illuminates the
ilex n 1 a genus of trees or shrubs that in- most relevant facts. 3 to decorate with
cludes holly. 2 same as holm oak. lights. 4 to decorate (an initial letter or
ilium n, pl -ia the uppermost and widest of manuscript) with designs of gold, silver, or
the three sections of the hipbone. bright colours, illuminating adj illumina-
ilk n a type or class: three or four others of tive adj
the same ilk. illumination n 1 an illuminating or being il-
ill adj worse, worst 1 not in good health. 2 luminated. 2 a source of light. 3 illumina-
bad, harmful, or hostile: ill effects. 3 prom- tions Chiefly Brit lights used as decora-
ising an unfavourable outcome: ill omen. 4 tions in streets or towns. 4 the decoration in
ill at ease unable to relax. ~n 5 evil or colours, gold, or silver used on some manu-
harm, -adv 6 badly, wrongly: the title ill scripts.
befits him. 7 with difficulty; hardly: we can illumine vb -mining, -mined Literary same
ill afford another scandal. as illuminate.
ill. 1 illustrated. 2 illustration. illusion n 1 a false appearance or deceptive
I’ll I will or I shall. impression of reality: her upswept hair
ill-advised adj 1 (of a plan or action) badly gave the illusion of above average height. 2
thought out. 2 (of a person) acting without - a false or misleading idea or belief: we may
reasonable care or thought. suffer from the illusion that we are special.
ill-bred adj lacking good manners. ill- illusionist n a conjuror.
breeding n illusory or illusive adj seeming to be true,
illustrate 392 immigrant
but actually false: the economic benefits of -adj 3 stupid or senseless: imbecile fanati-
such reforms were largely illusory. cism. imbecility n
illustrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to clarify or imbed vb -bedding, -bedded same as
explain by use of examples or comparisons. embed.
2 to provide (a book or text) with pictures. imbibe vb -bibing, -bibed Formal 1 to drink
3 to be an example of. illustrative adj il- (alcoholic drinks). 2 to take in or assimilate
lustrator n (ideas): values she had imbibed as a child.
illustration n 1 a picture or diagram used to imbroglio (imb-role-ee-oh) n, pl -glios a con-
explain or decorate a text. 2 an example: an fusing and complicated situation.
illustration of the brutality of the regime. 3 imbue vb -buing, -bued to fill or inspire
the art of illustrating. (with ideals or principles).
illustrious adj famous and distinguished. IMF International Monetary Fund.
ill will n unkind feeling; hostility. imitate vb -tating, -tated 1 to copy the
I’m I am. manner or style of or take as a model: he
im- prefix same as in-1 or in-2. remains rock’s most imitated guitarist. 2 to
mimic or impersonate, esp. for amusement.
image n 1 a mental picture of someone or 3 to make a copy or reproduction of; dupli-
something produced by the imagination or cate. imitable adj imitator n
memory. 2 the appearance or impression imitation n 1 a copy of an original or genuine
given to the public by a person or organiza- article. 2 an instance of imitating someone:
tion. 3 a simile or metaphor. 4 a representa- her Coward imitations were not the best
tion of a person or thing in a work of art or thing she did. 3 behaviour modelled on the
literature. 5 an optical reproduction of an behaviour of someone else: to learn by imi-
object, formed by the lens of an eye or cam- tation. —adj 4 made to resemble something
era or by a mirror. 6 a person or thing that which is usually superior or more expen-
resembles another closely. 7 a personifica- sive: imitation leather.
tion of a specified quality; epitome: the
image of good breeding. ~vb -aging, -aged imitative adj 1 imitating or tending to copy.
8 to picture in the mind. 9 to mirror or re- 2 copying or reproducing an original, esp. in
flect an image of. 10 to portray or describe. an inferior manner: imitative painting. 3
onomatopoeic.
imagery n, pl -ries 1 figurative or descrip-
tive language in a literary work. 2 mental immaculate adj 1 completely clean or tidy:
images. 3 images collectively, esp. statues an immaculate pinstripe suit. 2 completely
or carvings. flawless: his equestrian pedigree is immacu-
late. immaculately adv
imaginary adj 1 existing only in the imagi- immanent adj 1 present within and
nation. 2 Maths relating to the square root throughout something. 2 (of God) present
of a negative number. throughout the universe, immanence n
imagination n 1 the faculty or action of pro- immaterial adj 1 of no real importance or
ducing mental images of what is not present relevance. 2 not formed of matter.
or in one’s experience. 2 creative mental
ability. immature adj 1 not fully grown or devel-
oped. 2 lacking wisdom, insight, or stability
imaginative adj 1 produced by or showing a because of youth, immaturity n
creative imagination. 2 having a vivid im- immeasurable adj too great to be measured,
agination. immeasurably adv
imagine vb -ining, -ined 1 to form a mental immediate adj 1 taking place without delay:
image of. 2 to think, believe, or guess: I an immediate cut in interest rates. 2 next or
would imagine they’ll be here soon, imagi- nearest in space, time, or relationship: our
nable adj immediate neighbour. 3 present; current:
imaginings pl n speculative thoughts about they had no immediate plans to close it.
what might be the case or what might hap- immediacy n immediately adv
pen; fantasies: the morbid imaginings of the immemorial adj having existed or happened
frustrated lover. for longer than anyone can remember: this
imago (im-may-go) n, pl imagoes or imagi- has been the custom since time immemorial.
nes (im-maj-in-cez) a sexually mature adult immense adj 1 huge or vast. 2 Informal very
insect. great, immensely adv immensity n
imam n Islam 1 a leader of congregational immerse vb -mersing, -mersed 1 to plunge
prayer in a mosque. 2 the title of some Mus- or dip into liquid. 2 to involve deeply: he
lim leaders. immersed himself in the history of Rome. 3
imbalance n a lack of balance, for instance to baptize by dipping the whole body into
in emphasis or proportion: a chemical im- water, immersion n
balance in the brain. immersion heater n an electrical device in a
imbecile (im-biss-eel) n 1 Informal an ex- domestic hot-water tank for heating water,
tremely stupid person. 2 Old-fashioned a immigrant n a person who comes to a for-
person of abnormally low intelligence. eign country in order to settle there.
immigration 393 impediment
immigration n the act of coming to a foreign immutable (im-mute-a-bl) adj unchangeable
country in order to settle there, immigrate or unchanging: the immutable sequence of
vb night and day. immutability n
imminent adj likely to happen soon, immi- imp n 1 a small demon. 2 a mischievous
nence n child.
immiscible adj (of liquids) incapable of imp. 1 imperative. 2 imperfect.
being mixed: oil and water are immiscible. impact n 1 the effect or impression made by
immiscibility n something. 2 the act of one object striking
immobile adj 1 not moving. 2 not able to another; collision. 3 the force of a collision.
move or be moved, immobility n —vb 4 to press firmly against or into, im-
immobilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or paction n
-lising, -lised to make unable to move or impacted adj (of a tooth) unable to grow out
work: a device for immobilizing steering because of being wedged against another
wheels, immobilization or -lisation n tooth below the gum.
immoderate adj excessive or unreasonable: impair vb to damage or weaken in strength
immoderate consumption of alcohol, im- or quality, impairment n
moderately adv impala (imp-ah-la) n, pl -las or -la an Afri-
immodest adj 1 behaving in an indecent or can antelope with lyre-shaped horns.
improper manner. 2 behaving in a boastful impale vb -paling, -paled to pierce through
or conceited manner, immodesty n or fix with a sharp object: they impaled his
immolate vb -lating, -lated Literary to kill severed head on a spear, impalement n
or offer as a sacrifice, immolation n impalpable adj Formal 1 not able to be felt
immoral adj 1 morally wrong; corrupt. 2 by touching: impalpable shadows. 2 diffi-
sexually depraved or promiscuous, immo- cult to understand, impalpability n
rality n impart vb 1 to communicate (information or
► Do not confuse immoral with amoral, knowledge). 2 to give (a specified quality):
which means “having no moral standards”. flavouring to impart a sweet taste.
immortal adj 1 not subject to death or decay.
2 famous for all time. 3 everlasting. ~n 4 a impartial adj not favouring one side or the
person whose fame will last for all time. 5 other, impartiality n impartially adv
an immortal being, immortality n impassable adj (of terrain or roads) not able
immortalize or-ise vb -izing, -ized or-ising, to be travelled through or over, impass-
-ised 1 to give everlasting fame to: a name ability n
immortalized by countless writers. 2 to give impasse (am-pass) n a situation in which
immortality to. progress or escape is impossible.
immovable or immoveable adj 1 unable to impassible adj 1 Rare not susceptible to
be moved. 2 unwilling to change one’s opin- pain or injury. 2 impassive; unmoved, im-
ions or beliefs. 3 not affected by feeling; passibility or impassibleness n
emotionless. 4 unchanging. 5 Law (of prop- impassioned adj full of emotion: an impas-
erty) consisting of land or houses, im- sioned plea to the United Nations.
movability or immoveability n immov- impassive adj not showing or feeling emo-
ably or immoveably adv tion. impassively adv impassivity n
immune adj 1 protected against a specific impasto n the technique of applying paint
disease by inoculation or as the result of thickly, so that brush marks are evident.
natural resistance. 2 immune to secure impatient adj 1 irritable at any delay or dif-
against: football is not immune to economic ficulty. 2 restless to have or do something,
recession. 3 exempt from obligation or pen- impatience n impatiently adv
alty.
immunity n, pl -ties 1 the ability of an or- impeach vb 1 Chiefly US to charge (a public
ganism to resist disease. 2 freedom from official) with an offence committed in of-
prosecution, tax, etc. fice. 2 Brit criminal lawto accuse of treason
or serious crime. 3 to challenge or question
immunize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or (a person’s honesty or honour), impeach-
-nising, -nised to make (someone) immune able adj impeachment n
to a disease, esp. by inoculation, immuni-
zation or -nisation n impeccable adj without flaw or error: im-
peccable manners. impeccably adv
immunodeficiency n a deficiency in or
breakdown of a person’s ability to fight impecunious adj Formal without money;
diseases. penniless.
immunology n the branch of medicine con- impedance (imp-eed-anss) n Electricity the
cerned with the study of immunity, immu- total effective resistance in an electric cir-
nological adj immunologist n cuit to the flow of an alternating current.
immure vb -muring, -mured 1 Archaic or impede vb -peding, -peded to block or make
literary to imprison. 2 to shut (oneself) progress or action difficult.
away from society. impediment n 1 a hindrance or obstruction.
impedimenta 394 implode
2 a physical disability that makes speech or impersonate vb -ating, -ated 1 to pretend to
walking difficult. be (another person). 2 to imitate the char-
impedimenta pl n any objects that impede acter or mannerisms of (another person) for
progress, esp. the baggage and equipment entertainment, impersonation n imper-
carried by an army. sonator n
impel vb -pelting, -pelted 1 to urge or force impertinent adj disrespectful or rude, im-
(a person) to do something. 2 to push, drive, pertinence n
or force into motion. imperturbable adj not easily upset; calm,
impending adj (esp. of something bad) about imperturbability n imperturbably adv
to happen. impervious adj 1 not letting water etc.
impenetrable adj 1 impossible to get through. 2 not influenced by a feeling, ar-
through: an impenetrable barrier. 2 impos- gument, etc.
sible to understand. 3 not receptive to ideas impetigo (imp-it-tie-go) n a contagious skin
or influence: impenetrable ignorance, im- disease causing spots or pimples.
penetrability n impenetrably adv impetuous adj 1 acting without considera-
impenitent adj not sorry or penitent, im- tion. 2 done rashly or hastily, impetuosity
penitence n n
imperative adj 1 extremely urgent; essen- impetus (imp-it-uss) n, pl -tuses 1 an incen-
tial. 2 commanding or authoritative: an im- tive or impulse. 2 Physics the force that
perative tone of voice. 3 Grammar denoting starts a body moving or that tends to resist
a mood of verbs used in commands. ~n 4 changes in its speed or direction once it is
Grammarthe imperative mood. moving.
imperceptible adj too slight, subtle, or impi n, pl -pi or -pies a group of Zulu
gradual to be noticed, imperceptibly adv warriors.
imperfect adj 1 having faults or errors. 2 impiety n lack of respect or religious rever-
not complete. 3 Grammar denoting a tense ence.
of verbs describing continuous, incomplete, impinge vb -pinging, -pinged to encroach,
or repeated past actions. ~n 4 Grammar affect or restrict: international economic
the imperfect tense, imperfectly adv forces impinging on the local economy, im-
imperfection n 1 the state of being imper- pingement n
fect. 2 a fault or defect. impious (imp-euss) adj showing a lack of re-
imperial adj 1 of an empire, emperor, or em- spect or religious reverence.
press. 2 majestic; commanding. 3 exercising impish adj mischievous, impishness n
supreme authority; imperious. 4 (of weights implacable adj 1'incapable of being ap-
or measures) conforming to the standards peased or pacified. 2 unyielding, implac-
of a system formerly official in Great Brit- ability n implacably adv
ain. ~n 5 a wine bottle holding the equiva- implant vb 1 to fix firmly in the mind: to im-
lent of eight normal bottles. plant sound moral principles. 2 to plant or
imperialism n 1 the policy or practice of ex- embed. 3 Surgery to graft or insert (a tissue
tending a country’s influence over other or hormone) into the body. ~n 4 anything
territories by conquest, colonization, or implanted in the body, such as a tissue
economic domination. 2 an imperial system, graft, implantation n
authority, or government, imperialist adj, implausible adj not easy to believe, im-
n imperialistic adj plausibility n
imperil vb -illing, -illed or US -iling, -iled implement vb 1 to carry out (instructions
Formal to put in danger. etc.): she refused to implement the agreed
imperious adj used to being obeyed; domi- plan. ~n 2 a tool or other piece of equip-
neering. imperiously adv ment. implementation n
imperishable adj unable to disappear or be implicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to show
destroyed. (someone) to be involved, esp. in a crime. 2
impermanent adj not permanent; fleeting, to imply.
impermanence n implication n 1 something that is suggested
impermeable adj (of a substance) not allow- or implied. 2 an act or instance of suggest-
ing fluid to pass through: an impermeable ing or implying or being implied.
layer, impermeability n implicit adj 1 expressed indirectly: an im-
impermissible adj not allowed. plicit agreement. 2 absolute and unques-
impersonal adj 1 without reference to any tioning: implicit trust. 3 contained in, al-
individual person; objective: Buddhism though not stated openly: this view of the
began as a very impersonal doctrine. 2 mind was implicit in all his work, implicit-
without human warmth or sympathy: an ly adv
impersonal manner. 3 Grammar a (of a implied adj hinted at or suggested: an im-
verb) having no subject, as in it is raining, b plied criticism.
(of a pronoun) not referring to a person, implode vb -ploding, -ploded to collapse
impersonality n impersonally adv inwards.
implore 395 impressive
implore vb -ploring, -plored to beg desper- impoverish vb to make (someone) poor or
ately. weaken the quality of something, impover-
imply vb -plies, -plying, -plied 1 to express ished adj impoverishment n
or indicate by a hint; suggest. 2 to suggest impracticable adj 1 not able to be put into
or involve as a necessary consequence: a practice. 2 unsuitable for a desired use.
spending commitment implies a correspond- impracticability n
ing tax imposition. impractical adj 1 not sensible or workable:
impolite adj discourteous; rude, impolite- the use of force was viewed as impractical.
ness n 2 not having practical skills, impractical-
impolitic adj ill-advised; unwise, ity n
imponderable adj 1 unable to be weighed or imprecation n Formal a curse, imprecate
assessed. ~n 2 something difficult or im- vb
possible to assess. imprecise adj inexact or inaccurate, impre-
import vb 1 to bring in (goods) from another cision n
country. 2 Formal to signify; mean: to im- impregnable adj 1 unable to be broken into
port doom. ~n 3 something imported. 4 or taken by force: an impregnable fortress.
Formal importance: his new work is of 2 unable to be affected or overcome: a con-
great import. 5 meaning. 6 Canad slang a fident, impregnable person, impregnabil-
sportsman who is not native to the area ity n
where he plays, importer n importation n impregnate vb -nating, -nated 1 to satu-
important adj 1 of great significance, value, rate, soak, or fill throughout. 2 to make
or consequence. 2 of social significance: an pregnant. 3 to imbue or permeate: the party
important man in the company hierarchy. 3 has been impregnated with an enthusiasm
of great concern: it was important to me to for reform, impregnation n
know, importance n importantly adv impresario n, pl -sarios a person who runs
importunate adj Formal persistent or de- theatre performances, concerts, etc.
manding. impress vb 1 to make a strong, lasting, or
importune vb -tuning, -tuned Formal to favourable impression on: he was im-
harass with persistent requests, importu- pressed by the standard of play. 2 to stress
nity n or emphasize. 3 to imprint or stamp by
impose vb -posing, -posed 1 to establish (a pressure: a pattern impressed in paint on
rule, condition, etc.) as something to be the rock. ~n 4 an impressing. 5 a mark
obeyed or complied with. 2 to take advan- produced by impressing, impressible adj
tage of (a person or quality): she imposed impression n 1 an effect produced in the
on her kindness. 3 to force (oneself) on oth- mind by a person or thing: she was keen to
ers. 4 Printing to arrange (pages) in the cor- create a relaxed impression. 2 a vague idea
rect order for printing. 5 to pass off (some- or belief: he only had a vague impression of
thing) deceptively on someone. how it worked. 3 a strong, favourable, or
imposing adj grand or impressive: an impos- remarkable effect. 4 an impersonation for
ing building. entertainment. 5 an imprint or mark pro-
imposition n 1 the act of imposing. 2 some- duced by pressing. 6 Printing the number of
thing imposed, esp. unfairly on someone. 3 copies of a publication printed at one time.
the arrangement of pages for printing. 4 impressionable adj easily impressed or in-
Old-fashioned a task set as a school pun- fluenced: the promotion of smoking to the
ishment. impressionable young, impressionability
impossibility n, pi-ties 1 the state or quality n
of being impossible. 2 something that is im- Impressionism n a style of painting devel-
possible. oped in 19th-century France, with the aim
impossible adj 1 not able to be done or to of reproducing the immediate impression or
happen. 2 absurd or unreasonable. 3 Infor- mood of things, especially the effects of
mal intolerable or outrageous: those chil- light and atmosphere, rather than form or
dren are impossible, impossibly adv structure.
imposter or impostor n a person who cheats impressionist n 1 Impressionist an artist
or swindles by pretending to be someone who painted in the style of Impressionism.
else. 2 a person who imitates the character or
imposture n Formal deception, esp. by pre- mannerisms of another person for enter-
tending to be someone else. tainment.
impotent (imp-a-tent) adj 1 not having the impressionistic adj 1 Impressionistic of or
power to influence people or events. 2 (of a about Impressionism. 2 based on subjective
man) incapable of sexual intercourse, im- observations or impressions rather than
potence n systematic study or facts.
impound vb 1 to take legal possession off impressive adj capable of impressing, esp.
confiscate. 2 to confine (an animal) in a by size, magnificence, or importance, im-
pound. pressively adv
imprimatur 396 in absentia
imprimatur (imp-rim-ah-ter) n official ap- impulsive adj 1 tending to act without think-
proval for something to be printed, usually ing first: an impulsive man. 2 done without
given by the Roman Catholic Church. thinking first. 3 forceful or impelling.
imprint n 1 a mark or impression produced impunity (imp-yoon-it-ee) n with impunity
by pressing, printing, or stamping. 2 the without punishment or unpleasant conse-
publisher’s name and address, often with quences.
the date of publication, printed on the title impure adj 1 having unwanted substances
page of a book. —vb 3 to produce (a mark) mixed in. 2 immoral or obscene: impure
by pressing, printing, or stamping: T-shirts thoughts. 3 dirty or unclean.
imprinted with slogans. 4 to establish firm- impurity n, pl -ties 1 an impure element or
ly; impress: he couldn’t dislodge the images thing: impurities in the water. 2 the quality
imprinted on his brain. of being impure.
imprison vb to confine in or as if in prison, impute vb -puting, -puted 1 to attribute
imprisonment n (blame or a crime) to a person. 2 to attrib-
improbable adj not likely or probable, im- ute to a source or cause: I impute your suc-
probability n improbably adv cess to nepotism, imputation n
improbity n, pl -ties Formal dishonesty or in prep 1 inside; within: in the room. 2 at a
wickedness. place where there is: in the shade. 3 indicat-
impromptu adj 1 without planning or prepa- ing a state, situation, or condition: in si-
ration; improvised, -adv 2 in a sponta- lence. 4 when (a period of time) has
neous or improvised way: he spoke im- elapsed: come back in one year. 5 using:
promptu. —n 3 a short piece of instrumen- written in code. 6 wearing: the man in the
tal music resembling improvisation. 4 some- blue suit. 7 with regard to (a specified ac-
thing that is impromptu. tivity or occupation): in journalism. 8 while
improper adj 1 indecent. 2 irregular or in- performing the action of: in crossing the
correct. improperly adv street he was run over. 9 having as purpose:
improper fraction n a fraction in which the in honour of the president. 10 (of certain
numerator is greater than the denominator, animals) pregnant with: in calf. 11 into: he
as %. fell in the water. 12 have it in one to have
the ability (to do something). 13 in that or
impropriety (imp-roe-pry-a-tee) n, pl -ties in so far as because or to the extent that: it
Formal unsuitable or slightly improper be- was of great help in that it gave me more
haviour. confidence, -adv 14 in or into a particular
improve vb -proving, -proved 1 to make or place; indoors: come in. 15 at one’s home or
become better in quality. 2 improve on to place of work: he’s not in at the moment. 16
achieve a better standard or quality in fashionable or popular: long skirts are in
comparison with: both had improved on this year. 17 in office or power: the
their previous performance, improvable Conservatives got in at the last election. 18
adj so as to enclose: block in. 19 (in certain
improvement n 1 the act of improving or the games) so as to take one’s turn of the play:
state of being improved. 2 a change that you have to get the other side out before
makes something better or adds to its value. you go in. 20 Brit (of a fire) alight. 21 indi-
3 Austral & NZ a building on a piece of land, cating prolonged activity, esp. by a large
adding to its value. number: teach-in; sit-in. 22 in for about to
improvident adj 1 not providing for the fu- experience (something, esp. something un-
ture. 2 incautious or rash, improvidence n pleasant): they’re in for a shock. 23 in on
improvise vb -vising, -vised 1 to do or make acquainted with or sharing in: 1 was in on
quickly from whatever is available, without all his plans. 24 in with friendly with. 25
previous planning. 2 to make up (a piece of have got it in for Informal to wish or in-
music, speech, etc.) as one goes along, im- tend harm towards, -adj 26 fashionable;
provisation n modish: the in thing to do. ~n 27 ins and
imprudent adj not carefully thought out; outs the detailed points or facts (of a situa-
rash, imprudence n tion).
impudent adj impertinent or insolent, im- In Chem indium.
pudence n impudently adv IN Indiana,
impugn (imp-yoon) vb Formal to challenge in. inch(es).
or attack as false, impugnment n in-1, il-, im-, or ir- prefix a not; non: incred-
impulse n 1 a sudden desire or whim. 2 an ible; illegal; imperfect; irregular, b lack of:
instinctive drive; urge: the mothering im- inexperience.
pulse. 3 Physics a the product of a force in-2, il-, im-, or ir- prefix in; into; towards;
acting on a body and the time for which it within; on: infiltrate.
acts, b the change in the momentum of a inability n the fact of not being able to do
body as a result of a force acting upon it. 4 something.
Physiol a stimulus transmitted in a nerve or in absentia adv in the absence of (someone
muscle. indicated).
inaccessible 397 incendiary
inaccessible adj 1 impossible or very diffi- the fuselage of an aircraft. ~adv 3 within
cult to reach. 2 unable to be used or seen: the sides of or towards the centre of a ves-
his works are inaccessible to English- sel or aircraft.
speaking readers. 3 difficult to understand inborn adj existing from birth: an inborn
or appreciate: Webern’s music is still con- sense of sudden danger.
sidered inaccessible, inaccessibility n inbred adj 1 produced as a result of inbreed-
inaccuracy n, pl -cies 1 lack of accuracy; ing. 2 inborn or ingrained: inbred good
imprecision. 2 an error or mistake, inaccu- manners.
rate adj inbreed vb -breeding, -bred to breed from
inaction n lack of action; inertia. closely related individuals.
inactive adj 1 idle; not active. 2 Chem (of a inbreeding n breeding from closely related
substance) having little or no reactivity, individuals.
inactivity n inbuilt adj (of a quality or feeling) present
inadequacy n, pl -cies 1 lack or shortage. 2 from the beginning: an inbuilt fear of stran-
the state of being or feeling inferior. 3 a gers.
weakness or failing: their own failures or Inc. US (of a company) incorporated.
inadequacies.
Inca n 1 (p7 Inca or Incas) a member of a S
inadequate adj 1 not enough; insufficient. 2 American Indian people whose empire, cen-
not good enough, inadequately adv
tred on Peru, lasted until the early 1530s. 2
inadmissible adj not allowable or accept- the language of this people.
able.
incalculable adj impossible to estimate or
inadvertent adj done unintentionally, inad- predict, incalculability n
vertence n inadvertently adv
in camera adv in private session: the pro-
inadvisable adj unwise; not sensible, ceedings were held in camera.
inalienable adj not able to be taken away or incandescent adj 1 glowing with heat. 2 (of
transferred to another: the inalienable artificial light) produced by a glowing fila-
rights of the citizen. ment. incandescence n
inamorata or masc inamorato n, pl -tas or incandescent lamp n a lamp that contains a
masc or-tos Literary a sweetheart or lover. filament which is electrically heated to in-
inane adj senseless or silly: inane remarks. candescence.
inanity n incantation n 1 ritual chanting of magic
inanimate adj lacking the qualities of living words or sounds. 2 a magic spell, incanta-
beings: inanimate objects. tory adj
inanition n Formal exhaustion or weakness, incapable adj 1 incapable of lacking the
as from lack of food. ability to. 2 helpless: drunk and incapable.
inapplicable adj not suitable or relevant, incapacitate vb -tating, -tated to deprive (a
inapposite adj not suitable or appropriate. person) of strength, power, or ability; dis-
inappositeness n able.
inappropriate adj not suitable or proper, incapacity n, pl -ties 1 lack of power,
inappropriately adv strength, or ability. 2 Law legal disqualifi-
inapt adj 1 not apt or fitting. 2 lacking skill, cation or ineligibility.
inaptitude n incarcerate vb -ating, -ated Formal to con-
inarticulate adj unable to express oneself fine or imprison, incarceration n
clearly or well. incarnate adj 1 possessing human form: a
inasmuch as conj 1 since; because. 2 in so devil incarnate. 2 personified or typified:
far as. stupidity incarnate. ~vb -nating, -nated 3
inattentive adj not paying attention, inat- to give a bodily or concrete form to. 4 to be
tention n representative or typical of.
inaudible adj not loud enough to be heard, incarnation n 1 the act of embodying or
inaudibly adv state of being embodied in human form. 2 a
inaugural adj 1 of or for an inauguration. person or thing that typifies some quality
~n 2 US a speech made at an inauguration. or idea.
inaugurate vb -rating, -rated 1 to open or Incarnation n Christian theol God’s coming
celebrate the first public use of ceremonial- to earth in human form as Jesus Christ.
ly: British Rail's newest electrified line was incautious adj (of a person or action) care-
inaugurated today. 2 to formally establish less or rash.
(a new leader) in office. 3 to begin officially incendiary (in-send-ya-ree) adj 1 (of bombs
or formally, inauguration n inaugurator etc.) designed to cause fires. 2 tending to
n create strife or violence. 3 relating to the il-
inauspicious adj unlucky; suggesting an un- - legal burning of property or goods. ~n, pl
favourable outcome. -aries 4 a bomb that is designed to start
inboard adj 1 (of a boat’s motor or engine) fires. 5 a person who illegally sets fire to
situated within the hull. 2 situated close to property or goods, incendiarism n
incense 398 incommensurate
incense1 n 1 an aromatic substance burnt incisive adj direct and forceful: witty and
for its fragrant odour, esp. in religious cer- incisive comments.
emonies. 2 the odour or smoke so produced. incisor n a sharp cutting tooth at the front
~vb -censing, -censed 3 to burn incense to of the mouth.
(a deity). 4 to perfume or fumigate with in- incite vb -citing, -cited to stir up or provoke
cense. to action, incitement n
incense2 vb -censing, -censed to make very incivility n, pl-ties 1 rudeness. 2 an impolite
angry, incensed adj act or remark.
incentive n 1 something that encourages ef- incl. 1 including. 2 inclusive.
fort or action. 2 an additional payment inclement adj Formal (of weather) stormy
made to employees to increase production. or severe, inclemency n
~adj 3 encouraging greater effort: an in- inclination n 1 a liking, tendency, or prefer-
centive scheme for workers. ence: he showed no inclination to change his
inception n the beginning of a project, routine. 2 the degree of slope from a hori-
incessant adj never stopping, incessantly zontal or vertical plane. 3 a slope or slant. 4
adv Surveying the angular distance of the hori-
incest n sexual intercourse between two zon below the plane of observation.
people who are too closely related to marry, incline vb -clining, -dined 1 to veer from a
incestuous adj vertical or horizontal plane; slope or slant.
inch n 1 a unit of length equal to one twelfth 2 to have or cause to have a certain tenden-
of a foot (2.54cm). 2 Meteorol the amount of cy or disposition: that does not incline me to
rain or snow that would cover a surface to a think that you are right. 3 to bend or lower
depth of one inch. 3 a very small distance, (part of the body, esp. the head). 4 incline
degree, or amount: neither side was pre- one’s ear to listen favourably. ~n 5 an in-
pared to give an inch. 4 every inch in every clined surface or slope, inclined adj
way: she arrived looking every inch a star. inclined plane n a sloping plane used to en-
5 inch by inch gradually. 6 within an inch able a load to be raised or lowered by push-
of one's life almost to death. ~vb 7 to ing or sliding, which requires less force
move very slowly or gradually: I inched my than lifting.
way to the bar. include vb -eluding, -eluded 1 to have as
inchoate (in-koe-ate) adj Formal just begun part of the whole. 2 to put in as part of a
and not yet properly developed. set, group, or category.
incidence n 1 extent or frequency of occur- inclusion n 1 an including or being included.
rence: the rising incidence of car fires. 2 2 something included.
Physics the arrival of a beam of light or inclusive adj 1 including everything: capital
particles at a surface. 3 Geom the partial inclusive of profit. 2 including the limits
overlapping of two figures or a figure and a specified: Monday to Friday inclusive. 3
line. comprehensive.
incident n 1 an occurrence or event, esp. a incognito (in-kog-nee-toe) adv, adj 1 under
minor one. 2 a relatively insignificant event an assumed name or appearance. ~n, pl
that might have serious consequences. 3 a -tos 2 a false identity. 3 a person who is in-
public disturbance. ~adj 4 Physics (of a cognito.
beam of light or particles) arriving at or incognizant adj incognizant of unaware of.
striking a surface. 5 incident to Formal incognizance n
likely to occur in connection with: the incoherent adj 1 unable to express oneself
dangers are incident to a policeman’s job. clearly. 2 not logically connected or or-
incidental adj 1 happening in connection dered. incoherence n
with or resulting from something more im- income n the total amount of money earned
portant. 2 secondary or minor: incidental from work or obtained from other sources
expenses, incidentally adv over a given period of time.
incidental music n background music for a income support n (in Britain) an allowance
film or play. paid by the government to people with a
incidentals pl n minor expenses, events, or very low income.
action. income tax n a personal tax levied on an-
incinerate vb -ating, -ated to burn up com- nual income.
pletely. incineration n incoming adj 1 about to arrive. 2 about to
come into office.
incinerator n a furnace for burning rubbish,
incommensurable adj 1 not able to be
incipient adj Formal just starting to be or judged, measured, or compared. 2 Maths not
happen. having a common divisor other than 1, such
incise vb -cising, -cised to cut into with a as 2 and \/— 5. incommensurability n
sharp tool. incommensurate adj 1 inadequate or dis-
incision n a cut, esp. one made during a sur- proportionate: gains incommensurate with
gical operation. the risk involved. 2 incommensurable.
incommode 399 incumbent
incommode vb -moding, -moded Formal to 2 to cause trouble or difficulty to (some-
bother, disturb, or inconvenience. one). inconvenient adj
incommodious adj Formal inconveniently incorporate vb -rating, -rated 1 to include
small; cramped. or be included as part of a larger unit. 2 to
incommunicado adv, adj not allowed to form a united whole or mass. 3 to form into
communicate with other people, for in- a corporation. ~adj 4 incorporated, incor-
stance while in solitary confinement. porated adj incorporation n
incomparable adj so excellent as to be be- incorporeal adj without material form, sub-
yond or above comparison, incomparably stance, or existence.
adv incorrect adj 1 wrong: an incorrect answer.
incompatible adj not able to exist together 2 not proper: incorrect behaviour, incor-
in harmony; conflicting or inconsistent, in- rectly adv
compatibility n incorrigible adj (of a person or behaviour)
incompetent adj 1 not having the necessary beyond correction or reform; incurably bad.
ability or skill to do something. 2 Law not incorrigibility n incorrigibly adv
legally qualified: an incompetent witness. incorruptible adj 1 too honest to be bribed or
~n 3 an incompetent person, incompe- corrupted. 2 not prone to decay or disinte-
tence n gration. incorruptibility n
incomplete adj not finished or whole, increase vb -creasing, -creased 1 to make
or become greater in size, degree, or fre-
incomprehension n inability to understand, quency. ~n 2 a rise in size, degree, or fre-
incomprehensible adj quency. 3 the amount by which something
inconceivable adj so unlikely to be true as increases. 4 on the increase becoming more
to be unthinkable, inconceivability n common, increasingly adv
inconclusive adj not giving a final decision incredible adj 1 unbelievable. 2 Informal
or result. marvellous; amazing, incredibility n in-
incongruous adj out of place; inappropriate: credibly adv
an incongruous figure among the tourists. incredulity n unwillingness to believe,
incongruously adv incongruity n incredulous adj not prepared or willing to
inconnu (in-kon-new) n Canad a whitefish believe something.
of arctic waters. increment n 1 the amount by which some-
inconsequential or inconsequent adj 1 un- thing increases. 2 a regular salary increase.
important or insignificant. 2 not following 3 Maths a small positive or negative change
logically as a consequence, inconsequen- in a variable or function, incremental adj
tially adv incriminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to make
inconsiderable adj 1 not inconsiderable (someone) seem guilty of a crime. 2 to char-
fairly large: he gets not inconsiderable roy- ge (someone) with a crime, incrimination
alties from his musicals. 2 not worth con- n incriminatory adj
sidering; insignificant, inconsiderably adv incrust vb same as encrust.
inconsiderate adj lacking in care or thought incubate (in-cube-ate) vb -bating, -bated 1
for others; thoughtless, inconsiderateness (of birds) to hatch (eggs) by sitting on them.
n 2 to cause (bacteria) to develop, esp. in an
inconsistent adj 1 unstable or changeable in incubator or culture medium. 3 (of disease
behaviour or mood. 2 containing contradic- germs) to remain inactive in an animal or
tory elements: an inconsistent argument. 3 human before causing disease. 4 to develop
not in accordance: actions inconsistent with gradually, incubation n
high office, inconsistency n incubator n 1 Med a heated enclosed appa-
inconsolable adj very distressed, incon- ratus for rearing premature babies. 2 an
solably adv
apparatus for hatching birds’ eggs or grow-
ing bacterial cultures.
inconspicuous adj not easily noticed or incubus (in-cube-uss) n, pl -bi or -buses 1 a
seen. demon believed in folklore to have sexual
inconstant adj 1 liable to change one’s loyal- intercourse with sleeping women. 2 a
ties or opinions. 2 variable: their household nightmarish burden or worry.
income is inconstant, inconstancy n inculcate vb -eating, -cated to fix in some-
incontestable adj impossible to deny or one’s mind by constant repetition, inculca-
argue with. tion n
incontinent adj 1 unable to control the blad- inculpate vb -pating, -pated Formal to in-
der and bowels. 2 lacking self-restraint, esp. criminate.
sexually, incontinence n incumbency n, pl -cies the office, duty, or
incontrovertible adj absolutely certain; un- tenure of an incumbent.
deniable. incontrovertibly adv incumbent Formal ~n 1 a person who holds
inconvenience n 1 a state or instance of a particular office or position, -adj 2 mor-
trouble or difficulty. ~vb -iencing, -ienced ally binding as a duty: it is incumbent on
incur 400 index
cricketers to respect the umpire’s impartial- against loss, damage, or liability. 2 to com-
ity. pensate for loss or damage, indemnifica-
incur vb -curring, -curred to bring (some- tion n
thing undesirable) upon oneself. indemnity n, pl-ties 1 insurance against loss
incurable adj 1 not able to be cured: an in- or damage. 2 compensation for loss or dam-
curable tumour. 2 not able to be changed: he age. 3 legal exemption from penalties in-
is an incurable romantic. ~n 3 a person curred.
with an incurable disease, incurability n indent vb 1 to start (a line of writing) fur-
incurably adv ther from the margin than the other lines. 2
incurious adj showing no curiosity or inter- to order (goods) using a special order form.
est. incuriously adv 3 to notch (an edge or border). 4 to write
incursion n 1 a sudden or brief invasion. 2 out (a document) in duplicate. 5 to bind (an
an inroad or encroachment: a successful in- apprentice) by indenture, —n 6 Chiefly Brit
cursion into the American book-shop mar- an official order for goods, esp. foreign
ket. incursive adj merchandise.
ind. 1 independent. 2 index. 3 indicative. 4 indentation n 1 a hollow, notch, or cut, as on
indirect. 5 industrial. an edge or on a coastline. 2 an indenting or
being indented. 3 Also: indention the leav-
Ind. 1 Independent. 2 India. 3 Indian. 4 In- ing of space or the amount of space left be-
dies. tween a margin and the start of an indented
indaba (in-dah-ba) n 1 (among native peo- line.
ples of southern Africa) a meeting to dis- indenture n 1 a contract, esp. one binding an
cuss a serious topic. 2 S African informal a apprentice to his or her employer, -vb
matter of concern or for discussion. -turing, -tured 2 to bind (an apprentice) by
indebted adj 1 owing gratitude for help or indenture. 3 to enter into an agreement by
favours. 2 owing money, indebtedness n indenture.
indecent adj 1 morally or sexually offen- independent adj 1 free from the influence
sive. 2 unseemly or improper: indecent or control of others. 2 not dependent on
haste, indecency n indecently adv anything else for function or validity. 3 not
indecent assault n a sexual attack which relying on the support, esp. financial sup-
does not include rape. port, of others. 4 capable of acting for one-
indecent exposure n the showing of one’s self or on one’s own. 5 of or having a pri-
genitals in public. vate income large enough to enable one to
indecipherable adj impossible to read. live without working: independent means. 6
indecisive adj 1 unable to make decisions. 2 Maths (of a variable) not dependent on an-
not decisive or conclusive: an indecisive ar- other variable. ~n 7 an independent person
gument. indecision or indecisiveness n or thing. 8 a politician who does not repre-
sent any political party, independence n
indeed adv 1 certainly; actually, indeed, the independently adv
sea featured heavily in his poems. 2 truly,
very: it has become a dangerous place in- independent school n (in Britain) a school
deed. 3 in fact; what is more: it is necessary, that is neither financed nor controlled by
indeed indispensable, -interj 4 an expres- the government or local authorities.
sion of doubt or surprise. in-depth adj detailed or thorough: an in-
indefatigable adj never getting tired or giv- depth analysis.
ing up: Mitterrand was an indefatigable or- indescribable adj too intense or extreme for
ganizer. indefatigably adv words, indescribably adv
indefensible adj 1 (of behaviour or state- indestructible adj not able to be destroyed,
ments) unable to be justified or supported. indeterminate adj 1 uncertain in extent,
2 (of places or buildings) impossible to de- amount, or nature. 2 left doubtful; incon-
fend against attack, indefensibility n clusive: an indeterminate reply. 3 Maths a
indefinable adj difficult to describe or ex- having no numerical meaning, as %. b (of an
plain completely. equation) having more than one variable
indefinite adj 1 without exact limits: an in- and an unlimited number of solutions, in-
definite number. 2 vague or unclear, in- determinable adj indeterminacy n
definitely adv index (in-dex) n, pl -dexes or-dices 1 an al-
indefinite article n Grammar either of the phabetical list of names or subjects dealt
words “a” or “an”. with in a book, indicating where they are
referred to. 2 a file or catalogue in a library
indelible adj 1 impossible to erase or re- which enables a book or reference to be
move. 2 making indelible marks: indelible found. 3 a number indicating the level of
ink. indelibly adv wages or prices as compared with some
indelicate adj 1 offensive, embarrassing, or standard value. 4 an indication or sign: na-
tasteless. 2 coarse, crude, or rough, indeli- tional birth rate was once an index of mili-
cacy n tary power. 5 Maths a same as exponent, b
indemnify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to secure a superscript number placed to the left of a
indexation 401 indispensable
radical sign indicating the root to be ex- indices (in-diss-seez) n a plural of index,
tracted: the index of 3 \/8 is 3. 6 a number indict (in-dite) vb to charge (a person) for-
or ratio indicating a specific characteristic mally with a crime, esp. in writing, indict-
or property: refractive index. ~vb 7 to put able adj
an index in (a book). 8 to enter (a word indictment n 1 Criminal law a formal charge
or item) in an index. 9 to make index-linked, of crime, esp. in writing. 2 a serious criti-
indexation or index-linking n the act of cism: a scathing indictment of faith healing.
making wages, pensions, or interest rates indie n Informal an independent record
index-linked. company.
index finger n the finger next to the thumb.
Also called: forefinger indifference n 1 lack of concern or interest:
elite indifference to mass opinion. 2 lack of
index-linked adj (of pensions, wages, or in- importance: a matter of indifference to me.
terest rates) rising and falling in line with
the cost of living. indifferent adj 1 showing no concern or in-
terest: he was indifferent to politics. 2 of
Indiaman n, pl -men (formerly) a merchant only average standard or quality. 3 not at
ship engaged in trade with India. all good. 4 unimportant. 5 showing or hav-
Indian adj 1 of India. 2 of the original inhab- ing no preferences.
itants of the American continent. ~n 3 a indigenous (in-dij-in-uss) adj originating or
person from India. 4 a person descended occurring naturally in a country or area:
from the original inhabitants of the Ameri- the indigenous population.
can continent.
indigent adj Formal so poor as to lack even
Indian club n a heavy bottle-shaped club, necessities, indigence n
usually swung in pairs for exercise.
indigestible adj difficult or impossible to di-
Indian corn n same as maize.
gest. indigestibility n
Indian file n same as single file.
indigestion n difficulty in digesting food,
Indian hemp n same as hemp. accompanied by stomach pain, heartburn,
Indian ink or esp US & Canad India ink n a and belching.
black ink made from a fine black soot. indignant adj feeling or showing indigna-
Indian list n Informal (in Canada) a list of tion. indignantly adv
people to whom spirits may not be sold. indignation n anger aroused by something
Indian summer n 1 a period of warm sunny felt to be unfair or wrong.
weather in autumn. 2 a period of tranquil- indignity n, pl -ties embarrassing or humili-
lity or of renewed productivity towards the ating treatment.
end of a person’s life or career.
India paper n a thin soft opaque printing indigo adj 1 deep violet-blue. ~n, pl -gos or
-goes 2 a dye of this colour originally ob-
paper originally made in the Orient. tained from plants.
Indic adj 1 of a branch of Indo-European
consisting of many of the languages of indirect adj 1 done or caused by someone or
India, including Sanskrit, Hindi, and Urdu. something else: indirect benefits. 2 not
~n 2 this group of languages. going in a direct course or line: he took the
indirect route home. 3 not coming straight
indicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to be or give a to the point: an indirect question, indirect-
sign or symptom of: to concede 18 goals in 7 ly adv
games indicates a serious malaise. 2 to point
out or show. 3 to state briefly. 4 to switch indirect object n Grammar the person or
on the indicators in a motor vehicle to show thing indirectly affected by the action of a
that one is changing direction. 5 (of measur- verb and its direct object, as John in the
ing instruments) to show a reading of. 6 sentence I bought John a newspaper.
(usually passive) to recommend or require: indirect speech n same as reported speech,
surgery seems to be indicated for this pa- indirect tax n a tax levied on goods or serv-
tient. indication n ices which is paid indirectly by being added
indicative (in-dik-a-tiv) adj 1 indicative of to the price.
suggesting: the symptoms aren’t indicative indiscernible adj not able or scarcely able to
of anything serious. 2 Grammar denoting a be seen.
mood of verbs used to make a statement. indiscipline n lack of discipline.
~n 3 Grammar the indicative mood. indiscreet adj incautious or tactless in re-
indicator n 1 something that acts as a sign or vealing secrets.
indication: an indicator of the moral decline indiscretion n 1 the lack of discretion. 2 an
of our society. 2 a device for indicating that
a motor vehicle is about to turn left or right, indiscreet act or remark.
esp. two pairs of lights that flash. 3 an in- indiscriminate adj lacking discrimination or
strument, such as a gauge, that registers or careful choice: an indiscriminate bombing
measures something. 4 Chem a substance campaign, indiscriminately adv indis-
used to indicate the completion of a chemi- crimination n
cal reaction, usually by a change of colour. indispensable adj absolutely necessary: an
indisposed 402 industrial action
indispensable guide for any traveller, in- of drugs or other means. 4 Logic obsolete to
dispensability n draw (a general conclusion) from particular
indisposed adj 1 sick or ill. 2 unwilling, in- instances. 5 to produce (an electromotive
disposition n force or electrical current) by induction. 6
indisputable adj beyond doubt, to transmit (magnetism) by induction, in-
indissoluble adj permanent: joining a politi- ducible adj
cal party is not an indissoluble marriage. inducement n 1 something that encourages
indistinct adj unable to be seen or heard someone to do something. 2 the act of induc-
clearly, indistinctly adv ing.
indistinguishable adj so similar as to be dif- induct vb 1 to bring in formally or install in
ficult to tell apart. a job, rank, or position. 2 to initiate in
knowledge of (a group or profession): boys
indium n Chem a rare soft silvery metallic are inducted into the world of men.
element. Symbol: In
inductance n the property of an electric cir-
individual adj 1 of, relating to, or meant for cuit as a result of which an electromotive
a single person or thing: small sums from force is created by a change of current in
individual donors. 2 separate or distinct the same or in a neighbouring circuit.
from others of its kind: please mark the in-
dividual pages. 3 characterized by unusual induction n 1 Logic a process of reasoning
and striking qualities. ~n 4 a single person, by which a general conclusion is drawn
esp. when regarded as distinct from others: from particular instances. 2 Med the pro-
respect for the individual. 5 Informal a per- cess of inducing labour. 3 the process by
son: a most annoying individual. 6 Biol a which electrical or magnetic properties are
single animal or plant, esp. as distinct from transferred, without physical contact, from
a species, individually adv one circuit or body to another. 4 a formal
introduction or entry into an office or posi-
individualism n 1 the principle of leading tion. 5 (in an internal-combustion engine)
one’s life in one’s own way. 2 same as lais- the drawing in of mixed air and fuel from
sez faire. 3 egotism, individualist n indi- the carburettor to the cylinder, induction-
vidualistic adj al adj
individuality n, pl -ties 1 distinctive or induction coil n a transformer for producing
unique character or personality: a house of a high voltage from a low voltage. It
great individuality. 2 the qualities that dis- consists of a soft-iron core, a primary coil of
tinguish one person or thing from another. few turns, and a- concentric secondary coil
3 a separate existence. of many turns.
individualize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
-ising, -ised to make individual or distinc- induction course n a training course to help
tive in character. familiarize someone with a new job.
indivisible adj 1 unable to be divided. 2 inductive adj 1 Logic of or using induction:
Maths leaving a remainder when divided by inductive reasoning. 2 of or operated by
a given number. electrical or magnetic induction.
indoctrinate vb -nating, -nated to teach inductor n a device designed to create in-
(someone) systematically to accept a doc- ductance in an electrical circuit.
trine or opinion uncritically, indoctrina- indulge vb -dulging, -dulged 1 (often foil,
tion n by in) to yield to or gratify (a whim or de-
Indo-European adj 1 of a family of lan- sire for): to indulge in new clothes. 2 to
guages spoken in most of Europe and much allow (someone) to have or do everything
of Asia, including English, Russian, and he or she wants: he had given her too much,
Hindi. ~n 2 the Indo-European family of indulged her in everything. 3 to allow (one-
languages. self) the pleasure of something: he indulged
himself. 4 Informal to take alcoholic drink.
indolent adj lazy; idle, indolence n
indulgence n 1 something that is allowed
indomitable adj too strong to be defeated or
discouraged: an indomitable work ethic. because it gives pleasure. 2 the act of in-
dulging oneself or someone else. 3 liberal or
Indonesian adj 1 of Indonesia. ~n 2 a per- tolerant treatment. 4 something granted as
son from Indonesia. a favour or privilege. 5 RC Church a remis-
indoor adj situated, happening, or used in- sion of the temporal punishment for sin
side a building: an indoor pool. after its guilt has been forgiven.
indoors adv, adj inside or into a building, indulgent adj kind or lenient, often to ex-
indrawn adj drawn or pulled in: he heard cess. indulgently adv
her indrawn breath. industrial adj 1 of, used in, or employed in
indubitable (in-dew-bit-a-bl) adj beyond industry. 2 with an economy relying heavi-
doubt; definite, indubitably adv ly on industry: northern industrial cities.
induce vb -ducing, -duced 1 to persuade or industrial action n Brit action, such as a
use influence on. 2 to cause or bring about. strike or work-to-rule, by which workers
3 Med to cause (labour) to begin by the use complain about their conditions.
industrial estate 403 infancy
industrial estate n Brit an area of land set ineradicable adj impossible to remove or
aside for factories and warehouses. root out: an ineradicable distrust of
industrialism n an organization of society foreigners.
characterized by large-scale manufacturing inert adj 1 without the power to move or to
industry rather than trade or farming. resist motion. 2 inactive or lifeless. 3 having
industrialist n a person who owns or con- only a limited ability to react chemically.
trols large amounts of money or property in inertia n 1 feeling of unwillingness to do
industry. anything. 2 Physics the tendency of a body
industrialize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, to remain still or continue moving unless a
-ised to develop industry on a large scale in force is applied to it. inertial adj
(a country or region), industrialization or inertia selling n the illegal practice of send-
-isation n ing unrequested goods to householders, fol-
industrial relations pl n the relations be- lowed by a bill for the goods if they do not
tween management and workers. return them.
Industrial Revolution n the Industrial inescapable adj not able to be avoided,
Revolution the transformation in the 18th inessential adj 1 not necessary. ~n 2 an
and 19th centuries of Britain and other unnecessary thing.
countries into industrial nations. inestimable adj too great to be calculated,
industrious adj hard-working. inevitable adj 1 unavoidable; sure to hap-
industry n, pl -tries 1 the work and process pen. 2 Informal so regular as to be predict-
involved in manufacture: Japanese indus- able: the inevitable guitar solo. ~n 3 (often
try increased output considerably last year. preceded by thej something that is un-
2 a branch of commercial enterprise con- avoidable. inevitability n inevitably adv
cerned with the manufacture of a specified inexact adj not exact or accurate,
product: the steel industry. 3 the quality of
working hard. inexcusable adj too bad to be justified or
inebriate n 1 a person who is habitually tolerated.
drunk, -adj 2 drunk, esp. habitually, in- inexhaustible adj incapable of being used
ebriation n up; endless.
inebriated adj drunk. inexorable adj unable to be prevented from
inedible adj not fit to be eaten. continuing or progressing: an inexorable
trend, inexorably adv
ineducable (in-ed-yuke-a-bl) adj incapable
of being educated, esp. on account of mental inexpensive adj not costing a lot of money,
retardation. inexperienced adj having no knowledge or
ineffable adj too great or intense to be exp- experience of a particular situation, activ-
ressed in words, ineffably adv ity, etc. inexperience n
ineffective adj having no effect or an inad- inexpert adj lacking skill.
equate effect. inexpiable adj (of sin) incapable of being
ineffectual adj having no effect or an inad- atoned for; unpardonable.
equate effect: the raids were costly and in- inexplicable adj impossible to explain,
effectual. inexpressible adj (of a feeling) too strong to
inefficient. adj not performing a task or be expressed in words.
function to the best advantage, inefficien- in extremis adv 1 in dire straits. 2 at the
cy n point of death.
inelegant adj lacking elegance or refine- inextricable adj 1 impossible to escape from:
ment. an inextricable dilemma. 2 impossible to
ineligible adj not qualified for or entitled to disentangle or separate: an inextricable
something. mass of broken and twisted chassis, inex-
ineluctable adj Formal impossible to avoid: tricably adv
the ineluctable collapse of the coalition. inf. 1 infantry. 2 infinitive. 3 informal. 4 in-
inept adj 1 awkward, clumsy, or incompe- formation.
tent. 2 not suitable or fitting; out of place, infallible adj 1 incapable of error. 2 always
ineptitude n successful: an infallible cure. 3 (of the
inequable adj 1 unfair. 2 not uniform. Pope) incapable of error in setting forth
inequality n, pl -ties 1 the state or quality of matters of doctrine on faith and morals, in-
being unequal. 2 an instance of this. 3 lack fallibility n infallibly adv
of smoothness or regularity of a surface. 4 infamous (in-fam-uss) adj well-known for
Maths a statement indicating that the value something bad.
of one quantity or expression is not equal to infamy n, pl -mies 1 the state of being infa-
another. mous. 2 an infamous act or event.
inequitable adj unjust or unfair. infancy n, pl -cies 1 the state or period of
inequity n, pl -ties 1 injustice or unfairness. being an infant. 2 an early stage of growth
2 something which is unjust or unfair. or development: virtual reality is in its in-
infant 404 infinity
fancy. 3 Law the state or period of being a Printing (of a character) printed at the foot
minor. of an ordinary character. ~n 6 a person in-
infant n 1 a very young child; baby. 2 Law ferior to another, esp. in rank inferiority n
same as minor (sense 4). 3 Brit a young inferiority complex n Psychiatry a disorder
school child, -adj 4 of, relating to, or de- arising from a feeling of inferiority to oth-
signed for young children: infant school. 5 ers, characterized by aggressiveness or ex-
in an early stage of development: an infant treme shyness.
democracy. infernal adj 1 of or relating to hell. 2 Infor-
infanta n 1 (formerly) a daughter of a king mal irritating: stop that infernal noise.
of Spain or Portugal. 2 the wife of an infan- inferno n, pl -nos 1 an intense raging fire. 2
te. a place or situation resembling hell, because
infante n (formerly) any son of a king of it is crowded and noisy. 3 the inferno hell.
Spain or Portugal, except the heir to the infertile adj 1 not capable of producing off-
throne. spring. 2 (of soil) not productive; barren,
infanticide n 1 the act of killing an infant. 2 infertility n
a person who kills an infant. infest vb to inhabit or overrun (a place,
infantile adj 1 childishly immature. 2 of in- plant, etc.) in unpleasantly large numbers:
fants or infancy. the area was infested with moles, infesta-
infantile paralysis n same as poliomyelitis, tion n
infantry n, pl -tries soldiers who fight on infidel n 1 a person who has no religious be-
foot. lief. 2 a person who rejects a specific reli-
infant school n Brit a school for children gion, esp. Christianity or Islam, -adj 3 of
aged between 5 and 7. unbelievers or unbelief.
infatuate vb -ating, -ated to inspire or fill infidelity n, pl -ties 1 sexual unfaithfulness
with an intense and unreasoning passion, to one’s husband, wife, or lover. 2 an act or
infatuation n instance of unfaithfulness.
infatuated adj (often foil, by withj carried infield n 1 Cricket the area of the field near
away by an intense and unreasoning pas- the pitch. 2 Baseball the area of the playing
sion for someone. field enclosed by the base lines, infielder n
infect vb 1 to contaminate (a person or infighting n 1 rivalry or quarrelling between
thing) with a germ or virus or its conse- members of the same group or organization.
quent disease. 2 to taint or contaminate. 3 2 Boxing combat at close quarters.
to affect with an opinion or feeling as if by infiltrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to enter (an
contagion: even she was infected by the ex- organization, area, etc.) gradually and in
citement. secret, so as to gain influence or control:
infection n 1 an infectious disease. 2 con- they infiltrated the party structure. 2 to
tamination of a person or thing by a germ or pass (a liquid or gas) through (a substance)
virus or its consequent disease. by filtering or (of a liquid or gas) to pass
infectious adj 1 (of a disease) capable of through (a substance) by filtering, infil-
being transmitted without actual contact. 2 tration n infiltrator n
causing or transmitting infection. 3 spread- infinite (in-fin-it) adj 1 having no limits or
ing from one person to another: infectious boundaries in time, space, extent, or size. 2
laughter. extremely or immeasurably great or nu-
infectious mononucleosis n same as glan- merous: infinite wealth. 3 Maths having an
dular fever. unlimited or uncountable number of digits,
infelicity n, pl -ties Formal 1 something, esp. factors, or terms, infinitely adv
a remark or expression, that is inapt. 2 the infinitesimal adj 1 extremely small. 2 Maths
state or quality of being unhappy or unfor- of or involving a small change in the value
tunate. infelicitous adj of a variable that approaches zero as a
infer vb -ferring, -ferred 1 to conclude by limit. ~n 3 Maths an infinitesimal quan-
reasoning from evidence; deduce. 2 Not tity.
universally accepted to imply or suggest. infinitive (in-fin-it-iv) n Grammar a form of
► Someone infers something by “reading be- the verb which in most languages is not
tween the lines” of a remark. Some people inflected for tense or person and is used
regard the use of infer to mean “imply or without a particular subject: in English, the
hint” as poor usage but it is nevertheless infinitive usually consists of the word to
widespread. followed by the verb.
inference n 1 the act or process of reaching infinitude n Literary 1 the state or quality of
a conclusion by reasoning from evidence. 2 being infinite. 2 an infinite extent or quan-
an inferred conclusion or deduction. tity.
inferential adj of or based on inference, infinity n, pl -ties 1 an infinitely great num-
inferior adj 1 lower in quality, quantity, or ber or amount. 2 endless time, space, or
usefulness. 2 lower in rank, position, or sta- quantity. 3 Maths the concept of a value
tus. 3 of poor quality. 4 lower in position. 5 greater than any finite numerical value.
infirm 405 infrastructure
infirm adj physically or mentally weak, esp. ant) on. 2 to deliver (a blow or wound), in-
from old age. fliction n inflictor n
infirmary n, pl -ries a place for the treat- in-flight adj happening or provided during
ment of the sick or injured; hospital. flight in an aircraft: in-flight meals.
infirmity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being in- inflorescence n Bot 1 the arrangement of
firm. 2 physical weakness or frailty. the flowers on the stalks. 2 the part of a
infix vb 1 to fix firmly in. 2 to instil or im- plant that consists of the flower-bearing
press on the mind by repetition, infixation stalks. 3 the process of flowering; blossom-
or infixion n ing.
inflow n 1 something, such as a liquid or gas,
in flagrante delicto (in flag-grant-ee dee-
that flows in. 2 the act of flowing in; influx.
lick-toe) adv Chiefly law while committing
the offence. influence n 1 an effect of one person or
thing on another. 2 the power of a person or
inflame vb -flaming, -flamed 1 to make thing to have such an effect. 3 power result-
angry or excited. 2 to increase or intensify; ing from ability, wealth, or position. 4 a
aggravate. 3 to produce inflammation in or person or thing with influence. 5 under the
become inflamed. 4 to set or be set on fire. influence Informal drunk. ~vb -encing,
inflammable adj 1 liable to catch fire. 2 easi- -enced 6 to have an effect upon (actions or
ly aroused to anger or passion, inflam- events). 7 to persuade or induce.
mability n influential adj having or exerting influence,
► Inflammable means the same as flammable influenza n a highly contagious viral disease
but is falling out of general use as it was characterized by fever, muscular pains, and
often mistaken to mean “not flammable”. It catarrh.
is still used in metaphors: an inflammable influx n 1 the arrival or entry of many peo-
situation.
ple or things. 2 the act of flowing in.
inflammation n 1 the reaction of living tis- info n Informal short for information.
sue to injury or infection, characterized by
heat, redness, swelling, and pain. 2 an in- inform vb 1 to give information to; tell: he
flaming or being inflamed. informed me that he would be free after
lunch. 2 to make knowledgeable (about) or
inflammatory adj 1 likely to provoke anger. familiar (with): he’ll be informed of his
2 characterized by or caused by inflamma- rights. 3 to give incriminating information
tion. to the police. 4 to impart some essential or
inflatable adj 1 capable of being inflated. formative characteristic to. 5 to animate or
~n 2 a plastic or rubber object which can inspire, informed adj
be inflated. informal adj 1 relaxed and friendly: an in-
inflate vb -flating, -flated 1 to expand or formal interview. 2 appropriate to every-
cause to expand by filling with gas or air. 2 day life or use rather than formal occa-
to give an impression of greater importance sions: informal clothes. 3 (of speech or writ-
than is justified: something to inflate their ing) appropriate to ordinary conversation
self-esteem. 3 to cause or undergo economic rather than to formal written language, in-
inflation. formality n informally adv
inflation n 1 an inflating or being inflated. 2 informant n a person who gives information,
Econ a progressive increase in the general information n 1 knowledge acquired in any
level of prices brought about by an increase manner; facts. 2 Computers a the meaning
in the amount of money in circulation or by given to data by the way it is interpreted, b
increases in costs. 3 Informal the rate of in- same as data (sense 2).
crease of prices, inflationary adj information technology n the production,
inflect vb 1 to change (the voice) in tone or storage, and communication of information
pitch. 2 Grammar to change (the form of a using computers and electronic technology.
word) by inflection. 3 to bend or curve, in- information theory n the study of the pro-
flective adj cesses of communication and the transmis-
inflection or inflexion n 1 change in the sion of information.
pitch of the voice. 2 Grammar a change in informative adj giving useful information,
the form of a word, signalling change in informer n a person who informs to the po-
such grammatical functions as tense or lice.
number. 3 an angle or bend. 4 an inflecting infra dig adj Informal beneath one’s dignity,
or being inflected. 5 Maths a change in cur- infrared adj 1 of or using rays with a wave-
vature from concave to convex or vice length just beyond the red end of the visible
versa, inflectional or inflexional adj spectrum. ~n 2 the infrared part of the
inflexible adj 1 unwilling to be persuaded; spectrum.
obstinate. 2 (of a rule etc.) firmly fixed: in- infrasonic adj having a frequency below the
flexible schedules. 3 incapable of being range audible to the human ear.
bent: inflexible joints, inflexibility n infrastructure n 1 the basic structure of an
inflict vb 1 to impose (something unpleas- organization or system. 2 the stock of facil-
infrequent 406 initiate
ities, services, and equipment in a country, inharmonious adj lacking harmony; dis-
including factories, roads, and schools, that cordant; disagreeing.
are needed for it to function properly. inhere vb -hering, -hered inhere in to be an
infrequent adj not happening often, infre- inseparable part (of).
quently adv inherent adj existing as an inseparable part,
infringe vb -fringing, -fringed 1 to violate inherently adv
or break (a law or agreement). 2 infringe inherit vb 1 to receive money, property, or a
on or upon to encroach or trespass on: the title from someone who has died. 2 to re-
press infringed on their privacy, infringe- ceive (a characteristic) from an earlier gen-
ment n eration by heredity. 3 to receive (a position
infuriate vb -ating, -ated to make very or situation) from a predecessor: the Chan-
angry, infuriating adj infuriatingly adv cellor has inherited a miserable economic
infuse vb -fusing, -fused 1 to fill with (an outlook, inheritor n
emotion or quality). 2 to soak or be soaked inheritable adj 1 capable of being transmit-
in order to extract flavour. ted by heredity from one generation to a
infusible adj unable to be fused or melted, later one. 2 capable of being inherited.
infusibility n inheritance n 1 Law a hereditary succession
infusion n 1 the act of infusing. 2 a liquid to an estate or title, b the right of an heir to
obtained by infusing. succeed on the death of an ancestor. 2
ingenious (in-jean-ee-uss) adj showing something inherited or to be inherited. 3 the
cleverness and originality. act of inheriting. 4 the fact of receiving
ingenue (an-jay-new) n an innocent or inex- characteristics from an earlier generation
perienced young woman, esp. as a role by heredity.
played by an actress. inheritance tax n (in Britain) a tax consist-
ingenuity (in-jen-new-it-ee) n cleverness at ing of a percentage levied on the part of an
inventing things. inheritance that exceeds a specified allow-
ingenuous (in-jen-new-uss) adj 1 unsophis- ance.
ticated and trusting. 2 frank and straight- inhibit vb 1 to restrain or hinder (an impulse
forward. or desire). 2 to prohibit or prevent: an at-
ingest vb to take (food or liquid) into the tempt to inhibit nuclear proliferation. 3
body, ingestion n Chem to stop, prevent, or decrease the rate
ingle n Archaic or dialect a fire in a room or
of (a chemical reaction), inhibited adj in-
hibitor n
a fireplace.
inglenook n Brit a corner by a fireplace, inhibition n 1 Psychol a feeling of fear or
embarrassment that stops one from behav-
inglorious adj dishonourable or shameful, ing naturally. 2 an inhibiting or being inhib-
ingoing adj going in; entering. ited. 3 the process of stopping or retarding
ingot n a piece of metal cast in a form suit- a chemical reaction.
able for storage, usually a bar. inhospitable adj 1 not welcoming; unfriend-
ingrained or engrained adj 1 (of a habit, ly. 2 (of a place or climate) not easy to live
feeling, or belief) deeply impressed or in; harsh.
instilled. 2 (of dirt) worked into or through inhuman adj 1 cruel or brutal. 2 not human,
the fibre or pores. inhumane adj extremely cruel or brutal,
ingratiate vb -ating, -ated to act in order to inhumanity n, pl -ties 1 lack of kindness or
bring (oneself) into favour (with someone), compassion. 2 an inhumane act.
ingratiating adj
inimical adj 1 adverse or unfavourable: in-
ingratitude n lack of gratitude or thanks,
imical to change. 2 unfriendly or hostile.
ingredient n a component of a mixture or
inimitable adj impossible to imitate, inimi-
compound, esp. in cooking. tably adv
ingress n Formal 1 the act of going or com-
ing in. 2 the right or permission to enter. iniquity n, pl -ties 1 injustice or wickedness.
2 a wicked act. iniquitous adj
ingrowing adj (esp. of a toenail) growing
abnormally into the flesh, ingrown adj initial adj 1 of or at the beginning. 2 the
first letter of a word, esp. a person’s name.
inhabit vb to live or dwell in. inhabitable 3 Printing a large letter set at the beginning
adj of a chapter or work. -vb -tialling,
inhabitant n a person or animal that is a -tialled or US -tialing, -tialed 4 to sign with
permanent resident of a particular place or one’s initials, esp. to indicate approval, ini-
region. tially adv
inhalant (in-hale-ant) n a medicinal prepa- initiate vb -ating, -ated 1 to begin or set
ration inhaled to help breathing problems. going: more women initiate divorce today. 2
inhale vb -haling, -haled to breathe in (air, to accept (new members) into a group, often
smoke, or vapour), inhalation n through secret ceremonies. 3 to teach the
inhaler n a container used to administer an fundamentals of a skill or knowledge to
inhalant. (someone). ~n 4 a person who has been ini-
initiative 407 innuendo
tiated, esp. recently. 5 a beginner, initia- are smooth and flat, —n 2 decoration made
tion n initiator n by inlaying. 3 an inlaid article. 4 Dentistry a
initiative n 1 a first step; commencing move: filling shaped to fit a cavity.
a peace initiative. 2 the right or power to inlet n 1 a narrow strip of water extending
initiate something: it forced local people to from the sea into the land. 2 a passage or
take the initiative. 3 enterprise: the drive valve through which a liquid or gas enters a
and initiative to create new products. 4 on machine.
one’s own initiative without being in loco parentis (par-rent-iss) in place of a
prompted. parent: said of a person acting for a parent.
inject vb 1 Med to put (a fluid) into the body inmate n a person who is confined to an in-
with a syringe. 2 to introduce (a new el- stitution such as a prison or hospital.
ement): to inject a dose of realism into the
assessment, injection n inmost adj same as innermost.
injudicious adj showing poor judgment; un- inn n a pub or small hotel providing food and
wise. accommodation.
injunction n 1 Law a court order not to do innards pl n Informal 1 the internal organs
something. 2 an authoritative command, of the body, esp. the entrails. 2 the working
injunctive adj parts of a machine.
injure vb-juring, -jured 1 to hurt physically innate adj existing from birth, rather than
or mentally. 2 to do wrong to (a person), acquired; inborn: his innate decency, in-
esp. by an injustice: the injured party. 3 to nately adv
damage: an opportunity to injure your inner adj 1 happening or located inside or
reputation, injured adj further inside: the door to the inner office.
injurious adj 1 causing harm. 2 abusive, 2 of the mind or spirit: her inner self. 3 ex-
slanderous, or libellous. clusive or private: the inner sanctum of the
injury n, pl -ries 1 physical hurt. 2 a specific party secretariat. 4 more profound; less ap-
instance of this: a leg injury. 3 harm done to parent: the inner meaning. ~n 5 Archery a
the feelings. 4 damage: inflict no injury on the red innermost ring on a target, b a shot
the wealth of the nation. which hits this ring.
injury time n Sport playing time added at inner city n the parts of a city in or near its
the end of a match to compensate for time centre, where there are often social and
spent treating injured players. economic problems.
injustice n 1 unfairness. 2 an unfair action, inner man or fem inner woman n 1 the mind
ink n 1 a black or coloured liquid used for or soul. 2 Jocular the stomach.
printing, writing, and drawing. 2 a dark innermost adj, adj 1 most intimate or pri-
brown fluid squirted for self-concealment vate: innermost secrets. 2 furthest within.
by an octopus or cuttlefish. —vb 3 to mark inner tube n an inflatable rubber tube inside
or cover with ink. a pneumatic tyre casing.
inkling n a vague idea or suspicion. inning n Baseball a division of the game con-
inkstand n a stand or tray for holding writ- sisting of a turn at batting and a turn in the
ing tools and containers for ink. field for each side.
inkwell n a small container for ink, often fit- innings n 1 Cricket a the batting turn of a
ted into the surface of a desk. player or team, b the runs scored during
inky adj inkier, inkiest 1 dark or black, like such a turn. 2 a period of opportunity or ac-
ink. 2 stained with ink. inkiness n tion.
inlaid adj 1 set in another material so that innkeeper n an owner or manager of an inn.
the surface is smooth, such as a design in innocence n the quality or state of being in-
wood. 2 made in this way: an inlaid table- nocent.
top.
innocent adj 1 not guilty of a particular
inland adj 1 of or in the interior of a country
or region, away from a sea or border. 2 crime. 2 without experience of evil. 3 harm-
Chiefly Brit operating within a country or less or innocuous. 4 innocent of without or
lacking: innocent of prejudice, —n 5 an in-
region; domestic: inland trade. ~n 3 the in- nocent person, esp. a young child or a naive
terior of a country or region, —adv 4 to- adult, innocently adv
wards or into the interior of a country or
region. innocuous adj having no adverse or harmful
Inland Revenue n (in Britain and New Zea- effect.
land) a government department that col- innovate vb -vating, -vated to introduce
lects major direct taxes, such as income tax. new ideas or methods, innovative or in-
in-law n 1 a relative by marriage, -adj 2 re- _ novatory adj innovator n
lated by marriage: his brother-in-law. innovation n 1 something newly introduced,
inlay vb -laying, -laid 1 to decorate (an arti- such as a new method or device. 2 the act of
cle, esp. of furniture) by inserting pieces of innovating.
wood, ivory, or metal so that the surfaces innuendo n, pl -dos or -does an indirect or
Innuit 408 insensible
subtle reference to something rude or un- inquisitor n 1 a person who inquires, esp.
pleasant. deeply or ruthlessly. 2 Inquisitor an officer
Innuit (in-new-it) n same as Inuit, of the Inquisition.
innumerable adj too many to be counted, inquisitorial adj 1 of or like an inquisition or
innumerably adv an inquisitor. 2 offensively curious, in-
innumerate adj having no understanding of quisitorially adv
mathematics or science, innumeracy n inquorate adj without enough people pres-
inoculate vb -lating, -lated 1 to protect ent to make a quorum.
against disease by injecting with a vaccine. in re (in ray) prep in the matter of; concern-
2 to introduce (microorganisms, esp. bacte- ing.
ria) into (a culture medium), inoculation n INRI Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews (the
inoffensive adj causing no harm or annoy- inscription placed over Christ’s head during
ance. the Crucifixion).
inoperable adj Surgery unable to be safely inroads pl n make inroads into to start af-
operated on: an inoperable tumour. fecting or reducing: my gambling has made
inoperative adj not working or functioning: great inroads into my savings.
continued shelling has rendered the cease- inrush n a sudden and overwhelming inward
fire inoperative. flow.
inopportune adj badly timed or inappropri- ins. 1 inches. 2 insurance.
ate. insane adj 1 mentally ill. 2 stupidly irre-
inordinate adj 1 excessive: an inordinate sponsible: acting on an insane impulse, in-
amount of time spent arguing. 2 unre- sanely adv
strained, as in behaviour or emotion: inor- insanitary adj dirty or unhealthy.
dinate anger, inordinately adv insanity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being in-
inorganic adj 1 not having the structure or sane. 2 stupidity.
characteristics of living organisms. 2 Chem insatiable (in-saysh-a-bl) adj impossible to
of or denoting chemical compounds that do satisfy, insatiability n insatiably adv
not contain carbon. 3 not resulting from or inscribe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 to mark or
produced by growth; artificial: inorganic engrave with (words, symbols, or letters). 2
fertilizers. to write one’s name, and sometimes a brief
inorganic chemistry n the branch of chem- dedication, on (a book) before giving to
istry concerned with the elements and com- someone. 3 to enter (a name) on a list. 4
pounds which do not contain carbon. Geom to draw (a geometric construction)
inpatient n a patient who stays in a hospital inside another construction so that the two
for treatment. are in contact at as many points as possible
input n 1 resources, such as money, labour, but do not intersect.
or power, put into a project. 2 Computers inscription n 1 something inscribed, esp.
the data fed into a computer. ~vb -putting, words carved or engraved on a coin, tomb,
-put 3 to enter (data) in a computer. or ring. 2 a signature or brief dedication in a
inquest n 1 an official inquiry into an unex- book or on a work of art.
plained, sudden, or violent death, held by a inscrutable adj mysterious or enigmatic,
coroner. 2 Informal an investigation or dis- inscrutability n
cussion. insect n 1 a small animal that has six legs
inquietude n Formal restlessness or anxiety, and usually has wings, such as an ant, fly
inquire or enquire vb -quiring, -quired 1 to or butterfly. 2 (loosely) any similar inver-
seek information (about). 2 inquire into to tebrate, such as a spider, tick, or centipede.
make an investigation. 3 inquire after to insecticide n a substance used to destroy
ask about the health or progress of (a per- insects.
son). 4 inquire of to ask (a person) for in- insectivore n 1 a small mammal, such as a
formation: I'll inquire of my aunt when she hedgehog or a shrew, that eats
is coming, inquirer or enquirer n invertebrates. 2 a plant or animal that cats
inquiry or enquiry n, pl -ries 1 a question. 2 insects, insectivorous adj
an investigation. insecure adj 1 anxious or uncertain. 2 not
inquisition n 1 a thorough investigation. 2 adequately protected: low-paid or insecure
an official inquiry, esp. one held by a jury employment. 3 unstable or shaky, insecu-
before an officer of the Crown, inquisi- rity n
tional adj inseminate vb -nating, -nated to impreg-
Inquisition n History an organization within nate (a female) with semen, insemination
the Catholic Church (1232-1820) for n
suppressing heresy. insensate adj 1 lacking sensation or con-
inquisitive adj 1 excessively curious about sciousness. 2 insensitive or unfeeling. 3
other people's business. 2 eager to learn, foolish.
inquisitively adv inquisitiveness n insensible adj 1 unconscious. 2 without feel-
insensitive 409 inspector
ing. 3 insensible of or to unaware of or in- gerous or deadly: an insidious virus, in-
different to: insensible to suffering. 4 im- sidiously adv insidiousness n
perceptible. insensibility n insight n 1 a penetrating understanding, as
insensitive adj unaware of or ignoring other of a complex situation or problem. 2 the
people's feelings, insensitivity n ability to perceive clearly or deeply the
inseparable adj 1 constantly together be- inner nature of things.
cause of mutual liking: they became insepa- insignia (in-sig-nee-a) n, pl -nias or -nia a
rable companions. 2 too closely connected badge or emblem of membership, office, or
to be separated, inseparably adv honour.
insert vb 1 to place or fit (something) inside insignificant adj having little or no impor-
something else. 2 to introduce (a clause or tance. insignificance n
comment) into text or a speech. ~n 3 some- insincere adj pretending what one does not
thing inserted, esp. an advertisement in be- feel, insincerely adv insincerity n
tween the pages of a magazine. insinuate vb -ating, -ated 1 to suggest indi-
insertion n 1 the act of inserting. 2 some- rectly by allusion, hints, or innuendo. 2 to
thing inserted, such as an advertisement in get (someone, esp. oneself) into a position
a newspaper. by gradual manoeuvres: she insinuated her-
in-service adj denoting training that is given self into the conversation.
to employees during the course of employ- insinuation n 1 an indirect or devious hint or
ment: an in-service course. suggestion. 2 an act or the practice of insin-
inset vb-setting, -set 1 to place in or within; uating.
insert. ~n 2 something inserted. 3 Printing insipid adj 1 dull and boring. 2 lacking fla-
a small map or diagram set within the bor- vour. insipidity n
ders of a larger one. -adj 4 decorated with insist vb (often foil, by on or upon) 1 to
something inserted. make a determined demand (for): he
inshore adj 1 in or on the water, but close to insisted on his rights. 2 to express a con-
the shore: inshore fishermen, -adv, adj 2 vinced belief (in) or assertion (of): she
towards the shore from the water: the boat insisted that she had been given permission.
was forced inshore; a strong wind blowing insistent adj 1 making continual and persis-
inshore. tent demands. 2 demanding attention: the
inside prep 1 in or to the interior of: a bomb chirruping of an insistent bird, insistence
had gone off inside the parliament building. n insistently adv
2 in a period of time less than: they took the in situ adv, adj in the original position.
lead inside seven minutes, —adj 3 on or of in so far as or US insofar as prep to the de-
the inside: some houses in Britain still lack gree or extent that.
an inside toilet. 4 by or from someone with- insole n 1 the inner sole of a shoe or boot. 2
in an organization, esp. illicitly: inside in- a loose inner sole used to give extra warmth
formation. 5 of or being the lane in a road or to make a shoe fit.
which is nearer the side than other lanes
going in the same direction: all the lorries insolent adj rude and disrespectful, inso-
were in the inside lane, —adv 6 on, in, or to lence n insolently adv
the inside; indoors: when the rain started insoluble adj 1 impossible to solve. 2 not
we took our drinks inside. 7 Slang in or into able to be dissolved, insolubility n
prison. ~n 8 the inner side, surface, or part insolvent adj 1 unable to pay one’s debts.
of something. 9 inside out with the inside ~n 2 a person who is insolvent, insolven-
facing outwards. 10 know inside out to cy n
know thoroughly. -See also insides. insomnia n inability to sleep, insomniac n,
► Avoid using the expression inside of, as adj
the second preposition of is superfluous. insomuch adv 1 (foil, by as or that) to such
inside job n Informal a crime committed an extent or degree. 2 (foil, by as) because
with the assistance of someone employed of the fact (that).
by or trusted by the victim. insouciant adj carefree or unconcerned, in-
insider n a member of a group or organiza- souciance n
tion who therefore has exclusive informa- inspan vb -spanning, -spanned Chiefly S
tion about it. African 1 to harness (animals) to (a vehi-
insider dealing n the illegal practice of a cle); yoke. 2 to press (people) into service.
person on the stock exchange or in the civil inspect vb 1 to examine closely, esp. for
service taking advantage of early confiden- faults or errors. 2 to examine officially, in-
tial information in order to deal in shares spection n
for personal profit. inspector n 1 an official who checks that
insides pl n Informal the stomach and bow- ~ things or places meet certain regulations
els. and standards. 2 a police officer ranking
insidious adj working in a subtle or appar- below a superintendent and above a ser-
ently harmless way, but nevertheless dan- geant.
inspectorate 410 instrumentation
inspectorate n 1 a group of inspectors. 2 the car. 3 intuition: he knew at once, by in-
position or duties of an inspector. stinct, it wouldn't work.
inspiration n 1 stimulation of the mind or instinctive or instinctual adj done or hap-
feelings to activity or creativity. 2 a person pening without any logical thought: an in-
or thing that causes this state. 3 an inspired stinctive understanding of people, instinc-
idea or action, inspirational adj tively or instinctually adv
inspire vb -spiring, -spired 1 to stimulate (a institute n 1 an organization set up for a
person) to activity or creativity. 2 to arouse specific purpose, especially research or
(an emotion or a reaction): he inspires con- teaching. 2 the building where such an or-
fidence. ganization is situated. 3 a rule, custom, or
inspired adj 1 brilliantly creative: his most precedent. ~vb -tuting, -tuted 4 to start or
inspired compositions. 2 very clever and establish. 5 to install in a position or office.
accurate: an inspired guess. institution n 1 a large important organiza-
inst. instant (this month), tion such as a university or bank. 2 a hospi-
instability n lack of steadiness or reliability, tal etc. for people with special needs. 3 an
install vb 1 to put in and prepare (equip- established custom, law, or principle: the
ment) for use. 2 to place (a person) formally institution of marriage. 4 Informal a well-
in a position or rank. 3 to settle (a person, established person or feature: the pro-
esp. oneself) in a position or state: Tony in- gramme has became an institution. 5 an in-
stalled himself in an armchair. stituting or being instituted.
installation n 1 installing. 2 equipment that institutional adj 1 of or relating to an insti-
has been installed. 3 a place containing tution: institutional care. 2 dull, routine,
equipment for a particular purpose: radar and uniform: institutional meals, institu-
installation. tionalism n
installment plan n US same as hire- institutionalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
purchase. Also (Canad.): instalment plan -ising, -ised 1 (often passive) to subject (a
instalment or US installment n 1 one of the person) to institutional life, often causing
portions into which a debt is divided for apathy and dependence on routine. 2 to
payment at regular intervals. 2 a portion of make or become an institution: institution-
something that is issued, broadcast, or pub- alized religion. 3 to place in an institution.
lished in parts. instruct vb 1 to order to do something. 2 to
instance n 1 a case or particular example. 2 teach (someone) how to do something. 3 to
for instance as an example. 3 in the first brief (a solicitor oY barrister).
instance in the first place; initially. 4 ur- instruction n 1 a direction or order. 2 the
gent request or order: at the instance of. process or act of teaching, instructional
~vb -stancing, -stanced 5 to mention as an adj
example.
instructions pl n information on how to do
instant n 1 a very brief time; moment. 2 a
particular moment: at the same instant, or use something: the plane had ignored in-
-adj 3 immediate. 4 (of foods) able to be structions from air traffic controllers.
prepared very quickly and easily: instant instructive adj informative or helpful,
coffee. 5 urgent or pressing. 6 of the pres- instructor n 1 a person who teaches some-
ent month: a letter of the 7th instant. thing. 2 US & Canad a college teacher rank-
instantaneous adj happening at once: the ing below assistant professor.
applause was instantaneous. instanta- instrument n 1 a tool or implement, esp. one
neously adv used for precision work. 2 Music any of
instantly adv immediately. various devices that can be played to pro-
instead adv 1 as a replacement or substitute duce musical sounds. 3 a measuring device
for the person or thing mentioned. 2 in- to show height, speed, etc.: the pilot’s eyes
stead of in place of or as an alternative to. never left his instruments. 4 Informal a
instep n 1 the middle part of the foot form- person used by another to gain an end. 5 an
ing the arch between the ankle and toes. 2 important factor in something: her evidence
the part of a shoe or stocking covering this. was an instrument in his arrest. 6 a formal
instigate vb -gating, -gated 1 to cause to legal document.
happen: to instigate rebellion. 2 to urge on instrumental adj 1 helping to cause. 2
to some action, instigation n instigator n played by or composed for musical instru-
instil or US instill vb -stilling, -stilled 1 to ments. 3 of or done with an instrument: in-
introduce (an idea or feeling) gradually in strumental error.
someone’s mind. 2 Rare to pour in or inject instrumentalist n a person who plays a mu-
drop by drop, instillation n instiller n sical instrument.
instinct n 1 the inborn tendency to behave in instrumentation n 1 a set of instruments in a
a particular way without the need for car etc. 2 the arrangement of music for in-
thought: maternal instinct. 2 natural reac- struments. 3 the list of instruments needed
tion: my first instinct was to get out of the for a piece of music.
instrument panel 411 intelligent
instrument panel n a panel holding the in- intaglio (in-tah-lee-oh) n, pl -lios or -li 1 a
struments in a vehicle or on a machine. seal or gem decorated with an engraved de-
insubordinate ac(/ not submissive to author- sign. 2 an engraved design, intagliated adj
ity. insubordination n intake n 1 a thing or a quantity taken in: an
insubstantial adj 1 flimsy, fine, or slight. 2 intake of students. 2 the act of taking in. 3
imaginary or unreal. the opening through which fluid or gas en-
insufferable adj unbearable, insufferably ters a pipe or engine.
adv intangible adj 1 difficult for the mind to
insufficient adj' not enough for a particular grasp: intangible ideas. 2 incapable of being
purpose, insufficiency n insufficiently felt by touch, intangibility n
adv integer n any positive or negative whole
insular adj 1 not open to change or new number or zero, as opposed to a number
ideas. 2 of or like an island, insularity n with fractions or decimals.
insulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to prevent or integral adj 1 being an essential part of a
reduce the transfer of electricity, heat, or whole. 2 whole or complete. 3 Maths a of or
sound by surrounding or lining with a involving an integral, b involving or being
nonconducting material. 2 to isolate or set an integer. ~n 4 Maths the sum of a large
apart, insulator n number of minute quantities, summed
either between stated limits (definite inte-
insulation n 1 material used to insulate gral) or in the absence of limits (indefinite
something. 2 the act of insulating. integral).
insulin (in-syoo-lin) n a hormone produced
integral calculus n Maths the branch of cal-
in the pancreas which controls the amount culus concerned with the determination of
of sugar in the blood. integrals and their use in solving differen-
insult vb 1 to treat or speak to rudely. ~n 2 tial equations.
an offensive remark or action. 3 a person or integrand n Maths a mathematical function
thing producing the effect of an insult: their to be integrated.
explanation is an insult to our intelligence.
integrate vb -grating, -grated 1 to make or
insuperable adj impossible to overcome; in-
surmountable. insuperability n be made into a whole. 2 to amalgamate (a
racial or religious group) with an existing
insupportable adj 1 impossible to tolerate. 2 community. 3 to designate (an institution)
incapable of being upheld or justified: an for use by all races or groups. 4 Maths to
insupportable accusation. determine the integral of a function or vari-
insurance n 1 the agreement by which one able. integration n
makes regular payments to a company who integrated circuit n a tiny electronic circuit
pay an agreed sum if damage, loss, or death on a silicon chip.
occurs. 2 the money paid for insurance or integrity n 1 honesty. 2 the quality of being
by an insurance company. 3 a means of pro- whole or united: respect for a state’s terri-
tection: sensible insurance against heart at- torial integrity. 3 the quality of being un-
tacks. harmed or sound: the integrity of the cell
insurance policy n a contract of insurance, membrane.
insure vb -suring, -sured 1 to guarantee or integument n any natural protective cover-
protect (against risk or loss). 2 (often foil, ing, such as a skin, rind, or shell.
by against) to issue (a person) with an in- intellect n 1 the ability to understand, think,
surance policy or take out an insurance and reason. 2 a particular person’s mind or
policy (on): the players were insured intelligence, esp. a brilliant one: his intellect
against accidents. 3 Chiefly US same as en- is wasted on that job. 3 Informal a person
sure. insurable adj insurability n
who has a brilliant mind.
insured n the insured the person covered intellectual adj 1 of, involving, or appealing
by an insurance policy. to the intellect: intellectual literature. 2
insurer n a person or company that sells in- clever or intelligent. ~n 3 a person who has
surance. a highly developed intellect, intellectual-
insurgent adj 1 rebellious or in revolt ity n intellectually adv
against an established authority. ~n 2 a intelligence n 1 the ability to understand,
person who takes part in a rebellion, in- learn, and think things out quickly. 2 the
surgency n collection of secret information, esp. for
insurmountable adj impossible to overcome: military purposes. 3 a group or department
insurmountable problems. collecting military information. 4 Old-
insurrection n the act of rebelling against an fashioned news or information.
established authority, insurrectionist n, intelligence quotient n a measure of the in-
adj telligence of a person calculated by dividing
int. 1 internal. 2 Also: Int international, the person’s mental age by his or her actual
intact ad) not changed or damaged in any age and multiplying the result by 100.
way. intelligent adi 1 having or showing intelli-
intelligentsia 412 interdisciplinary
gence: an intelligent child; an intelligent inter- prefix 1 between or among: interna-
guess. 2 (of a computerized device) able to tional. 2 together, mutually, or reciprocally:
initiate or modify action in the light of on- in terdependen t.
going events, intelligently adv interact vb to act on or in close relation with
intelligentsia n the intelligentsia the edu- each other, interaction n interactive adj
cated or intellectual people in a society. inter alia (in-ter ale-ya) adv among other
intelligible adj able to be understood, intel- things.
ligibility n interbreed vb -breeding, -bred 1 to breed
intemperate adj 1 unrestrained or uncon- within a related group so as to produce par-
trolled: intemperate remarks. 2 drinking al- ticular characteristics in the offspring. 2
cohol too much or too often. 3 extreme or same as crossbreed (sense 1).
severe: an intemperate climate, intemper- intercede vb -ceding, -ceded 1 to plead in
ance n favour of. 2 to act as a mediator in order to
intend vb 1 to propose or plan (something or end a disagreement: Egypt interceded in the
to do something). 2 have as one’s purpose. 3 confrontation between Iraq and Israel.
to mean to express or indicate: no criticism intercept vb 1 to stop or seize on the way
was intended. 4 (often foil, by for) to design from one place to another. 2 Maths to mark
or destine (for a certain purpose or person): off or include (part of a line, curve, plane,
the plane was never intended for combat. or surface) between two points or lines. ~n
intended adj 1 planned or future. ~n 2 In- 3 Maths a a point at which two figures
formal a person whom one is to marry. intersect, b the distance from the origin to
intense adj 1 of very great force, strength, the point at which a line, curve, or surface
degree, or amount: intense heat. 2 charac- cuts a coordinate axis, interception n
terized by deep or forceful feelings: an in- interceptor n
tense person, intensely adv intenseness n intercession n 1 the act of interceding. 2 a
intensifier n a word, esp. an adjective or ad- prayer offered to God on behalf of others,
verb, that intensifies the meaning of the intercessor n
word or phrase that it modifies, for exam- interchange vb -changing, -changed 1 to
ple, very or extremely. change places or cause to change places.
intensify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make or ~n 2 the act of interchanging. 3 a motor-
become intense or more intense, intensifi- way junction of interconnecting roads and
cation n bridges designed to prevent streams of traf-
fic crossing one another, interchangeable
intensity n, pl -ties 1 the state or quality of adj interchangeably adv
being intense. 2 extreme force, degree, or
amount. 3 Physics the amount or degree of intercom n an internal communication sys-
strength of electricity, heat, light, or sound tem with loudspeakers.
per unit area of volume. intercommunicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to
intensive adj 1 of or needing concentrated communicate mutually. 2 (of two rooms) to
effort or resources: intensive training. 2 interconnect, intercommunication n
using one specified factor more than others: intercommunion n association between
labour-intensive. 3 Agriculture designed to Churches, involving mutual reception of
increase production from a particular area: Holy Communion.
intensive farming. 4 Grammar of a word interconnect vb to connect with one anoth-
giving emphasis, for example, very in the er. interconnected adj interconnection n
very same, intensively adv intensiveness intercontinental adj travelling between or
n linking continents.
intensive care n thorough, continuously intercourse n 1 the act of having sex. 2
supervised treatment of an acutely ill pa- communication or dealings between indi-
tient in a hospital. viduals or groups.
intent n 1 something that is intended. 2 Law interdenominational adj among or involving
the will or purpose to commit a crime: loi- more than one denomination of the Chris-
tering with intent. 3 to all intents and tian Church.
purposes in almost every respect; virtual- interdepartmental adj of or between differ-
ly. -adj 4 having one's attention firmly ent departments.
fixed: an intent look. 5 intent on or upon interdependent adj dependent on one an-
strongly resolved on: intent on winning the other. interdependence n
election, intently adv intentness n interdict n 1 Law an official prohibition or
intention n something intended; a plan, idea, restraint. 2 RC Church the exclusion of a
or purpose: he had no intention of resign- person or place from certain sacraments, al-
ing. though not from communion, -vb 3 to pro-
intentional adj done on purpose, intention- hibit or forbid, interdiction n interdic-
ally adv tory adj
inter (in-ter) vb -terring, -terred to bury (a interdisciplinary adj involving more than
corpse). one branch of learning.
interest 413 intermarry
interest n 1 curiosity or concern about opment. 7 coming or acting from within. 8
something or someone. 2 the power of caus- of a nation’s domestic affairs.
ing this: to have great interest. 3 something interior angle n an angle of a polygon con-
in which one is interested; a hobby or pur- tained between two adjacent sides.
suit. 4 (often pl) advantage: in one’s own in- interior decoration n 1 the decoration and
terests. 5 money paid for the use of credit furnishings of the interior of a room or
or borrowed money: she borrowed money at house. 2 Also called: interior design the art
25 per cent interest. 6 (often pl) a right, or business of planning this, interior deco-
share, or claim, esp. in a business or proper- rator n
ty. 7 (often pl) a group of people with com-
mon aims: foreign interests. ~vb 8 to interj. interjection.
arouse the curiosity or concern of. 9 to interject vb to make (a remark) suddenly or
cause to become interested or involved in as an interruption.
something. interjection n a word or phrase which is
interested adj 1 showing or having interest. used on its own and which expresses sud-
2 involved in or affected by: a consultation den emotion.
paper sent to interested parties. interlace vb -lacing, -laced to join by lacing
interesting adj causing interest, interest- or weaving together: interlaced fingers.
ingly adv interlard vb to insert in or occur throughout:
interface n 1 an area where two things to interlard one’s writing with foreign
interact or link: the interface between Is- phrases.
lamic culture and Western modernity. 2 an interlay vb -laying, -laid to insert (layers)
electrical circuit linking one device, esp. a between: to interlay gold among the silver.
computer, with another. 3 Physics, chem a interleaf n, pl -leaves an extra leaf which is
surface that forms the boundary between inserted.
two liquids or chemical phases that cannot interleave vb -leaving, -leaved to insert, as
be mixed. ~vb -facing, -faced 4 to connect blank leaves in a book, between other
or be connected with by interface.
leaves.
interfacing n 1 a piece of fabric sewn be-
interleukin (in-ter-loo-kin) n Biochem a sub-
neath the facing of a garment to give shape stance obtained from white blood cells that
and firmness. 2 same as interlining. stimulates their activity against infection
interfere vb -fering, -fered 1 to try to influ- and may by used to fight some forms of
ence other people’s affairs where one is not cancer.
involved or wanted. 2 interfere with a to interline1 vb -lining, -lined to write or print
clash with or hinder: child-bearing may (matter) between the lines of (a text or
interfere with your career, b Euphemistic book).
to abuse sexually. 3 Physics to produce or
cause to produce interference, interfering interline2 vb -lining, -lined to provide (a
adj part of a garment) with a second lining.
interference n 1 the act of interfering. 2 any interlining n the material used to interline
undcsired signal that interferes with the re- parts of garments.
ception of radio waves. 3 Physics the meet- interlink vbto connect together.
ing of two waves which reinforce or neu- interlock vb 1 to join or be joined firmly to-
tralize each other depending on whether gether. ~n 2 a device used to prevent a
they are in or out of phase. mechanism from operating independently
interferon n Biochem a protein made by cells or unsafely.
that stops the development of an invading interlocutor (in-ter-lock-yew-ter) n Formal
virus. a person who takes part in a conversation.
interfuse vb -fusing, -fused 1 to mix or be- interlocutory (in-ter-lock-yew-tree) adj 1
come mixed. 2 to blend or fuse together, Law pronounced during the course of legal
interfusion n proceedings; provisional: an interlocutory
intergalactic adj occurring or located be- injunction. 2 Formal of dialogue; conversa-
tween different galaxies. tional.
interim adj 1 temporary or provisional: an interloper (in-ter-lope-er) n a person in a
interim government. ~n 2 in the interim place or situation where he or she has no
during the intervening time. right to be.
interior n 1 a part or region that is on the in- interlude n 1 a period of time or different
side: the interior of the earth. 2 the inside activity between longer periods or events. 2
of a building or room, with respect to design a a pause between the acts of a play, b a
and decoration. 3 the central area of a coun-_ brief piece of music or other entertainment
try or continent, furthest from the sea. 4 a performed during this pause.
picture of the inside of a room or building. intermarry vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 (of dif-
-adj 5 of, situated on, or suitable for the ferent races, religions, or social groups) to
inside. 6 mental or spiritual: interior devel- become connected by marriage. 2 to marry
intermediary 414 interrogate
within one’s own family or tribe, inter- internee n a person who is interned,
marriage n internist n a physician who specializes in in-
intermediary n, pl -aries 1 a person who ternal medicine.
tries to bring about agreement between oth- interpenetrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to
ers. 2 a messenger, -adj 3 acting as an penetrate (something) thoroughly. 2 to pen-
intermediary. 4 intermediate. etrate each other or one another mutually,
intermediate adj 1 occurring between two interpenetration n
points or extremes. ~n 2 something inter- interpersonal n of or relating to relationship
mediate. 3 Chem a substance formed be- between people: interpersonal conflict at
tween the first and final stages of a chemi- work.
cal process, intermediation n
interplanetary adj of or linking planets,
interment n a burial.
interplay n the action and reaction of things
intermezzo (in-ter-met-so) n, pl -zos or -zi 1 upon each other.
a short piece of instrumental music per-
formed between the acts of a play or opera. Interpol International Criminal Police Or-
2 a a short composition between two longer ganization: an association of over 100 na-
movements in an extended musical work, b tional police forces, devoted chiefly to
a similar composition intended for inde- fighting international crime.
pendent performance. interpolate (in-ter-pole-ate) vb -lating,
interminable adj seemingly endless because -lated 1 to insert (a comment or passage)
boring: an interminable, rambling anecdote. into (a conversation or text). 2 Maths to es-
interminably adv timate (a value of a function) between the
intermingle vb -gling, -gled to mix together, values already known, interpolation n
intermission n an interval between parts of interpose vb -posing, -posed 1 to place
a play, film, etc. (something) between or among other things.
intermittent adj occurring at intervals, 2 to interrupt (with comments or ques-
intermittently adv tions). 3 to put forward so as to interrupt:
he ended the discussion by interposing a
intern vb 1 to imprison, esp. during wartime. veto, interposition n
~n 2 Chiefly US a trainee doctor in a hos-
pital. internment n interpret vb 1 to explain the meaning of. 2 to
work out the significance of: his remarks
internal adj 1 of, situated on, or suitable for were widely interpreted as a promise not to
the inside. 2 Anat affecting or relating to raise taxes. 3 to convey the meaning of (a
the inside of the body: internal bleeding. 3 poem, song, etc.) in performance. 4 to act as
of a nation’s domestic affairs: internal poli- an interpreter, interpretive adj
tics. 4 coming or acting from within an or-
ganization: an internal reorganization. 5 interpretation n 1 the act or result of inter-
spiritual or mental: internal conflict, in- preting or explaining. 2 the particular way
ternally adv in which a performer expresses his or her
internal-combustion engine n an engine in view of a composition: an interpretation of
which power is produced by the explosion Mahler’s fourth symphony. 3 explanation,
of a fuel-and-air mixture within the as of a historical site, provided by the use
cylinders. of original objects, visual display material,
etc.
international adj 1 of or involving two or
more nations. 2 controlling or legislating for interpreter n 1 a person who translates oral-
several nations: an international court. 3 ly from one language into another. 2 Com-
available for use by all nations: interna- puters a program that translates a state-
tional waters. ~n 4 Sport a a game or ment in a source program to machine lan-
match between the national teams of dif- guage and executes it before translating
ferent countries, b a member of a national and executing the next statement.
team, internationally adv interpretive centre n a building situated at
International n any of several international a place of interest, such as a country park
socialist organizations. or historical site, that provides information
International Date Line n the line approxi-
about the site by showing videos, exhibiting
mately following the 180° meridian from objects, etc.
Greenwich on the east side of which the interracial adj between or among people of
date is one day earlier than on the west. different races.
internationalism n the ideal or practice of interregnum n, pl -nums or -na a period be-
cooperation and understanding for the good tween the end of one ruler’s reign and the
of all nations, internationalist n beginning of the next, interregnal adj
International Phonetic Alphabet n a series interrelate vb -lating, -lated to connect (two
of signs and letters for the representation or more things) or (of two or more things)
of human speech sounds. to become connected to each other, interre-
internecine adj Formal destructive to both lation n interrelationship n
sides: internecine war. interrogate vb -gating, -gated to question
interrogative 415 intoxicate
(someone) closely, interrogation n inter- interview n 1 a formal discussion, esp. one in
rogator n which an employer assesses a job applicant.
interrogative (in-ter-rog-a-tiv) adj 1 used in 2 a conversation in which a well-known
asking a question: an interrogative pro- person is asked about his or her views, ca-
noun. 2 of or like a question: an inter- reer, etc., by a reporter. -vb 3 to question
rogative look. ~n 3 an interrogative word, (someone), interviewee n interviewer n
phrase, sentence, or construction. interwar adj of or happening in the period
interrogatory (in-ter-rog-a-tree) adj 1 ex- between World War I and World War II.
pressing or involving a question. ~n, pl interweave vb -weaving, -wove or -weaved,
-tories 2 a question or interrogation. -woven or -weaved to weave together.
interrupt vb 1 to break into (a conversation intestate adj 1 (of a person) not having
or discussion) by questions or comment. 2 made a will. —n 2 a person who dies with-
to stop (a process or activity) temporarily, out having made a will, intestacy n
interrupted adj interruptive adj intestine n the part of the alimentary canal
interrupter or interruptor n a device for between the stomach and the anus. See
opening and closing an elcetric circuit. large intestine, small intestine, intesti-
interruption n 1 something that interrupts, nal adj
sueh as a comment or question. 2 an inter- intifada (in-tiff-ah-da) n the Palestinian up-
val or intermission. 3 the act of interrupting rising against Israel in the West Bank and
or the state of being interrupted. Gaza Strip.
interscholastic adj occurring between two intimacy n, pl -cies 1 close or warm friend-
or more schools: an interscholastic competi- ship. 2 (often pl) intimate words or acts
tion. within a close relationship.
intersect vb 1 (of roads or lines) to cross intimate1 adj 1 characterized by a close or
(each other). 2 to divide or mark off (a warm personal relationship: an intimate
place, area, or surface) by passing through friend. 2 deeply personal, private, or secret.
or across. 3 (of knowledge) extensive and detailed. 4
intersection n 1 a point at which things Euphemistic having sexual relations. 5 hav-
intersect, esp. a road junction. 2 the aet of ing a friendly quiet atmosphere: an intimate
intersecting or the state of being nightclub. ~n 6 a close friend, intimately
intersected. 3 Maths a a point or set of adv
points common to two or more geometric intimate2 vb -mating, -mated Formal 1 to
figures, b the set of elements that are com- make (something) known in an indirect
mon to two sets, intersectional adj way: he has intimated his intention to re-
intersperse vb -spersing, -spersed 1 to tire. 2 to announce, intimation n
scatter among, between, or on. 2 to mix intimidate vb -dating, -dated to subdue or
(something) with other things scattered influence (someone) through fear, intimi-
here and there, interspersion n dating adj intimidation n
interstellar adj between or among stars, into prep 1 to the inner part of: they went
interstice (in-ter-stiss) n (usually pF) 1 a into the house. 2 to the middle of so as to be
small gap or crack between things. 2 Phys- surrounded by: into the bushes. 3 against;
ics the space between adjacent atoms in a up against: he drove into a wall. 4 used to
crystal lattice. indicate the result of a change: they turned
the theatre into a garage. 5 Maths used to
intertwine vb -twining, -twined to twist to- indicate division: three into six is two. 6 In-
gether. formal interested in: I’m really into healthy
interval n 1 the period of time between two food.
events. 2 Brit a short period between parts intolerable adj more than can be endured,
of a play, concert, etc. 3 Music the differ- intolerably adv
ence of pitch between two notes. 4 at in-
tervals a now and then: turn the chicken at intolerant adj refusing to accept practices
intervals, b with a certain amount of space and beliefs that differ from one’s own. in-
between: the poles were placed at intervals tolerance n
of twenty metres. intonation n 1 the sound pattern produced
intervene vb -vening, -vened 1 (often foil, by variations in the voice. 2 the act of in-
by in) to involve oneself in a situation, esp. toning. 3 Music the ability to play or sing in
to prevent conflict. 2 to interrupt a conver- tune, intonational adj
sation. 3 to happen so as to stop something: intone vb -toning, -toned 1 to speak or re-
he hoped to play but a serious injury cite in a monotonous tone. 2 to speak with a
intervened. 4 to eome or be among or be- particular tone.
tween: ten years had intervened since he in toto adv totally or entirely,
had seen Joe. intoxicant n 1 something, such as an alco-
intervention n the act of intervening, esp. to holic drink, that causes intoxication, -adj
influence or alter a situation in some way. 2 causing intoxication.
interventionist n, adj intoxicate vb -eating, -cated 1 (of an alco-
intoxication 416 invalidate
holic drink) to make (a person) drunk. 2 to particular subject to a beginner. 4 a presen-
stimulate or excite to a point beyond self- tation of one person to another or others,
control. intoxicated adj intoxicating adj introductory adj serving as an introduction,
intoxication n 1 the state of being drunk. 2 introit n 1 UC Church a short prayer said or
great excitement and exhilaration. sung as the celebrant is entering the sanc-
intractable adj 1 (of a person) difficult to tuary to celebrate Mass. 2 Church of Eng-
influence or direct. 2 (of a problem or ill- land a hymn or psalm sung at the beginning
ness) difficult to solve or cure, intractabil- of a service.
ity n intractably adv introspection n the examining of one’s own
intramural adj Chiefly US & Canad operat- thoughts, impressions, and feelings, intro-
ing within or involving those within a spective adj
school or college: intramural sports. introversion n Psychol the directing of in-
intransigent adj 1 refusing to change one's terest inwards towards one’s own thoughts
attitude. —n 2 an intransigent person, esp. and feelings rather than towards the exter-
in politics, intransigence n nal world or making social contacts.
intransitive adj (of a verb) not taking a di- introvert adj 1 shy and quiet. 2 Psychol con-
rect object, intransitively adv cerned more with inner feelings than with
intrapreneur n a person who while remain- external reality. ~n 3 such a person,
ing within a larger organization uses entre- introverted adj
preneurial skills to develop new services or intrude vb -trnding, -traded to come in or
systems as a subsidiary of the organization. join in without being invited.
intrauterine adj situated within the womb, intruder n a person who enters a place with-
intrauterine device n a contraceptive device out permission.
in the shape of a coil, inserted into the intrusion n 1 the act of intruding; an unwel-
womb. come visit, etc.: an intrusion into her pri-
intravenous (in-tra-vee-nuss) adi Anat into vate life. 2 Geol a the forcing of molten rock
a vein: intravenous drug users. intra- into spaces in the overlying strata, b molten
venously adv rock formed in this way. Intrusive adj
in-tray n a tray used in offices for incoming intrust vb same as entrnst.
letters or documents requiring attention. intuition n instinctive knowledge of or belief
intrepid adj fearless or bold, intrepidity n about something without conscious reason-
intrepidly adv ing: intuition told her something was
intricate adj 1 difficult to sort out: an intri- wrong, intuitional adj
cate problem. 2 full of complicated detail: intuitive adj of, possessing, or resulting from
intricate Arab mosaics, intricacy n intri- intuition: an intuitive understanding, in-
cately adv tuitively adv
intrigue vb -triguing, -trigued 1 to make in- Inuit n, pl -It or -its an Eskimo of North
terested or curious: a question which has America or Greenland.
intrigued him for years. 2 to plot secretly or Inuktitut n the language of the Inuit,
dishonestly, -n 3 secret plotting. 4 a secret
love affair, intriguing adj intriguingly inundate vb -dating, -dated 1 to cover com-
adv pletely with water. 2 to overwhelm, as if
intrinsic adj 1 essential to the real nature of
with a flood: the police were inundated
a thing: hedgerows are an intrinsic part of
with calls, inundation n
the countryside. 2 Anat situated within or inured adj able to tolerate something un-
peculiar to a part: intrinsic muscles, in- pleasant because one has become accus-
trinsically adv tomed to it.: he became inured to the casual
intro n, pl-tros Informal short for introduc- brutality of his captors. Inurement n
tion. invade vb -vadiug, -vaded 1 to enter (a
introduce vb -dneing, -duced 1 to present country or territory) by military force. 2 to
(someone) by name (to another person). 2 to enter in large numbers: the town was
present (a radio or television programme). 3 invaded by rugby supporters. 3 to disturb
to present for consideration or approval: he (privacy, etc.), invader n
introduced the bill to Parliament in 1967. 4 invalid1 n 1 a person who is disabled or
to bring into use: Latvia has introduced its chronically ill. -adj 2 sick or disabled.
own rouble into circulation. 5 introduce to -vb 3 Chiefly llrit to dismiss (a soldier
t.o cause' to experience for the first time: his etc.) from active service because of illness,
father introduced him to golf. 6 to insert. 7 invalidism n
introduce with to start: he introduced his invalid2 adj 1 having no legal force: an inval-
talk with some music, introducible adj id cheque. 2 (of an argument, result, etc.)
introduction n 1 the act of introducing not valid because it has been based on a
something or someone. 2 a preliminary part, mistake, invalidity n invalidly adv
as of a book or musical composition. 3 a invalidate vb -dating, -dated 1 to make or
book that explains the basic facts about a show tan argument) to be invalid. 2 to take
invaluable 417 involuntary
away the legal force of (a contract), in- investigation n a careful search or examina-
validation n tion in order to discover facts.
invaluable adj having great value that is im- investiture n the formal installation of a
possible to calculate. person in an office or rank.
invariable adj unchanging, invariably adv investment n 1 the act of investing. 2 money
invasion n 1 the act of invading with armed invested. 3 something in which money is in-
forces. 2 any intrusion: an invasion of pri- vested.
vacy. invasive adj investment trust n a financial enterprise
invective n abusive speech or writing, that invests its subscribed capital in a wide
inveigh (in-vay) vb Formal inveigh against range of securities for its investors’ benefit.
to make harsh criticisms against. inveterate adj 1 deep-rooted or ingrained:
inveigle vb -gling, -gled to coax or manipu- an inveterate enemy of Marxism. 2 con-
late (someone) into an action or situation, firmed in a habit or practice: an inveterate
inveiglement n gambler, inveteracy n
invent vb 1 to think up or create (something invidious adj likely to cause resentment or
new). 2 to make up (a story, excuse, etc.), unpopularity.
inventor n invigilate (in-vij-il-late) vb -lating, -lated
invention n 1 something that is invented. 2 Brit to supervise people who are sitting an
the act of inventing. 3 creative power; in- examination, invigilation n invigilator n
ventive skill. 4 Euphemistic a lie: his story invigorate vb -ating, -ated to give energy to
is a malicious invention. or refresh, invigorating adj
inventive adj creative and resourceful, invincible adj incapable of being defeated:
inventory (in-ven-tree) n, pl -tories 1 a de- an army of invincible strength, invincibil-
tailed list of the objects in a particular ity n invincibly adv
place. -vb -tories, -torying, -toried 2 to inviolable adj that must not be broken or
make a list of. violated: an inviolable oath, inviolability n
inverse adj 1 opposite in effect, sequence, inviolate adj free from harm or injury, in-
direction, etc. 2 Maths linking two variables violacy n
in such a way that one increases as the invisible adj 1 not able to be seen by the eye:
other decreases. —n 3 the exact opposite: invisible radiation. 2 concealed from sight.
the inverse of this image. 4 Maths an in- 3 Econ relating to services, such as insur-
verse element. ance and freight, rather than goods: invis-
inversion n 1 the act of inverting or state of ible earnings, invisibility n invisibly adv
being inverted. 2 something inverted, esp. a invitation n 1 a request to attend a dance,
reversal of order, functions, etc.: an inver- meal, etc. 2 the card or paper on which an
sion of their previous relationship, inver- invitation is written.
sive adj
invite vb -viting, -vited 1 to ask (a person)
invert vb 1 to turn upside down or inside in a friendly or polite way (to do something,
out. 2 to reverse in effect, sequence, or di- attend an event, etc.). 2 to make a request
rection. —n 3 a homosexual, invertible adj for, esp. publicly or formally: we invite ap-
invertebrate n 1 any animal without a plications for six scholarships. 3 to bring on
backbone, such as an insect, worm, or octo- or provoke: his theory invites disaster. 4 to
pus. -adj 2 of or designating invertebrates. tempt, —n 5 Informal an invitation.
inverted commas pl n same as quotation inviting adj tempting or attractive.
marks.
in vitro adv, adj (of biological processes or
invest vb 1 (often foil, by in) to put (money) reactions) happening outside the body of
into an enterprise with the expectation of the organism in an artificial environment.
profit. 2 (often foil, by in) to devote (time
or effort to a project). 3 invest in to buy: invocation n 1 the act of invoking. 2 a pray-
she invested in some barbecue equipment. 4 er to God or another deity asking for help,
to give power or authority to: invested with forgiveness, etc. invocatory adj
the powers of government. 5 (often foil, by invoice n 1 a bill for goods and services sup-
in) to install someone (in an official posi- plied. —vb -voicing, -voiced 2 to present (a
tion). 6 (foil, by with or in) to credit or pro- customer) with an invoice.
vide (a person with qualities): he was in- invoke vb -voking, -voked 1 to put (a law or
vested with great common sense. 7 invest penalty) into use: chapter 8 of the UN char-
with Usually poetic to cover, as if with a ter was invoked. 2 to bring about: the hills
coat: when spring invests the trees with invoked a feeling of serenity. 3 to call on
leaves, investor n (God or another deity) for help, inspiration,
investigate vb -gating, -gated to inquire^ etc. 4 to summon (a spirit) by uttering
into (a situation or problem) thoroughly in magic words.
order to discover the truth: the police are involuntary adj 1 carried out without one’s
currently investigating the case, investi- conscious wishes; unintentional. 2 Physiol
gative adj investigator n (esp. of a movement or muscle) performed
involute 418 ironclad
or acting without conscious control, invol- IPA International Phonetic Alphabet,
untarily adv ipecacuanha (ip-pee-kak-yew-ann-a) or ip-
involute adj also involuted 1 complex, intri- ecac (ip-pee-kak) n a drug made from the
cate, or involved. 2 rolled inwards or curled dried roots of a S American plant, used to
in a spiral. ~n 3 Geom the curve described cause vomiting.
by the free end of a thread as it is wound ipso facto adv by that very fact or act.
around another curve on the same plane. IQ intelligence quotient.
involve vb -volving, -volved 1 to include as Ir Chem iridium.
a necessary part. 2 to have an effect on: IRA Irish Republican Army.
around fifty riders were involved and some
were hurt. 3 to implicate: several people Iranian adj 1 of Iran, —n 2 a person from
were involved in the crime. 4 to make com- Iran. 3 a branch of the Indo-European fami-
plicated: the situation was further involved ly of languages, including Persian.
by her disappearance, involvement n Iraqi adj 1 of Iraq. ~n 2 a person from Iraq,
involved adj 1 complicated. 2 involved in irascible adj easily angered, irascibility n
concerned in. irascibly adv
invulnerable adj not able to be wounded or irate adj very angry,
damaged, invulnerability n ire n Literary anger.
inward adj 1 directed towards the middle of iridaceous (ir-rid-day-shuss) adj of or be-
something. 2 situated within. 3 of the mind longing to the iris family.
or spirit: inward meditation. 4 of one’s own iridescent adj having shimmering changing
country or a specific country: inward in- colours like a rainbow, iridescence n
vestment. -adv 5 same as inwards. iridium n Chem a hard yellowish-white
inwardly adv 1 within the private thoughts chemical element that occurs in platinum
or feelings: inwardly troubled, he kept smil- ores and is used as an alloy with platinum.
ing. 2 not aloud: to laugh inwardly. 3 in or Symbol: Ir
on the inside. iris n 1 the coloured muscular membrane in
inwards or inward adv towards the inside or the eye that surrounds and controls the size
middle of something. of the pupil. 2 a tall plant with long pointed
inwrought adj worked or woven into ma- leaves and large flowers.
terial, esp. decoratively. Irish adj 1 of Ireland. ~n 2 same as Irish
Io Chem ionium. Gaelic. 3 the dialect of English spoken in
iodide n Chem a compound containing an io- Ireland, —pl n 4 the Irish the people of Ire-
dine atom, such as methyl iodide. land.
iodine n Chem a bluish-black element found Irish coffee n hot coffee mixed with Irish
in seaweed and used in medicine, photogra- whiskey and topped with double cream.
phy, and dyeing. Symbol: I Irish Gaelic n the Celtic language of Ireland.
iodize or-dise vb-dizing, -dized or-dising, Irishman or fem Irishwoman n, pl -men or
-dised to treat with iodine, iodization or -women a person from Ireland.
-disation n Irish moss n same as carrageen.
IOM Isle of Man. irk vb to irritate or vex.
ion n an electrically charged atom or group irksome adj annoying or tiresome.
of atoms formed by the loss or gain of one iron n 1 a strong silvery-white metallic el-
or more electrons. ement, widely used for structural and engi-
ion exchange n the process in which ions neering purposes. Symbol: Fe 2 a tool made
are exchanged between a solution and an of iron. 3 a small electrically heated device
insoluble solid. It is used to soften water. with a weighted flat bottom for pressing
ionic adj of or in the form of ions. clothes. 4 Golf a club with an angled metal
Ionic adj of a style of classical architecture head. 5 a splintlike support for a malformed
characterized by fluted columns with scroll- leg. 6 great strength or resolve: a will of
like ornaments on the capital. iron. 7 strike while the iron is hot to act at
a suitable moment, —adj 8 made of iron. 9
ionize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, -ised very hard or merciless: iron determination.
to change or become changed into ions, 10 very strong: an iron constitution, -vb
ionization or -isation n 11 to smooth (clothes or fabric) by remov-
ionosphere n a region of ionized layers of ing (creases) with an iron. See also iron
air in the earth’s upper atmosphere, which out, irons.
reflects radio waves, ionospheric adj Iron Age n a phase of human culture that
iota (eye-oh-ta) n 1 the ninth letter in the began in the Middle East about 1100 bc dur-
Greek alphabet (I, i). 2 a very small ing which iron tools and weapons were
amount: I don’t feel one iota of guilt. used.
IOU n a written promise or reminder to pay a ironclad adj 1 covered or protected with
debt. iron: an ironclad warship. 2 unable to be
IOW Isle of Wight. contradicted: ironclad proof, -n 3 History
Iron Curtain 419 irrigate
a large wooden 19th-century warship with shares) not able to be bought back directly
armoured plating. or paid off. 3 (of paper money) not able to
Iron Curtain n (formerly) the guarded bor- be converted into coin, irredeemably adv
der between the countries of the Soviet bloc irredentist n a person in favour of seizing
and the rest of Europe. territory that was once part of his or her
ironic or ironical adj of, characterized by, or country, irredentism n
using irony, ironically adv irreducible adj impossible to put in a re-
ironing n clothes to be ironed. duced or simpler form, irreducibility n
ironing board n a narrow cloth-covered irrefutable adj impossible to deny or dis-
board, usually with folding legs, on which prove.
to iron clothes. irregular adj 1 uneven in shape, position, ar-
iron lung n an airtight metal cylinder enclos- rangement, etc. 2 not conforming to accept-
ing the entire body up to the neck and pro- ed practice or routine. 3 (of a word) not fol-
viding artificial respiration. lowing the usual pattern of formation in a
iron maiden n a medieval instrument of tor- language. 4 not occurring at expected or
ture, consisting of a hinged case (often equal intervals: an irregular pulse. 5 (of
shaped in the form of a woman) lined with troops) not belonging to regular forces. ~n
iron spikes. 6 a soldier not in a regular army, irregular-
ironmaster n Brit history a manufacturer of ity n irregularly adv
iron. irrelevant adj not connected with the matter
ironmonger n Brit a shopkeeper or shop in hand, irrelevance or irrelevancy n
dealing in hardware, ironmongery n irreligious adj 1 lacking religious faith. 2 in-
iron out vb to settle (a problem or difficulty) different or opposed to religion.
through negotiation or discussion. irremediable adj not able to be improved or
iron pyrites n same as pyrite. cured.
iron rations pi n emergency food supplies, irremovable adj not able to be removed, ir-
esp. for military personnel in action. removably adv
irons pl n 1 fetters or chains. 2 have several irreparable adj not able to be repaired or put
irons in the fire to have several projects or right: irreparable damage to his reputation.
plans at once. irreparably adv
ironstone n 1 any rock consisting mainly of irreplaceable adj impossible to replace:
iron ore. 2 a tough durable earthenware. acres of irreplaceable moorland were dev-
astated.
ironwood n 1 any of various trees, such as
hornbeam, with exceptionally hard wood. 2 irrepressible adj not capable of being re-
the wood of any of these trees. pressed, controlled, or restrained, irre-
pressibility n irrepressibly adv
ironwork n work done in iron, esp. decora-
tive work. irreproachable adj blameless or faultless,
ironworks n a building in which iron is irreproachability n
smelted, cast, or wrought. irresistible adj 1 not able to be resisted or
irony n, pl -nies 1 the mildly sarcastic use of refused: irresistible pressure from the fi-
words to imply the opposite of what they nancial markets. 2 extremely attractive: an
normally mean. 2 a situation or result that irresistible woman, irresistibility n irre-
sistibly adv
is the direct opposite of what was expected
or intended. irresolute adj unable to make decisions, ir-
resolution n
irradiate vb -ating, -ated 1 Physics to sub-
ject to or treat with light or other electro- irrespective adj irrespective of without
magnetic radiation. 2 to make clear or taking account of.
bright intellectually or spiritually. 3 to light irresponsible adj 1 not showing or done
up; illuminate, irradiation n with due care for the consequences of one’s
irrational adj 1 not based on logical reason- actions or attitudes; reckless. 2 not capable
ing. 2 incapable of reasoning. 3 Maths (of an of accepting responsibility, irresponsibil-
equation or expression) involving radicals ity n irresponsibly adv
or fractional exponents, irrationality n irretrievable adj impossible to put right or
irrationally adv make good, irretrievability n irretriev-
irrational number n Maths any real number ably adv
that cannot be expressed as the ratio of two irreverence n 1 lack of due respect. 2 a dis-
integers, such as r. respectful remark or act. irreverent adj
irreconcilable adj not able to be resolved or irreversible adj not able to be reversed or
settled: irreconcilable differences, irrecon- put right again: irreversible loss of memory.
cilability n irreversibly adv
irrecoverable adj not able to be recovered, irrevocable adj not possible to change or
irredeemable adj 1 not able to be reformed, undo, irrevocably adv
improved, or corrected. 2 (of bonds or irrigate vb -gating, -gated 1 to supply (land)
irritable 420 isthmus
with water through ditches or pipes in isohel n a line on a map connecting places
order to encourage the growth of crops. 2 with an equal period of sunshine.
Med to bathe (a wound or part of the body), isohyet (ice-oh-hie-it) n a line on a map con-
irrigation n irrigator n necting places having equal rainfall.
irritable adj 1 easily annoyed or angered. 2 isolate vb -lating, -lated 1 to place apart or
Pathol abnormally sensitive. 3 Biol (of all alone. 2 Chem to obtain (a substance) in an
living organisms) capable of responding to uncombined form. 3 Med to quarantine (a
such stimuli as heat, light, and touch, irri- person or animal) with a contagious dis-
tability n ease. isolation n
irritant n 1 something that annoys or isomer (ice-oh-mer) n Chem a substance
irritates. 2 a substance that causes a part of whose molecules contain the same atoms as
the body to become tender or inflamed. another but in a different arrangement,
-adj 3 causing irritation. isomeric adj
irritate vb -tating, -tated 1 to annoy or isometric adj 1 having equal dimensions or
anger (someone). 2 Pathol to cause (an measurements. 2 Physiol relating to muscu-
organ or part of the body) to become in- lar contraction that does not produce short-
flamed or tender. 3 Biol to stimulate (an ening of the muscle. 3 (of a three-
organ) to respond in a characteristic man- dimensional drawing) having the three axes
ner. irritation n equally inclined and all lines drawn to
irrupt vb to enter forcibly or suddenly, ir- scale, isometrically adv
ruption n irruptive adj isometrics n a system of isometric exercis-
is vb third person singular of the present es.
tense of be. isomorphism n 1 Biol similarity of form, as
isallobar (ice-sal-oh-bar) n a line on a map in different generations of the same life
connecting places with equal pressure cycle. 2 Chem the existence of two or more
changes. substances of different composition in a
ISBN International Standard Book Number, similar crystalline form. 3 Maths a one-to-
isinglass (ize-ing-glass) n 1 a gelatine made one correspondence between the elements
from the air bladders of freshwater fish. 2 of two or more sets, isomorph n isomor-
same as mica. phic or isomorphous adj
Isl. 1 Island. 2 Isle. isosceles triangle (ice-soss-ill-eez) n a tri-
angle with two sides of equal length.
Islam n 1 the Muslim religion teaching that
there is only one God and that Mohammed isotherm (ice-oh-therm) n a line on a map
is his prophet. 2 Muslim countries and civi- linking places of equal temperature.
lization. Islamic adj isotope (ice-oh-tope) n one of two or more
island n 1 a piece of land that is completely atoms with the same number of protons in
surrounded by water. 2 something isolated, the nucleus but a different number of
detached, or surrounded: a traffic island. neutrons, isotopic adj isotopy n
islander n a person who lives on an island, isotropic or isotropous adj having uniform
physical properties, such as elasticity or
isle n Poetic except when part of place name conduction in all directions, isotropy n
an island.
islet n a small island. Israeli adj 1 of Israel, —n, pl -lis or -li 2 a
person from Israel.
ism n Informal, often used to show contempt Israelite n Bible a member of the ethnic
a doctrine, system, or practice, esp. one group claiming descent from Jacob; a He-
whose name ends in -ism, such as commun- brew.
ism or fascism.
issue n 1 a topic of interest or discussion. 2
-ism n suffix indicating: 1 a political or reli-
gious belief: socialism; Judaism. 2 a charac- an important subject requiring a decision. 3
teristic quality: heroism. 3 an action: exor- a particular edition of a magazine or news-
cism. 4 prejudice on the basis specified: sex- paper. 4 a consequence or result. 5 Law the
ism. descendants of a person. 6 the act of send-
ing or giving out something. 7 the act of
isn’t is not. emerging; outflow. 8 something flowing out,
iso- or before a vowel is- combining form such as a river. 9 at issue a under discus-
equal or identical: isomagnetic. sion. b in disagreement. 10 force the issue
isobar (ice-oh-bar) n 1 a line on a map con- to compel decision on some matter. 11 join
necting places of equal atmospheric pres- issue to join in controversy. 12 take issue
sure. 2 Physics any of two or more atoms to disagree, —vb -suing, -sued 13 to make
that have the same mass number but differ- (a statement etc.) publicly. 14 to supply of-
ent atomic numbers, isobaric adj isobar- ficially (with). 15 to send out or distribute.
ism n 16 to publish. 17 to come forth or emerge,
isochronal or isochronous adj 1 equal in issuable adj
length of time. 2 occurring at equal time in- isthmus (iss-muss) n a narrow strip of land
tervals. isochronism n connecting two relatively large land areas.
it 421 ixia
it pron 1 refers to a nonhuman, animal, itinerant adj 1 working for a short time in
plant, or inanimate thing, or sometimes to a various places. ~n 2 an itinerant worker or
small baby. 2 refers to something unspeci- other person.
fied or implied or to a previous or under- itinerary n, pl -aries 1 a detailed plan of a
stood clause, phrase, or word: I knew it. 3 journey. 2 a record of a journey. 3 a guide-
used to represent human life or experience book for travellers.
in respect of the present situation: how’s it -itis suffix forming nouns indicating in-
going? 4 used as the subject of impersonal flammation of a specified part: tonsillitis.
verbs: it is snowing; it’s Friday. 5 Informal
the crucial or ultimate point: the steering it’ll it will or it shall.
failed and I thought that was it. ~n 6 In- its adj 1 of or belonging to it: its left rear
formal a sexual intercourse, b sex appeal. 7 wheel; I can see its logical consequence.
a desirable quality or ability. ~pron 2 something belonging to it: its is
IT information technology. over there.
ITA initial teaching alphabet: a partly pho- ► Beware of mistaking the possessive its (no
netic alphabet used to teach reading. apostrophe) as in the cat has hurt its paw,
Italian adj 1 of Italy. ~n 2 a person from
for the abbreviation it’s meaning it is or it
Italy. 3 the official language of Italy and has: it’s been a long time.
one of the official languages of Switzerland. it’s it is or it has.
Italianate adj Italian in style or character, itself pron 1 a the reflexive form of it: the
italic adj 1 of a style of printing type in cat scratched itself, b used for emphasis:
which the characters slant to the right. ~pl even the money itself won't convince me. 2
n 2 italics italic type or print, used for em- its normal or usual self: my parrot doesn’t
phasis. seem itself these days.
italicize or-cise vb-cizing, -cized or-cising, ITV (in Britain) Independent Television.
-cised to print (text) in italic type, italici- IUD intrauterine device: a coil-shaped
zation or -cisation n contraceptive fitted into the womb.
itch n 1 a skin irritation causing a desire to I’ve I have.
scratch. 2 a restless desire. 3 any skin dis- IVF in vitro fertilization.
order, such as scabies, characterized by in- ivories pl n Slang 1 the keys of a piano. 2 the
tense itching. -vb 4 to feel an irritating or
tickling sensation. 5 to have a restless de- teeth. 3 dice.
sire (to do something): they were itching to ivory n, pl -ries 1 a hard smooth creamy
join the fight. white type of bone that makes up a major
itchy adj itchier, itchiest 1 having an itch. 2 part of the tusks of elephants, -adj 2
have itchy feet to have a desire to travel, yellowish-white, ivory-like adj
itchiness n ivory tower n remoteness from the realities
it’d it would or it had. of everyday life, ivory-towered adj
item n 1 a single thing in a list or collection. IVR International Vehicle Registration.
2 a piece of information: a news item. 3 ivy n, pl ivies 1 a woody climbing or trailing
Book-keeping an entry in an account. 4 In- plant with evergreen leaves and black
formal a couple. berry-like fruits. 2 any of various other
itemize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, climbing or creeping plants, such as the poi-
-ised to put on a list or make a list of. son ivy.
itemization or -isation n ixia n a southern African plant of the iris
iterate vb -ating, -ated to say or do again, family with showy ornamental funnel-
iteration n iterative adj shaped flowers.
J joule(s). jacks n a game in which metal, bone, or
jab vb jabbing, jabbed 1 to poke sharply. plastic pieces are thrown and then picked
—n 2 a quick short punch. 3 Informal an in- up between throws of a small ball.
jection: a flu jab. 4 a sharp poke. Jack Tar n Chiefly literary a sailor.
jabber vb 1 to speak very quickly and excit- jack up vb 1 to raise (a motor vehicle) with
edly; chatter. ~n 2 quick excited chatter. a jack. 2 to increase (prices or salaries).
jacaranda n a tropical American tree with Jacobean (jak-a-bee-an) adj of or in the
sweet-smelling wood and pale purple flow- reign of James I of England and Ireland
ers. (1603-25).
jack n 1 a mechanical device used to raise a Jacobite n History a supporter of James II
motor vehicle or other heavy object. 2 a and his descendants.
playing card with a picture of a pageboy on Jacquard (jak-ard) n a fabric with an intri-
it. 3 Bowls a small white bowl at which the cate design incorporated into the weave.
players aim their bowls. 4 Electrical engi-
neering a socket into which a plug can be Jacuzzi (jak-oo-zee) n Trademark a large
inserted. 5 a flag flown at the bow of a ship, circular bath with a mechanism that swirls
showing nationality. 6 one of the pieces the water.
used in the game of jacks. 7 every man jack jade n 1 an ornamental semiprecious stone,
everyone without exception. ~See also usually green in colour, -adj 2 bluish-
jack in, jacks, jack up. green.
jackal n a doglike wild animal of Africa and jaded adj tired or bored from overindul-
Asia, which feeds on the decaying flesh of gence or overwork.
dead animals. Jaffa n a large thick-skinned orange.
jackanapes n a mischievous child. jag1 n Informal same as jab (sense 3).
jackass n 1 a fool. 2 a male donkey. 3 laugh- jag2 n Slang a period of uncontrolled indul-
ing jackass same as kookaburra. gence in an activity: all-night crying jags.
jackboot n 1 a leather military boot reach- jagged (jag-gid) adj having an uneven edge
ing up to the knee. 2 brutal and authoritar- with sharp points?
ian rule. jaguar n a large wild cat of south and cen-
jackdaw n a large black-and-grey crowlike tral America, with a spotted coat.
bird of Europe and Asia. jail or gaol n 1 a prison, -vb 2 to confine in
jacket n 1 a short coat with a front opening prison.
and long sleeves. 2 the skin of a potato. 3 jailbird n Informal a person who is or has
same as dust jacket. often been in jail.
jacket potato n a potato baked in its skin. jailer or gaoler n a person in charge of a jail.
Jack Frost n frost represented as a person, jake adj she’s jake Austral & NZ slang it is
jack in vb Slang to abandon (an attempt or all right.
enterprise). jalopy (jal-lop-ee) n, pl-lopies Informala di-
jack-in-office n a self-important petty offi- lapidated old car.
cial. jam1 vb jamming, jammed 1 to wedge (an
jack-in-the-box n a toy consisting of a box object) into a tight space or against another
containing a figure on a compressed spring, object: the table was jammed against the
which jumps out when the lid is opened. wall. 2 to fill (a place) with people or vehi-
jackknife vb -knifing, -knifed 1 (of an ar- cles: the surrounding roads were jammed
ticulated lorry) to go out of control in such for miles. 3 to make or become stuck or
a way that the trailer swings round at a locked: the window was jammed open. 4
sharp angle to the cab. ~n, pl -knives 2 a Radio to prevent the clear reception of
knife with a blade that can bc folded into (radio communications) by transmitting
the handle. 3 a dive in which the diver other signals on the same wavelength. 5
bends at the waist in midair. Slang to play in a jam session. 6 jam on the
jack of all trades n, pl jacks of all trades a brakes to apply the brakes of a vehicle
person who can do many different kinds of very suddenly. ~n 7 a situation where a
work; handyman. large number of people or vehicles arc
jackpot n 1 the most valuable prize that can crowded into a place: a traffic jam. 8 Infor-
bc won in a gambling game. 2 hit the jack- mal a difficult situation: you are in a bit of
pot Informal to bc very fortunate or very a jam. 9 same as jam session.
successful. jam2 n a food made from fruit boiled with
jack rabbit n a hare of W North America sugar until the mixture sets, used for
with very long hind legs and large ears. spreading on bread.
Jamaican 423 Jekyll and Hyde
Jamaican adj 1 of Jamaica. —n 2 a person air. 2 smart and attractive: a jaunty little
from Jamaica. hat. jauntily adv
jamb n a side post of a doorframe or window Javanese adj 1 of the island of Java, in In-
frame. donesia. —n 2 (pl -nese) a person from
jamboree n a large gathering or celebration, Java. 3 the language of Java.
jammy adj -mier, -miest 1 covered with or javelin n a light spear thrown in a sports
tasting like jam. 2 Brit slang lucky: jammy competition.
so-and-sos! jaw n 1 either of the bones that hold the
jam-packed adj filled to capacity. teeth and frame the mouth. 2 the lower part
jam session n Slang an improvised perfor- of the face below the mouth. 3 Slang a long
mance by jazz or rock musicians. chat, —vb 4 Slang to have a long chat.
Jan. January. jawbone n the bone in the lower jaw of a
jandal n NZ a rubber-soled sandal attached person or animal.
to the foot by a thong between the big toe jaws pl n 1 the mouth of a person or animal.
and the next toe. 2 the parts of a machine or tool that grip an
jangle vb -gling, -gled 1 to make a harsh un- object. 3 the narrow opening of a gorge or
pleasant ringing noise. 2 to produce an irri- valley. 4 a dangerous or threatening posi-
tating or unpleasant effect on: this may tion: to snatch victory from the jaws of de-
Jangle a few nerves in Britain. feat.
janitor n Chiefly Scot, US, & Canad the care- jay n a bird of Europe and Asia with a
taker of a school or other building. pinkish-brown body and blue-and-black
January n the first month of the year. wings.
japan n 1 a glossy black lacquer, originally jaywalking n crossing the road in a danger-
from the Orient, which is used on wood or ous or careless manner, jaywalker n
metal, —vb -panning, -panned 2 to varnish jazz n 1 a kind of popular music of African-
with japan. American origin that has an exciting
Japanese adj 1 of Japan, —n 2 (pl -nese) a rhythm and often involves improvisation. 2
person from Japan. 3 the language of and all that jazz Slang and other related
Japan. things.
jape n Old-fashioned a joke or prank, jazz up vb Informal 1 to play (a piece of
japonica n 1 a Japanese shrub with red music) in a jazzy style. 2 to make (some-
flowers and yellowish fruit. 2 same as ca- thing) appear more interesting or lively:
mellia. never seek to jazz up a plain story.
jar1 n 1 a wide-mouthed cylindrical glass jazzy adj -zier, -ziest 1 colourful and mod-
container, used for storing food. 2 Brit in- ern: jazzy shop fronts. 2 of or like jazz.
formal a glass of beer. JCB n Trademark a large machine used in
jar2 vb jarring, jarred 1 to have an irritat- building, that has a shovel on the front and
ing or unpleasant effect: sometimes a light a digger arm on the back.
remark jarred on her father. 2 to be in dis- jealous adj 1 suspicious or fearful of being
agreement or conflict: their very different displaced by a rival. 2 envious: I was jeal-
temperaments jarred. 3 to jolt or bump. ~n ous of the girls who had boyfriends. 3 re-
4 a jolt or shock, jarring adj sulting from jealousy: my jealous tears.
jardiniere n an ornamental pot or stand for jealously adv
plants. jealousy n, pl -ousies the state of or an in-
jargon n 1 specialized language relating to a stance of feeling jealous.
particular subject, profession, or group. 2 Jean Baptiste (zhon bat-east) n Canad
pretentious or unintelligible language. slang a French Canadian.
jasmine n a shrub or climbing plant with jeans pl n casual denim trousers.
sweet-smelling flowers.
Jeep n Trademark a small road vehicle with
jasper n a kind of quartz, usually red in col- four-wheel drive.
our, which is used as a gemstone and for
ornamental decoration. jeer vb 1 to be derisive towards (someone).
~n 2 a cry of derision, jeering adj, n
jaundice n yellowing of the skin and the
whites of the eyes, caused by an excess of Jehovah nGod.
bile pigments in the blood. Jehovah’s Witness n a member of a Chris-
jaundiced adj 1 bitter or cynical: the finan- tian Church whose followers believe that
cial markets are taking a jaundiced view of the end of the world is near.
the Government’s motives. 2 having jaun- jejune adj 1 simple and unsophisticated. 2
dice. dull and uninteresting.
jaunt n 1 a pleasure trip or outing, —vb 2 to jejunum (jij-june-um) n Anat the part of the
go on a jaunt. small intestine between the duodenum and
jaunty adj -tier, -tiest 1 cheerful and ener- the ileum.
getic: he was worried beneath the jaunty Jekyll and Hyde n a person with two dis-
jell 424 jew’s-harp
tinct personalities, one good and the other jester n a professional clown employed by a
evil. king or nobleman during the Middle Ages.
jell vb 1 to take on a definite form: the Jesuit (jezz-yew-it) n a member of the Soci-
changes have had little time to jell. 2 same ety of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious
as gel (sense 2). order. Jesuitical adj
jellaba n a loose robe with a hood, worn by Jesus interj Taboo slang an oath expressing
some Arab men. intense anger or shock.
jellied adj prepared in a jelly: Jellied eels. jet1 n 1 an aircraft driven by jet propulsion.
jelly n, pl-lies 1 a fruit-flavoured dessert set 2 a thin stream of liquid or gas forced out of
with gelatine. 2 a food made from fruit juice a small hole. 3 an outlet or nozzle through
boiled with sugar until the mixture sets, which a stream of liquid or gas is forced.
used for spreading on bread. 3 a savoury -vb jetting, jetted 4 to travel by jet air-
food preparation set with gelatine, jelly- craft.
like adj jet2 n a hard black mineral that is polished
jellyfish n, pl -fish a small sea creature with and used in jewellery.
a jelly-like umbrella-shaped body and trail- jet-black adj deep black.
ing tentacles. jet engine n an aircraft engine that uses jet
jemmy or US jimmy n, pl -mies a short steel propulsion for forward motion.
crowbar, used by burglars to prise open jet lag n a feeling of fatigue and disorienta-
doors and windows. tion often experienced by air passengers
jenny n, pl -nies a female donkey, ass, or who have crossed several time zones in a
wren. short space of time.
jeopardize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, jet-propelled adj driven by jet propulsion,
-ised to put (something) at risk: the escalat- jet propulsion n a method of propulsion by
ing violence that is jeopardizing current which an aircraft is moved forward by the
peace moves. force of the exhaust gases ejected from the
jeopardy n danger of harm, loss, or death: rear.
the survival of public hospitals is in jeop- jetsam n 1 goods thrown overboard to light-
ardy. en a ship during a storm. 2 flotsam and
jerboa n a small rodent of Asia and N Africa jetsam See flotsam (sense 2).
with long hind legs used for jumping. jet set n rich and fashionable people who
jeremiad n a long mournful complaint, travel widely for pleasure, jet-setter n
jerepigo (jer-ree-pee-go) n S African a sweet jet-setting adj
fortified wine similar to port. jet ski n a small self-propelled vehicle re-
jerk vb 1 to move with an irregular or spas- sembling a scooter, which skims across
modic motion. 2 to pull or push (something) water on a flat keel, jet skiing n
abruptly or spasmodically. ~n 3 an abrupt jettison vb 1 to abandon or give up: jettison-
or spasmodic movement. 4 an irregular jolt- ing democracy in favour of fascism. 2 to
ing motion: the irritating jerk that heralded throw overboard.
a gear change. 5 Slang, chiefly US & Canad jetty n, pl -ties 1 a landing pier or dock. 2 a
a stupid or ignorant person. structure built from a shore out into the
jerkin n a short jacket. water to protect a harbour.
jerky adj jerkier, jerkiest having an irregu- Jew n 1 a person whose religion is Judaism.
lar jolting motion: avoid any sudden or 2 a descendant of the ancient Hebrews.
jerky movements, jerkily adv jerkiness n jewel n 1 a precious or semiprecious stone. 2
Jerry n Old-fashioned, Brit slang 1 (p7 -ries) a person or thing regarded as precious or
a German. 2 Germans collectively. special: a fantastic little car, a real little
jerry-built adj (of houses) built badly with jewel. 3 a gemstone used as part of the ma-
cheap materials. chinery of a watch.
jerry can n a flat-sided can used for carry- jewelled or US jeweled adj decorated with
ing petrol or water. jewels.
jersey n 1 a knitted garment covering the jeweller or US jeweler n a person who buys,
upper part of the body. 2 a soft, slightly sells, and repairs jewellery.
stretchy, machine-knitted fabric. jewellery or US jewelry n objects such as
Jersey n a breed of reddish-brown dairy rings, necklaces, and bracelets, worn for
cattle that produces milk with a high decoration.
butterfat content. Jewess n Now often offensive a woman
Jerusalem artichoke n a small yellowish- whose religion is Judaism.
white vegetable that grows underground. Jewish adj of Jews or Judaism.
jest n 1 something done or said to amuse Jewry n Jews collectively.
people. 2 in jest as a joke: many a true jew’s-harp n a small musical instrument
word is spoken in jest, -vb 3 to do or say held between the teeth and played by
something to amuse people. plucking a inetal strip with the finger.
Jezebel 425 jog
Jezebel n a wicked or shameless woman. jinx n 1 someone or something believed to
jib1 n 1 Naut a triangular sail set in front of bring bad luck. ~vb 2 to bring bad luck to.
the foremast. 2 the cut of someone’s jib a jitterbug n 1 a fast jerky American dance
person’s manner or style. that was popular in the 1940s. ~vb
jib2 vb jibbing, jibbed Chiefly Brit 1 (of an -bugging, -bugged 2 to dance the jitterbug.
animal) to stop short and refuse to go for- jitters pl n the Informal a feeling of extreme
wards: my animal jibbed three times at nervousness experienced before an impor-
wide leaps. 2 jib at to object to: he jibs at tant event: I had a case of the jitters during
any suggestion that his side are the my first two speeches.
underdogs. jittery adj nervous.
jib3 n the projecting arm of a crane. jive n 1 a lively jerky dance that was popu-
jibe1 n 1 an insulting or taunting remark. lar in the 1940s and 1950s. ~vb jiving,
~vb jibing, jibed 2 to make insulting or jived 2 to dance the jive, jiver n
taunting remarks. Jnr Junior.
jibe2 vb jibing, jibed Informal to be in ac- job n 1 a person’s occupation or paid em-
cord or be consistent: their apparent devo- ployment. 2 a piece of work; task. 3 the per-
tion hardly jibed with what he had heard formance of a task: he made a good job of
about them. the repair. 4 Informal a difficult task: they
jibe3 vb jibing, jibed, n Naut same as gybe. are having a job to fill his shoes. 5 Informal
jiffy n, pl jiffies Informal a very short time: a crime, esp. a robbery. 6 just the job In-
won’t be a jiffy! formal exactly what is required. 7 make
the best of a bad job to cope as well as
Jiffy bag n Trademark a large padded en- possible in unsatisfactory circumstances.
velope.
jobbing adj doing individual jobs for pay-
jig n 1 a lively folk dance. 2 music for this ment: a jobbing gardener.
dance. 3 a mechanical device that holds and
locates a part during machining. ~vb jig- Jobcentre or job centre n Brit a govern-
ging, jigged 4 to dance a jig. 5 to move with ment office where advertisements of avail-
quick jerky movements. able jobs are displayed.
jigger n a small whisky glass. Jobclub or Job Club n a group of unem-
ployed people which meets every weekday
jiggered adj Old-fashioned, informal and is given advice on and help with job
damned or blowed: well, I’m jiggered, so seeking.
that’s where it went! jobless adj 1 unemployed. ~pl n 2 people
jiggery-pokery n Informal, chiefly Brit dis- who are unemployed: the young jobless.
honest behaviour; cheating. job lot n a miscellaneous collection of arti-
jiggle vb -gling, -gled to move with quick cles sold together.
jerky movements. Job’s comforter n a person who adds to
jigsaw n 1 Also called: jigsaw puzzle a puz- someone else’s distress while pretending to
zle in which the player has to put together a be sympathetic.
picture that has been cut into irregularly job Sharing n an arrangement by which a
shaped interlocking pieces. 2 a mechanical job is shared by two part-time workers.
saw with a fine steel blade for cutting along jockey n 1 a person who rides horses in
curved or irregular lines in sheets of ma- races as a profession. ~vb 2 jockey for
terial. position to try to obtain an advantage by
jihad n Islamic holy war against unbelievers. skilful manoeuvring.
Jilt vb to leave or reject (a lover) abruptly or jockstrap n an elasticated belt with a pouch
callously. to support the genitals, worn by male ath-
Jim Crow n US 1 the policy or practice of letes. Also called: athletic support
segregating Black people. 2 Offensive a jocose (joke-kohss) adj Old-fashioned play-
Black person. ful or humorous, jocosely adv
jingle n 1 a short catchy song used to adver- jocular adj 1 (of a person) often joking;
tise a product on radio or television. 2 a good-humoured. 2 (of a remark) meant
light ringing sound. ~vb -gling, -gled 3 to lightly or humorously, jocularity n jocu-
make a light ringing sound. larly adv
jingoism n excessive and aggressive patriot- jocund (jok-kund) adj Literary cheerful or
ism. jingoistic or jingoist adj merry.
jink vb to move quickly or jerkily in order to jodhpurs pl n trousers worn for riding,
dodge someone: he jinked free and won a which are loose-fitting around the thighs
race to the line to level the scores. and tight-fitting below the knees.
jinks pl n high jinks boisterous or mischie- -jog vb jogging, jogged 1 to run at a gentle
vous behaviour. pace for exercise. 2 to nudge slightly. 3 jog
jinni or djinni n, pl jinn or djinn a spirit in along to continue in a plodding way: many
Muslim mythology that could take on people jog along in second gear for the
human or animal form. whole of their lives. 4 jog someone’s
joggle 426 journalist
memory to remind someone of something. joked 4 to say or do something to amuse
~n 5 a slow run as a form of exercise, jog- people, jokey adj jokingly adv
ger n jogging n joker n 1 a person who jokes a lot. 2 Slang a
joggle vb -gling, -gled to shake or move person regarded without respect: waiting
with a slightly jolting motion. for the next jokers to sign up. 3 an extra
jog trot n an easy bouncy pace, midway be- playing card in a pack, which can replace
tween a walk and a trot. any other card in some games.
john n Slang, chiefly US & Canad a toilet. jol (joll) S African slang ~n 1 a party. — vb
jolling, jolled 2 to have a good time.
John Bull n England represented as a man.
jollification n a merry festivity,
johnny n, pl -nies Brit old-fashioned, infor-
mal a chap: you legal johnnies. jollity n the condition of being jolly.
Johnny Canuck (kan-nuk) n Canad infor- jolly adj -lier, -liest 1 full of good humour. 2
mal Canada represented as a man. involving a lot of fun: big jolly birthday
parties. ~adv 3 Brit informal very: I’m
joie de vivre (zhwah de veev-ra) n enjoy- going to have a jolly good try. -vb -lies,
ment of life. -lying, -lied 4 jolly along Informal to try to
join vb 1 to become a member of (a club or keep (someone) cheerful by flattery or
organization). 2 to become part of (a queue cheerful chat.
or list). 3 to meet (someone) as a compan- Jolly Roger n the traditional pirate flag, de-
ion: join me for a beer. 4 to take part in (an picting a white skull and crossbones on a
activity): join the war effort. 5 (of two black background.
roads or rivers) to meet and come together. jolt n 1 a severe shock. 2 a sudden violent
6 to bring into contact: join hands. 7 join movement, -vb 3 to surprise or shock: he
forces to combine efforts with someone.
was momentarily jolted by the news. 4 to
~n 8 a place where two things are joined bump against (someone or something) with
together. -See also join in, join up. a sudden violent movement. 5 to move in a
joiner n Chiefly Brit a person whose job is jerking manner.
making finished woodwork, such as win- Jonah n a person believed to bring bad luck
dow frames and stairs. to those around him or her.
joinery n the skill or work of a joiner, jonquil n a narcissus with sweet-smelling
join in vb to take part in (an activity). yellow or white flowers.
joint adj 1 shared by or belonging to two or Jordanian adj l.of Jordan. ~n 2 a person
more parties: the two countries have issued from Jordan.
a joint statement. ~n 2 Anat the junction josh vb Slang, chiefly US & Canad to joke or
between two or more bones: a hip joint. 3 a tease.
junction of two or more parts or objects: a joss stick n a stick of incense, giving off a
mortar joint. 4 a piece of meat suitable for sweet smell when burnt.
roasting. 5 Slang a building or place of en-
tertainment: strip joints. 6 Slang a cannabis jostle vb -tling, -tied 1 to bump or push
cigarette. 7 out of joint a Informal out of roughly: television crews filming the scene
order or out of keeping: they find their rou- were jostled by police. 2 to compete with
tine lives out of joint with their training, b someone: jostling for power.
(of a bone) knocked out of its normal posi- jot vb jotting, jotted 1 jot down to write a
tion. 8 put someone’s nose out of joint brief note of: quickly jot down the answers
See nose (sense 10). -vb 9 to provide a to these questions. ~n 2 the least bit: it
joint or joints. 10 to cut or divide (meat) makes not one jot of difference.
into joints, jointed adj jointly adv jotter n a small notebook,
joint-stock company n Brit a business firm jottings pl n notes jotted down.
whose capital is owned jointly by share- joual (zhwahl) n nonstandard Canadian
holders. French dialect.
join up vb to become a member of a military joule (jool) n Physics the SI unit of work or
organization. energy.
joist n a beam made of timber, steel, or con- journal n 1 a newspaper or magazine. 2 a
crete, used as a support in the construction daily record of events.
of floors and roofs. journalese n a superficial style of writing
jojoba (hoe-hoe-ba) n a shrub whose seeds regarded as typical of newspapers and
contain an oil used in cosmetics. magazines.
joke n 1 something that is said or done to journalism n the profession of collecting,
amuse people. 2 someone or something that writing, and publishing news through
is ridiculous: the country’s inexperienced newspapers and magazines or by radio and
leaders are regarded as something of a joke. television.
3 no joke Informal a serious or difficult journalist n a person who writes or edits
matter: getting over mountain passes at ten news items for a newspaper or magazine or
thousand feet is no joke. ~vb joking, for radio or television, journalistic adj
journey 427 jujitsu
journey n 1 the process of travelling from sider: doctors judged that the benefits of
one place to another. 2 the time taken or such treatment outweighed the risk.
distance travelled on a journey. ~vb 3 to judgment or judgement n 1 a decision
make a journey. formed after careful consideration: the
journeyman n, pl -men a qualified crafts- editorials reserve their judgment about the
man who works for an employer. new political plan. 2 the verdict pronounced
joust History ~n 1 a combat with lances be- by a court of law. 3 the ability to make
tween two mounted knights. ~vb 2 to take critical distinctions and achieve a balanced
part in such a tournament. viewpoint: their judgment was unsound on
Jove n 1 Jupiter (the god). 2 by Jove Old- foreign and defence issues. 4 the formal de-
fashioned an exclamation of surprise or for cision of the judge of a competition. 5
emphasis. against one’s better judgment contrary to
what one thinks is sensible: against my bet-
jovial adj happy and cheerful, joviality n terjudgment, I asked for another bourbon.
jovially adv 6 pass judgment to give one’s opinion,
jowl1 n 1 the lower jaw. 2 cheek by jowl See usually a critical one, on a matter.
cheek. 3 jowls cheeks, jowled adj ► The alternative spellings with or without
jowl2 n fatty flesh hanging from the lower an “e” between “g” and “m” are equally ac-
jaw. ceptable.
joy n 1 deep happiness and contentment. 2 judgmental or judgemental adj making
something that brings deep happiness: a judgments, esp. critical ones, about other
thing of beauty is a joy for ever. 3 Brit in- people’s conduct.
formal success or satisfaction: we checked Judgment Day n Christianity the occasion
ports and airports without any joy. of the Last Judgment by God at the end of
joyful adj feeling or bringing great joy: joy- the world.
ful crowds; a joyful event, joyfully adv judicial adj 1 of judges or the administration
joyless adj feeling or bringing no joy. of justice. 2 showing or using good judg-
joyous adj extremely happy and enthusias- ment: judicial self-restraint, judicially adv
tic. joyously adv judiciary n the branch of the central author-
joyride n a drive in a car one has stolen, ity in a country that administers justice.
joyriding n joyrider n judicious adj having or showing good judg-
joystick n the control lever of an aircraft or ment: the judicious use ofcbarge cards, ju-
a computer. diciously adv
JP Justice of the Peace. judo n a sport derived from jujitsu, in which
the two opponents try to throw or force
Jr Junior. each other on to the ground.
jube n Austral & NZ informal same as ju- jug n a container with a handle and a small
jube. spout, used for holding and pouring liquids,
jubilant adj feeling great joy. jubilantly jugged hare n hare stewed in an earthen-
adv ware pot.
jubilation n a feeling of great joy and cel- juggernaut n 1 Brit a very large heavy
ebration. lorry. 2 any terrible force that demands
jubilee n a special anniversary, esp. a 25th complete self-sacrifice.
(silver jubilee) or 50th one (golden jubi- juggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to throw and catch
lee). several objects continuously so that most
Judaic adj of Jews or Judaism. are in the air at the same time. 2 to keep
Judaism n the religion of the Jews, based on (several activities) in progress at the same
the Old Testament and the Talmud. time: women who are adept at juggling pri-
Judas n a person who betrays a friend, orities. 3 to manipulate (facts or figures) to
suit one’s purpose, juggler n
judder vb Informal, chiefly Brit to shake or
vibrate violently: the van juddered before it jugular n a large vein in the neck that carries
moved away. blood to the heart from the head. Also
called; jugular vein
judge n 1 a public official with authority to
hear cases and pass sentences in a court of juice n 1 a drink made from the liquid part
law. 2 a person appointed to determine the of a fruit or vegetable: grapefruit juice. 2
result of a competition. 3 a person whose Informal a petrol, b electricity. 3 juices a
opinion on a particular subject is usually re- the fluids in a person’s or animal’s body: di-
liable: a fine judge of men. ~vb judging, gestive juices, b the liquid that comes out of
judged 4 to determine the result of (a com- meat when it is cooked.
petition). 5 to appraise critically: she hopes, juicy adj juicier, juiciest 1 full of juice. 2
people judge her on her work rather than Informal interesting and exciting: juicy de-
her appearance. 6 to decide (something) tails.
after inquiry: we use a means test to judge jujitsu n the traditional Japanese system of
the most needy cases. 7 to believe or con- unarmed self-defence.
juju 428 junk food
juju n 1 a magic charm or fetish used by risen in significance and appearing arro-
some tribes in W Africa. 2 the power asso- gant: a jumped-up bunch of ex-student-
ciated with a juju. leaders.
jujube n a chewy sweet made of flavoured jumper1 n 1 Chiefly Brit a knitted garment
gelatine. covering the upper part of the body. 2 US &
jukebox n an automatic coin-operated rec- Canad a pinafore dress.
ord player. jumper2 n a person or animal that jumps,
jukskei n S African a game in which a peg is jump jet n Informal a fixed-wing jet aircraft
thrown over a fixed distance at a stake that can land and take off vertically.
fixed into the ground. jump leads pl n two heavy cables used to
Jul. July. start a motor vehicle with a flat battery by
julep n a sweet alcoholic drink, usually connecting the flat battery to the battery of
garnished with sprigs of mint. another vehicle.
Julian calendar n the calendar introduced jump on vb Informal to make a sudden
by Julius Caesar, in which leap years occur physical or verbal attack on: the press real-
every fourth year and in every centenary ly jumped on him.
year. jump-start vb 1 to start the engine of (a
julienne adj 1 (of vegetables or meat) cut motor vehicle) by pushing or rolling it and
into thin shreds. ~n 2 a clear soup contain- then engaging the gears. ~n 2 the act of
ing thinly shredded vegetables. starting a motor vehicle in this way.
July n, pl -lies the seventh month of the jump suit n a one-piece garment combining
year. trousers and top.
jumble n 1 a disordered mass or state. 2 ar- jumpy adj jumpier, jumpiest nervous or
ticles donated for a jumble sale. ~vb apprehensive.
-bling, -bled 3 to mix up. Jun. 1 June. 2 Junior.
jumble sale n a sale, usually of second-hand junction n a place where roads or railway
articles, in aid of charity. lines meet, link, or cross each other.
jumbo adj 1 Informal very large: jumbo juncture n a point in time, esp. a critical one:
prawns. ~n, pl -bos 2 short for jumbo jet. the exact historical juncture when Britain
decided to “peripheralize”India.
jumbo jet n Informal a very large jet- June n the sixth month of the year.
propelled airliner.
jungle n 1 a forest area in a hot country with
jump vb 1 to move suddenly up into the air luxuriant vegetation. 2 a confused or con-
by using the muscles in the legs and feet. 2 fusing situation: the administrative jungle.
to move quickly: he jumps on a No. 6 bus. 3 3 a situation where there is an intense
to jerk with astonishment or shock: he struggle for survival: the economic jungle.
jumped when he heard a loud noise. 4 (of
prices) to rise suddenly or abruptly. 5 to junior adj 1 lower in rank or position: junior
change quickly from one subject to another: officers. 2 younger: world junior champion.
any other comments before I jump on to the 3 Brit of school children between the ages
next section? 6 Informal to attack without of 7 and 11 approximately. 4 US of the
warning: the officer was jumped by three third year of a four-year course at college
prisoners who broke his jaw. 7 jump down or high school, -n 5 a person holding a low
someone’s throat Informal to speak sharp- rank or position. 6 a person who is younger
ly to someone. 8 jump the gun See gun than another person: the man she is to
(sense 3). 9 jump the queue a to take a marry is twenty years her junior. 7 Brit a
place in a queue ahead of people who are junior school child. 8 US a junior student.
already queueing, b to have an unfair ad- Junior adj the younger of two: usually used
vantage over other people: squatters should after a name to distinguish between two
not be able to jump the queue for housing. people of the same name: Harry Connick
10 jump to it Informalto begin doing some- Junior.
thing immediately, -nil the act or an in- juniper n an evergreen shrub with purple
stance of jumping. 12 Sport any of several berries which are used to make gin.
contests that involve jumping: the long junk1 n 1 old or unwanted objects. 2 Infor-
jump. 13 a sudden rise: a 78% jump in tax- mal rubbish: the sheer junk written about
able profits. 14 a sudden change from one astrology. 3 Slang narcotic drugs, esp. hero-
subject to another: stunning jumps from in.
thought to thought. 15 a step or degree: one junk2 n a Chinese sailing boat with a flat
jump ahead of the competition. 16 take a bottom and square sails.
running jump Brit informal a contemptu- junket n 1 an excursion made by a public of-
ous expression of dismissal. -See also ficial and paid for out of public funds. 2 a
jump at, jump on. sweet dessert made of flavoured milk set
jump at vb to accept eagerly: I jumped at the with rennet. 3 a feast, junketing n
chance to return to English county cricket. junk food n food with a low nutritional
jumped-up adj Informal having suddenly value.
junkie 429 juxtapose
junkie n Informal a drug addict. present time: he needs all the support he
junk mail n unsolicited mail advertising can get just now. c S African informal in a
goods or services. little while. 10 just so arranged with preci-
junta n a group of military officers holding sion: a cottage with the gardens and rooms
the power in a country after a revolution. all just so. —adj 11 fair and right: a just
Jupiter n 1 the king of the Roman gods. 2 the war. justly adv justness n
largest planet. justice n 1 the quality of being just. 2 the
Jurassic adj Geol of the geological period administration of law according to pre-
about 180 million years ago, during which scribed and accepted principles. 3 a judge. 4
dinosaurs flourished. bring to justice to capture, try, and punish
juridical adj of law or the administration of (a criminal). 5 do justice to to show to full
justice. advantage: she wore white slacks and a
jurisdiction n 1 the right or power to admin- sleeveless blouse that did full justice to her
ister justice and to apply laws. 2 the exer- trim figure.
cise or extent of such right or power. 3 justice of the peace n a magistrate who is
authority in general: clubs under the FA’s authorized to act as a judge in a local court
jurisdiction. of law.
jurisprudence n the science or philosophy of justifiable adj having a good cause or rea-
law. son: I reacted with justifiable indignation.
jurist n a person who is an expert on law. justifiably adv
juror n a member of a jury. justify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to prove
jury n, pl -ries 1 a group of twelve people (something) to be just or valid: the idea of
sworn to deliver a true verdict according to the ends justifying the means. 2 to defend
the evidence upon a case presented in a (an action) as being warranted: an essay
court of law. 2 a group of people appointed justifying his conversion to Catholicism. 3
to judge a competition. to arrange (text) when typing or printing so
jury box n an enclosure where the jury sits that both margins are straight, justifica-
in a court of law. tion n
jury-rigged adj Chiefly naut set up in a jute n a fibre that comes from the bark of an
makeshift manner. East Indian plant, used in making rope,
just adv 1 very recently: the results have sacks, and mats.
just been published. 2 at this very instant or jut out vb jutting, jutted to stick out.
in the very near future: news is just coming juvenile adj 1 young; not fully adult: ju-
in of a nuclear explosion. 3 no more than; venile offenders. 2 of or for young people:
only: nothing fancy, just solid German fare. juvenile court. 3 immature in behaviour.
4 exactly: just the opposite. 5 barely: the —n 4 a young person.
swimmers arrived just in time for the open- juvenile delinquent n a young person who is
ing ceremony. 6 just about practically or guilty of a crime, juvenile delinquency n
virtually: just about everyone. 7 just about
to very soon going to: it was just about to juvenilia pl n works produced in an artist’s
explode. 8 just a moment, second, or min- youth.
ute an expression requesting someone to juxtapose vb -posing, -posed to place (two
wait for a short time. 9 just now a a short objects or ideas) close together or side by
time ago: as you said just now. b at the side, juxtaposition n
 K
K 1 kelvin(s). 2 Chess king. 3 Chem potas- lambs of which have soft curled dark hair.
sium. 4 one thousand. 5 Computers a unit of 2 the fur prepared from these lambs.
1024 words, bits, or bytes. karaoke n a form of entertainment in which
Kaffir (kaf-fer) n S African offensive, obso- members of the public sing well-known
lete a Black African. songs over a prerecorded backing tape.
kaftan or caftan n 1 a long loose garment karate n a Japanese system of unarmed
worn by men in eastern countries. 2 a wom- combat, in which punches, chops, and kicks
an’s dress resembling this. are made with the hands, feet, elbows, and
kahawai n a food and game fish of New Zea- legs.
land. Karitane (kar-ree-tah-nee) n NZ a nurse for
kai n NZ informal food. babies; nanny.
kail n same as kale. karma n Hinduism, Buddhism a person’s ac-
tions affecting his or her fate in the next re-
kaiser (kize-er) n History a German or incarnation.
Austro-Hungarian emperor. karoo or karroo n, pl -roos S African an arid
kak (kuck) n S African taboo 1 faeces. 2 semidesert plateau of Southern Africa.
rubbish. kaross (ka-ross) n S African a blanket made
kaka n a parrot of New Zealand. of animal skins sewn together.
kakapo n, pl -pos a ground-living nocturnal kart n same as go-kart,
New Zealand parrot that resembles an owl. kasbah n same as casbah.
kalashnikov n a Russian-made automatic katydid n a large green grasshopper of
rifle. North America.
kale n a type of cabbage with crinkled kauri n a large New Zealand conifer grown
leaves. for its valuable wood and resin.
kaleidoscope n 1 a tube-shaped toy lined kayak n 1 an Inuit canoe-like boat consisting
with angled mirrors and containing loose of a frame covered with animal skins. 2 a
pieces of coloured paper that form intricate fibreglass or canvas-covered canoe of simi-
patterns when viewed through a hole in the lar design.
end. 2 any complicated or rapidly changing kazoo n, pl -zoos a cigar-shaped metal musi-
set of colours, circumstances etc.: a kaleido- cal instrument that produces a buzzing
scope of shifting political groups and sound when the player hums into it.
alliances, kaleidoscopic adj
kbyte Computers kilobyte.
kalends pl n same as calends.
kcal kilocalorie.
kaleyard n Scot a vegetable garden.
kea n a large brown-green parrot of New
Kamasutra (kah-ma-soo-tra) n the an an- Zealand.
cient Hindu text on sex. kebab n a dish consisting of small pieces of
kamikaze (kam-mee-kah-zee) n 1 (in World meat and vegetables, usually threaded onto
War II) a Japanese pilot who performed a skewers and grilled.
suicidal mission. ~adj 2 (of an action) kedge Naut ~vb kedging, kedged 1 to
undertaken in the knowledge that it will re- move (a ship) along by hauling in on the
sult in the death or injury of the person cable of a light anchor. ~n 2 a light anchor
performing it: a kamikaze attack. used for kedging.
Kamloops trout n a bright silvery rainbow kedgeree n Chiefly Brit a dish consisting of
trout common in British Columbia, Canada. rice, fish, and eggs.
kangaroo n, pl -roos a large Australian keek vb, n Scot same as peep1.
marsupial with powerful hind legs used for
leaping. keel n 1 one of the main lengthways steel or
timber pieces along the base of a ship, to
kangaroo court n an unofficial court set up which the frames are fastened. 2 on an
by a group to discipline its members. even keel working or progressing smoothly
kaolin n a fine white clay used in making without any sudden changes.
porcelain and in some medicines. keelhaul vb 1 to reprimand (someone)
kapok n a fluffy fibre from a tropical tree, harshly. 2 History to drag (someone) under
used for stuffing pillows and padding sleep- the keel of a ship as a punishment.
ing bags. keel over vb 1 (of an object) to turn upside
kaput (kap-poot) adj Informal ruined or down. 2 Informal (of a person) to collapse
broken: the chronometer, incidentally, is suddenly.
kaput. keelson or kelson n a lengthways beam fas-
karakul n 1 a sheep of central Asia, the tened to the keel of a ship for strength.
keen 431 kendo
keen1 adj 1 eager or enthusiastic: a keen keep fit n exercises designed to promote
gardener. 2 keen on fond of; devoted to: he physical fitness if performed regularly.
is very keen on sport. 3 intense or strong: a keep from vb 1 to restrain (oneself or some-
keen interest in environmental issues. 4 in- one else) from (doing something). 2 to pre-
telligent, quick, and perceptive: a keen serve or protect (someone) from (some-
sense of humour. 5 (of sight, smell, or hear- thing): this will keep you from falling
ing) capable of recognizing fine distinctions. asleep.
6 (of a knife or blade) having a sharp cut- keeping n 1 in keeping with suitable or ap-
ting edge. 7 very strong and cold: a keen propriate to or for. 2 out of keeping with
wind. 8 very competitive: keen prices. unsuitable or inappropriate to or for.
keenly adv keenness n
keep off vb 1 to stay or cause (someone) to
keen2 vb 1 to lament the dead. ~n 2 a la- stay at a distance (from). 2 to avoid or
ment for the dead. cause to avoid (something): to keep off al-
keep vb keeping, kept 1 to have or retain cohol; to keep babies off sugar. 3 to avoid or
possession of (something). 2 to have tempo- cause (someone) to avoid (a topic).
rary charge of: he'd kept my broken beads keep on vb 1 to persist in (doing some-
in his pocket for me all evening. 3 to store in thing): petrol consumption keeps on rising.
a customary place: I keep it at the back of 2 to continue to employ: a skeleton staff of
the drawer with my journal. 4 to remain or 20 is being kept on at the firm’s offices in
cause (someone or something) to remain in Croydon. 3 keep on about to persist in talk-
a specified state or condition: keep still. 5 to ing about. 4 keep on at to nag (a person).
continue or cause (someone) to continue: keep out vb 1 to remain or cause (someone)
keep going straight on. 6 to stay (in, on, or to remain outside. 2 keep out of a to cause
at a place or position): keep to the paths. 7 (someone) to remain unexposed to (an un-
to have as part of normal stock: they keep a pleasant situation), b to avoid: to keep out
small stock of first-class German wines. 8 to of trouble.
support (someone) financially. 9 to detain keepsake n a gift kept in memory of the
(someone). 10 to be faithful to (something): giver.
to keep a promise. 11 (of food) to stay in keep to vb 1 to do exactly what was expect-
good condition for a certain time: fish ed of one: he kept to his normal schedule. 2
doesn’t keep very well. 12 to observe (a re- to be confined to: she kept to her bed until
ligious festival) with rites or ceremonies. 13 her flu had cleared up. 3 keep oneself to
to maintain by writing regular records in: oneself to avoid the company of others. 4
he keeps a nature diary in his spare time. 14 keep to oneself a to avoid the company of
to look after or maintain for use, pleasure, others, b to avoid giving away (informa-
or profit: an old man who kept goats and tion).
cows. 15 to associate with: she has started keep up vb 1 to maintain (prices, standards,
keeping bad company. 16 keep in with to or one’s morale) at the present level. 2 to
stay friendly with someone as they may be maintain in good condition. 3 keep up with
useful to you. 17 how are you keeping? are a to maintain a pace set by (someone), b to
you well? ~n 18 the cost of food and other remain informed about: he liked to think he
everyday expense: I have to earn my keep. kept up with current musical trends, c to
19 the main tower within the walls of a me- remain in contact with (someone). 4 keep
dieval castle or fortress. 20 for keeps In- up with the Joneses Informal to compete
formal permanently. —See also keep at, with one’s friends or neighbours in material
keep away, etc. possessions.
keep at vb 1 to persist in (an activity). 2 to keg n a small barrel in which beer is trans-
compel (a person) to continue doing (a ported and stored.
task). kelp n a large brown seaweed rich in iodine
keep away vb (often foil, by from) to pre- and potash.
vent (someone) from going (somewhere). kelpie n (in Scottish folklore) a water spirit
keep back vb to refuse to reveal (some- in the form of a horse.
thing). kelson n same as keelson.
keep down vb 1 to hold (a group of people) kelt n a salmon that has recently spawned.
under control. 2 to cause (numbers or costs) Kelt n same as Celt.
not to increase. 3 to lie low. 4 to cause kelvin n Physics the basic SI unit of thermo-
(food) to stay in the stomach; not vomit. dynamic temperature.
keeper n 1 a person in charge of animals in Kelvin scale n Physics a thermodynamic
a zoo. 2 a person in charge of a museum, col- temperature scale starting at absolute zero.
lection, or section of a museum. 3 a person ken n 1 beyond one’s ken beyond one’s
who supervises a person or thing: the self- range of knowledge. ~vb kenning, kenned
appointed keeper of the village conscience. or kent 2 Scot & N English dialect to know.
4 short for gamekeeper, goalkeeper or kendo n the Japanese sport of fencing using
wicketkeeper. wooden staves.
kennel 432 khaki
kennel n 1 a hutlike shelter for a dog. 2 life today. 7 a list of explanations of sym-
kennels a place where dogs are bred, bols, codes, or abbreviations. 8 pitch: he
trained, or boarded. ~vb -nelling, -nelled spoke in a low key. ~adj 9 of great impor-
or US -neling, -neled to keep (a dog) in a tance: five key players have withdrawn
kennel. from the Scotland squad. ~vb 10 to har-
Kenyan adj 1 from Kenya. ~n 2 a person monize with: training and educational pro-
from Kenya. grammes uniquely keyed for local needs. 11
kepi n a French military cap with a flat top to adjust or fasten (something) with a key
and a horizontal peak. or some similar device. 12 same as key-
kept vb 1 the past of keep. 2 kept woman board. ~See also key in.
or man a person financially supported by key2 n same as cay.
someone in return for sexual favours. keyboard n 1 a set of keys on a typewriter,
keratin n a fibrous protein found in the hair computer, or piano. 2 a musical instrument
and nails. played using a keyboard. ~vb 3 to enter
kerb or US & Canad curb n a line of stone or (text) in type using a keyboard, key-
concrete forming an edge between a pave- boarder n
ment and a roadway. keyed up adj very excited or nervous.
kerb crawling n the act of driving slowly key grip n the person in charge of moving
beside a kerb to pick up a prostitute, kerb and setting up camera tracks and scenery in
crawler n a film or television studio.
kerbstone or US & Canad curbstone n one keyhole n an opening for inserting a key
of a series of stones that form a kerb. into a lock.
kerchief n a piece of cloth worn over the keyhole surgery n surgery carried out using
head or round the neck. very small instruments, performed through
kerfuffle n Informal, chiefly Brit a noisy and a narrow hole cut in the body rather than
disorderly incident. through a major incision.
kermes (kur-meez) n the dried bodies of fe- key in vb to enter (information or instruc-
male scale insects, used as a red dyestuff. tions) into a computer by means of a key-
kernel n 1 the edible seed of a nut or fruit board.
within the shell or stone. 2 the grain of a ce- key money n a sum of money required from
real, such as wheat, consisting of the seed a new tenant of a house or flat before he or
in a hard husk. 3 the central or essential she moves in.
part of something: there is a kernel of truth Keynesian (cane-zee-an) adj of the econom-
in these remarks. ic theories of JM Keynes, who argued that
kerosene n Chiefly US, Canad, Austral, & governments should fund public works to
NZ same as paraffin (sense 1). maintain full employment, accepting if nec-
kestrel n a small falcon that feeds on small essary the consequence of inflation.
animals such as mice. keynote n 1 a central or dominant idea in a
ketch n a two-masted sailing ship. speech or literary work. ~adj 2 central or
ketchup n a thick cold sauce, usu. made of dominating: his keynote speech to the party
tomatoes. conference. ~n 3 the note on which a scale
ketone (kee-tone) n Chem any of a class of or key is based.
compounds with the general formula keypad n a small panel with a set of buttons
R'COR. for operating a teletext system, electronic
kettle n 1 a metal container with a handle calculator, etc.
and spout, for boiling water. 2 a different keyring n a metal ring, often decorative, for
kettle of fish a different matter entirely. 3 keeping keys on.
a fine kettle of fish a difficult or awkward key signature n Music a group of sharps or
situation. flats at the beginning of each stave line to
kettledrum n a large bowl-shaped metal indicate the key.
drum that can be tuned to play specific keystone n 1 the most important part of a
notes. process, organization, etc.: the keystone of
key1 n 1 a specially shaped metal instru- the government’s economic policy. 2 the
ment, for moving the bolt of a lock so as to central stone at the top of an arch.
lock or unlock a door, suitcase, etc. 2 an in- keyword n Computers a word or phrase that
strument that is turned to operate a valve, a computer will search for in order to locate
clock winding mechanism, etc. 3 any of a set the information or file that the computer
of levers pressed to operate a typewriter, user has requested.
computer, or musical keyboard instrument. kg kilogram.
4 a scale of musical notes that starts at one
specific note. 5 something that is crucial in KG (in Britain) Knight of the Order of the
providing an explanation or interpretation. Garter.
6 a means of achieving a desired end: edu- KGB (formerly) the Soviet secret police,
cation is the key to success in most walks of khaki adj 1 dull yellowish-brown, —n 2 a
khan 433 kiln
hard-wearing fabric of this colour, used for formance of something: to kick-start the
military uniforms. economy.
khan n a title of respect in Afghanistan and kick up vb Informal to cause (trouble).
central Asia. kid1 n 1 Informal a young person; child. 2 a
kHz kilohertz. young goat. 3 soft smooth leather made
kia ora interj NZgood luck! from the hide of a kid. —adj 4 younger: my
kid sister. -vb kidding, kidded 5 (of a
kibbutz n, pl kibbutzim a farm, factory, or goat) to give birth to (young).
other workplace in Israel, owned and run
communally by its members. kid2 vb kidding, kidded Informal 1 to tease
or deceive (someone) for fun. 2 to fool (one-
kibosh n put the kibosh on Slang to put a self) into believing something: don’t kid
stop to. yourself that no-one else knows, kidder n
kick vb 1 to drive, push, or hit with the foot kiddie n Informal a child.
or feet. 2 to strike out with the feet, as in
swimming. 3 to raise a leg high, as in danc- kid gloves pl n handle someone with kid
ing. 4 Rugby to score (a conversion, drop gloves to treat someone with great tact in
kick, or penalty) with a kick: Hastings order not to upset them.
kicked two penalties for Scotland in the kidnap vb-napping, -napped or US -naping,
first half. 5 (of a firearm) to recoil when -naped to capture and hold (a person), usu-
fired. 6 Informal to object or resist: school ally for ransom, kidnapper or US -naper n
uniforms give children something to kick kidnapping or US -naping n
against. 7 Informal to free oneself of (an kidney n 1 either of two bean-shaped organs
addiction): smokers who want to kick the at the back of the abdominal cavity. They
habit. 8 alive and kicking Informal active filter waste products from the blood, which
and in good health. 9 kick someone up- are excreted as urine. 2 the kidneys of cer-
stairs to promote someone to a higher but tain animals used as food.
effectively powerless position. —n 10 a kidney bean n a reddish-brown kidney-
thrust or blow with the foot. 11 any of cer- shaped bean, edible when cooked.
tain rhythmic leg movements used in kidney machine n a machine carrying out
swimming. 12 the recoil of a firearm. 13 In- the functions of damaged human kidneys.
formal an exciting effect: we get a kick out kidology n Brit informal the practice of
of attacking opposing fans and overturning bluffing or deception in order to gain a
their buses; a few small bets just for kicks. psychological advantage over someone.
14 Informal the intoxicating effect of an al-
coholic drink: a cocktail with a kick in it. 15 kill vb 1 to cause the death of (a person or
kick in the teeth Slang a humiliating re- animal). 2 Informal to cause (someone) pain
buff. -See also kick about, kick off, etc. or discomfort: my feet are killing me. 3 to
put an end to: his infidelity had killed his
kick about or around vb Informal 1 to treat marriage. 4 Informal to quash or veto: a
(someone) harshly. 2 to discuss (ideas) in- Tory rebellion killed the Sunday trading
formally. 3 to lie neglected or forgotten: Bill. 5 Informal to overwhelm (someone)
there’s a copy of that book kicking about completely with laughter, attraction, or
somewhere. surprise: her jokes really kill me. 6 kill
kickback n 1 part of an income paid to a oneself Informal to overexert oneself. 7
person in return for an opportunity to make kill time to spend time on something unim-
a profit, often by some illegal arrangement. portant or trivial while waiting for some-
2 a strong reaction. thing: I’m just killing time until I can talk to
kick off vb 1 to start play in a game of foot- the other witnesses. 8 kill two birds with
ball by kicking the ball from the centre of one stone to achieve two results with one
the field. 2 Informal to commence (a discus- action. ~n 9 the act of causing death at the
sion, event, etc.). ~n kickoff 3 a the kick end of a hunt or bullfight. 10 the animal or
that officially starts a game of football, b animals killed during a hunt. 11 in at the
the time when the first kick is due to take kill present when something comes to a
place. 4 Informal the time when an event is dramatic end with unpleasant results for
due to begin. someone else, killer n
kick out vb Informal to dismiss (someone) or killer whale n a black-and-white toothed
throw (someone) out forcefully. whale, most common in cold seas.
kickstand n a short metal bar on a motor- killing Informal -adj 1 very tiring: a killing
cycle, which when kicked into a vertical po- pace. 2 extremely funny. 3 causing death;
sition holds the cycle upright when station- fatal. ~n 4 the act of causing death; slay-
ary. ing. 5 make a killing to have a sudden fi-
kick-start n also kick-starter 1 a pedal on a nancial success.
motorcycle that is kicked downwards to killjoy n a person who spoils other people’s
start the engine, -vb 2 to start (a motor- pleasure.
cycle) in this way. 3 to do something bold or kiln n a large oven for burning, drying, or
drastic in order to begin or improve the per- processing pottery, bricks, etc.
kilo 434 kingpin
kilo n, pl kilos short for kilogram or kilo- kindle vb -dling, -died 1 to set (a fire) alight
metre. or (of a fire) to start to burn. 2 to arouse or
kilo- combining form 1 denoting one thou- be aroused: his passions were kindled as
sand (103): kilometre. 2 (in computers) de- quickly as her own.
noting 210 (1024): kilobyte. In computer kindling n material for starting a fire, such
usage, kilo- is restricted to sizes of storage as dry wood or straw.
(e.g. kilobit} when it means 1024: in other kindly adj -lier, -liest 1 having a warm-
computer contexts it retains its usual mean- hearted and caring nature. 2 pleasant or
ing of 1000. agreeable: a kindly climate, -adv 3 in a
kilobyte n Computers 1024 bytes, considerate or humane way. 4 please: will
kilocalorie n one thousand calories, you kindly stop prattling on about it! 5 not
kilocycle n an old word for kilohertz, take kindly to to react unfavourably to-
kilogram or kilogramme n 1 one thousand wards. kindliness n
grams. 2 the basic SI unit of mass. kindness n 1 the quality of being kind. 2 a
kilohertz n, pl kilohertz one thousand hertz; kind or helpful act.
one thousand cycles per second. kindred adj 1 having similar qualities. 2 re-
kilojoule n one thousand joules, lated by blood or marriage. 3 kindred spirit
kilolitre or US kiloliter n a measure of vol- a person with whom one has something in
ume equivalent to one thousand litres. common. ~n 4 relationship by blood or
marriage. 5 similarity in character. 6 a per-
kilometre or US kilometer n a unit of length son’s relatives collectively.
equal to one thousand metres.
kine pl n Archaic cows or cattle.
kiloton n 1 one thousand tons. 2 an explo-
sive power, esp. of a nuclear weapon, equal kinematics (kin-nim-mat-iks) n Physics the
to the power of 1000 tons of TNT. study of the motion of bodies without ref-
erence to mass or force, kinematic adj
kilovolt n one thousand volts,
kinetic (kin-net-ik) adj relating to or caused
kilowatt n one thousand watts, by motion, kinetically adv
kilowatt-hour n a unit of energy equal to the
work done by a power of 1000 watts in one kinetic art n art, such as sculpture, that
hour. moves or has moving parts.
kilt n 1 a knee-length pleated tartan skirt, kinetic energy n Physics the energy of mo-
worn by men in Highland dress and by tion of a body equal to the work it would do
women and girls. -vb 2 to put pleats in if it were brought to rest.
(cloth), kilted adj kinetics n Physics the branch of mechanics
kimono (kim-moan-no) n, pl -nos 1 a loose concerned with the study of bodies in mo-
wide-sleeved Japanese robe, fastened with tion.
a sash. 2 a European dressing gown resem- king n 1 a male ruler of a country who has
bling this. inherited the throne from his parents. 2 a
kin n 1 a person’s relatives collectively. 2 ruler or chief: the king of the fairies. 3 a
See next of kin. person, animal, or thing considered as the
best or most important of its kind: the king
kind1 adj 1 considerate, friendly, and help- of rock and roll. 4 a playing card with a pic-
ful: a good, kind, man; a few kind words. 2 ture of a king on it. 5 a chessman, able to
cordial; courteous: reprinted by kind per- move one square in any direction: the object
mission. of the game is to checkmate one’s oppo-
kind2 n 1 a class or group having character- nent’s king. 6 Draughts a piece which has
istics in common: what kind of music do you moved entirely across the board and been
like? 2 essential nature or character: differ- crowned and which may therefore move
ences of degree rather than of kind. 3 in backwards as well as forwards, kingship n
kind a (of payment) in goods or services ra- kingcup n Brit a yellow-flowered plant;
ther than in money, b with something of the marsh marigold.
same sort: the government threatened to re-
taliate in kind to any use of nuclear weap- kingdom n 1 a territory or state ruled by a
ons. 4 kind of to a certain extent; loosely: king or queen. 2 any of the three groups
kind of hard; a kind of socialist. 5 of a kind into which natural objects may be divided:
of poorer quality or standard than is want- the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. 3
ed or expected: a few farmers wrest sub- a place or area considered to be under the
sistence of a kind from the thin topsoil. total power and control of a person, organi-
► Note the singular/plural usage: this (or zation, or thing: the kingdom of God.
that) kind of dog; these (or those) kinds of kingfisher n a fish-eating bird with a
dog. In the second, plural example, you can greenish-blue and orange plumage.
also say these kinds of dogs. kingklip n an edible cel-like marine fish of S
kindergarten n a school for young children, Africa.
usually between the ages of 4 and 6. king-of-arms n, pl kings-of-arms a person
kind-hearted adj considerate and sympa- holding the highest rank of heraldic office.
thetic. kingpin n 1 the most important person in an
king post 435 knapweed
organization. 2 a pivot pin that provides a kitchen garden n a garden for growing veg-
steering joint in a motor vehicle. etables, herbs, etc.
king post n Building a vertical post connect- kitchen tea n Austral & NZ a party held be-
ing the apex of a triangular roof truss to the fore a wedding to which guests bring kitch-
tie beam. en equipment as presents.
king-size or king-sized adj larger than a kite n 1 a light frame covered with a thin
standard size. material flown in the wind at the end of a
kink n 1 a twist or bend in something such as length of string. 2 a bird of prey with a long
a rope or hair. 2 Informal a flaw or quirk in forked tail and large wings. 3 a four-sided
someone’s personality. geometrical shape in which each side is
kinky adj kinkier, kinkiest 1 Slang given to equal in length to one of the sides joining it.
unusual sexual practices. 2 tightly looped Kite mark n Brit the official mark in the
or curled. form of a kite on articles approved by the
British Standards Institution.
kinsfolk pl n one’s family or relatives,
kith n kith and kin Old-fashioned one’s
kinship n 1 blood relationship. 2 the state of friends and relations.
having common characteristics.
kit out or up vb kitting, kitted Chiefly Brit
kinsman n, pl -men a relation by blood or to provide with clothes or equipment need-
marriage, kinswoman fem n ed for a particular activity.
kiosk n 1 a small booth from which ciga- kitsch n tawdry or sentimental art or litera-
rettes, newspapers, and sweets are sold. 2 ture. kitschy adj
Chiefly Brit a public telephone box. kitten n 1 a young cat. 2 have kittens Brit
kip Brit slang ~n 1 sleep: a couple of hours’ informal to react with disapproval or anxi-
kip. 2 a bed. —vb kipping, kipped 3 to ety: she had kittens when she discovered
sleep or take a nap. 4 kip down to sleep in a the price.
makeshift bed. kittenish adj lively and flirtatious,
kipper n 1 a herring that has been cleaned, kittiwake n a type of seagull with pale grey
salted, and smoked, -vb 2 to cure (a her- black-tipped wings and a square-cut tail.
ring) by salting and smoking it. kitty1 n, pl -ties a diminutive or affectionate
kirk n Scot a church. name for a kitten or cat.
Kirsch or Kirschwasser n a brandy distilled kitty2 n, pl-ties 1 any shared fund of money.
from black cherries. 2 the pool in certain gambling games.
kismet n fate or destiny. kiwi n, pl kiwis 1 a flightless bird of New
kiss vb 1 to touch with the lips as an expres- Zealand with a long beak, stout legs, and no
sion of love, greeting, or respect. 2 to join tail. 2 Informal except in NZ a New Zea-
lips with another person as an act of love or lander. 3 NZ informal a lottery.
desire. 3 Literary to touch lightly: a long, kiwi fruit n an edible fruit with a fuzzy
high free-kick that kissed the top of the brown skin and green flesh.
crossbar, —n 4 a caress with the lips. 5 a kJ kilojoule(s).
light touch, kissable adj kl kilolitre(s).
kissagram n a greetings service in which a klaxon n a type of loud horn used on fire en-
person is employed to present greetings by gines and ambulances as a warning signal.
kissing the person celebrating. kleinhuisie (klayn-hay-see) n S African an
kiss curl n Brit a circular curl of hair outside toilet.
pressed flat against the cheek or forehead. kleptomania n Psychol a strong impulse to
kisser n Slang the mouth or face. steal, kleptomaniac n
kiss of life n the mouth-to-mouth resuscita- klipspringer n a small agile antelope of
tion in which a person blows gently into the rocky regions of Africa south of the Sahara.
mouth of an unconscious person. kloof n S African a ravine or valley,
kit1 n 1 a set of tools or supplies for use to- km kilometre(s).
gether or for a purpose: a first-aid kit. 2 the knack n 1 a skilful way of doing something.
container for such a set. 3 a set of parts sold 2 an ability to do something difficult with
ready to be assembled: a model aircraft kit. apparent ease.
4 clothing and other personal effects, such knacker n Brit a person who buys up old
as those of a soldier: a complete set of horses for slaughter.
school team kit. -See also kit out. knackered adj Brit slang 1 extremely tired:
kit2 n NZ a shopping bag made of string, they’d been marching for three hours and
kitbag n a canvas or other bag for a were absolutely knackered. 2 broken or no
serviceman’s kit. longer functioning: a knackered TV set.
kitchen n a room equipped for preparing knapsack n a canvas or leather bag carried
and cooking food. strapped on the back or shoulder.
kitchenette n a small kitchen or part of a knapweed n a plant with purplish thistle-
room equipped for use as a kitchen. like flowers.
knave 436 knock back
knave n 1 Cards the jack. 2 Archaic a dis- on in a jousting tournament. 3 a chessman
honest man. knavish adj shaped like a horse’s head, able to move
knavery n, pl -eries Old-fashioned dishonest either two squares horizontally and one
behaviour. square vertically or two squares vertically
knead vb 1 to work and press (a soft sub- and one square horizontally, -vb 4 to
stance, such as dough) into a smooth mix- make (a man) a knight.
ture with the hands. 2 to squeeze or press knight errant n, pl knights errant (esp. in
with the hands, kneader n medieval romance) a knight who wanders
knee n 1 the joint of the leg between the in search of deeds of courage, chivalry, etc.
thigh and the lower leg. 2 the area around knight errantry n
this joint. 3 the upper surface of a sitting knighthood n an honorary title given to a
person’s thigh: a little girl being cuddled on man by the British sovereign in recognition
her father’s knee. 4 the part of a garment of his achievements.
that covers the knee. 5 bring someone to knightly adj of, resembling, or appropriate
his knees to force someone into submission. for a knight, knightliness n
-vb kneeing, kneed 6 to strike, nudge, or knit vb knitting, knitted or knit 1 to make
push with the knee. (a garment) by looping (wool) using long
kneecap n 1 Anat a small flat triangular eyeless needles or a knitting machine. 2 to
bone in front of and protecting the knee. join together closely. 3 to draw (one’s eye-
-vb -capping, -capped 2 (of terrorists) to brows) together. ~n 4 a fabric made by
shoot (a person) in the kneecap. knitting, knitter n
knee-deep adj 1 so deep as to reach or cover knitting n knitted work or the process of
the knees. 2 a sunk to the knees: knee-deep producing it.
in mud. b deeply involved: knee-deep in knitwear n knitted clothes, such as sweat-
work.
ers.
knee-high adj as high as the knee.
knives n the plural of knife.
knee-jerk n 1 Physiol a sudden involuntary
kick of the lower leg caused by a sharp tap knob n 1 a rounded projection from a sur-
on the tendon just below the kneecap, —adj face, such as a rotating switch on a radio. 2
kneejerk 2 made or occurring as a predict- a rounded handle of a door or drawer. 3 a
able and automatic response: a kneejerk re- small amount of butter or margarine,
action. knoblike adj
kneel vb kneeling, knelt or kneeled 1 to knobbly adj having or covered with small
rest, fall, or support oneself on one’s knees. bumps: a curious knobbly root vegetable.
—n 2 the act or position of kneeling. knobkerrie n S African a club or a stick with
knees-up n Informal a party. a rounded end.
knell n 1 the sound of a bell rung to an- knock vb 1 to give a blow or push to. 2 to
nounce a death or a funeral. 2 something rap sharply with the knuckles: he knocked
that indicates death or destruction, -vb 3 on the door of the guest room. 3 to make by
to ring a knell. 4 to proclaim by a tolling striking: he knocked a hole in the wall. 4 to
bell. collide (with). 5 to bring into a certain con-
knelt vb the past of kneel. dition by hitting: he was knocked uncon-
knew vb the past tense of know,
scious in a collision. 6 Informal to criticize
adversely. 7 to emit a regular banging
knickerbockers pl n loose-fitting short sound as a result of a fault: the engine was
trousers gathered in at the knee. knocking badly. 8 knock on the head to
knickers pl n a woman’s or girl’s undergar- prevent the further development of (a
ment covering the lower trunk and having plan). ~n 9 a a blow, push, or rap: he gave
separate legs or leg-holes. the table a knock, b the sound so caused. 10
knick-knack n a small ornament or trinket, the sound of knocking in an engine or bear-
knife n, pl knives 1 a cutting instrument or ing. 11 Informal a misfortune, rejection, or
weapon consisting of a sharp-edged blade setback. 12 Informal criticism. -See also
of metal fitted into a handle, -vb knifing, knock about, knock back, etc.
knifed 2 to stab or kill with a knife, knife- knock about or around vb 1 to wander or
like adj travel about: I have knocked about the
knife edge n 1 the sharp cutting edge of a world through three continents. 2 (foil, by
knife. 2 a critical point in the development with) to associate. 3 to treat brutally: she
of a situation: the election result is still looked knocked about, with bruises and
poised on a knife edge. cuts to her head. 4 to consider or discuss in-
knight n 1 a man who has been given a formally. -adj knockabout 5 (of comedy)
knighthood in recognition of his achieve- lively, boisterous, and physical.
ments. 2 (in medieval Europe) a a person knock back vb Informal 1 to drink quickly:
who served his lord as a mounted and he fell over after knocking back eight pints
heavily armed soldier, b a devoted male of lager. 2 to cost: lunch for two here will
admirer of a noblewoman, esp. her champi- knock you back fifty pounds. 3 to reject or
knock down 437 knuckle down
refuse: I don’t know any man who’d knock section of this visible in timber. 7 a feeling
back an offer like that. ~n knockback 4 of tightness, caused by tension or nervous-
Slang a refusal or rejection. ness: a dull knot of anxiety that sat in the
knock down vb 1 to strike to the ground pit of her stomach. 8 a unit of speed used
with a blow, such as in boxing. 2 (in by ships and aircraft, equal to one nautical
auctions) to declare an article sold. 3 to de- mile per hour. 9 at a rate of knots very
molish. 4 Informal to reduce (a price). —adj fast. 10 tie someone in knots to confuse
knockdown 5 powerful: a knockdown ar- someone completely. —vb knotting, knot-
gument. 6 Chiefly Brit (of a price) very ted 11 to tie or fasten in a knot. 12 to form
cheap. 7 easily dismantled: knockdown fur- into a knot. 13 to entangle or become entan-
niture. gled. knotted adj knotless adj
knocker n 1 a metal object attached to a knothole n a hole in a piece of wood where a
door by a hinge and used for knocking. 2 knot has been.
knockers Slang a woman’s breasts. knotty adj -tier, -tiest 1 full of knots. 2 ex-
knock-knees pl n legs that are bent inwards tremely difficult or puzzling: a knotty prob-
at the knees, knock-kneed adj lem.
knock off vb 1 Informal to finish work: know vb knowing, knew, known 1 to be or
around ten, the day shift knocked off. 2 In- feel certain of the truth or accuracy of (a
formal to make or do hastily or easily: she fact, answer, or piece of information). 2 to
knocked off 600 books in all during her long be acquainted with: I’d known him for
life. 3 Informal to take (an amount) off the many years, since I was seventeen. 3 to
price of (an article): I’ll knock off 10% if have a grasp of or understand (a skill or
you pay cash. 4 Slang to kill. 5 Slang to stop language). 4 to understand or be aware of
doing something; used as a command: knock (something, or how to do or be something):
it off! she knew how to get on with people. 5 to
knock-on Rugby ~n 1 the foul of playing experience: you had to have known poverty
the ball forward with the hand or arm. before you could give money its true value,
-vb knock on 2 to play (the ball) forward he claimed. 6 to be intelligent, informed, or
with the hand or arm. sensible enough (to do something): how did
he know to send the letter in the first place?
knock-on effect n the indirect result of an 7 to be able to distinguish: I don’t know one
action or decision. flower from another. 8 know what’s what
knockout n 1 the act of rendering someone to know how one thing or things in general
unconscious. 2 Boxing a blow that renders work. 9 you never know things are uncer-
an opponent unable to continue after the tain. ~n 10 in the know Informal aware or
referee has counted to ten. 3 a competition informed, knowable adj
in which competitors are eliminated pro- know-all n Informal, disparaging a person
gressively. 4 Informal a person or thing who pretends or appears to know a lot more
that is very impressive or attractive: at my than other people.
youngest sister’s wedding she was a knock-
out in navy and scarlet. -vb knock out 5 know-how n Informal the ability to do
to render (someone) unconscious. 6 Boxing something that is difficult or technical.
to defeat (an opponent) by a knockout. 7 to knowing adj 1 suggesting secret knowledge:
destroy: communications in many areas Paul saw the knowing look that passed be-
were knocked out by the earthquake. 8 to tween them. 2 cunning or shrewd. 3 delib-
eliminate from a knockout competition. 9 erate. knowingly adv knowingness n
Informal to amaze: the fantastic audience knowledge n 1 the facts or experiences
reaction knocked me out. known by a person or group of people. 2 the
knock up vb 1 Also: knock together Infor- state of knowing. 3 specific information
mal to make or assemble quickly: my boy- about a subject. 4 to my knowledge as 1
friend can knock up a wonderful lasagne or understand it.
chicken or steak. 2 Brit informal to waken: knowledgeable or knowledgable adj intel-
to knock someone up early. 3 Chiefly US ligent or well-informed, knowledgeably or
slang to make pregnant. 4 to practise before knowledgably adv
a game of tennis, squash, or badminton. ~n known vb 1 the past participle of know.
knock-up 5 a practice session at tennis, -adj 2 identified: consorting with known
squash, or badminton. criminals.
knoll n a small rounded hill. knuckle n 1 a joint of a finger. 2 the knee
knot n 1 a fastening formed by looping and joint of a calf or pig. 3 near the knuckle In-
tying pieces of rope, cord, or string. 2 a tan- formal likely to offend people because of
gle, such as in hair. 3 a decorative bow, frankness or rudeness. ~See also knuckle
such as of ribbon. 4 a small cluster or hud- down, knuckle under.
dled group: a knot of passengers gathered~ knuckle down vb -ling, -led Informal to
on the platform. 5 a bond: to tie the knot of apply oneself conscientiously: he’s never
friendship. 6 a a hard mass of wood where been able to knuckle down and study any-
a branch joins the trunk of a tree, b a cross thing for long.
knuckle-duster 438 kyle
knuckle-duster n a metal appliance worn rounded by a strong fence. 2 S African an
over the knuckles to add force to a blow. enclosure for livestock.
knuckle under vb -ling, -led to give way krans (krahnss) n S African a sheer rock
under pressure or authority. face.
knurl n a small ridge, often one of a series. kremlin n the citadel of any Russian city.
KO or k.o. vb KO’ing, KO’d; k.o.’ing, k.o.’d Kremlin n the central government of Russia
1 to knock out. ~n, pl KO’s or k.o.’s 2 a and, formerly, the Soviet Union.
knockout. krill n, pl krill a small shrimplike crusta-
koala or koala bear n a tree-dwelling Aus- cean.
tralian marsupial with dense grey fur. krona n, pl -nor the standard monetary unit
koeksister (kook-sist-er) n S African a of Sweden.
plaited doughnut deep-fried and soaked in krone (kroh-na) n, pl -ner (-ner) the stand-
syrup. ard monetary unit of Denmark or Norway.
kohl n a cosmetic powder used to darken the krugerrand n a one-ounce gold coin minted
area around the eyes. in South Africa.
kohlrabi (kole-rah-bee) n, pl -bies a type of krypton n Chem an inert gaseous element
cabbage with an edible stem. occurring in trace amounts in air and used
kokanee (coke-can-ee) n a freshwater salm- in fluorescent lights and lasers. Symbol: Kr
on of lakes and rivers in W North America. KS Kansas.
kola n same as cola. Kt Knight.
kolkhoz (kol-hawz) n (formerly) a collective KT (in Britain) Knight of the Order of the
farm in the Soviet Union. Thistle.
komatik (koh-ma-tik) n Canad a sledge with kt. kiloton.
wooden runners and crossbars bound with kudos (kew-doss) n personal fame or glory,
animal hides. kudu or koodoo n a spiral-horned African
kook n US & Canad informal an eccentric or antelope.
foolish person, kooky or kookie adj Ku Klux Klan n a secret organization of
kookaburra n a large Australian kingfisher White Protestant Americans who use vio-
with a cackling cry. lence against Blacks and Jews. Ku Klux
kopeck n a Russian monetary unit worth Klanner n
one hundredth of a rouble. kukri n a heavy, curved knife used by Gur-
koppie (kop-ee) n S African a small isolated khas.
hill. kulak n (formerly) a property-owning Rus-
Koran n the sacred book of Islam, believed sian peasant.
by Muslims to be the infallible word of God kumera or kumara n NZ a sweet potato.
dictated to Mohammed. Koranic adj kiimmel n a German liqueur flavoured with
Korean adj 1 of Korea. ~n 2 a person from aniseed and cumin.
Korea. 3 the official language of North and kumquat (kumm-kwott) n a citrus fruit re-
South Korea. sembling a tiny orange.
kosher (koh-sher) adj 1 Judaism a conform- kung fu n a Chinese martial art combining
ing to religious law. b (of food) prepared in techniques of karate and judo.
accordance with the dietary laws. 2 Infor-
mal legitimate, genuine, or proper. ~n 3 kuri n NZ a mongrel dog.
kosher food. kV kilovolt.
kowhai (koh-wye) n a small tree of New kW kilowatt.
Zealand and Chile with clusters of yellow kwashiorkor n severe malnutrition of young
flowers. children, caused by not eating enough pro-
kowtow vb 1 to be humble and very respect- tein.
ful (towards). 2 to touch the forehead to the kWh kilowatt-hour.
ground in deference. ~n 3 the act of kow- KWIC Computers keyword in context.
towing. KWOC Computers keyword out of context.
kph kilometres per hour. KY Kentucky.
Kr Chem krypton. kyle n Scot a narrow strait or channel: Kyle
kraal n 1 a Southern African hut village sur- of Lochalsh.
 L
I litre(s). labourer or US laborer n a person engaged
L 1 large. 2 Latin. 3 learner driver. 4 Usually in physical work.
written: £ pound. 5 the Roman numeral for labour exchange n Brit the former name for
50. employment office.
L. or I. 1 lake. 2 left. 3 length. 4 (p7 LL or 11) Labour Party n 1 the major left-wing politi-
line. cal party in Britain, which believes in
la n Music same as lah. democratic socialism and social equality. 2
La Chem lanthanum.
any similar party in various other coun-
tries.
LA 1 Los Angeles. 2 Louisiana. labour-saving adj (of a method or piece of
laager n (in Africa) a camp defended by a equipment) reducing the amount of work or
circular formation of wagons. effort needed to carry out a task.
lab n Informal short for laboratory. Labrador or Labrador retriever n a power-
Lab Politics Labour. fully built dog with short dense black or
label n 1 a piece of card or other material at- golden hair.
tached to an object to show its contents, laburnum n a small ornamental tree that has
ownership, use, or destination. 2 a brief de- clusters of yellow drooping flowers. It is
scriptive term given to a person, group, or highly poisonous.
school of thought: we would need a handy labyrinth (lab-er-inth) n 1 a mazelike net-
label to explain the new company. ~vb work of tunnels or paths, either natural or
-belling, -belled or US -beling, -beled 3 to man-made. 2 any complex or confusing sys-
attach a label to. 4 to describe or classify in tem. 3 the interconnecting cavities of the in-
a word or phrase. ternal ear. labyrinthine adj
labial (lay-bee-al) adj 1 of or near the lips. 2 lac n a resinous substance secreted by cer-
Phonetics relating to a speech sound made tain insects (lac insects), used in the manu-
using the lips. ~n 3 Phonetics a speech facture of shellac.
sound such as English p or m, that involves lace n 1 a delicate decorative fabric made
the lips. from threads woven in an open web of pat-
labiate (lay-bee-ate) n 1 any of a family of terns. 2 a cord or string drawn through
plants with square stems, aromatic leaves, eyelets to fasten a shoe or garment. ~vb
and a two-lipped flower, such as mint or lacing, laced 3 to fasten (shoes) with a
thyme. ~adj2 of this family. lace. 4 to draw (a cord or thread) through
labium (lay-bee-um) n, pl -bia (-bee-a) 1 a lip holes as when tying shoes. 5 to add a small
or liplike structure. 2 any one of the four amount of alcohol, a drug, or poison to
lip-shaped folds of the vulva. (food or drink). 6 to intertwine; interlace.
lacerate (lass-er-rate) vb -ating, -ated 1 to
laboratory n, pl -ries a building or room
equipped for conducting scientific research tear (the flesh) jaggedly. 2 to hurt (the feel-
or for teaching practical science. ings): would only lacerate an over-burdened
conscience, laceration n
laborious adj involving great exertion or lace up vb 1 to fasten (clothes or footwear)
prolonged effort, laboriously adv with laces. ~adj lace-up 2 (of footwear) to
labour or US & sometimes Canad labor n 1 be fastened with laces. ~n lace-up 3 a shoe
productive work, esp. physical work done or boot which fastens with a lace.
for wages. 2 the people involved in this, as lachrymal adj same as lacrimal,
opposed to management. 3 the final stage of lachrymose adj 1 given to weeping; tearful.
pregnancy, leading to childbirth. 4 difficult
work or a difficult job. ~vb 5 to do physi- 2 mournful; sad.
cal work: the girls were labouring madly on lacing n Informal a severe beating.
it. 6 to work hard (for something). 7 to lack n 1 shortage or absence of something
make one’s way with difficulty: she was required or desired: a lack of confidence.
now labouring down the return length. 8 to ~vb 2 (often foil, by in) to be short (of) or
emphasize too persistently: I have laboured have need (of): lacking in sparkle.
the point. 9 (usually foil, by under) to be at lackadaisical adj 1 lacking vitality and pur-
a disadvantage because of a mistake or pose. 2 lazy and careless in a dreamy way.
false belief: she laboured under the illusion lackey n 1 a servile follower; hanger-on. 2 a
that I understood her. liveried male servant or valet.
Labour Day n a public holiday in honour of lacklustre or US lackluster adj lacking bril-
work, held in Britain on May 1. liance, force, or vitality.
laboured or US labored adj undertaken laconic adj (of a person’s speech) using few
with difficulty: laboured breathing. words, laconically adv
lacquer 440 lake
lacquer n 1 a hard glossy coating made by ing the characteristics of a good family,
dissolving natural or synthetic resins in a such a dignified manners. 2 a polite name
solvent that evaporates quickly. 2 a black for a woman, —adj 3 female: a lady chef.
resin, obtained from certain trees, used to Lady n, pl-dies 1 (in Britain) a title borne by
give a hard glossy finish to wooden furni- various classes of women of the peerage. 2
ture. 3 a clear sticky substance for spraying Our Lady a title of the Virgin Mary.
onto the hair to hold a style in place. ladybird n a small red beetle with black
lacquered adj coated with lacquer. spots.
lacrimal or lachrymal (lack-rim-al) adj of Lady Day n March 25, the feast of the An-
tears or the glands that seerete tears. nunciation of the Virgin Mary: a quarter
lacrosse n a sport in which two teams try to day in England, Wales, and Ireland.
propel a ball into each other’s goal using lady-in-waiting n, pl ladies-in-waiting a
long-handled stieks with a pouched net at lady who attends a queen or princess.
the end. lady-killer n Informal a man who is or be-
lactate* vb -tating, -tated (of mammals) to lieves he is irresistible to women.
secrete milk. ladylike adj refined and fastidious.
lactate2 n an ester or salt of lactic acid. Ladyship n (preceded by Your or Her) a title
lactation n 1 the secretion of milk from the used to address or refer to any peeress ex-
mammary glands. 2 the period during cept a duchess.
which milk is secreted. lady’s-slipper n an orchid with reddish or
lacteal adj 1 of or like milk. 2 (of lymphatic purple flowers.
vessels) eonveying or containing chyle. ~n lag* vb lagging, lagged 1 (often foil, by be-
3 any of the lymphatic vessels that convey hind) to hang (back) or fall (behind) in
chyle from the small intestine to the blood. movement, progress, or development. 2 to
lactic adj relating to or derived from milk, fall away in strength or intensity. ~n 3 a
lactic acid n a colourless syrupy acid found slowing down or falling behind. 4 the inter-
in sour milk and used as a preservative val of time between two events, esp. be-
(E270) for foodstuffs. tween an action and its effect: the time lag
lactose n a white crystalline sugar occur- between mobilization and combat.
ring in milk. lag2 vb lagging, lagged 1 to wrap (a pipe,
lacuna (lak-kew-na) n, pl -nae (-nee) a gap cylinder, or boiler) with insulating material
or space in a book or manuscript. to prevent heat loss. ~n 2 the insulating
casing of a steam cylinder or boiler.
lacy adj lacier, laciest of or like laee.
lag3 n old lag Slang a convict or ex-convict,
lad n 1 a boy or young man. 2 Informal any
male. 3 the lads Informala group of males. lager n a light-bodied beer.
ladder n 1 a portable frame consisting of laggard n a person who lags behind.
two long parallel supports connected by lagging n insulating material wrapped
steps, for climbing up or down. 2 any sys- around pipes, boilers, or tanks to prevent
tem thought of as having a series of ascend- loss of heat.
ing stages: the career ladder. 3 Chiefly Brit lagoon n a body of water eut off from the
a line of connected stitches that have come open sea by coral reefs or sand bars.
undone in tights or stockings. ~vb 4 Chief- lah n Music (in tonic sol-fa) the sixth note of
ly Brit to have or cause to have a line of un- any ascending major scale.
done stitches. laid vb the past of lay*.
ladder back n a chair in which the back is laid-back adj relaxed in style or character,
made of horizontal slats between two up- laid paper n paper with a regular pattern of
rights. lines impressed upon it.
lade vb lading, laded, laden or laded 1 to lain vb the past participle of lie2.
put eargo on board (a ship) or (of a ship) to lair n 1 the resting place of a wild animal. 2
take on cargo. 2 (foil, by with) to burden or Informal a place of seclusion or hiding.
load. laird n Scot a landowner, esp. of a large es-
laden adj 1 loaded. 2 burdened. tate.
la-di-da or lah-di-dah adj Informal affected laissez faire or laisser faire (less-ay fair) n
or pretentious in speech or manners. the policy of nonintervention, esp. by a
ladies or ladies’ room n Informal a women’s government in commerce.
publie toilet. laity (lay-it-ee) n 1 people who arc not mem-
lading n a load; eargo; freight. bers of the clergy. 2 all the people who do
ladle n 1 a long-handled spoon with a deep not belong to a specific profession.
bowl for serving soup, stew, etc. ~vb lake* n an expanse of water entirely sur-
-dling, -died 2 to serve out as with a ladle. rounded by land.
ladle out vb Informal to distribute (money, lake2 n 1 a bright pigment produced by com-
gifts, etc.) generously. bining organic colouring matter with an in-
lady n, pl -dies 1 a woman regarded as hav- organic compound. 2 a red dye obtained by
Lake District 441 landed
combining a metallic compound with cochi- electric lamp; a gas lamp; an oil lamp. 2 a
neal. device that produces radiation, esp. for
Lake District n a region of lakes and moun- therapeutic purposes: an ultraviolet lamp.
tains in NW England. Also called: Lake- lampblack n a fine black soot used as a pig-
land, the Lakes ment in paint and ink.
lake trout n a yellow-spotted trout of the lampoon n 1 a piece of writing ridiculing a
Great Lakes region of Canada. person. -vb 2 to ridicule and criticize
lakh (lahk) n (in India) 100 000, esp. refer- (someone) in a lampoon, lampooner or
ring to this sum of rupees. lampoonist n
lam1 vb lamming, lammed Slang to attack lamppost n a metal or concrete pole sup-
vigorously. porting a lamp in a street.
lam2 n on the lam US & Canad slang making lamprey n an eel-like fish with a round suck-
an escape. ing mouth.
lama n a Buddhist priest or monk in Mongo- Lancastrian n 1 a person from Lancashire or
lia or Tibet. Lancaster. 2 a supporter of the house of
lamb n 1 the young of a sheep. 2 the meat of Lancaster in the Wars of the Roses
a young sheep eaten as food. 3 someone (1455-85). -adj 3 of Lancashire or Lancas-
who is innocent, gentle, and good. -vb 4 ter. 4 of the house of Lancaster.
(of a ewe) to give birth. lance n 1 a long weapon with a pointed head
Lamb n the Lamb a title given to Christ, used by horsemen, —vb lancing, lanced 2
lambast or lambaste vb 1 to beat severely. to pierce (an abscess or boil) with a lancet.
2 to reprimand severely. 3 to pierce with or as with a lance.
lambent adj 1 (of a flame or light) flickering lance corporal n a noncommissioned officer
softly over a surface. 2 (of wit or humour) of the lowest rank.
light or brilliant, lambency n lanceolate adj narrow and tapering to a
lambing n 1 the birth of lambs at the end of point at each end, like some leaves.
winter. 2 the shepherd’s work of tending lancer n (formerly) a cavalryman armed
the ewes and newborn lambs at this time. with a lance.
lambskin n the skin of a lamb, usually with lancet n 1 a pointed surgical knife with two
the wool still on, used to make coats, slip- sharp edges. 2 short for lancet arch or lan-
pers, etc. cet window.
lame adj 1 disabled or crippled in the legs or lancet arch n a narrow acutely pointed
feet. 2 weak; unconvincing: lame argu- arch.
ments. ~vb laming, lamed 3 to make lame, lancet window n a narrow window with a
lamely adv lameness n lancet arch.
lame (lah-may) n a fabric interwoven with lancewood n a New Zealand tree with slen-
gold or silver threads. der leaves.
lame duck n a person who is unable to cope Lancs Lancashire.
without the help of other people.
lament vb 1 to feel or express sorrow or re- land n 1 the solid part of the surface of the
gret (for or over). —n 2 an expression of earth as distinct from seas and lakes. 2
sorrow. 3 a poem or song in which a death ground, esp. with reference to its use or
is lamented, lamentation n quality: agricultural land. 3 rural or agri-
cultural areas: he couldn’t leave the land. 4
lamentable adj very unfortunate or disap- Law ground owned as property. 5 a coun-
pointing. lamentably adv try, region, or area: will bring peace and
lamented adj grieved for: usually said of riches to your land, -vb 6 to come down or
someone dead. bring (something) down to earth after a
lamina n, pl -nae a thin plate, esp. of bone or flight or jump. 7 to transfer (something) or
mineral, laminar adj go from a ship to the shore: sacks of malt
laminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to make (ma- were landed from barges. 8 to come to or
terial in sheet form) by sticking together touch shore. 9 (in Canada) to be legally ad-
thin sheets. 2 to cover with a thin sheet of mitted to the country as an immigrant. 10
material. 3 to split or be split into thin Informal to obtain: he landed a handsomely
sheets. —n 4 a material made by sticking paid job at Lloyd’s. 11 Angling to retrieve (a
sheets together, -adj 5 composed of lami- hooked fish) from the water. 12 Informal to
na; laminated, lamination n deliver (a blow or punch). -See also land
laminated adj 1 composed of many layers up. landless adj
stuck together. 2 covered with a thin pro- land agent n a person in charge of a landed
tective layer of plastic. estate.
Lammas n August 1, formerly observed in landau (lan-daw) n a four-wheeled horse-
England as a harvest festival: a quarter day drawn carriage with two folding hoods.
in Scotland. landed adj 1 owning land: landed gentry. 2
lamp n 1 a device that produces light: an consisting of land: landed property.
landfall 442 lap
landfall n the act of sighting or nearing land, lang, language.
esp. from the sea. language n 1 a system of spoken sounds or
landfill n disposing of rubbish by covering it conventional symbols for communicating
with earth. thought. 2 the language of a particular na-
land girl n a girl or woman who does farm tion or people. 3 the ability to use words to
work, esp. in wartime. communicate. 4 any other means of com-
land-holder n a person who owns or occu- municating: body language. 5 the special-
pies land, land-holding adj, n ized vocabulary used by a particular group:
legal language. 6 a particular style of verbal
landing n 1 the floor area at the top of a expression: rough language. 7 Computers
flight of stairs. 2 the act of coming to land, See programming language.
esp. after a flight or sea voyage. 3 a place of
disembarkation. language laboratory n a room in a school or
college equipped with tape recorders, etc.,
landing field n an area of land on which air- for learning foreign languages.
craft land and from which they take off.
languid adj lacking energy; dreamy and in-
landing gear n the undercarriage of an air- active. languidly adv
craft. languish vb Literary 1 to suffer deprivation,
landlady n, pl -dies 1 a woman who owns hardship, or neglect: she won’t languish in
and leases property. 2 a woman who owns jail for it. 2 to lose or diminish in strength
or runs a lodging house or pub. or energy: the design languished into
landlocked adj (of a country) completely oblivion. 3 (often foil, by for) to be listless
surrounded by land. with desire; pine, languishing adj
landlord n 1 a man who owns and leases languor (lang-ger) n Literary a pleasant
property. 2 a man who owns or runs a lodg- state of dreamy relaxation, languorous adj
ing house or pub. lank adj 1 (of hair) straight and limp. 2 thin
landlubber n Naut any person without ex- or gaunt: a lank bespectacled boy.
perience at sea. lanky adj lankier, lankiest ungracefully tall
landmark n 1 a prominent object in or fea- and thin, lankiness n
ture of a particular landscape. 2 an impor- lanolin n a yellowish sticky substance ex-
tant or unique event or development: the tracted from wool: used in some ointments.
Big Country score was a landmark in Hol- lantern n 1 a light with a transparent pro-
lywood music history, tective case. 2 a .raised part on top of a
landmass n a large continuous area of land, dome or roof which lets in light or air. 3 the
land mine n Mil an explosive device placed upper part of a lighthouse that houses the
in the ground, usually detonated when light.
someone steps on it or drives over it. lantern jaw n a long hollow jaw that gives
landowner n a person who owns land, the face a drawn appearance, lantern-
landowning n, adj jawed adj
landscape n 1 an extensive area of land re- lanthanide series n Chem a class of 15
garded as being visually distinct. 2 a paint- chemically related elements (lanthanides)
ing, drawing, or photograph depicting natu- with atomic numbers from 57 (lanthanum)
ral scenery. -vb -seaping, -seaped 3 to to 71 (lutetium).
improve the natural features of (an area of lanthanum n Chem a silvery-white metallic
land). element of the lanthanide series: used in
landscape gardening n the art of laying out electronic devices and glass manufacture.
grounds in imitation of natural scenery, Symbol: La
landscape gardener n lanyard n 1 a cord worn round the neck to
landslide n 1 Also called: landslip a the slid- hold a whistle or knife. 2 Naut a line for ex-
ing of a large mass of rocks and soil down tending or tightening rigging.
the side of a mountain or cliff, b the ma- laodicean (lay-oh-diss-see-an) adj indiffer-
terial dislodged in this way. 2 an over- ent, esp. in religious matters.
whelming electoral victory. lap1 n 1 the area formed by the upper sur-
land up vb to arrive at a final point or condi- face of the thighs of a seated person. 2 a
tion. protected place or environment: in the lap
landward adj 1 lying, facing, or moving to- of luxury. 3 the part of a person’s clothing
wards land. 2 in the direction of the land. that covers the lap. 4 drop in someone’s
-adv also landwards 3 towards land. lap to give someone the responsibility of.
lane n 1 a narrow road, esp. in the country. lap2 n 1 one circuit of a racecourse or track.
2 one of the parallel strips into which the 2 a stage or part of a journey. 3 a an over-
carriageway of a major road or motorway is lapping part, b the extent of overlap, -vb
divided. 3 any well-defined route or course, lapping, lapped 4 to overtake (an oppo-
such as for ships or aircraft. 4 one of the nent) in a race so as to be one or more cir-
parallel strips into which a running track or cuits ahead. 5 to enfold or wrap around. 6
swimming bath is divided for races. to place or lie partly or completely over or
lap 443 laser
project beyond: deep-pile carpet that needle-like leaves and egg-shaped cones. 2
lapped against his ankles. 7 to envelop or the wood of this tree.
surround with comfort, love, or peace: she lard n 1 the soft white fat obtained from pigs
was lapped by the luxury of Seymour and prepared for use in cooking. —vb 2 to
House. prepare (lean meat or poultry) by inserting
lap3 vb lapping, lapped 1 (of small waves) small strips of bacon or fat before cooking.
to wash against (the shore or a boat) with 3 to add unnecessary material to (speech or
light splashing sounds. 2 (often foil, by up writing).
esp. of animals) to scoop (a liquid) into the larder n a room or cupboard used for storing
mouth with the tongue. ~n 3 the act or food.
sound of lapping. ~See also lap up. lardy cake n Brit a sweet cake made of
lapdog n a small pet dog. bread dough, lard, sugar, and dried fruit.
lapel (lap-pel) n the part on the front of a large adj 1 having a relatively great size,
jacket or coat that folds back towards the quantity, or extent; big. 2 of wide or broad
shoulders. scope, capacity, or range; comprehensive: a
lapidary n, pl -daries 1 a person who cuts, large effect. ~n 3 at large a as a whole; in
polishes, sets, or deals in gemstones, -adj general: both the Navy and the country at
2 of or relating to gemstones or the work of large, b (of a dangerous criminal or wild
a lapidary. animal) out of captivity; free, c in full de-
lapis lazuli (lap-iss lazz-yew-lie) n a brilliant tail. largeness n
blue mineral used as a gemstone. large intestine n the part of the alimentary
lap joint n a joint made by fastening togeth- canal consisting of the caecum, colon, and
er overlapping parts. rectum.
largely adv principally; to a great extent,
lap of honour n a ceremonial circuit of a rac-
ing track by the winner of a race. large-scale adj 1 wide-ranging or extensive.
2 (of maps and models) constructed or
Lapp n 1 Also: Laplander a member of a drawn to a big scale.
nomadic people living chiefly in N Scandi-
navia. 2 the language of this people. -adj 3 largesse or largess (lar-jess) n the gener-
of this people or their language. ous giving of gifts, favours, or money.
largish adj fairly large.
lappet n 1 a small hanging flap or piece of
lace. 2 Zool a flap of flesh or membrane, largo Music ~adv 1 in a slow and stately
such as the ear lobe or a bird’s wattle. manner. —n, pl -gos 2 a piece or passage to
be performed in a slow and stately manner.
lapse n 1 a temporary drop in standard as a
result of forgetfulness or lack of concentra- lariat n US & Canad 1 a lasso. 2 a rope for
tion. 2 a moment or instance of bad behav- tethering animals.
iour, esp. by someone who is usually well- lark1 n a small brown songbird, esp. the sky-
behaved. 3 a period of time sufficient for a lark.
change to take place: the lapse between lark2 Informal —n 1 a carefree adventure or
phone call and now. 4 a gradual decline to a frolic. 2 a harmless piece of mischief. 3 an
lower degree, condition, or state: its lapse activity or job viewed with disrespect. -vb
from the tradition of Disraeli. 5 Law the 4 lark about to have a good time frolicking
loss of some right by neglecting to exercise or playing pranks, larky adj
or renew it. -vb lapsing, lapsed 6 to drop larkspur n a plant with blue, pink, or white
in standard or fail to maintain a standard. 7 flowers with slender spikes at the base.
to decline gradually in status, condition, or larva n, pl -vae the immature form of many
degree. 8 to allow to end or become no long- insects before it develops into its adult
er valid, esp. through negligence: a bid that form, larval adj
lapsed last July. 9 (usually foil, by into) to laryngeal adj of or relating to the larynx,
drift (into a condition): she appeared to
lapse into a brief reverie. 10 (often foil, by laryngitis n inflammation of the larynx,
from) to turn away (from beliefs or stand- causing huskiness or loss of voice.
ards). 11 (of time) to slip away, lapsed adj larynx (lar-rinks) n, pl larynges (lar-
rin-jeez) or larynxes a hollow organ form-
laptop adj (of a computer) small and light ing part of the air passage to the lungs: it
enough to be held on the user’s lap. contains the vocal cords.
lap up vb 1 to eat or drink. 2 to accept (in- lasagne or lasagna (laz-zan-ya) n 1 a form
formation or attention) eagerly: the public of pasta in wide flat sheets. 2 a dish made
are lapping up the scandal. from layers of lasagne, meat, and cheese.
lapwing n a bird of the plover family with a lascar n an East Indian seaman.
crested head. Also called: peewit lascivious (lass-iv-ee-uss) adj showing or
larboard n Naut an old word for port3- producing sexual desire; lustful, lascivi-
(sense 1). ously adv
larceny n, pl -nies Law theft, larcenist n laser (lay-zer) n a device that produces a
larch n 1 a coniferous tree with deciduous very narrow intense beam of light, which is
laser printer 444 lateen
used for cutting very hard materials and in lasting adj existing or remaining effective
surgery ete. for a long time.
laser printer n a computer printer that uses Last Judgment n the Last Judgment Theol
a laser beam to produce characters which God’s verdict on the destinies of all human
are then transferred to paper. beings at the end of the world.
lash1 n 1 an eyelash. 2 a sharp cutting blow lastly adv 1 at the end or at the last point. 2
from a whip. 3 the flexible end of a whip. finally.
-vb 4 to hit (a person or thing) sharply last-minute adj given or done at the latest
with a whip, esp. formerly as punishment. 5 possible time: last-minute changes.
(of rain or waves) to beat forcefully last name n same as surname.
against. 6 to attack (someone) with words
of ridicule or scolding. 7 to flick or wave last out vb 1 to be sufficient for one’s needs:
sharply to and fro: his tail lashing in irrita- if the energy supply lasts out. 2 to endure
tion. 8 to urge as with a whip: to lash the or survive: I might not last out my hours of
audience into a violent mood. -See also duty.
lash out. last post n Mil 1 a bugle call used to signal
lash2 vb to bind or secure with rope, string, the time to retire at night. 2 a similar call
or cord. sounded at military funerals.
lashing1 n 1 a flogging. 2 a scolding. last rites pl n Christianity religious rites for
those close to death.
lashing2 n rope, string, or cord used for
binding or securing. last straw n a small incident, irritation, or
setback that coming after others is too
lashings pl n Brit old-fashioned, informal much to cope with.
large amounts; lots: lashings ofcream.
Last Supper n the the meal eaten by Christ
lash out vb 1 to make a sudden verbal or with his disciples on the night before his
physical attack. 2 Informal to spend ex- Crucifixion.
travagantly.
lat. latitude.
lass n a girl or young woman.
Lat. Latin.
Lassa fever n a serious viral disease of Cen-
tral West Africa, characterized by high latch n 1 a fastening for a gate or door that
fever and muscular pains. consists of a bar that may be slid or lowered
into a groove, hole, or notch. 2 a spring-
lassie n Scot & N English informal a little loaded door lock that can only be opened by
lass; girl. a key from outside, -vb 3 to fasten, fit, or
lassitude n physical or mental weariness, be fitted with a latch.
lasso (lass-oo) n, pl -sos or -soes 1 a long latchkey child n a child who has to let him-
rope with a noose at one end used for catch- self or herself in at home after school, as
ing horses and cattle, —vb -soing, -soed 2 both parents are out at work.
to catch as with a lasso, lassoer n latch on vb Informal 1 (often foil, by to) to
last1 adj 1 being, happening, or coming at attach oneself (to): he should latch on to a
the end or after all others. 2 most recent: man with a deal to do. 2 to understand: it
last April. 3 only remaining: that's the last took a while to latch on to what he was try-
one. 4 most extreme; utmost. 5 least suit- ing to say.
able or likely: China was the last place on late adj 1 occurring or arriving after the cor-
earth he intended to go. —adv 6 after all rect or expected time: the plane will be late.
others. 7 most recently: we last saw him on 2 towards or near the end: the late after-
Thursday night. 8 as the last or latest item. noon. 3 occurring or being at a relatively
-n 9 the last a a person or thing that is advanced time: a late starter, his first novel
last, b the final moment; end. 10 the final was effectively his last. 4 at an advanced
appearance, mention, or occurrence: the time in the evening or at night: it’s late, I
last of this season's visitors. 11 at last in have to get back. 5 having died recently: the
the end; finally. 12 at long last finally, late Benny Hill. 6 recent: recollect the late
after difficulty or delay. defeats which your enemies have experi-
last2 vb 1 to continue to exist for a length of enced. 7 former: the late manager of the
time: the soccer war lasted 100 hours. 2 to team. 8 of late recently, -adv 9 after the
be sufficient for the needs of (a person) for correct or expected time: Mark Wright ar-
a length of time: I shall make a couple of rived late. 10 at a relatively advanced age:
bottles to last me until next summer. 3 to coming late to motherhood. 11 recently: as
remain fresh, uninjured, or unaltered for a late as in 19S3, only 9 per cent of that la-
certain time: the flowers haven't lasted bour force was unionized. 12 late in the
well. -See also last out. day a at a late or advanced stage, b too late,
last3 n the wooden or metal form on which a lateness n
shoe or boot is made or repaired. lateen adj Naut denoting a rig with a trian-
last-ditch adj done as a final resort: a last- gular sail bent to a yard hoisted to the head
ditch attempt. of a low mast.
Late Greek 445 Launderette
Late Greek n the Greek language from a framework of strips of wood or metal
about the 3rd to the 8th centuries a d . interlaced in a diagonal pattern. 2 a gate,
Late Latin n the form of written Latin used screen, or fence formed of such a frame-
from the 3rd to the 7th centuries a d . work. 3 an array of atoms, ions, or mol-
lately adv in recent times; of late. ecules in a crystal or an array of points in-
latent adj lying hidden and not yet devel- dicating their positions in space, -vb
oped within a person or thing, latency n -ticing, -ticed 4 to make, adorn, or supply
with a lattice, latticed adj
later adj, adv 1 the comparative of late.
-adv 2 afterwards. Latvian adj 1 from Latvia. ~n 2 a person
from Latvia. 3 the language of Latvia.
lateral (lat-ter-al) adj of or relating to the laud Literary - vb 1 to praise or glorify, —n
side or sides, laterally adv 2 praise or glorification.
lateral thinking n a way of solving problems
by apparently illogical methods. laudable adj deserving praise; commend-
able. laudability n laudably adv
latest adj, adv 1 the superlative of late. laudanum (lawd-a-num) n a sedative ex-
-adj 2 most recent, modern, or new: the tracted from opium.
latest fashions. ~n 3 at the latest no later
than the time specified. laudatory adj (of speech or writing) express-
ing praise.
latex n a milky fluid produced by many
plants: latex from the rubber plant is used laugh vb 1 to express amusement or happi-
in the manufacture of rubber. ness by producing a series of inarticulate
sounds. 2 to utter or express with laughter:
lath n, pl laths one of several thin narrow
he laughed his derision at the play. 3 to
strips of wood used as a supporting frame- bring or force (oneself) into a certain condi-
work for plaster or tiles. tion by laughter: laughing herself silly. 4
lathe n a machine for shaping metal or wood laugh at to make fun of; jeer at. 5 laugh up
by turning it against a fixed tool. one’s sleeve to laugh secretly. ~n 6 the act
lather n 1 foam formed by soap or detergent or an instance of laughing. 7 Informal a
in water. 2 foamy sweat, as produced by a person or thing that causes laughter: he’s a
horse. 3 Informal a state of agitation, -vb laugh, that one. 8 the last laugh final suc-
4 to coat or become coated with lather. 5 to cess after previous defeat. ~See also laugh
form a lather. 6 Informal to beat; flog, off. laughingly adv
lathery adj laughable adj ridiculous because so obvious-
Latin n 1 the language of ancient Rome and ly inadequate or unsuccessful.
the Roman Empire. 2 a member of any of laughing gas n nitrous oxide used as an an-
those peoples whose languages are derived aesthetic: it may cause laughter and exhila-
from Latin, —adj 3 of the Latin language. 4 ration when inhaled.
of those peoples whose languages are de- laughing stock n a person or thing that is
rived from Latin. 5 of the Roman Catholic treated with ridicule.
Church.
laugh off vb to treat (something serious or
Latin America n those areas of South and difficult) lightly.
Central America whose official languages
are Spanish and Portuguese. Latin Ameri- laughter n the action or noise of laughing.
can adj, n launch1 vb 1 to move (a vessel) into the
latish adj, adv rather late. water, esp. for the first time. 2 a to start off
or set in motion: to launch an appeal, b to
latitude n 1 a an angular distance measured put (a new product) on the market. 3 to set
in degrees north or south of the equator, b (a rocket, missile, or spacecraft) into mo-
(often pl) a region considered with regard tion. 4 to involve (oneself) totally and en-
to its distance from the equator. 2 scope for thusiastically: Francis launched himself
freedom of action and thought, latitudinal into the transfer market with gusto. 5
adj launch into to start talking or writing
latitudinarian adj 1 liberal, esp. in religious (about). 6 (usually foil, by out) to start
matters. ~n 2 a person with latitudinarian (out) on a new enterprise. ~n 7 an act or
views. instance of launching, launcher n
latrine n a toilet in a barracks or camp. launch2 n an open motorboat.
latter n 1 the latter the second or second launching pad or launch pad n a platform
mentioned of two. —adj 2 near or nearer from which a spacecraft, rocket, or missile
the end: the latter half of the season. 3 more is launched.
advanced in time or sequence; later. launder vb 1 to wash and iron (clothes and
► Latter is used for the last mentioned of linen). 2 to make (money illegally obtained)
two items. When there are more, use last- appear to be legally gained by passing it
named. through foreign banks or legitimate
latter-day adj present-day; modern, enterprises.
latterly adv recently; lately. Launderette n Brit & NZ trademark an es-
lattice (lat-iss) n 1 Also called: latticework tablishment where clothes can be washed
laundry 446 lay
and dried, using coin-operated machines. lawful adj allowed, recognized, or sanctioned
Also called (US, Canad, and NZ): Laundro- by law; legal, lawfully adv
mat lawgiver n 1 the giver of a code of laws. 2
laundry n, pl -dries 1 the clothes or linen to Also called: lawmaker a maker of laws,
be laundered or that have been laundered. 2 lawgiving n, adj
a place where clothes and linen are washed lawless adj 1 breaking the law, esp. in a
and ironed. wild or violent way: lawless butchery. 2 not
laureate (lor-ee-at) adj 1 Literary crowned having laws, lawlessness n
with laurel leaves as a sign of honour. —n 2 Law Lords pl n members of the House of
short for poet laureate, laureateship n Lords who sit as the highest court of ap-
laurel n 1 a small Mediterranean evergreen peal.
tree with glossy leaves. 2 (pl) a wreath of lawn1 n an area of cultivated and mown
laurel, worn on the head as an emblem of grass.
victory or honour in classical times. 3 (pl) lawn2 n a fine linen or eotton fabric.
honour, distinction, or fame. 4 rest on lawn mower n a hand-operated or power-
one’s laurels to be satisfied with what one operated machine for cutting grass.
has already achieved and stop striving for
further success. 5 look to one’s laurels to lawn tennis n 1 tennis played on a grass
be on guard against one’s rivals. court. 2 same as tennis.
lav n Brit informal short for lavatory. lawrencium n Chem an element artificially
produced from californium. Symbol: Lr
lava n 1 molten rock discharged by volca-
noes. 2 any rock formed by the solidifica- lawsuit n a case in a court of law brought by
tion of lava. one person or group against another.
lawyer n a member of the legal profession
lavatorial adj characterized by frequent ref-
erence to excretion: lavatorial humour. who can advise clients about the law and
represent them in court.
lavatory n, pl -ries same as toilet. lax adj lacking firmness; not strict, laxity n
lavender n 1 a plant grown for its bluish- laxative n 1 a medicine that induces the
purple flowers and as the source of a sweet- emptying of the bowels, -adj 2 easing the
smelling oil. 2 its dried flowers, used to per- emptying of the bowels.
fume clothes, -adj 3 pale bluish-purple.
lay1 vb lays, laying, laid 1 to put in a low or
lavender water n a light perfume made horizontal position; cause to lie: Mary laid a
from lavender. clean square of white towelling carefully on
lavish adj 1 great in quantity or richness: the grass. 2 to establish as a basis: ready to
lavish banquets. 2 very generous in giving. lay your new fashion foundations? 3 to
3 extravagant; wasteful: lavish spending place or be in a particular state or position:
habits. -vb 4 to give or to spend very gen- underneath lay a key. 4 to regard as the re-
erously or in great quantities, lavishly adv sponsibility of: ridiculous attempts to lay
law n 1 a rule or set of rules regulating what the loss at the door of the Admiralty. 5 to
may or may not be done by members of a put forward: ruses by which we lay claim
soeiety or community. 2 a rule or body of on one another. 6 to arrange or prepare: she
rules made by the legislature or other would lay her plans. 7 to place in position:
authority. 3 the control enforced by sueh he laid a wreath. 8 (of birds, esp. the do-
rules: scant respect for the rule of law. 4 mestic hen) to produee (eggs). 9 to make (a
the law a the legal or judicial system, b the bet) with (someone): I’ll lay money he's al-
profession or practice of law. c Informal the ready gone home. 10 to arrange (a table) for
police or a polieeman. 5 law and order the a meal. 11 to prepare (a fire) by arranging
poliey of strict enforcement of the law, esp. fuel in the grate. 12 Taboo slang to have
against crime and violenec. 6 a rule of be- sexual intercourse with. 13 lay bare to re-
haviour: an unwritten law that Nanny veal or explain: a century of neurophysiol-
knows best. 7 Also called: law of nature a ogy has now laid bare the structures of the
generalization based on a recurring fact or brain. 14 lay hold of to seize or grasp. 15
event. 8 the science or knowledge of law; lay oneself open to make oneself vulner-
jurisprudence. 9 a general principle, formu- able (to eritieism or attack). 16 lay open to
la, or rule in mathematics, science, or phi- reveal or diselose. 17 lay waste to destroy
losophy: the law of gravity. 10 the Law the completely, -n 18 the manner or position
laws contained in the first five books of the in which something lies or is placed. 19
Old Testament. 11 go to law to resort to Taboo, slang a an act of sexual intercourse,
legal proceedings on some matter. 12 lay b a sexual partner. ~See also lay aside,
down the law to speak in an authoritative lay down, etc.
manner. ► Lay and lie are often confused. Lay takes
law-abiding adj obeying the laws: a law- an object: he laid down his weapon; lie does
abiding citizen. not take an object: I'm going to lie down.
lawbreaker n a person who breaks the law. lay2 vb the past tense of lie2.
lawbreaking n, adj lay3 adj 1 of or involving people who are not
lay 447 lead
members of the clergy. 2 nonprofessional or laze vb lazing, lazed 1 to be idle or lazy. 2
nonspecialist. (often foil, by away) to spend (time) in
lay4 n a short narrative poem intended to be idleness. ~n 3 time spent lazing.
sung. lazy adj lazier, laziest 1 not inclined to
layabout n a lazy person. work or exert oneself. 2 done in a relaxed
lay aside vb 1 to abandon or reject. 2 to put manner with little effort. 3 moving in a
aside (one thing) in order to take up anoth- sluggish manner: the lazy drift of the bub-
er. 3 to store or reserve for future use. bles. lazily adv laziness n
lay-by n Brit a place where drivers can stop lazybones n Informal a lazy person,
by the side of a main road. lb 1 pound (weight). 2 Cricket leg bye.
lay down vb 1 to place on the ground or a lbw Cricket leg before wicket.
surface. 2 to sacrifice: willing to lay down Ic 1 in the place cited. 2 Printing lower case.
their lives for the truth. 3 to formulate (a LCD 1 liquid crystal display. 2 Also: led
rule or principle). 4 to record (plans) on lowest common denominator.
paper. 5 to store or stock: the speed with Icm or LCM lowest common multiple.
which we lay down extra, unwanted fat. lea n 1 Poetic a meadow or field. 2 grass-
layer n 1 a single thickness of something, land.
such as a cover or a coating on a surface. 2 LEA Local Education Authority.
a laying hen. 3 Horticulture a shoot that
forms its own root while still attached to leach vb 1 to remove or be removed from a
the parent plant. ~vb 4 to form or make a substance by a liquid passing through it. 2
layer or layers. to lose soluble substances by the action of a
liquid passing through.
layette n a complete set of clothing, bed-
lead1 vb leading, led 1 to show the way to
clothes, and other accessories for a new- (an individual or a group) by going with or
born baby. ahead: he led her into the house. 2 to guide,
lay figure n 1 an artist’s jointed dummy, control, or direct: he dismounted and led his
used esp. for studying effects of drapery. 2 horse back. 3 to influence someone to act,
a person considered to be subservient or un- think, or behave in a certain way: research-
important. ing our family history has led her to corre-
lay in vb to accumulate and store: they've spond with relatives abroad. 4 to have the
already laid in five hundred bottles of great principal part in (something): planners led
vintages. the development of policy. 5 to go at the
lay into vb Informal to attack or scold se- head of or have the top position in (some-
verely. thing): Prost now led the table with eight-
layman or fem laywoman n, pl -men or een points. 6 (of a road or way) to be the
-women 1 a person who is not a member of means of reaching a place: the footbridge
the clergy. 2 a person who does not have leads on to a fine promenade. 7 to pass or
specialized knowledge of a subject: the spend: I’ve led a happy life. 8 to guide or be
layman's guide to nuclear power. guided by physical means: he took her firm-
lay off vb 1 to suspend (staff) during a slack ly by the arm and led her home. 9 to direct
period at work. 2 Informal to leave (a per- the course of (water, a rope, or wire) along
son, thing, or activity) alone: “lay off the or as if along a channel. 10 (foil, by with) to
defence counsel bit!” he snapped. ~n lay- have as the most important item: the Re-
off 3 a period of imposed unemployment. view leads with a critique of A Place of
Greater Safety. 11 Brit music to play first
lay on vb 1 to provide or supply: they laid violin in (an orchestra). 12 to begin a round
on a treat for the entourage. 2 lay it on of cards by putting down the first card. ~n
thick Slang to exaggerate, esp. when flat- 13 the first or most prominent place. 14 ex-
tering. ample or leadership: some of his children
lay out vb 1 to arrange or spread out. 2 to followed his lead. 15 an advantage over
plan or design: the main streets were laid others: Essex have a lead of 24 points. 16
out on a grid system. 3 to prepare (a corpse) an indication; clue: we’ve got a lead on how
for burial. 4 Informal to spend (money), the body got into the water. 17 a length of
esp. lavishly. 5 Informal to knock (some- leather, nylon, or chain used to walk or con-
one) unconscious. -n layout 6 the ar- trol a dog. 18 the principal role in a play,
rangement or plan of something, such as a film, or other production, or the person
building. 7 the arrangement of printed ma- playing such a role. 19 the most important
terial. news story in a newspaper: the shooting
lay reader n 1 Church of England a person makes the lead in the Times. 20 the act of
licensed to conduct religious services other playing the first card in a round of cards or
than the Eucharist. 2 RC Church a layman the card so played. 21 a wire, cable, or
chosen to read the epistle at Mass. other conductor for making an electrical
lay up vb 1 Informal to confine through ill- connection. -adj 22 acting as a leader or
ness: laid up with a bad cold. 2 to store for lead: lead singer. -See also lead off, lead
future use. on, etc.
lead 448 lean
lead2 n 1 a heavy toxic bluish-white metallic lead up to vb 1 to act as a preliminary or
element: used in alloys, cable sheaths, introduction to. 2 to approach (a topic)
paints, and as a radiation shield. Symbol: gradually or cautiously.
Pb 2 a graphite used for drawing, b a thin leaf n, pl leaves 1 one of the flat usually
stick of this as the core of a pencil. 3 a lead green blades attached to the stem of a
weight suspended on a line, used to take plant. 2 the foliage of a tree or plant: shrubs
soundings of the depth of water. 4 lead have been planted for their leaf interest. 3
weights or shot, as used in cartridges or in leaf (of shrubs or trees) with all its
fishing lines. 5 a thin strip of lead for hold- leaves fully opened. 4 a very thin sheet of
ing small panes of glass or pieces of stained metal. 5 one of the sheets of paper in a
glass. 6 (pl) a thin sheets or strips of lead book. 6 a hinged, sliding, or detachable
used as a roof covering, b a roof covered part, such as an extension to a table. 7 take
with such sheets. 7 Also called: leading a leaf out of someone’s book to imitate
Printing a thin strip of metal, formerly used someone in a particular course of action. 8
for spacing between lines of type, -adj 8 turn over a new leaf to begin a new and
of, relating to, or containing lead. -vb 9 to improved course of behaviour, —vb 9 (usu-
surround, cover, or secure with lead or ally foil, by through) to turn pages casually
leads. or hurriedly without reading them. 10 (of
leaded adj (of windows) made from many plants) to produce leaves, leafless adj
small panes of glass held together by lead leafage n the leaves of plants.
strips. leaflet n 1 a sheet of printed matter distrib-
leaden adj 1 heavy or sluggish: my limbs uted, usually free, for advertising or infor-
felt leaden. 2 of a dull greyish colour: lead- mation. 2 any small leaf. 3 one of the divi-
en November sky. 3 made of lead. 4 gloomy, sions of a compound leaf, -vb -leting,
spiritless, or lifeless: hollow characters and -leted 4 to distribute leaflets (to).
leaden dialogue. leaf mould n a rich soil consisting of de-
leader n 1 a person who rules, guides, or cayed leaves.
inspires others; head. 2 Chiefly Brit the leafy adj leafier, leafiest 1 covered with
leading editorial in a newspaper. Also: leaves. 2 having many trees or shrubs: a
leading article 3 Music the principal first leafy suburb.
violinist of an orchestra who acts as the league1 n 1 an association of people or na-
conductor’s deputy. 4 the person or animal tions formed to promote the interests of its
who is leading in a race. 5 the best or the members. 2 an association of sporting clubs
most successful of its kind: the company is that organizes matches between member
a world leader in its field. 6 the leading teams. 3 Informal a class or level: the guy is
horse or dog in a team. 7 a strip of blank not even in the same league. 4 in league
film or tape at the beginning of a reel. 8 Bot (with) working or planning together with.
any of the long slender shoots that grow —vb leaguing, leagued 5 to form or be
from the stem or branch of a tree, leader- formed into a league.
ship n league2 n an obsolete unit of distance of
lead-in n an introduction to a subject, varying length: commonly equal to 3 miles
leading adj 1 principal or primary: the lead- (1.86 kilometres).
ing designers. 2 in the first position: the leak n 1 a a crack or hole that allows the ac-
leading driver. cidental escape or entrance of liquid, gas,
leading aircraftman n the rank above air- radiation, etc. b such escaping or entering
craftman in the British air force, leading liquid, etc. 2 a disclosure of secret informa-
aircraftwoman fem n tion. 3 the loss of current from an electrical
leading light n an important and influential conductor because of faulty insulation. 4
person in an organization or campaign. the act or an instance of leaking. 5 Slang
leading question n a question worded to urination, —vb 6 to enter or escape or
suggest the desired answer, such as What allow to enter or escape through a crack or
do you think of the horrible effects of pollu- hole. 7 to make (secret information) public,
tion? esp. deliberately, leaky adj
leading rating n a rank in the Royal Navy leakage n the act or an instance or the re-
comparable to a corporal in the army. sult of leaking: the leakage of 60 tonnes of
oil.
lead off vb to begin.
lean1 vb leaning; leant or leaned 1 (foil, by
lead on vb to trick (someone) into believing against, on or upon) to rest or put (some-
or doing something wrong. thing) so that it rests against a support. 2 to
lead pencil n a pencil containing a thin stick bend or make (something) bend from an up-
of a graphite compound. right position. 3 (foil, by to or towards) to
lead poisoning n acute or chronic poisoning have or express a tendency or preference.
by lead. ~n 4 the condition of bending from an up-
lead time n Manufacturingthe time between right position. ~Sec also lean on.
the design of a product and its production. lean2 adj 1 (esp. of a person) having a trim
leaning 449 Lebensraum
body with no surplus flesh. 2 (of meat) hav- not at all: you’re not detaining me, not in
ing little or no fat. 3 (of a period) sparse, the least.
difficult, or causing hardship: these are leastways or US & Canad leastwise adv In-
Jean days in Baghdad. ~n 4 the part of formal at least; anyway.
meat that contains little or no fat. leanness
n leather n 1 the skin of an animal made
smooth and flexible by tanning and remov-
leaning n a tendency or inclination. ing the hair. 2 leathers leather clothes, esp.
lean on vb 1 Informal to try to influence as worn by motorcyclists, —adj 3 made of
(someone) by using threats. 2 to depend on leather, —vb 4 to whip as if with a leather
(someone) for help and advice. strap. 5 to dress in leather.
leant vb a past of lean1, leatherjacket n the tough-skinned larva of
lean-to n, pl -tos a building with a sloping certain crane flies, which destroy the roots
roof attached to another building or a wall. of grasses.
leap vb leaping; leapt or leaped 1 to jump leathery adj looking or feeling like leather,
suddenly from one place to another. 2 esp. in toughness.
(often foil, by at) to move or react quickly. leave1 vb leaving, left 1 to go away (from a
3 to jump over. —n 4 the act of jumping. 5 person or place). 2 to cause to remain be-
an abrupt or important change or increase: hind, often by mistake, in a place: I left the
a leap to full European union. 6 a leap in paper under the table. 3 to cause to be or
the dark an action performed without remain in a specified state: the poll leaves
knowledge of the consequences. 7 by leaps the parties neck-and-neck. 4 to stop attend-
and bounds with unexpectedly rapid pro- ing or belonging to a particular organization
gress. or institution: at seventeen she left the con-
leapfrog n 1 a children’s game in which each vent. 5 to not eat something or not deal with
player in turn leaps over the others’ bent something: he left a half-eaten lunch. 6 to
backs. -vb -frogging, -frogged 2 a to play result in; cause: I have been terribly hurt by
leapfrog, b to leap over (something). 3 to women, it leaves indelible marks. 7 to allow
advance by jumps or stages. (someone) to do something without inter-
leap year n a calendar year of 366 days, fering: the governor left them to it for a
February 29 (leap day) being the additional further few hours. 8 to be survived by
day, that occurs every four years. (members of one’s family): he leaves a
learn vb learning; learnt or learned 1 to widow and one daughter. 9 to bequeath: her
gain knowledge (of something) or acquire adored son left his millions to an unknown
skill in (some art or practice). 2 to memorize half-sister. 10 to have as a remainder: 37 —
(something). 3 to gain by experience, exam- 14 leaves 23. 11 leave (someone) alone a
ple, or practice: I learned everything the to stop annoying (someone), b to permit to
hard way. 4 (often foil, by of or about) to stay or be alone. -See also leave off, leave
become informed; find out: Captain Nelson out.
learned of the disaster from his wireless. leave2 n 1 permission to be absent, for in-
learnable adj learner n stance from work: so I asked for leave. 2 the
learned (lurn-id) adj 1 having great knowl- length of such absence: weekend leave. 3
edge. 2 involving or characterized by schol- permission to do something: refused leave
arship: your learned paper on the subject. to appeal. 4 on leave officially excused
learning n knowledge gained by studying, from work or duty. 5 take (one’s) leave of
to say farewell to.
lease n 1 a contract by which an owner
rents buildings or land to another person leaven (lev-ven) n also leavening 1 any
for a specified period. 2 a new lease of life substance, such as yeast, that produces
a prospect of renewed energy, health, or fermentation in dough and makes it rise. 2
happiness. -vb leasing, leased 3 to let or an influence that produces a gradual
rent (land or buildings) by lease. change, -vb 3 to cause fermentation in
leasehold n 1 land or property held under a
(dough). 4 to spread through, causing a
lease. 2 the holding of such property under gradual change.
lease, leaseholder n leave off vb 1 to stop; cease. 2 to stop wear-
leash n 1 a dog’s lead. 2 straining at the ing or using.
leash eagerly impatient to begin something. leave out vb to omit or exclude: leave out
-vb 3 to put a leash on. everything not necessary to living.
least adj, adv 1 the least the superlative of leaves n the plural of leaf,
little: without encountering the least sign leave-taking n a departing; a farewell,
of civilization; he is the least well-educated leavings pl n things left behind unwanted,
prime minister, -adj 2 of very little impor- _ such as food on a plate.
tance. 3 smallest, —adv 4 at least if noth-
ing else: at least I wrote. 5 at the least at Lebanese adj 1 from the Lebanon, —n, pl
the minimum: at the very least you should -nese 2 a person from the Lebanon.
have some self respect. 6 not in the least Lebensraum (lay-benz-rowm) n territory
lecherous 450 legacy
claimed by a nation or state because it is in the direction of the left. ~n 5 a left side,
necessary for survival or growth. direction, position, area, or part. 6 the left
lecherous (letch-er-uss) adj (of a man) hav- the people in a political party or society
ing or showing strong and uncontrolled who have more socialist or liberal views:
sexual desire, lecher n lechery n the biggest party of the French Left. 7 Box-
lecithin (less-sith-in) n Biochem a yellow- ing a a blow with the left hand, b the left
brown compound found in plant and animal hand.
tissues, esp. egg yolk: used in making cos- left2 vb the past of leave1.
metics and inks, and as an emulsifier and left-hand adj 1 of, on, or towards the left. 2
stabilizer (E322) in foods. for the left hand.
lectern n a sloping reading desk, esp. in a left-handed adj 1 better at using the left
church. hand than the right. 2 done with the left
lecture n 1 a talk on a particular subject de- hand. 3 designed for use by the left hand. 4
livered to an audience. 2 a lengthy scolding. awkward or clumsy. 5 ambiguous or insin-
—vb -turing, -tured 3 to deliver a lecture cere: a left-handed compliment. 6 turning
(to an audience or class). 4 to scold (some- from right to left; anticlockwise, —adv 7
one) at length, lecturer n lectureship n with the left hand, left-hander n
led vb the past of lead1. leftist adj 1 of or relating to the political left
LED Electronics light-emitting diode: a semi- or its principles. ~n 2 a person who sup-
conductor that gives out light when an elec- ports the political left, leftism n
tric current is applied to it. left-luggage office n Brit a place at a rail-
ledge n 1 a narrow horizontal surface that way station or airport where luggage may
projects from a wall or window. 2 a narrow be left for a small charge.
shelflike projection on a cliff or mountain. leftover n 1 (often pl) an unused portion,
ledger n Book-keeping the principal book in esp. of cooked food, —adj 2 left as an un-
which the commercial transactions of a used portion.
company are recorded. leftward adj, adv also leftwards on or to-
ledger line n Music a short line above or wards the left.
below the staff used to indicate the pitch of
notes higher or lower than the range of the left-wing adj 1 socialist or radical: the party
staff. ditched many of its more left-wing policies.
2 belonging to the more radical part of a po-
lee n 1 a sheltered part or side; the side litical party: .a group of left-wing
away from the direction from which the Conservatives. ~n left wing 3 (often cap)
wind is blowing, —adj 2 Naut on, at, or to- the more radical or progressive section, esp.
wards the side away from the wind: her lee of a political party: the Left Wing of the
rail was awash. Labour Party. 4 Sports a the left-hand side
leech n 1 a worm which has a sucker at each of the field of play, b a player positioned in
end of the body and feeds on the blood or this area in certain games, left-winger n
tissues of other animals. 2 a person who
lives off another person; parasite. lefty n, pl lefties Informal 1 a left-winger. 2
Chiefly US & Canad a left-handed person,
leek n a vegetable of the onion family with a
slender white bulb and broad flat green leg n 1 either of the two lower limbs in hu-
overlapping leaves: the national emblem of mans, or any similar structure in animals
Wales. that is used for movement or support. 2 the
leer vb 1 to give a sneering or suggestive part of a garment that covers the leg. 3 a
look or grin, —n 2 such a look. lower limb of an animal, esp. the thigh, used
for food: leg of lamb. 4 something similar to
leery adj leerier, leeriest 1 Slang (foil, by a leg in appearance or function, such as one
of) suspicious or wary. 2 Now chiefly dia- of the supports of a chair. 5 a section of a
lect knowing or sly. journey. 6 a single stage, lap, or length in a
lees pl n the sediment from an alcoholic relay race. 7 one of a series of games,
drink. matches, or parts of games. 8 Cricket the
leet n Scot a list of candidates for an office, side of the field to the left of and behind a
leeward Chiefly naut -adj 1 of, in, or mov- right-handed batsman as he faces the bowl-
ing in the direction towards which the wind er. 9 not have a leg to stand on Informal to
blows. ~n 2 the side towards the lee. -adv have no reasonable basis for an opinion or
3 towards the lee. argument. 10 on one’s last legs worn out
leeway n 1 flexibility of action or expendi- or exhausted. 11 to pull someone’s leg In-
ture: he gave me a lot of leeway in the work formal to tease or make fun of someone. 12
I did. 2 sideways drift of a boat or aircraft. shake a leg Informal to hurry up. 13
left1 adj 1 denoting the side of something or stretch one’s legs to stand up or walk
someone that faces west when the front is around, esp. after sitting for some time.
turned towards the north. 2 on the left side -vb legging, legged 14 leg it Informal to
of the body: I grabbed it with my left hand. walk, run, or hurry.
3 liberal, radical, or socialist, -adv 4 on or legacy n, pl -cies 1 money or personal prop-
legal 451 leisure
erty left to someone by a will. 2 something leghorn n 1 a type of Italian wheat straw
handed down to a successor. that is woven into hats. 2 any hat made
legal adj 1 established by or permitted by from this straw.
law; lawful. 2 of or relating to law. 3 relat- Leghorn (leg-gorn) n a breed of domestic
ing to or characteristic of lawyers, legally fowl.
adv legible adj (of handwriting) able to be read,
legal aid n financial assistance available to legibility n legibly adv
people who are unable to meet the full cost legion n 1 any large military force: the
of legal proceedings. French Foreign Legion. 2 (often pl) any
legalese n the conventional language in very large number. 3 an infantry unit in the
which legal documents are written. ancient Roman army of three to six thou-
legalism n strict adherence to the letter of sand men. 4 an association of veterans, le-
the law. legalist n, adj legalistic adj gionary adj, n
legality n, pl -ties the state or quality of legionnaire n (often cap) a member of a le-
being legal or lawful. gion.
legalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, Legionnaire’s disease n a serious bacterial
-ised to make lawful or legal, legalization infection, with symptoms similar to pneu-
or -isation n monia.
legal tender n currency that a creditor must legislate vb -lating, -lated 1 to make or pass
by law accept to pay a debt. laws. 2 to bring into effect by legislation,
legislator n
legate n a messenger, esp. one representing legislation n 1 the act or process of making
the Pope. laws. 2 the laws so made.
legatee n the recipient of a legacy. legislative adj 1 of or relating to the process
legation n 1 a diplomatic mission headed by of making laws. 2 having the power or
a minister. 2 the official residence and of- function of making laws: a legislative as-
fice of a diplomatic minister. sembly.
legato (leg-ah-toe) Music ~adv 1 smoothly legislature n a body of people authorized to
and evenly. ~n, pl -tos 2 a style of playing make and repeal laws.
with no gaps between notes. legitimate adj 1 authorized by or in accord-
leg before wicket n Cricket a dismissal on ance with law: legitimate accounting prac-
the grounds that a batsman has been struck tices. 2 based on correct or acceptable prin-
on the leg by a bowled ball that otherwise ciples of reasoning: a legitimate argument. 3
would have hit the wicket. Abbrev.: lbw (of a child) born of parents legally married
leg break n Cricket a bowled ball that spins to each other. 4 of, relating to, or ruling by
from leg to off on pitching. hereditary right: under their legitimate rul-
leg bye n Cricket a run scored after the ball ing house. 5 of or relating to serious drama
has hit the batsman’s leg or some other part as distinct from films, television, or vaude-
of his body, except his hand, without touch- ville. ~vb -mating, -mated 6 to make, pro-
ing the bat. Abbrev.: lb nounce, or show to be legitimate, legitima-
legend n 1 a popular story handed down cy n legitimately adv
from earlier times which may or may not be legitimize or -mise vb -mizing, -mized or
true. 2 such stories collectively. 3 a person -mising, -mised to make legitimate; legalize,
whose fame makes him or her seem excep- legitimization or -misation n
tional: be is a living legend. 4 modern sto- legless adj 1 without legs. 2 Slang very
ries about a famous person which may or drunk.
may not be true: no Garland fan could com- Lego n Trademark a construction toy con-
plain about sordid revelations tarnishing sisting of plastic bricks and other compo-
the legend. 5 words written on something to nents that fit together.
explain it: a pub mirror spelling out the leg- leg-pull n Brit in formal a practical joke,
end “Saloon Bar”. 6 an explanation on a legroom n space to move one’s legs comfort-
table, map, or chart, of the symbols used. ably, as in a car.
legendary adj 1 very famous: the legendary leguaan n a large amphibious S African liz-
beauty of the Alps. 2 of or relating to leg- ard.
end. 3 described in legend: the legendary legume n 1 the pod of a plant of the pea or
birthplace of Aphrodite. bean family. 2 the seed from such pods, esp.
legerdemain (lej-cr-de-main) n 1 same as beans or peas.
sleight of hand. 2 cunning deception. leguminous adj of or relating to any family
leger line n same as ledger line. of flowering plants having pods (or
leggings pl n 1 an extra outer covering for legumes) as fruits.
the lower legs. 2 close-fitting trousers for' lei n (in Hawaii) a garland of flowers, worn
women or children. around the neck.
leggy adj 1 having unusually long legs. 2 (of Leics Leicestershire.
a plant) having a long weak stem. leisure n 1 time or opportunity for relaxa-
leisure centre 452 less
tion or hobbies. 2 at leisure a having free lens n 1 a piece of glass or other transparent
time, b not occupied. 3 at one’s leisure material with a curved surface or surfaces,
when one has free time, leisured adj used to bring together or spread rays of
leisure centre n a building providing facil- light passing through it: used in cameras,
ities, such as a swimming pool, gym, and telescopes, and spectacles. 2 Anat a trans-
cafe, for a range of leisure pursuits. parent structure in the eye, behind the iris,
leisurely adj 1 unhurried; relaxed, -adv 2 that focuses images on the retina.
in a relaxed way. leisureliness n lent vb the past of lend.
leitmotif or leitmotiv (lite-motc-eef) n 1 Lent n Christianity the period from Ash
Music a recurring melodic phrase used to Wednesday to Easter Saturday, during
suggest a character, thing, or idea. 2 an which some Christians give up doing some-
often repeated image in a literary work. thing they enjoy. Lenten adj
lekker adj S African slang pleasing, enjoy- lentil n any of the small edible seeds of a le-
able, or tasty. guminous Asian plant.
lemming n 1 a small rodent of northern and lento Music -adv 1 slowly. ~n, pl -tos 2 a
arctic regions, reputed to rush into the sea movement or passage performed slowly.
in large groups and drown. 2 a member of Leo n Astrol the fifth sign of the zodiac; the
any group following an unthinking course Lion.
towards destruction. leonine adj of or like a lion.
lemon n 1 a yellow oval edible fruit with leopard or fem leopardess n a large Afri-
juicy acidic flesh that grows on an ever- can and Asian mammal of the cat family,
green tree in warm and tropical regions. 2 which has a tawny yellow coat with black
Slang a person or thing considered to be spots. Also called: panther
useless or defective, -adj 3 light yellow, leotard n a tight-fitting garment covering
lemony adj the body from the shoulders to the thighs
lemonade n a drink made from lemon juice, and worn by acrobats, ballet dancers, and
sugar, and water or from carbonated water, people doing exercises.
citric acid, and sweetener. leper n 1 a person who has leprosy. 2 a per-
lemon sole n an edible European flatfish, son who is avoided.
lemon squash n Brit a drink made from a lepidopteran n, pl -terans or -tera 1 an in-
sweetened lemon concentrate and water. sect that has two pairs of fragile wings and
lemur n a nocturnal animal, related to the develops from a caterpillar; a butterfly or
monkey, with a foxy face and long tail, moth, —adj also lepidopterous 2 denoting
found on Madagascar. such an insect.
lend vb lending, lent 1 to permit the tempo- lepidopterist n a person who studies or col-
rary use of. 2 to provide (money) tempo- lects moths and butterflies.
rarily, often at interest. 3 to contribute leprechaun n (in Irish folklore) a mischie-
(some abstract quality): painted trellis vous elf.
lends a classical air to any garden. 4 lend leprosy n Pathol a chronic infectious dis-
an ear to listen. 5 lend oneself or itself to ease, characterized by painful inflamed
be appropriate for: the building lends itself lumps beneath the skin and disfigurement
to loft conversion, lender n and wasting away of affected parts, lep-
length n 1 the extent or measurement of rous adj
something from end to end. 2 a specified lepton n Physics any of a group of elementa-
distance, esp. between two positions: the ry particles with weak interactions.
length of a cricket-pitch. 3 a period of time, lesbian n 1 a female homosexual, -adj 2 of
as between specified limits or moments. 4 or characteristic of lesbians, lesbianism n
the quality, state, or fact of being long ra- lese-majesty (lezz-maj-ist-ee) n 1 an of-
ther than short. 5 a piece of something, fence against the sovereign power in a
usually longer than it is wide: a length of state; treason. 2 an act of disrespect to-
twine. 6 (usually pl) the amount of trouble wards authority.
taken in doing something: to go to great lesion n 1 any structural change in an organ
lengths. 7 Prosody, phonetics the duration or tissue resulting from injury or disease. 2
of a vowel or syllable. 8 at length a after a an injury or wound.
long interval or period of time, b in great
detail. less adj, adv 1 the comparative of little: less
fibre; his sharpness will be blunted by play-
lengthen vb to make or become longer, ing less, -adj 2 Not universally accepted
lengthways or lengthwise adv, adj in, ac- fewer, —adv 3 less of to a smaller extent
cording to, or along the direction of length. or degree: it would become less of a prob-
lengthy adj lengthier, lengthiest very long lem. 4 no less Sometimes ironic used to in-
or tiresome, lengthily adv lengthiness n dicate admiration or surprise: sculpted by a
lenient (lee-nee-ent) adj tolerant, not strict famous Frenchman, Rodin no less, -prep 5
or severe, leniency n leniently adv minus: a two pounds-a-week rise {less tax).
lenity n, pl -ties mercy or clemency. ► Less is used with amounts that cannot be
lessee 453 level
counted: less time; less fuss. Some people re- 3 to explode or fire (a bomb, gun, or fire-
gard the use of less with things that can be work). 4 to release (liquid, air, or steam).
counted as poor usage but it is nevertheless let on vb Informal 1 to reveal (a secret). 2 to
widespread. pretend: he let on that he was a pilgrim.
lessee n a person to whom a lease is grant- let out vb 1 to emit: he let out a scream. 2 to
ed. allow to leave; release. 3 to make (property)
lessen vbto make or become less. available for people to rent. 4 to make (a
lesser adj not as great in quantity, size, or garment) wider by reducing the seams. 5 to
worth. reveal (a secret). ~n let-out 6 a chance to
lesson n 1 a a single period of instruction in escape.
a subject, b the content of such a period. 2 letter n 1 a written or printed message, usu-
material assigned for individual study. 3 ally enclosed in an envelope and sent by
something from which useful knowledge or post. 2 any of a set of conventional symbols
principles can be learned: one could still used in writing or printing a language:
learn an important lesson from these character of the alphabet. 3 the strict mean-
masters. 4 an experience that serves as a ing of an agreement or document; exact
warning or example: the experience will wording: the letter of the law. 4 to the let-
prove a sobering lesson for the military. 5 a ter precisely: you have to follow treatment
passage of Scripture read during a church to the letter for it to be effective. ~vb 5 to
service. write or mark letters on (a sign), lettering
lessor n a person who grants a lease of n
property. letter bomb n an explosive device in an en-
lest conj 1 so as to prevent any possibility velope or parcel that explodes when the en-
that: one grabbed it lest a neighbour got velope or parcel is opened.
there first. 2 for fear that: his anxiety lest letter box n Chiefly Brit 1 a slot in a door
anything mar the family event. through which letters are delivered. 2 Also
let1 vb letting, let 1 to allow: a child lets a called: pillar box, postbox a public box
friend play with his favourite toy. 2 used as into which letters and postcards are put for
an auxiliary to express: a a request, propo- collection.
sal, or command, or to convey a warning or lettered adj 1 well educated. 2 printed or
threat: well, let’s try it; just let me catch marked with letters.
you here again! b an assumption or hypoth- letterhead n a printed heading on stationery
esis: let “a” equal “b”. c resigned acceptance giving the name and address of the sender.
of the inevitable: let the worst happen. 3 to letter of credit n a letter issued by a bank
allow someone to rent (property or accom- entitling the bearer to draw money from
modation). 4 to cause the movement of other banks.
(something) in a specified direction: this letterpress n a method of printing in which
lets aluminium creep into the brain. 5 let ink is transferred from raised surfaces to
alone not to mention: I could hardly think, paper by pressure.
let alone find words to say. 6 let alone or letters pl n 1 literary knowledge or ability: a
be stop annoying or interfering with: let the
man of letters. 2 literary culture in general.
poor cat alone. 7 let go to relax one’s hold
(on). 8 let loose to allow (a person or ani- letters patent pl n See patent (senses 1, 3).
mal) to leave or escape. ~n 9 Brit the act of lettuce n a plant cultivated for its large ed-
letting property or accommodation. -See ible leaves, which are used in salads.
also let down, let off, etc. let up vb 1 to diminish or stop. 2 (foil, by on)
let2 n 1 Tennis, squash etc. a minor in- Informal to be less harsh (towards some-
fringement or obstruction of the ball, re- one). —n let-up 3 Informal a lessening.
quiring a point to be replayed. 2 without leucocyte (loo-koh-site) n any of the vari-
let or hindrance without obstruction. ous large white cells in the blood of verte-
let down vb 1 to fail to satisfy the expecta- brates.
tions of (someone); disappoint. 2 to lower. 3 leukaemia or esp US leukemia (loo-
to lengthen a garment by decreasing the kee-mee-a) n an acute or chronic disease
hem. 4 to deflate: to let down a tyre. ~n characterized by extreme overproduction of
letdown 5 a disappointment. white blood cells.
lethal adj capable of causing death, lethally levee1 n US 1 a natural or artificial river
adv embankment. 2 a quay.
lethargy n, pl -gies 1 sluggishness or dull- levee2 n a formal reception held by a sover-
ness. 2 an abnormal lack of energy, lethar- eign just after rising from bed.
gic adj lethargically adv level adj 1 on a horizontal plane. 2 having an
let off vb 1 to excuse from (work or duties): even surface. 3 being of the same height as
I’ll let you off homework for a week. 2 In- something else: the floor of the lean-to was
formal to spare (someone) the expected level with the patio. 4 equal to or even with
punishment: lots were let off because they (something or someone else): Johnson was
couldn’t be bothered to prosecute anybody. level with the overnight leader. 5 not ex-
level crossing 454 liberalize
ceeding the upper edge of (a spoon etc.). 6 cient language such as Greek. 2 the vocabu-
consistent or regular: a level pulse. 7 one’s lary of a language or of an individual.
level best the best one can do. ~vb -elling, ley n land temporarily under grass.
-elled or US -eling, -eled 8 (sometimes foil, Leyden jar (lide-en) n Physics an early type
by off) to make horizontal or even. 9 to of capacitor consisting of a glass jar with
make equal in position or status. 10 to di- the lower part of the inside and outside
rect (an accusation or criticism) emphati- coated with tinfoil.
cally at someone. 11 to focus (a look) direct- LGV (in Britain) large goods vehicle.
ly at someone. 12 to aim (a weapon) hori-
zontally. 13 to demolish completely. ~n 14 Li Chem lithium.
a horizontal line or plane. 15 a device, such liability n, pl -ties 1 someone or something
as a spirit level, for determining whether a that is a problem or embarrassment. 2 the
surface is horizontal. 16 position or status state of being legally responsible. 3 (often
in a scale of values: a high-level delegation. pl) sums of money owed by an organization,
17 stage or degree of progress: primary liable adj 1 Not universally accepted prob-
school level. 18 a specified vertical position: able or likely: weak and liable to give way.
floor level. 19 the topmost horizontal line or 2 commonly suffering a condition: he’s lia-
plane from which the height of something is ble to get colds in his chest. 3 legally obliged
calculated: sea level. 20 a flat even surface or responsible; answerable.
or area of land. 21 a degree or intensity ► The use of liable to mean “likely” is infor-
reached on a measurable or notional scale: mal but widespread. The longer-established
noise level. 22 on the level Informal sincere meaning is “responsible for”: he was liable
or genuine. for any damage.
level crossing n Brit, Austral, & NZ a point liaise vb -aising, -aised (usually foil, by
at which a railway line and a road cross. with) to communicate and maintain contact
level-headed adj calm and sensible. with.
lever n 1 a handle used to operate machin- liaison n 1 communication and cooperative
ery. 2 a bar used to move a heavy object or contact between groups. 2 a secretive or
to prise something open. 3 a rigid bar that adulterous sexual relationship.
turns on a fixed support (fulcrum) to trans- liana n a woody climbing and twining plant
fer effort and motion, for instance to move of tropical forests.
a load. 4 a means of exerting pressure in liar n a person who tells lies.
order to achieve an aim: using the hostages lib n Informal liberation: used in the name of
as a lever to gain concessions from the certain movements: women’s lib; gay lib.
west, -vb 5 to open or move with a lever. Lib Politics Liberal.
leverage n 1 the mechanical advantage
gained by using a lever. 2 the ability to in- libation (lie-bay-shun) n a the pouring-out
fluence people or events: information gives of wine in honour of a deity, b the wine so
leverage. poured out.
leveraged buyout n a takeover bid in which libel n 1 Law the publication of something
a small company uses its assets, and those false which damages a person’s reputation.
of the target company, to raise the loans re- 2 any damaging or unflattering representa-
quired to finance the takeover. tion or statement. ~vb -belling, -belled or
US-beling, -beled 3 Law to make or publish
leveret (lev-ver-it) n a young hare, a false damaging statement or representa-
leviathan (lev-vie-ath-an) n any huge or tion about (a person), libellous or libel-
powerful thing. ous adj
Levis pl n Trademark denim jeans. liberal adj 1 having social and political
levitate vb -tating, -tated to rise or cause to views that favour progress and reform. 2
rise, suspended, in the air. levitation n generous in temperament or behaviour. 3
levity n, pl -ties a frivolous or too light- tolerant of other people. 4 using or existing
hearted attitude to serious matters. in large quantities; lavish: the world's fin-
levy (lev-vee) vb levies, levying, levied 1 to est gadgetry, in liberal quantities. 5 not
impose and collect (a tax, tariff, or fine). 2 rigid; free: a more liberal interpretation. 6
to conscript troops for service. ~n, pl (of an education) designed to develop gen-
levies 3 a the imposition and collection of eral cultural interests and intellectual abil-
taxes, tariffs, or fines, b the money so ity. 7 Liberal of or relating to a Liberal
raised. 4 troops conscripted for service. Party. ~n 8 a person who has liberal ideas
lewd adj indecently vulgar; obscene, lewdly or opinions, liberalism n liberally adv
adv lewdness n Liberal Democrat n a member or supporter
lexical adj 1 relating to the vocabulary of a of the Liberal Democrats, a British centrist
language. 2 relating to a lexicon, lexically political party that advocates proportional
adv representation.
lexicography n the process or profession of liberality n, pl -ties 1 generosity. 2 the qual-
compiling dictionaries, lexicographer n ity of being broad-minded.
lexicon n 1 a dictionary, esp. one of an an- liberalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
Liberal Party 455 lied
-ised to make (a law) less strict, liberaliza- licensee n a person who holds a licence, esp.
tion or -isation n one to sell alcoholic drink.
Liberal Party n 1 History a British non- licentiate n a person who holds a certificate
Socialist political party which advocated of competence to practise a certain profes-
progress and reform. 2 any similar party in sion.
various other countries. licentious adj sexually unrestrained or pro-
liberate vb -ating, -ated 1 to free (someone) miscuous. licentiousness n
from social prejudices or injustices. 2 to lichee n same as lychee.
give liberty to; make free. 3 to release (a lichen n any of various small mossy plants
country) from enemy occupation, libera- that grow in patches on tree trunks, bare
tion n liberator n
ground, rocks, and stone walls.
liberated adj 1 not bound by traditional lichgate n same as lychgate.
sexual and social roles: a liberated woman.
2 given liberty. 3 released from enemy oc- licit adj Formal lawful; permitted.
cupation. lick vb 1 to pass the tongue over in order to
libertarian n 1 a person who believes in taste, wet, or clean. 2 to flicker over or
freedom of thought and action, —adj 2 be- round (something): flames licked the
lieving in freedom of thought and action. gutters. 3 Informal a to defeat, b to thrash.
libertine (lib-er-teen) n 1 a person who is 4 lick into shape to put into a satisfactory
promiscuous and unscrupulous, —adj 2 condition. 5 lick one’s wounds to retire
promiscuous and unscrupulous. after a defeat, —n 6 an instance of passing
the tongue over something. 7 a small
liberty n, pl -ties 1 the freedom to choose, amount: a lick of paint. 8 Informal a blow. 9
think, and act for oneself. 2 the right of un- Informal a fast pace: a pulsating rhythm
restricted movement and access; freedom. 3 taken at a lick. 10 a lick and a promise
(often pl) a social action regarded as being something hastily done, esp. a hurried
forward or improper. 4 at liberty free or wash.
unconfined. 5 at liberty to unrestricted or
authorized: I am not at liberty to divulge his licorice n US& Canad same as liquorice.
name. 6 take liberties (with) to be overfa- lid n 1 a removable or hinged cover: a sauce-
miliar (towards someone). pan lid. 2 short for eyelid. 3 put the (tin)
libidinous adj characterized by excessive lid on Informal to put an end to. lidded adj
sexual desire, libidinously adv lido (lee-doe) n, pl -dos Brit an open-air
libido (lib-ee-doe) n, pl -dos 1 Psychoanal swimming pool or a part of a beach used by
psychic energy from the id. 2 sexual urge or the public for swimming and sunbathing.
desire, libidinal adj lie1 vb lying, lied 1 to speak untruthfully
Libra n Astrol the seventh sign of the zodiac; with the intention of deceiving. 2 to convey
the Scales. a false impression: the camera cannot lie.
—n 3 an untrue statement deliberately used
librarian n a person in charge of or assisting to mislead. 4 something that is deliberately
in a library, librarianship n intended to deceive. 5 give the lie to a to
library n, pl -braries 1 a room or building disprove, b to accuse of lying.
where books and other literary materials lie2 vb lying, lay, lain 1 (often foil, by
are kept. 2 a collection of literary materials, down) to place oneself or be in a horizontal
films, tapes, or records, kept for borrowing position. 2 to be situated: I left the money
or reference. 3 the building or institution lying on the table; Nepal became the only
that houses such a collection. 4 a set of country lying between China and India. 3 to
books published as a series, often in a simi- be and remain (in a particular state or con-
lar format. 5 Computers a collection of dition): others of their species lie asleep. 4
standard programs, usually stored on disk. to stretch or extend: an enormous task lies
libretto n, pl -tos or -ti a text written for an ahead. 5 (usually foil, by in) to exist or
opera, librettist n comprise: her charm lies in her inner beau-
Libyan adj 1 from Libya, —n 2 a person ty. 6 (foil, by with) to rest (with): the fault
from Libya. lies with the NHS. ~n 7 the manner, place,
lice n the plural of louse. or style in which something is situated. 8 an
licence or US license n 1 a document giving animal’s lair. 9 lie of the land the way in
official permission to do, use, or own some- which a situation is developing. —See also
thing. 2 formal permission or exemption. 3 lie down, lie in.
intentional disregard of conventional rules ► Note that the past of lie is lay: she lay on
to achieve a certain effect: poetic licence. 4 the beach all day. Do not confuse with the
excessive freedom. main verb fay meaning “put”.
► Note the -ce ending for the noun licence, Liebfraumilch (leeb-frow-milk) n a sweet
with -se for the verb license. white wine from the German Rhine.
license vb -censing, -censed 1 to grant a li- lied (leed) n, pl lieder Music a musical set-
cence to or for. 2 to give permission to or ting for solo voice and piano of a romantic
for. licensable adj or lyrical poem.
lie detector 456 lift
lie detector n Informal a device used to life assurance n insurance that provides for
measure any increase in blood pressure, a sum of money to be paid to the insured
pulse rate, etc., of someone being person at a certain age or to the spouse or
questioned, which is thought to indicate children on the death of the insured. Also
that the person is lying. called: life insurance
lie down vb 1 to place oneself or be in a life belt n an inflatable ring used to keep a
horizontal position in order to rest. 2 to person afloat when in danger of drowning.
yield to: never take any attack on your can- lifeblood n 1 the blood vital to life. 2 some-
didate lying down, -n lie-down 3 a rest. thing that is essential for existence, devel-
liege (leej) adj 1 (of a lord) owed feudal al- opment, or success.
legiance: their liege lord. 2 (of a vassal or lifeboat n a boat used for rescuing people at
subject) owing feudal allegiance: a liege sea.
subject. 3 faithful; loyal. ~n 4 a liege lord. life buoy n a buoyant device to keep people
5 a subject. afloat in an emergency.
lie in vb 1 to remain in bed late into the life cycle n the series of changes occurring
morning. ~n lie-in 2 a long stay in bed in in each generation of an animal or plant.
the morning. lifeguard n a person at a beach or pool
lien n Law a right to retain possession of whose job is to rescue people in danger of
someone else’s property until a debt is paid. drowning.
lieu (lyew) n in lieu of instead of. life jacket n an inflatable sleeveless jacket
Lieut, lieutenant. worn to keep a person afloat when in dan-
lieutenant (lef-ten-ant) n 1 a junior officer ger of drowning.
in the army, navy, or the US police force. 2 lifeless adj 1 inanimate; dead. 2 lacking live-
a person who acts as principal assistant, liness or animation. 3 unconscious.
lieutenancy n lifelike adj closely resembling or represent-
lieutenant colonel n an officer in an army, ing life.
air force, or marine corps immediately jun- lifeline n 1 a single means of contact or sup-
ior to a colonel. port on which a person or an area relies. 2 a
lieutenant commander n an officer in a rope used for life-saving.
navy immediately junior to a commander. lifelong adj lasting for a lifetime.
lieutenant general n a senior officer in an life peer n Brit a peer whose title ceases at
army, air force, or marine corps. his or her death. '
lieutenant governor n 1 a deputy governor. life preserver n 1 Brit a bludgeon kept for
2 (in Canada) the representative of the self-defence. 2 US & Canad a life belt or life
Crown in a province. jacket.
life n, pl lives 1 the state or quality that lifer n Informal a prisoner sentenced to life
identifies living beings, characterized chief- imprisonment.
ly by growth, reproduction, and response to life raft n a raft for emergency use at sea.
stimuli. 2 the period between birth and life-saver n 1 same as lifeguard. 2 Informal
death or between birth and the present a person or thing that gives help in time of
time. 3 a living person or being: riots which need, life-saving adj, n
claimed 22 lives. 4 the remainder or extent life science n any of the sciences concerned
of one’s life: with that lady for the rest of with the structure and behaviour of living
her life. 5 the process of living: rituals gave organisms, such as biology, botany, or zool-
his life stability. 6 Informal a sentence of ogy-
life imprisonment, usually approximating life-size or life-sized adj representing actual
to fifteen years. 7 a characteristic state or size.
mode of existence: country life is best. 8 the lifestyle n a set of attitudes, habits, and pos-
length of time that something is active or sessions regarded as typical of a particular
functioning: the life of a battery. 9 a pres- group or an individual.
ent condition or mode of existence: they are
leading a joyous life. 10 a biography. 11 the life-support adj (of equipment or treatment)
sum or course of human events and activi- necessary to sustain life.
ties. 12 liveliness or high spirits: full of life. lifetime n 1 the length of time a person is
13 a source of strength, animation, or vital- alive. 2 of a lifetime (of an opportunity or
ity: he was the life of the show. 14 all living experience) the most important or memo-
things collectively: there is no life on Mars; rable.
marine life. 15 a matter of life and death a lift vb 1 to rise or raise upwards to a higher
matter of extreme urgency. 16 as large as place: the breakdown truck was lifting the
life Informal real and living. 17 not on lorry. 2 to move upwards: he slowly lifted
your life Informal certainly not. 18 true to his hand. 3 to raise in status or estimation:
life faithful to reality. 19 to the life (of a lifted from poverty. 4 to revoke or cancel:
copy of a painting or drawing) resembling the government lifted its restrictions on
the original exactly. imported beef. 5 to remove (plants or
liftoff 457 lightweight
underground crops) from the ground for 17 with little equipment or luggage: travel-
harvesting. 6 to disappear or disperse: the ling light, -vb lighting, lighted or lit 18
tension lifted. 7 Informal to plagiarize (esp. of birds) to settle or land after flight.
(music or writing). —n 8 a Brit a compart- 19 (foil, by on or upon) to discover by
ment raised or lowered in a vertical shaft to chance. —See also lights. lightish adj
transport people or goods to another floor lightly adv lightness n
in a building, b See chair lift, ski lift. 9 a light bulb n a hollow rounded glass fitting
ride in a car or other vehicle as a passenger. containing a gas and a thin metal filament
10 a rise in morale or feeling of cheerful- that gives out light when an electric current
ness. 11 the act of lifting. 12 the force that is passed through it.
lifts airborne objects. lighten1 vb 1 to make less dark. 2 to shine;
liftoff n the initial movement of a rocket as it glow. 3 (of lightning) to flash.
leaves its launching pad. lighten2 vb 1 to make or become less heavy.
ligament n Anat a band of tough tissue that 2 to make or become less burdensome. 3 to
connects various bones or cartilage. make or become more cheerful or lively.
ligature n 1 a link, bond, or tie. 2 Printing a lighter1 n a small portable device for lighting
character of two or more joined letters, cigarettes, etc.
such as fi, ffi. 3 Music a slur or the group of lighter2 n a flat-bottomed barge used in load-
notes connected by it. -vb -turing, -tured ing or unloading a ship.
4 to bind with a ligature.
light-fingered adj skilful at thieving, esp. by
light1 n 1 the natural medium, electromag- picking pockets.
netic radiation, that makes sight possible. 2
anything that illuminates, such as a lamp or light flyweight n an amateur boxer weighing
candle. 3 See traffic light. 4 a particular up to 48 kg.
type of light: dim yellow light. 5 a daylight, light-footed adj having a light tread,
b daybreak; dawn. 6 anything that lets in light-headed adj giddy; feeling faint,
light, such as a window. 7 an aspect or light-hearted adj cheerful or carefree in
view: we have seen the world in anew light. mood or disposition, light-heartedly adv
8 mental understanding or spiritual insight: light heavyweight n a professional boxer
suddenly he saw the light. 9 an outstanding weighing up to 175 pounds (79.5 kg) or an
person: a leading light of the movement. 10 amateur weighing up to 81 kg. Also called:
brightness of countenance, esp. a sparkle in cruiserweight
the eyes. 11 a something that ignites, such lighthouse n a tower with a light to guide
as a spark or flame, b something used for ships and warn of obstructions.
igniting, such as a match. 12 See light-
house. 13 come to light to become known lighting n 1 the apparatus for and design of
or visible. 14 in (the) light of taking into artificial light effects to a stage, film, or
account. 15 see the light to understand. 16 television set. 2 the act or quality of illumi-
see the light (of day) a to come into being, nation.
b to come to public notice, —adj 17 full of lighting-up time n the time when vehicles
light. 18 (of a colour) pale: light blue, —vb are required by law to have their lights on.
lighting, lighted or lit 19 to ignite. 20 light middleweight n an amateur boxer
(often foil, by up) to illuminate or cause to weighing up to 71 kg.
illuminate. 21 to guide by light. —See also lightning n 1 a flash of light in the sky
light up. lightish adj caused by a discharge of electricity, —adj 2
light2 adj 1 not heavy; weighing relatively fast and sudden: a lightning attack.
little. 2 relatively low in density, strength, lightning conductor or rod n a metal rod at-
amount, degree, etc.: light oil; light alloy. 3 tached to the highest part of a building to
lacking sufficient weight. 4 not bulky or divert lightning safely to earth.
clumsy: light bedclothes. 5 not serious or light pen n a penlike photoelectric device
difficult to understand; entertaining: light that in conjunction with a computer can be
music. 6 graceful or agile: light movements. used to draw lines or identify symbols on a
7 without strong emphasis or serious mean- VDU screen.
ing: he gazed about with a light inattentive lights pl n the lungs of sheep, bullocks, and
smile. 8 easily digested: a light lunch. 9 pigs, used for feeding pets.
relatively low in alcohol: a light wine. 10 lightship n a moored ship equipped as a
without burdens, difficulties, or problems: lighthouse.
a light heart lives longest. 11 dizzy or un-
clear: a light head. 12 (of bread or cake) lights out n the time when residents of an
spongy or well risen. 13 (of a vessel, lorry, institution are expected to retire to bed.
or other transport) a designed to carry light light up vb 1 to illuminate. 2 to make or be-
loads, b not loaded. 14 carrying light arms come cheerful or animated: their faces lit
or equipment: light infantry. 15 (of an in- up and one dug the other in the ribs. 3 to
dustry) producing small consumer goods light a cigarette or pipe.
using light machinery. 16 make light of to lightweight adj 1 not serious. 2 of relatively
treat as insignificant or unimportant, —adv light weight. —n 3 Informal a person of lit-
light welterweight 458 limit
tie importance or influence. 4 a person or pleasant way. 5 to move gracefully and
animal of relatively light weight. 5 a pro- rhythmically, lilting adj
fessional boxer weighing up to 135 pounds lily n, pl lilies 1 a perennial plant, such as
(61 kg) or an amateur weighing up to 60 kg. the tiger lily, with scaly bulbs and showy
light welterweight n an amateur boxer white or coloured flowers. 2 a water lily.
weighing up to 63.5 kg. lily-livered adj Old-fashioned cowardly.
light year n Astron the distance travelled by lily of the valley n, pl lilies of the valley a
light in one mean solar year, i.e. 9.4607 X small plant with spikes of sweet-smelling
101B metres. white bell-shaped flowers.
ligneous adj of or like wood. limb1 n 1 an arm, leg, or wing. 2 any of the
lignite (lig-nite) n a brown sedimentary rock main branches of a tree. 3 out on a limb a
with a woody texture: used as a fuel. in a precarious or questionable position, b
lignum vitae (lig-num vite-ee) n a tropical
Brit isolated, esp. because of unpopular
American tree with heavy resinous wood. opinions, limbless adj
limb2 n the apparent outer edge of the sun, a
like1 adj 1 resembling, -prep 2 in the man- moon, or a planet.
ner of; similar to: she was like a child; it
looks like a traffic cone. 3 such as: a modern limber1 adj 1 pliant; supple. 2 able to move
material, like carbon fibre. 4 characteristic or bend the body freely; agile.
of. -adv 5 in the manner of: cheering like limber2 n 1 part of a gun carriage, consisting
mad. 6 Dialect likely, —conj 7 Not univer- of an axle, pole, and two wheels, -vb 2 to
sally accepted as though; as if: I don’t want attach the limber (to a gun).
to make it seem like I had this bad child- limber up vb to loosen stiff muscles by exer-
hood. 8 Not universally accepted in the cise.
same way as: she doesn 't dance like you do. limbo1 n, pl -bos 1 (often cap) RC Church
—n 9 the equal or counterpart of a person (formerly) the supposed region intermedi-
or thing. 10 the like similar things: magic, ate between heaven and hell for the unbap-
supernormal powers and the like. 11 the tized. 2 in limbo not knowing the result or
likes or like of people or things similar to next stage of something and powerless to
(someone or something specified): the thea- influence it.
tre was not meant for the likes of him. limbo2 n, pl -bos a West Indian dance in
like2 vb liking, liked 1 to find enjoyable. 2 which dancers lean backwards and pass
to be fond of. 3 to prefer or choose: I'd like under a horizontal bar which is gradually
to go home. 4 to feel disposed or inclined; lowered.
choose; wish: do as you like, —n 5 (usually lime1 n 1 Agriculture calcium hydroxide
pl) a favourable feeling, desire, or prefer- spread as a dressing on acidic land, -vb
ence. likeable or likable adj liming, limed 2 to spread a calcium com-
likelihood n chance; probability. pound upon (land).
likely adj 1 tending or inclined: likely to win. lime2 n the green oval fruit of a small Asian
2 probable: the likely effects of the tunnel. citrus tree with acid fleshy pulp rich in
3 appropriate for a purpose or activity: a vitamin C.
likely candidate, -adv 4 probably or pre- lime3 n a European linden tree planted for
sumably. 5 not likely Informal definitely ornament.
not. lime-green adj light yellowish-green,
like-minded adj sharing similar opinions, limekiln n a kiln in which calcium carbonate
liken vb compare. is burned to produce quicklime.
likeness n 1 resemblance. 2 portrait. 3 an limelight n 1 the glare of publicity: this
imitative appearance; semblance: in the issue will remain in the limelight. 2 a a type
likeness of a dragon. of lamp, formerly used in stage lighting, in
which lime is heated to white heat, b bril-
likewise adv 1 in addition; also. 2 similarly, liant white light produced in this way.
liking n 1 fondness. 2 what one likes or pre- limerick (lim-mer-ik) n a form of comic
fers: if it’s not to your liking, do let me verse consisting of five lines.
know. limestone n rock consisting mainly of cal-
lilac n 1 a small tree with large sprays of cium carbonate: used as a building stone
purple or white sweet-smelling flowers. and in making cement.
-adj 2 pale purple. limey n US, Canad, & Austral slang 1 a Brit-
Lilliputian (lil-lip-pew-shun) n 1 a tiny per- ish person. 2 a British sailor or ship.
son or being, -adj 2 tiny; very small. limit n 1 (sometimes pl) the ultimate extent
Lilo n, pl -Jos Trademark a type of inflatable amount of something: each soloist was
plastic mattress. stretched to his or her limit by the demands
lilt n 1 a pleasing musical quality in a speak- of the vocal writing. 2 (often pl) the
ing voice. 2 (in music) a jaunty rhythm. 3 a boundary of a specific area: beyond the city
graceful rhythmic motion, -vb 4 (of a limits. 3 the largest quantity or amount al-
voice, tune, or song) to rise and fall in a lowed. 4 the limit Informal a person or
limitation 459 lineation
thing that is intolerably exasperating. ~vb contour of a shape: the shoulder line. 8 a
-iting, -ited 5 to restrict, limitable adj wire or string with a particular function: a
limitation n 1 a restriction or controlling of long washing line. 9 a telephone connection:
quantity, quality, or achievement. 2 limita- it was a very bad line. 10 a conducting wire,
tions the limit or extent of an ability to cable, or circuit for electric-power trans-
achieve something: learn your own limita- mission or telecommunications. 11a system
tions. of travel or transportation: a shipping line.
limited adj 1 having a limit; restricted. 2 12 a route between two points on a railway.
without fullness or scope; narrow. 3 (of 13 Chiefly Brit a railway track. 14 a course
governing powers or sovereignty) restricted or direction of movement: the birds' line of
by a constitution, laws, or an assembly: lim- flight. 15 a course of action or behaviour: to
ited government. 4 Chiefly Brit (of a busi- adopt a more aggressive line. 16 a policy or
ness enterprise) owned by shareholders prescribed way of thinking: city commenta-
whose liability for the enterprise's debts is tors supported the CBI line. 17 a field of in-
restricted. terest or activity: heroin - that was their
limited edition n an edition of something, line. 18 straight or orderly alignment: stand
such as a book, which has been restricted to in line. 19 one kind of product or article: a
a particular number of copies. line of smart suits. 20 a row of people or
things. 21 a row of printed or written
limn vb Old-fashioned to represent in draw- words. 22 a unit of verse consisting of
ing or painting. words in a single row. 23 one of a number of
limousine n any large luxurious car. narrow horizontal bands forming a televi-
limp1 vb 1 to walk with an uneven step, esp. sion picture. 24 Music any of the five hori-
with a weak or injured leg. 2 to advance in a zontal marks that make up the stave. 25 the
labouring or faltering manner. ~n 3 an un- most forward defensive position: the front
even walk or progress, limping adj, n line. 26 a formation of ships or soldiers
limp2 adj 1 lacking firmness or stiffness. 2 abreast of each other. 27 the combatant
not energetic or vital. 3 (of the binding of a forces of certain armies and navies. 28 US &
book) paperback, limply adv Canad a queue. 29 all along the line at
limpet n 1 a conical shellfish that clings every stage in a series. 30 draw the line
tightly to rocks with its muscular foot. (at) to object (to) or set a limit (on): I'm not
-adj 2 denoting certain weapons that are a killer, I draw the line at that. 31 drop
magnetically attached to their targets and someone a line to send someone a short
resist removal: limpet mines. note. 32 get a line on Informal to obtain in-
limpid adj 1 clear or transparent. 2 (of formation about. 33 in line for likely to re-
speech or writing) clear and easy to under- ceive: high achievers are in line for cash
stand. limpidity n bonuses. 34 in line with conforming to. 35
lay or put on the line a to speak frankly
limy1 adj limier, limiest of, like, or smeared and directly, b to risk (one’s career or repu-
with birdlime. tation) on something. ~vb lining, lined 36
limy2 adj limier, limiest of or tasting of lime to mark with a line or lines. 37 to be or form
(the fruit). a border: the square was lined with stalls
linage n 1 the number of lines in written or selling snacks. 38 to place in or form a row,
printed matter. 2 payment according to the series, or alignment. ~See also lines, line-
number of lines. up. lined adj
linchpin or lynchpin n 1 a pin inserted line2 vb lining, lined 1 to attach an inside
through an axle to keep a wheel in position. layer to. 2 to cover the inside of: the works
2 an essential person or thing: she was the of Shakespeare lined his walls. 3 line one’s
linchpin of the experiment. pockets to make a lot of money, esp. dis-
Lincs Lincolnshire. honestly.
linctus n, pl -tuses a soothing syrupy cough lineage (lin-ee-ij) n direct descent from an
mixture. ancestor.
linden n a large tree with heart-shaped lineal adj 1 being in a direct line of descent
leaves and fragrant yellowish flowers. See from an ancestor. 2 of or derived from di-
also lime3. rect descent. 3 linear.
line1 n 1 a narrow continuous mark, such as lineament n (often pl) a facial outline or
one made by a pencil or brush. 2 a thin in- feature.
dented mark or wrinkle on skin. 3 a con- linear (lin-ee-er) adj 1 of or in lines. 2 of or
tinuous length without breadth. 4 a relating to length. 3 represented by a line or
boundary: the United Nations established a lines, linearity n
provisional demarcation line. 5 Sport a a
white band indicating a division on a field linear measure n a unit or system of units
or track, b a mark or imaginary mark at' for the measurement of length.
which a race begins or ends. 6 a boundary lineation (lin-ee-ay-shun) n 1 the act of
or limit: the invidious dividing line between marking with lines. 2 an arrangement of
universities and polytechnics. 7 the edge or lines.
line drawing 460 lipid
line drawing n a drawing formed with lines eurtain. 2 any interior covering: the lining
only. of the womb.
linen n 1 a hard-wearing fabrie woven from link n 1 any of the separate rings that form a
the spun fibres of flax. 2 articles, sueh as ehain. 2 an emotional or logieal relationship
sheets or tablecloths, made from linen cloth between people or things; association. 3 a
or from eotton. eonneeting part or episode. 4 a type of
line of fire n the flight path of a bullet dis- communications eonneetion: a rail link;
charged from a firearm. radio link. ~vb 5 (often foil, by upj to eon-
line printer n an eleetromeehanieal deviee neet with or as if with links. 6 to connect by
that prints a line of eharacters at a time: association.
used in printing and in computer systems. linkage n 1 the aet of linking or the state of
liner1 n 1 a passenger ship or aireraft, esp. being linked. 2 a system of links.
one that is part of a eommereial fleet. 2 linkman n, pl -men a presenter of a televi-
Also called: eyeliner a eosmetie used to out- sion or radio programme consisting of a
line the eyes. number of items broadeast from different
liner2 n something used as a lining: a plastic locations.
bin liner. links pl na golf eourse.
lines pl n 1 the words of a theatrical role: link-up n a joining together of two systems
shaky sets, fluffed lines, and wooden plots. or groups.
2 Informal, chiefly Brit a marriage certifi- linnet n a brownish fineh: the male has a red
cate: marriage lines. 3 a sehool punishment breast and forehead.
of writing out the same sentence or phrase lino n short for linoleum.
a specified number of times. 4 read be-
tween the lines to find an implicit meaning linocut n 1 a design eut in relief in linoleum
in addition to the obvious one. mounted on a bloek of wood. 2 a print made
linesman n, pl -men 1 an official who helps from sueh a bloek.
the referee or umpire in various sports, by linoleum n a floor covering made of hessian
indicating when the ball has gone out of or jute with a smooth deeorative eoating of
play. 2 a person who maintains railway, powdered eork.
eleetrieity, or telephone lines. Linotype n Trademark a typesetting ma-
line-up n 1 people or things assembled for a chine that easts an entire line of text on one
particular purpose: Christmas TV line-up. 2 pieee of metal.
the members of sueh an assembly. ~vb line linseed n the seed of the flax plant.
up 3 to form or organize a line-up. linseed oil n a yellow oil extracted from flax
ling1 n, pl ling or lings a northern eoastal seeds and used in making paints, inks, lino-
food fish with a long slender body. leum, and varnish.
ling2 n heather. lint n 1 an absorbent material with raised fi-
linger vb 1 to delay or prolong departure. 2 bres on one side, used to dress wounds. 2
to survive in a weakened condition for some tiny shreds of yarn or cloth; fluff.
time before death. 3 to spend a long time lintel n a horizontal beam over a door or
doing or considering something, lingering window.
adj lion n 1 a large animal of the eat family
lingerie (lan-zher-ee) n women’s underwear found in Afriea and India, with a tawny yel-
and nightwear. low eoat and, in the male, a shaggy mane. 2
lingo n, pl -goes Informal any foreign or un- a courageous and strong person. 3 the
familiar language or jargon. lion’s share the largest portion, lioness
lingua franca n, pl lingua franeas or lin- fem n
guae francae 1 a language used for com- lion-hearted adj very brave; courageous,
munication among people of different lionize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, -ised
mother tongues. 2 any system of communi- to treat as a eelebrity.
cation providing mutual understanding. lip n 1 Anat either of the two fleshy folds
lingual adj 1 Anat of the tongue. 2 articulat- surrounding the mouth. 2 any structure re-
ed with the tongue. 3 Rare of language or sembling a lip, sueh as the rim of a jug. 3
languages, lingually adv Slang impudent talk or baekehat. 4 bite
linguist n 1 a person who is skilled in foreign one’s lip to avoid showing feelings of anger
languages. 2 a person who studies linguis- or distress. 5 keep a stiff upper lip to
tics. maintain one’s eomposure during a time of
linguistic adj 1 of language. 2 of linguistics, trouble. 6 lick or smaek one’s lips to an-
linguistically adv ticipate or reeall something with glee or rel-
linguistics n the scientific study of lan- ish.
guage. lipase n Biochem any of a group of enzymes
liniment n a medicated oily liquid applied to that digest fat and are produced in the
the skin to relieve pain or stiffness. stomaeh and panereas and oeeur in seeds.
lining n 1 material used to line a garment or lipid n Biochem any of a group of organie
liposuction 461 literal
compounds including fats, oils, waxes, and liquorice or US & Canad licorice (lik-ker-
sterols. iss) n 1 a chewy black sweet with a strong
liposuction n a cosmetic surgical operation flavour. 2 the dried black root of a Mediter-
in which fat is removed from the body by ranean plant, used as a laxative and in con-
suction. fectionery.
lip-read vb -reading, -read to interpret lira n, pl lire or liras 1 the standard mon-
speech by lip-reading. etary unit of Italy. 2 the standard monetary
lip-reading n a method used by the deaf to unit of Turkey.
understand spoken words by interpreting lisle (rhymes with mile) n a strong fine cot-
movements of the speaker’s lips, lip-reader ton thread or fabric, formerly used to make
n stockings.
lip service n pay lip service to to appear to lisp n 1 a speech defect in which s and z are
support or obey something publicly while pronounced like the th sounds in English
actually disregarding it. thin and then respectively. ~vb 2 to speak
lipstick n a cosmetic in the form of a stick, with a lisp.
for colouring the lips. LISP n a high-level computer programming
liquefy vb -fies, -fying, -fied (esp. of a gas) language suitable for work in artificial in-
to make or become liquid, liquefaction n telligence.
liqueur (lik-cure) n a highly flavoured lissom or lissome adj slim and graceful and
sweetened alcoholic spirit, intended to be agile in movement.
drunk after a meal. list1 j i 1 an item-by-item record of names or
liquid n 1 a substance in a physical state things, usually written one below the other.
which can change shape but not size. ~adj ~vb 2 to make a list of. 3 to include in a
2 of or being a liquid: liquid medicines. 3 list.
shining and clear: liquid sunlight days. 4 list2 vb 1 (esp. of ships) to lean to one side.
flowing, fluent, or smooth. 5 (of assets) in ~n 2 a leaning to one side: developed a list
the form of money or easily convertible into to starboard.
money. listed building n (in Britain) a building pro-
liquidate vb -dating, -dated 1 to settle or tected from demolition or alteration be-
pay off (a debt or claim). 2 to dissolve a cause of its special historical or architec-
company and divide its assets among credi- tural interest.
tors. 3 to convert (assets) into cash. 4 to listen vb 1 to concentrate on hearing some-
eliminate or kill. thing. 2 to take heed or pay attention: lis-
liquidation n 1 a the dissolving of a company ten, let me explain, listener n
by selling its assets to pay off its debts, b listen in vb (often foil, by on or to) to listen
go into liquidation (of a business firm) to secretly to; eavesdrop.
have its affairs so terminated. 2 destruc- listeriosis n a serious form of food poison-
tion; elimination. ing, caused by bacteria of the genus
liquidator n an official appointed to liqui- Listeria.
date a business. listing n 1 a list or an entry in a list. 2
liquid-crystal display n a display of num- listings lists of films, concerts, etc. printed
bers, characters, or images, esp. on a calcu- in newspapers and magazines, and showing
lator, using cells containing a liquid with details such as times and venues.
crystalline properties, that change their re- listless adj lacking interest or energy, list-
flectivity when an electric field is applied lessly adv
to them.
list price n the selling price of merchandise
liquidity n the state of being able to meet fi-
nancial obligations. as quoted in a catalogue or advertisement.
liquidize or -dise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, lists pl n 1 History the enclosed field of
-ised 1 to make or become liquid; liquefy. 2
combat at a tournament. 2 enter the lists
to process (food) in a liquidizer to make it to engage in a conflict or controversy.
liquid. lit vb a past of light1 or light2.
liquidizer or -diser n a kitchen appliance lit. 1 literal(ly). 2 literary. 3 literature.
with blades for liquidizing food. litany n, pl -nies 1 Christianity a prayer con-
liquid measure n a unit or system of units sisting of a series of invocations, each fol-
for measuring volumes of liquids or their lowed by the same response. 2 any tedious
containers. recital: a litany of complaints.
liquid oxygen n oxygen liquefied by cooling: litchi n same as lychee,
used in rocket fuels. liter n US same as litre.
liquid paraffin n an oily liquid obtained by literacy n 1 the ability to read and write. 2
petroleum distillation and used as a laxa- the ability to use language effectively.
tive. literal adj 1 in exact accordance with the ex-
liquor n 1 spirits or other alcoholic drinks. 2 plicit meaning of a word or text. 2 word for
any liquid in which food has been cooked. word: a literal translation. 3 dull or unim-
literalism 462 live
aginative: she’s very, very literal and flat in fect, for example “She was not a little
how she interprets what she sees. 4 true; upset” meaning “She was extremely upset”.
actual. ~n 5 a misprint or misspelling in a litre or US liter n a measure of volume
text, literally adv equivalent to 1 cubic decimetre.
► Note that literally means much the same litter n 1 small items of rubbish carelessly
as “actually”. It is very loosely used to dropped in public places. 2 a disordered or
mean “just about” but this can be ambigu- untidy collection of objects. 3 a group of
ous. animals produced at one birth. 4 straw or
literalism n the tendency to take words and hay used as bedding for animals. 5 dry ma-
statements in their literal sense, literalist terial used to line a receptacle in which a
n domestic cat can urinate and defecate. 6
literary adj 1 of or characteristic of litera- (esp. formerly) a bed or seat held between
ture: literary eritieism. 2 knowledgeable parallel poles and used for carrying people.
about literature. 3 (of a word) used chiefly —vb 7 to strew with litter. 8 to scatter or
in written work; not colloquial, literari- be scattered in an untidy fashion. 9 (of
ness n animals) to give birth to offspring. 10 to
literate adj 1 able to read and write. 2 edu- provide (an animal) with straw or hay for
cated. ~n 3 a literate person. bedding.
literati pl n literary or scholarly people. litter lout or US & Canad litterbug n Slang a
literature n 1 written material such as poet- person who drops refuse in public places.
ry, novels, or essays. 2 the body of written little adj 1 of small or less than average size.
work of a particular culture, people, or era: 2 young: a little boy. 3 endearingly familiar:
Elizabethan literature. 3 written or printed he was a sweet little man. 4 contemptible,
matter of a particular type or genre: medi- mean, or disagreeable: some of my best
eal literature. 4 the art or profession of a friends were little squirts. 5 a small quan-
writer. 5 Informal printed matter on any tity, extent, or duration of: there was little
subject. money eireulating; I eould see little evi-
lithe adj attractively graceful and supple in dence of it. -adv 6 (usually preceded by a)
movement. to a small extent or degree; not a lot: to
lithium n Chem a soft silvery element of the sleep a little. 7 not at all, or hardly: army
alkali metal series: the lightest known life varied little as the years passed. 8 not
metal. Symbol: Li much or often; we go there very little now.
9 little by little by small degrees. -n 10
litho n, pl -thos, adj, adv short for lithogra- make little of to treat as insignificant. 11
phy, lithograph, lithographic or litho-
think little of to have a low opinion of.
graphically. ~See also less, lesser, least.
lithograph n 1 a print made by lithography.
~vb 2 to reproduce (pictures or text) by li- little people pl n Folklore small supernatu-
thography. lithographic adj lithographi- ral beings, such as elves.
cally adv littoral adj 1 of or by the shore, -n 2 a
lithography (lith-og-ra-fee) n a method of coastal region.
printing from a metal or stone surface on liturgy n, pl -gies the forms of public serv-
which the printing areas are made ink- ices officially prescribed by a Church, li-
receptive. lithographer n turgical adj
Lithuanian adj 1 from Lithuania. ~n 2 a livable or liveable adj (foil, by with) toler-
person from Lithuania. 3 the language of able or pleasant to live (with).
Lithuania. live1 vb living, lived 1 to show the charac-
litigant n a person involved in a lawsuit, teristics of life; be alive. 2 to remain alive or
litigate vb -gating, -gated 1 to bring or con- in existence. 3 to exist in a specified way: to
test a lawsuit. 2 to engage in legal proceed- live at ease. 4 to have one’s home: they live
ings. litigator n in London. 5 to continue or last: his ehild-
hood had always lived inside him. 6 (foil, by
litigation n the process of bringing or on, upon or by) to support one’s style of
contesting a lawsuit. life: forest dwellers who live by extracting
litigious (lit-ij-uss) adj frequently going to rubber. 7 (foil, by with) to endure the ef-
law. fects (of a crime or mistake); tolerate. 8 to
litmus n a soluble powder obtained from pass or spend (one’s life). 9 to enjoy life to
lichens, which is turned red by acids and the full: he likes to live every day to the
blue by alkalis. Paper treated with it (lit- full. 10 to put into practice in one’s daily
mus paper) is used as an indicator in chem- life: the freedom to live his own life as lie
istry. chooses. 11 live and let live to be tolerant.
litmus test n something which is regarded —See also live down, live in, etc.
as a simple and accurate test of a particular live2 adj 1 alive; living. 2 Radio, television
thing, for instance a person’s attitude to an transmitted at the time of performance, ra-
issue. ther than being prerecorded: a live broad-
litotes n, pl -tes understatement used for ef- cast. 3 actual: I was able to speak to a real
live down 463 loan shark
live Hurricane pilot. 4 (of a record) record- the manner of one’s life: high living. 10
ed during a performance. 5 connected to a one’s financial means. 11 Church of Eng-
source of electric power: a live cable. 6 of land a benefice.
current interest; controversial: the docu- living room n a room in a private house or
ment has become a live political issue. 7 flat used for relaxation and entertainment.
loaded or capable of exploding: a live firing living wage n a wage adequate for a worker
exercise with a 4.5in gun. 8 (of a coal or to live on and support a family in reason-
ember) glowing or burning. -adv 9 during, able comfort.
at, or in the form of a live performance.
lizard n a reptile with an elongated body,
live down vb to withstand people’s reac- four limbs, and a long tail.
tions to a crime or mistake until they forget
it. II. lines (of written matter).
live in vb 1 to have one’s home at the place llama n a South American mammal of the
where one works, -adj live-in 2 resident: a camel family, that is used as a beast of bur-
live-in nanny is a must; her live-in girl- den and is valued for its woolly fleece.
friend. LLB Bachelor of Laws.
livelihood n one’s job or other source of in- Io interj Old-fashioned look! see!: Io and be-
come. hold.
livelong (liv-long) adj Chiefly poetic long or loach n a freshwater fish with a long nar-
seemingly long: all the livelong day. row body and barbels around the mouth.
lively adj -lier, -liest 1 full of life or vigour. load n 1 something to be borne or conveyed;
2 vivacious or animated. 3 vivid, liveliness weight. 2 the amount borne or conveyed. 3
n something that weighs down or burdens: I
liven vb (usually foil, by upj to make or be- have enough of a load to carry right now. 4
come lively; enliven. Electronics the power delivered by a ma-
liver1 n 1 a large glandular organ which se- chine, generator, or circuit. 5 an external
cretes bile, balances nutrients, and removes force applied to a component or mechanism.
certain poisons from the body. 2 the liver of 6 a load of Informal a quantity of: a load of
certain animals used as food. half-truths. 7 get a load of Informal to pay
attention to. —vb 8 to place cargo or goods
liver2 n a person who lives in a specified upon (a ship or vehicle). 9 to burden or op-
way: a fast liver. press. 10 to supply in abundance: other
liveried adj wearing livery. treats are loaded with fat. 11 to cause to be
liverish adj 1 Informal having a disorder of biased: the dice are loaded. 12 to put am-
the liver. 2 feeling disagreeable and slightly munition into (a firearm). 13 Photog to in-
irritable. sert film in (a camera). 14 to weight or bias
Liverpudlian adj 1 of Liverpool, a city in NW (a roulette wheel or dice). 15 Computers to
England. ~n 2 a person from Liverpool. transfer (a program) to a memory. -See
liver sausage n a sausage containing liver, also loads, loader n
liverwort n a plant growing in wet places loaded adj 1 carrying a load. 2 charged with
and resembling green seaweeds or leafy ammunition. 3 (of a question or statement)
mosses. containing a hidden trap or implication. 4
livery n, pl -eries 1 the identifying uniform (of dice or a roulette wheel) weighted or
of a servant. 2 distinctive dress or outward otherwise biased. 5 Slang wealthy. 6 Slang,
appearance. 3 the stabling, keeping, or hir- chiefly US & Canad drunk.
ing out of horses for money. loads pl n Informal (often foil, by of) a lot.
lives n the plural of life. loadstar n same as lodestar.
livestock n animals kept on a farm. loadstone n same as lodestone.
live together vb (of an unmarried couple) to loaf1 n, pl loaves 1 a shaped mass of baked
live in the same house; cohabit. bread. 2 any shaped or moulded mass of
live up to vb to fulfil (an expectation, obli- food, such as cooked meat. 3 Slang the
gation, or principle). head; common sense: use your loaf!
live wire n 1 Informal an energetic person. 2 loaf2 vb to loiter or lounge around in an idle
a wire carrying an electric current. way.
livid adj 1 Informal extremely angry. 2 of a loafer n 1 a person who avoids work; idler. 2
dark grey or purple colour: livid bruises. Chiefly US & Canad a moccasin-like shoe.
living adj 1 possessing life; not dead or in- loam n fertile soil consisting of sand, clay,
animate. 2 currently in use or valid: a living and decaying organic material, loamy adj
alliance. 3 seeming to be real: a living doll. 4 loan n 1 money lent at interest for a fixed
(of people or animals) existing in the pres- period of time. 2 the act of lending: I am
ent age. 5 very: the living image. 6 of or like - grateful to her for the loan of her book. 3
everyday life: living costs. 7 of or involving property lent. 4 on loan lent out; borrowed.
those now alive: one of our greatest living —vb 5 to lend (something, esp. money).
actors, —n 8 the condition of being alive. 9 loan shark n a person who lends money at
loath 464 lock out
an extremely high interest rate, esp. illegal- locale (loh-kahl) n the place where some-
ly- thing happens or has happened.
loath or loth (rhymes with both) adj (usual- local government n the government of the
ly foil, by to) reluctant or unwilling. affairs of counties, towns, and districts by
► Distinguish between loath “reluctant” and locally elected political bodies.
loathe “be disgusted by”. locality n, pl -ties 1 a neighbourhood or
loathe vb loathing, loathed to feel strong area. 2 the site or scene of an event.
disgust for. localize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
loathing n strong disgust, -ised to restrict (something) to a particular
loathsome adj causing loathing, place.
loaves n the plural of loaf1. locate vb -eating, -cated 1 to discover the
lob Sport ~n 1 a ball struck or bowled in a whereabouts of; find. 2 to situate or build:
high arc. -vb lobbing, lobbed 2 to hit or located around the corner from the church.
kick (a ball) in a high arc. 3 Informal to 3 to become established or settled.
throw. location n 1 a site or position; situation. 2
lobar (loh-ber) adj of or affecting a lobe, the act of locating or the state of being lo-
cated: make their location and rescue a top
lobate adj with or like lobes. priority. 3 a place outside a studio where
lobby n, pl-bies 1 a room or corridor used as filming is done: shot on location. 4 (in South
an entrance hall or vestibule. 2 a group Africa, formerly) a Black African or Colour-
which attempts to influence legislators on ed township.
behalf of a particular interest. 3 Chiefly loc. cit. (in textual annotation) in the place
Brit a hall in a legislative building used for cited.
meetings between legislators and members
of the public. 4 Chiefly Brit one of two cor- loch n Scot 1 a lake. 2 a long narrow arm of
ridors in a legislative building in which the sea.
members vote. -vb -bies, -bying, -bied 5 to loci (loh-sigh) n the plural of locus.
attempt to influence (legislators) in the I.jck1 n 1 a device for fastening a door,
formulation of policy. drawer, lid, etc., and preventing unauthor-
lobbyist n a person who lobbies on behalf of ized access. 2 a section of a canal or river
a particular interest. closed off by gates between which the
lobe n 1 any rounded projection. 2 the water level can be altered to aid boats mov-
fleshy lower part of the external ear. 3 any ing from one level to the next. 3 Brit the ex-
subdivision of a bodily organ. tent to which a vehicle’s front wheels will
lobelia n a plant with blue, red, white, or turn: they adopted more steering lock. 4 the
yellow five-lobed flowers. interlocking of parts. 5 a mechanism that
fires a gun. 6 lock, stock, and barrel com-
lobola n (in southern Africa) an African cus- pletely; entirely. 7 a wrestling hold. 8 Also
tom by which a bridegroom’s family makes called: lock forward Rugby a player in the
a payment in cattle or cash to the bride’s second row of the scrum, -vb 9 to fasten
family shortly before the marriage. or become fastened to prevent entry or exit.
lobotomy n, pl -mies the surgical cutting of 10 to secure (a building) by locking all
nerves in the frontal lobe of the brain to doors and windows. 11 to fix or become
treat severe mental disorders. fixed together securely. 12 to become or
lobscouse n a sailor’s stew of meat, vegeta- cause to become immovable: just before
bles, and hardtack. your knees lock. 13 to clasp or entangle in a
lobster n, pl -sters or -ster 1 a large edible struggle or embrace. -See also lock out,
crustacean with large pincers and a long lock up.
tail, which turns red when boiled. 2 its ed- lock2 n 1 a strand or curl of hair. 2 (pi)
ible flesh. Chiefly literary hair.
lobster pot n a round basket made of open locker n a small compartment with a lock,
slats, used to catch lobsters. used for temporarily storing clothes, valu-
local adj 1 of or concerning a particular ables, or luggage.
area. 2 restricted to a particular place. 3 locket n a small hinged ornamental pendant
Med of, affecting, or confined to a limited that holds a picture or keepsake.
area or part: a local anaesthetic. 4 (of a lockjaw n Pathol a nontechnical name for
train or bus) stopping at all stations or trismus or tetanus.
stops. ~n 5 an inhabitant of a specified lo- lock out vb 1 to prevent from entering by
cality: we swim, sunbathe, meet the locals, locking a door. 2 to prevent (employees)
unwind. 6 Brit informal a pub close to one’s from working during an industrial dispute,
home, locally adv by shutting them out of the premises. ~n
local anaesthetic n Med See anaesthesia. lockout 3 the closing of a place of employ-
local authority n Brit & NZ the governing ment by an employer, in order to force em-
body of a county or district. ployees to accept terms.
locksmith 465 logistics
locksmith n a person who makes or repairs loft n 1 the space inside a roof. 2 a gallery in
locks. a church. 3 a room over a stable used to
lock up vb 1 to imprison. 2 to secure a build- store hay. 4 a raised house or coop in which
ing by locking all the doors and windows. pigeons are kept. 5 Golf a the angle of the
-n lockup 3 a jail. 4 Brit a garage or store face of the club used to elevate a ball, b the
separate from the main premises. 5 Brit a height reached by a struck ball, -vb 6
small shop with no attached quarters for Sport to strike or kick (a ball) high in the
the owner, -adj lock-up 6 Brit & NZ (of air.
premises) without living quarters: a lock-up lofty adj loftier, loftiest 1 of majestic or
garage. imposing height. 2 morally admirable: lofty
loco1 n Informal a locomotive. ideals. 3 unpleasantly superior: a lofty con-
loco2 adj Slang, chiefly US insane, tempt. loftily adv loftiness n
locomotion n the act or power of moving, log1 n 1 a section of a felled tree stripped of
locomotive n 1 a self-propelled engine for branches. 2 a a detailed record of a voyage
pulling trains, -adj 2 of locomotion. of a ship or aircraft, b a record of the hours
flown by pilots and aircrews, c a book in
locum n Chiefly Brit a person who stands in which these records are made; logbook. 3 a
temporarily for a doctor or clergyman. device consisting of a float with an at-
locus (loh-kuss) n, pl loci 1 an area or place tached line, formerly used to measure the
where something happens. 2 Maths a set of speed of a ship. 4 sleep like a log to sleep
points or lines whose location satisfies or is without stirring, —vb logging, logged 5 to
determined by one or more specified condi- saw logs from (trees). 6 to enter (a distance
tions: the locus of points equidistant from a or event) in a logbook or log. -See also log
given point is a circle. in, log out.
locust n 1 an African insect, related to the log2 n short for logarithm.
grasshopper, which travels in vast swarms, loganberry n, pl -ries a purplish-red fruit,
stripping large areas of vegetation. 2 a similar to a raspberry, that grows on a trail-
North American leguminous tree with ing prickly plant.
prickly branches; the carob tree.
logarithm n the exponent indicating the
locution n 1 manner or style of speech. 2 a power to which a fixed number, the base,
word, phrase, or expression. must be raised to obtain a given number or
lode n a vein of metallic ore. variable, logarithmic adj
lodestar n 1 a star, esp. the North Star, used logbook n 1 a book containing the official
in navigation or astronomy as a point of record of trips made by a ship or aircraft. 2
reference. 2 something that serves as a Brit informal the registration document of a
guide. car.
lodestone n 1 a magnetic iron ore. b a piece loggerhead n 1 a large-headed turtle occur-
of this, used as a magnet. 2 a person or ring in most seas. 2 at loggerheads engaged
thing regarded as a focus of attraction. in dispute or confrontation.
lodge n 1 Chiefly Brit the gatekeeper’s loggia (loj-ya) n a covered gallery on the
house at the entrance to the grounds of a side of a building.
country mansion. 2 a house or cabin used logging n the work of felling, trimming, and
occasionally by hunters, skiers, etc.: a hunt- transporting timber, logger n
ing lodge. 3 a room used by porters in a uni-
versity or college. 4 a local branch of cer- logic n 1 the branch of philosophy that
tain societies. 5 a beaver’s home, —vb lodg- analyses the patterns of reasoning. 2 a par-
ing, lodged 6 to provide or be provided ticular system of reasoning. 3 reasoned
with rented accommodation. 7 to live tem- thought or argument, as distinguished from
porarily in rented accommodation. 8 to irrationality. 4 the interdependence of a se-
embed or be embedded: the bullet lodged in ries of events or facts. 5 Electronics, com-
his brain. 9 to leave for safety or storage: a puters the principles underlying the units in
report was lodged with the local police sta- a computer system that produce results
tion. 10 to bring (a charge or accusation) from data.
against someone: the Brazilians lodged a logical adj 1 relating to or characteristic of
complaint. 11 (often foil, by in or withj to logic. 2 using or deduced from the princi-
place (authority or power) in the control (of ples of logic: a logical conclusion. 3 capable
someone). of or using clear and valid reasoning. 4 rea-
lodger n a person who pays rent in return sonable because of facts or events: the logi-
for accommodation in someone else’s home. cal choice, logically adv
lodging n 1 a temporary residence: where logician n a person who specializes in or is
might I find a night’s lodging? 2 (pl) a rent- skilled at logic.
ed room or rooms in another person’s home. Jog in vb to gain entrance to a computer sys-
loess (loh-iss) n a fine-grained soil, found tem by keying in a special command.
mainly in river valleys, originally deposited logistics n the detailed planning and organi-
by the wind. zation of a large complex operation, such as
log jam 466 long-range
a military campaign, logistical or logistic tion: a long session of talks. 3 seeming to
adj logistically adv occupy a greater time than is really so: she
log jam n Chiefly US & Canad 1 a blockage was quiet a long moment. 4 of a specified
caused by the crowding together of logs extent or duration: trimmed to about two
floating in a river. 2 a deadlock. cms long. 5 consisting of a large number of
logo (loh-go) n, pl -os a special design that parts: a long list. 6 Phonetics, prosody (of a
identifies a company or an organization and vowel) of relatively considerable duration.
appears on all its products, printed ma- 7 from end to end; lengthwise. 8 Finance
terial, etc. having large holdings of securities or com-
modities in anticipation of rising prices. 9
log out vb to exit from a computer system in the long run ultimately; after or over a
by keying in a special command. period of time. 10 long on Informal plenti-
-logy n combining form 1 indicating the sci- fully supplied or endowed with: long on
ence or study of: musicology. 2 indicating show-biz gossip, -adv 11 for a certain time
writing or discourse: trilogy; phraseolo- or period: how long have we got? 12 for or
gy. -logical or -logic adj combining form during an extensive period of time: to talk
-logist n combining form long into the night. 13 a considerable
loin n 1 the part of the body between the amount of time: long after I met you; long
pelvis and the ribs. 2 a cut of meat from this ago. 14 as or so long as a for or during the
part of an animal. -See also loins. same length of time that, b provided that;
loincloth n a piece of cloth covering only the if. —n 15 anything that is long. 16 before
loins. long soon. 17 for long for a long time. 18
loins pl n 1 the hips and the inner surface of the long and the short of it the essential
the legs where they join the body. 2 points or facts, longish adj
Euphemistic the genitals. long2 vb to have a strong desire for some-
loiter vb to stand or wait aimlessly or idly, thing or to do something: the more I think of
loll vb 1 to lounge in a lazy manner. 2 to him the more I long to see him.
hang loosely: a wet lolling tongue; his head long, longitude.
lolled back and forth. long- adv (in combination) for or lasting a
lollipop n 1 a boiled sweet stuck on a small long time: long-established; long-lasting.
wooden stick. 2 Brit an ice lolly. longboat n 1 the largest boat carried aboard
lollipop man or lady n Brit informal a per- a commercial ship. 2 same as longship.
son holding a circular sign on a pole who longbow n a large powerful hand-drawn
stops traffic to enable children to cross the bow.
road safely. long-distance adj 1 covering relatively long
lollop vb Chiefly Brit to walk or run with a distances: a long-distance race. 2 (of tele-
clumsy or relaxed bouncing movement. phone calls) connecting points relatively far
lolly n, pl -lies 1 Informal a lollipop. 2 Brit apart.
short for ice lolly. 3 Brit, Austral, & NZ longevity (lon-jev-it-ee) n long life,
slang money. 4 Austral & NZ informal a long face n a glum expression.
sweet. longhand n ordinary handwriting, as op-
Londoner n a person from London. posed to typing or shorthand.
London pride n a rock plant with a rosette longing n 1 a strong feeling of wanting
of leaves and pink flowers. something one is unlikely ever to have.
lone adj 1 solitary: a lone figure. 2 isolated: -adj 2 having or showing desire: longing
a lone isle guarded by the great Atlantic glances, longingly adv
swell. 3 unmarried or widowed: a lone par- longitude n distance in degrees east or west
ent. of the prime meridian at 0°.
lonely adj -lier, -liest 1 unhappy as a result longitudinal adj 1 of longitude or length. 2
of solitude. 2 resulting from the state of placed or extended lengthways.
being alone: command can be a lonely busi-
ness. 3 isolated and not much visited by long johns pl n Informal long underpants,
people: a lonely beach, loneliness n long jump n an athletic contest of jumping
lonely hearts adj of or for people seeking a the greatest length from a fixed mark.
congenial companion or marriage partner: long-life adj (of milk, batteries, etc.) lasting
lonely hearts ads. longer than the regular kind.
loner n Informal a person who prefers to be long-lived adj living or lasting for a long
alone. time.
lonesome adj 1 Chiefly US & Canad lonely. long-playing adj Old-fashioned of or relat-
2 causing feelings of loneliness: it was lone- ing to an LP.
some up here on the mountain. long-range adj 1 of or extending into the fu-
long1 adj 1 having relatively great length in ture: a long-range economic forecast. 2 (of
space or time. 2 having greater than the av- vehicles, aircraft, or weapons) capable of
erage or expected range, extent, or dura- covering great distances.
longship 467 loop
longship n a narrow open boat with oars look after vb to take care of.
and a square sail, used by the Vikings. lookalike n a person or thing that is the
longshore drift n the movement of material double of another, often well-known, per-
along a beach, due to waves approaching son or thing.
the shore at an oblique angle. look back vb 1 to think about the past. 2
longshoreman n, pl -men US & Canad a never looked back was extremely success-
docker. ful: he became the station’s first major sign-
long shot n 1 an undertaking, guess, or pos- ing and never looked back.
sibility with little chance of success. 2 a bet look down vb (foil, by on or upon) to treat
against heavy odds. 3 not by a long shot as inferior or unimportant.
not by any means: she wasn’t beaten, not by look forward to vb to anticipate with pleas-
a long shot. ure.
long-sighted adj 1 able to see only distant look-in Informal —n 1 a chance to be chosen
objects in focus. 2 far-sighted. or participate: before anyone else gets a
long-standing adj existing for a long time, look-in. ~vb look in 2 to pay a short visit.
long-suffering adj enduring trouble or un- looking glass n a mirror.
happiness without complaint. look on vb 1 to be a spectator. 2 to consider
long-term adj 1 lasting or extending over a or regard: I just looked on her as a friend.
long time: a long-term commitment, —n looker-on n
long term 2 in the long term over a long
lookout n 1 the act of watching for danger
period of time: in the long term the cost of or for an opportunity: on the lookout for at-
energy will have to go up. tack. 2 a person or people keeping such a
longtime adj of long standing: his longtime watch. 3 a viewpoint from which a watch is
colleague. kept. 4 Informal worry or concern: that is
long wave n a radio wave with a wave- my lookout rather than theirs. 5 Chiefly
length greater than 1000 metres. Brit chances or prospect: it’s a bad lookout
longways or US & Canad longwise adv for Europe. ~vb look out 6 to be careful. 7
lengthways. to watch out for: look out particularly for
long-winded adj tiresomely long. long- oils that have been flavoured. 8 to find and
windedness n take out: little time to look out clothes that
loo n, pl loos Brit informal a toilet.
she might need. 9 (foil, by on or over) to
face in a particular direction: looking out
loofah n a long rough-textured bath sponge over the courtyard.
made from the dried pod of a gourd.
look over vb 1 to inspect or examine. —n
look vb 1 (often foil, by at) to direct the eyes look-over 2 an inspection.
(towards): he turned to look at her. 2 (often
foil, by at) to consider: we shall now have a look-see n Slang a brief inspection.
look at some problems. 3 to give the impres- look up vb 1 to discover or confirm by
sion of being; seem: Luxembourg’s time- checking in a reference book. 2 to improve:
table looks a winner. 4 to face in a particu- things were looking up. 3 look up to to
lar direction: Morgan’s Rock looks south. 5 have respect for: she looked up to him as a
(foil, by for) to search or seek: the depart- kind of father. 4 to visit (a person): I’ll look
ment looks for reputable firms. 6 (foil, by you up when I’m in town.
into) to carry out an investigation. 7 to di- loom1 n a machine for weaving yarn into
rect a look at (someone) in a specified way: cloth.
she looks at Teresina suspiciously. 8 to loom2 vb 1 to appear indistinctly, esp. as a
match in appearance with (something): tall and threatening shape. 2 (of an event)
looking your best. 9 to expect or hope (to do to seem ominously close.
something): we would look to derive a pro- loon n US& Canad same as diver (sense 3).
cedure that would account for most cases.
10 look alive, lively, sharp, or smart to loony Slang -adj loonier, looniest 1 in-
hurry up; get busy. 11 look here an expres- sane. 2 foolish or ridiculous. ~n, pl loonies
sion used to attract someone’s attention or 3 a foolish or insane person.
add emphasis to a statement. ~n 12 an in- loop n 1 the rounded shape formed by a
stance of looking: a look of icy contempt. 13 curved line that crosses itself: a loop of the
a view or sight (of something): take a look highway. 2 any round or oval-shaped thing
at my view. 14 (often pl) appearance to the that is closed or nearly closed. 3 Electronics
eye or mind; aspect: I'm not happy with the a closed circuit through which a signal can
look of things here; better than you by the circulate. 4 a flight manoeuvre in which an
looks of it. 15 style or fashion: the look aircraft flies vertically in a complete circle.
made famous by the great Russian. ~conj 5 a continuous strip of film or tape. 6 Com-
16 an expression demanding attention or puters a series of instructions in a program,
showing annoyance: look, I won’t be coming performed repeatedly until some specified
back. -See also look after, look back, etc. condition is satisfied, -vb 7 to make into a
looker n loop. 8 to fasten or encircle with a loop. 9
loophole 468 lose
Also: loop the loop to fly or be flown verti- loquacious adj talkative, loquacity n
cally in a complete circle. lord n 1 a person with power or authority
loophole n an ambiguity or omission in the over others, such as a monarch or master. 2
law, which enables one to evade it. a male member of the nobility. 3 (in medi-
loopy adj loopier, loopiest Informal slight- eval Europe) a feudal superior. 4 my lord a
ly mad or crazy. respectful form of address used to a judge,
loose adj 1 (of clothing) not close-fitting: bishop, or nobleman. -vb 5 lord it over
the jacket loose and unbuttoned. 2 free or someone to act in a superior manner to-
released from confinement or restraint. 3 wards someone.
not tight, fastened, fixed, or tense. 4 not Lord n 1 Christianity a title given to God or
bundled, fastened, or put in a container: Jesus Christ. 2 Brit a title given to certain
loose tobacco. 5 inexact or imprecise: a male peers. 3 Brit a title given to certain
loose translation. 6 (of cash) accessible: a high officials and judges, —interj 4 an ex-
lot of the loose money is floating around the clamation of dismay or surprise: Good Lord!
city. 7 Old-fashioned sexually promiscuous. Lord Chancellor n Brit government the
8 lacking a sense of propriety: loose talk. 9 cabinet minster who is head of the judiciary
at a loose end bored because one has noth- and Speaker of the House of Lords.
ing to do. —n 10 the loose Rugby the part Lord Chief Justice n (in England and
of play when the forwards close round the Wales) the judge who is second only to the
ball in a ruck or loose scrum. 11 on the Lord Chancellor and president of one divi-
loose free from confinement or restraint. sion of the High Court of Justice.
—adv 12 in a loose manner; loosely. —vb Lord Lieutenant n 1 (in Britain) the repre-
loosing, loosed 13 to free or release from sentative of the Crown in a county. 2 (for-
restraint or obligation: he loosed the dogs. merly) the British viceroy in Ireland.
14 to unfasten or untie: the guards loosed lordly adj -lier, -liest 1 haughty or arrogant.
his arms. 15 to make or become less strict, 2 of or suitable to a lord, lordliness n
tight, firmly attached, or compact. 16 to let Lord Mayor n the mayor in the City of Lon-
fly (a bullet, arrow, or other missile), don, in certain other English boroughs, and
loosely adv looseness n in some Australian cities.
► Loose and lose are often confused in spell-
ing but rarely in meaning. Lord Privy Seal n (in Britain) the senior
cabinet minister without official duties.
loosebox n an enclosed stall with a door in Lords n the short for House of Lords,
which an animal can be kept.
lordship n the position or authority of a
loose cannon n a person or thing, with the lord.
potential to cause considerable damage,
that appears to be beyond customary con- Lordship n (preceded by Your or His) Brit a
trol. title used to address or refer to a bishop, a
judge of the high court, or any peer except a
loose-jointed adj supple and lithe, duke.
loose-leaf adj (of a binder) allowing the re- Lord’s Prayer n the the prayer taught by
moval and addition of pages. Jesus Christ to his disciples.
loosen vb 1 to make or become less tight: Lords Spiritual pl n (in Britain) the Anglican
loosen and relax the ankle. 2 (often foil, by archbishops and senior bishops who are
up) to make or become less firm, compact, members of the House of Lords.
or rigid: massage is used first to loosen up Lord’s Supper n the same as Holy Com-
the muscles. 3 to untie. 4 (often foil, by up) munion.
to make or become less strict: the churches Lords Temporal pl n (in Britain) the peers
loosen up on sexual teachings. other than bishops in their capacity as
loot n 1 goods stolen in wartime or during members of the House of Lords.
riots; plunder. 2 Informal money. -vb 3 to lore n collective knowledge or wisdom on a
plunder (a city) during war or riots. 4 to particular subject.
steal (money or goods) during war or riots,
looter n lorgnette (lor-nyet) n a pair of spectacles or
opera glasses mounted on a long handle.
lop vb lopping, lopped (usually foil, by off) lorry n, pl -ries a large motor vehicle for
1 to cut (parts) off a tree or body. 2 to cut transporting heavy loads.
out or eliminate any unnecessary parts:
some parts of the legislature were lopped lose vb losing, lost 1 to come to be without,
off. through carelessness or by accident or
theft. 2 to fail to keep or maintain: to 7o.se
lope vb loping, loped 1 to move or run with control. 3 to suffer the loss of: Tie will lose
a long easy stride. ~n 2 a long steady gait his redundancy money. 4 to get rid of: I’ve
or stride. lost a stone this summer. 5 to fail to get or
lop-eared adj (of animals) having cars that make use of: Lysenko never lost a chance to
droop. show his erudition. 6 to be defeated in a
lopsided adj greater in weight, height, or fight or competition. 7 to fail to see, hear, or
size on one side. understand: she lost sight of him. 8 to
lose out 469 louse
waste: so I’d lost a fortune. 9 to go astray: by a) Informal to a considerable extent, de-
psychologists lose the trail. 10 to allow to gree, or amount: steroids are used a lot in
go astray or out of sight: he lost, at the Gare weightlifting. -See also lots.
de Lyon, a case with most of his early loth (rhymes with both) adj same as loath.
manuscripts. 11 to cause the loss of: I came Lothario (loh-thah-ree-oh) n, pl -os a seduc-
in to have the gear attended to, which lost er.
me a lap. 12 to absorb or engross: lost in
thought. 13 to die or cause the death of: two lotion n a liquid preparation having a sooth-
lost as yacht sinks in storm. 14 to outdis- ing, cleansing, or antiseptic action, applied
tance or escape from: there’s some satisfac- to the skin.
tion in knowing that they’ve lost us. 15 (of lots Informal —pl n 1 (often foil, by of)
a timepiece) to run slow (by a specified great numbers or quantities: lots of friends;
amount). you can read lots into Nostradamus, —adv
► Lose and loose are often confused in spell- 2 a great deal.
ing but rarely in meaning. lottery n, pl -teries 1 a method of raising
lose out vb Informal 1 to be defeated or un- money by selling tickets by which a winner
successful. 2 lose out on to fail to secure or is selected at random. 2 a venture whose
make use of: the yard has already lost out outcome is a matter of luck.
on a number of orders. lotto n a game of chance similar to bingo.
loser n 1 a person or thing that loses. 2 In- lotus n 1 (in Greek mythology) a fruit that
formal a person or thing that seems des- induces dreamy forgetfulness in those who
tined to fail: he’s a bit of a loser. eat it. 2 any of several water lilies of tropi-
losing adj unprofitable or failing: a losing cal Africa and Asia, regarded as sacred. 3 a
streak that cost him millions. symbolic representation of such a plant.
loss n 1 the act or an instance of losing. 2 lotus-eater n a person who lives in lazy for-
the person, thing, or amount lost: a 34m getfulness.
pounds loss. 3 the disadvantage or depriva- lotus position n a seated cross-legged posi-
tion resulting from losing: a loss of sover- tion with each foot on top of the opposite
eignty. 4 at a loss a uncertain what to do; thigh, used in yoga and meditation.
bewildered, b with income less than outlay: loud adj 1 (of sound) relatively great in vol-
they cannot afford to run branches at a ume: loud applause. 2 making or able to
loss. make sounds of relatively great volume: a
loss leader n an article offered at a low loud voice. 3 insistent and emphatic: loud
price to attract customers. appeals. 4 (of colours or patterns) harsh to
lost vb 1 the past of lose, -adj 2 unable to look at. 5 noisy, vulgar, and offensive,
find one’s way. 3 unable to be found or re- -adv 6 in a loud manner. 7 out loud
covered. 4 confused or bewildered: she audibly, loudly adv loudness n
seemed a bit lost. 5 (sometimes foil, by on) loud-hailer n a portable loudspeaker with a
not used, noticed, or understood by: not built-in amplifier and microphone.
that the propaganda value of the game was loudmouth n a person who talks too much,
lost on the authorities. 6 no longer pos- esp. in a boastful or indiscreet way. loud-
sessed or existing: lost credit. 7 (foil, by in) mouthed adj
engrossed (in): he remained lost in his own
thoughts. 8 morally fallen: a lost woman. 9 loudspeaker n a device for converting elec-
damned: a lost soul. trical signals into sounds.
lost cause n Old-fashioned something with lough n Irish 1 a lake. 2 a long narrow arm
no chance of success. of the sea.
lot pron 1 a lot a great number or quantity: lounge n 1 Chiefly Brit a living room in a
not that there was a lot to tell; a lot of peo- private house. 2 same as lounge bar. 3 a
ple. ~n 2 a collection of things or people: communal room in a hotel, ship, or airport,
your lot have wasted enough time. 3 desti- used for waiting or relaxing in. 4 the act of
ny or fortune: the refugees did not choose lounging, —vb lounging, lounged 5 (often
their lot. 4 any object, such as a straw or foil, by about or around) to sit or lie in a re-
slip of paper, drawn from others at random laxed manner. 6 to pass time lazily or idly.
to make a selection or choice: they could lounge bar n Brit a more expensive and
only be split by the drawing of lots; the comfortable bar in a pub or hotel.
casting by lots. 5 the use of lots in making a lounge suit n a man’s suit for daytime wear,
choice: chosen by lot. 6 an item or set of lour vb same as lower2.
items for sale in an auction. 7 Chiefly US &
Canad an area of land: to the parking lot. 8 lourie (rhymes with dowry) or loerie n a
a bad lot an unpleasant or disreputable type of African bird with bright plumage.
person. 9 cast or throw in one’s lot with' louse n 1 (pl lice) a wingless blood-sucking
someone to join with voluntarily and share insect which feeds off man and some ani-
the fortunes of someone. 10 the lot the en- mals. 2 (pl louses) Slang an unpleasant or
tire amount or number, —adv 11 (preceded dishonourable person.
louse up 470 lower
louse up vb lousing, loused Slang to ruin or lovesick adj pining or languishing because
spoil. of love, lovesickness n
lousy adj lousier, lousiest 1 Slang very lovey-dovey adj making a sentimental or
mean or unpleasant. 2 Slang inferior or bad. showy display of affection.
3 Slang ill or unwell. 4 infested with lice. loving adj feeling or showing love and affec-
lout n a crude or oafish person; boor, lout- tion. lovingly adv
ish adj loving cup n a large two-handled cup out of
louvre or US louver (loo-ver) n a any of a which people drink in turn.
set of horizontal slats in a door or window, low1 adj 1 having a relatively small distance
slanted to admit air but not rain, b the slats from base to top: a low wall. 2 of less than
and frame supporting them, louvred or US usual amount, degree, quality, or cost: low
louvered adj score; low inflation. 3 situated at a relative-
lovage n a European herb with greenish- ly short distance above the ground, sea
white flowers. level, or the horizon: heavy weather with
low driving cloud. 4 (of numbers) small. 5
love vb loving, loved 1 to have a great af- involving or containing a relatively small
fection for a person or thing. 2 to have pas- amount of something: low alcohol summer
sionate desire for someone. 3 to like (to do drinks. 6 having little value or quality: it
something) very much. ~n 4 an intense sounds as if your self-confidence is low. 7
emotion of affection towards a person or coarse or vulgar: that’s a low blow, Jason. 8
thing. 5 a deep feeling of sexual attraction. inferior in culture or status. 9 in a weak-
6 wholehearted liking for or pleasure in ened physical or mental state. 10 with a
something. 7 a beloved person: often used hushed tone: in a low, scared voice. 11 low-
as an endearment. 8 Brit informal a necked: a low neckline dress. 12 Music of or
commonplace term of address, not neces- having a relatively low pitch. 13 (of lati-
sarily restricted to people one knows or has tudes) situated not far north or south of the
regard for. 9 (in tennis, squash, etc.) a score equator. 14 having little or no money. 15
of zero. 10 fall in love to become in love. 11 unfavourable: he has a low opinion of Ford.
for love or money in any circumstances. 12 16 deep: a low bow. 17 (of a gear) providing
in love feeling a strong emotional and sex- a relatively low speed. —adv 18 in a low
ual attraction. 13 make love to a to have position, level, or degree: the pilot flew low
sexual intercourse with, b Now archaic to over the area. 19 at a low pitch; deeply: he's
court, lovable or loveable adj singing very low. 20 cheaply: the bank is
love affair n a romantic or sexual relation- having to buy high and sell low. 21 lay low
ship between two people who are not mar- a to make (someone) fall by a blow, b to
ried to each other. overcome or destroy. 22 lie low to keep or
lovebird n any of several small African par- be concealed or quiet. ~n 23 a low position,
rots often kept as cage birds. level, or degree: shares hit new low. 24 an
lovebite n a temporary red mark left on a area of low atmospheric pressure; depres-
person’s skin by a partner biting or sucking sion. lowness n
it during lovemaking. low2 n also lowing 1 the sound uttered by
love child n Euphemistic a child whose par- cattle; moo. -vb 2 to make a mooing sound.
ents have not been married to each other. lowborn adj Now rare of ignoble or common
loveless adj without love: a loveless mar- parentage.
riage. lowbrow Disparaging ~n 1 a person with
uncultivated or nonintellectual tastes.
love-lies-bleeding n a plant with drooping ~adj 2 of or for such a person.
spikes of small red flowers.
Low Church n a section of the Church of
love life n a person’s romantic or sexual re- England which stresses evangelical beliefs
lationships. and practices. Low-Church adj
lovelorn adj miserable because of unre- low comedy n comedy characterized by
turned love or unhappiness in love. slapstick and physical action.
lovely adj -lier, -liest 1 very attractive or Low Countries pl n Belgium, Luxembourg,
beautiful. 2 highly pleasing or enjoyable: and the Netherlands.
thanks for a lovely evening. ~n, pl -lies 3 low-down Informal -adj 1 mean, under-
Slang an attractive woman: curvaceous hand, and dishonest, -n lowdown 2 the
lovelies, loveliness n lowdown information.
lovemaking n 1 sexual play and activity be- lower1 adj 1 being below one or more other
tween lovers, including sexual intercourse. things: the lower branches. 2 reduced in
2 Archaic courtship. amount or value: lower rates. 3 Lower Geol
lover n 1 a person having a sexual relation- denoting the early part of a period or for-
ship with another person outside marriage. mation. -vb 4 to cause or allow to move
2 (often pl) either of the people involved in down: she lowered her head. 5 to behave in
a love affair. 3 someone who loves a speci- a way that damages one’s respect: she'd
fied person or thing: an animal-lover. never lowered herself enough to make a
lower 471 Luddite
call. 6 to lessen or become less: the choles- Protestants wishing to retain Ulster’s link
terol was lowered by medication. 7 to make with Britain.
quieter or reduce the pitch of. loyalty n, pl -ties 1 the quality of being
lower2 or lour vb (of the sky or weather) to loyal. 2 a feeling of friendship or duty to-
be overcast and menacing, lowering or wards someone or something.
louring adj lozenge n 1 Med a medicated tablet held in
lower case n (in printing) small letters, as the mouth until it has dissolved. 2 Geom a
opposed to capital letters, lower-case adj rhombus.
lower class n the class with the lowest posi- LP n a gramophone record of 12 inches in di-
tion in society, lower-class adj ameter, which holds about 20 or 25 minutes
lower house n one of the houses of a par- of sound on each side.
liament that has two chambers: usually the L-plate n Brit a red “L” on a white square at-
larger and more representative. tached to a motor vehicle to indicate a
lowest common denominator n Maths the learner driver.
smallest integer or polynomial that is exact- Lr Chem lawrencium.
ly divisible by each denominator of a set of LSD n lysergic acid diethylamide; an illegal
fractions. hallucinogenic drug.
lowest common multiple n Maths the L.S.D., f.s.d., or l.s.d. pounds, shillings,
smallest number or quantity that is exactly pence.
divisible by each member of a set of num- Lt Lieutenant.
bers or quantities.
Ltd Limited (Liability).
low frequency n any radio frequency lying
between 300 and 30 kilohertz. Lu Chem lutetium.
Low German n a language of N Germany, lubber n 1 a big, awkward, or stupid person.
spoken in rural areas. 2 short for landlubber, lubberly adj, adv
lubberliness n
low-key or low-keyed adj 1 restrained or
subdued. 2 having a low intensity or tone. lubricant n a lubricating substance, such as
lowland n 1 relatively low ground. 2 (often oil.
pl) a low generally flat region, -adj 3 of a lubricate (loo-brik-ate) vb -eating, -cated 1
lowland or lowlands, lowlander n to cover with an oily substance to lessen
Lowland adj of the Lowlands or the dialects
friction. 2 to make greasy, slippery, or
smooth, lubrication n
of English spoken there. Lowlander n
lubricious (loo-brish-uss) adj Formal or lit-
Lowlands n a low generally flat region of S
erary lewd.
Central Scotland.
lucerne n Brit same as alfalfa.
lowly adj -lier, -liest 1 humble in position or
status. 2 simple and unpretentious, lowli- lucid adj 1 clear and easily understood. 2
ness n capable of clear thought, particularly be-
tween periods of insanity or delirium. 3
Low Mass n a simplified form of Mass that shining or glowing, lucidity n lucidly adv
is spoken rather than sung.
Lucifer n Satan.
low-minded adj having a vulgar or crude
mind, low-mindedness n luck n 1 events that are subject to chance;
fortune, good or bad. 2 success or good for-
low-pitched adj 1 pitched low in tone. 2 (of tune. 3 down on one’s luck lacking good
a roof) with a shallow slope. fortune to the extent of suffering hardship.
low profile n a deliberate shunning of pub- 4 no such luck Informal unfortunately not.
licity: he kept a low profile, low-profile adj 5 try one’s luck to attempt something that
low-spirited adj depressed or dejected, is uncertain.
low-tech adj 1 of or using low technology. 2 luckless adj unfortunate or unlucky.
in the style of interior design which uses lucky adj luckier, luckiest 1 having or
items associated with low technology. bringing good fortune. 2 happening by
low technology n unsophisticated technol- chance, esp. as desired, luckily adv
ogy that is limited to the production of lucky dip n Brit, Austral, & NZ a box filled
basic necessities. with sawdust containing small prizes for
low tide n the tide at its lowest level or the which children search.
time at which it reaches this. lucrative adj profitable.
low water n 1 low tide. 2 the lowest level lucre (loo-ker) n Usually facetious money or
which a stretch of water reaches. wealth: filthy lucre.
loyal adj 1 faithful to one’s friends, country, Luddite n Brit history 1 any of the textile
or government. 2 of or expressing loyalty: workers opposed to mechanization, who or-
the loyal toast, loyally adv ganized machine-breaking between 1811
loyalist n a patriotic supporter of the sover- and 1816. 2 any opponent of industrial
eign or government, loyalism n change or innovation, -adj 3 of the
Loyalist n (in Northern Ireland) any of the Luddites.
ludicrous 472 lurch
ludicrous adj absurd or ridiculous. ludi- stupid person. 4 a lump in one’s throat a
crously adv tight dry feeling in one’s throat, usually
ludo n Brit a simple board game in which caused by great emotion. 5 the lump Brit
players move counters forward by throw- self-employed workers in the building trade
ing dice. considered collectively. 6 ~adj in the form
luff vb 1 Naut to sail (a ship) into the wind. 2 of a lump or lumps: lump sugar. ~vb 7
to move the jib of a crane in order to shift a (often foil, by together) to consider as a
load. single group, often without justification. 8
lug1 vb lugging, lugged to carry or drag
to grow into lumps or become lumpy.
with great effort. lump2 vb lump it Informal to accept some-
thing irrespective of personal preference: if
lug2 n 1 a projecting piece by which some- you don’t like it, you can lump it.
thing is connected, supported, or lifted. 2
Informal & Scot an ear. lumpectomy n, pl -mies surgical removal of
a tumour in a breast.
luggage n suitcases, trunks, and bags,
lumpish adj stupid, clumsy, or heavy, lump-
lugger n Naut a small working boat with an ishness n
oblong sail.
lump sum n a relatively large sum of money,
lugubrious (loo-goo-bree-uss) adj mournful paid at one time.
or gloomy.
lumpy adj lumpier, lumpiest full of or hav-
lugworm n a large worm which lives in bur- ing lumps, lumpiness n
rows on sandy shores and is often used as
bait by fishermen. lunacy n, pl -cies 1 foolishness. 2 (formerly)
any severe mental illness.
lukewarm adj 1 (of a liquid) moderately
warm; tepid. 2 lacking enthusiasm or con- lunar adj relating to the moon: lunar eclipse.
viction. lunatic adj 1 foolish; eccentric. 2 Archaic in-
lull vb 1 to soothe (a person or animal) by sane. ~n 3 a foolish or annoying person. 4
soft sounds or motions. 2 to calm (fears or Archaic a person who is insane.
suspicions) by deception. ~n 3 a short pe- lunatic asylum n Offensive a home or hospi-
riod of calm. tal for the mentally ill.
lullaby n, pl -bies a quiet song to lull a child lunatic fringe n the members of a group who
to sleep. adopt views regarded as extreme.
lumbago (lum-bay-go) n pain in the lower lunch n 1 a meal eaten during the middle of
back; low backache. the day. - vb 2 to eat lunch.
lumbar adj relating to the lower back, luncheon n a lunch, often a formal one.
lumbar puncture n Med insertion of a hol- luncheon meat n a ground mixture of meat
low needle into the lower spinal cord to (often pork) and cereal, usually tinned.
withdraw fluid for diagnosis. luncheon voucher n a voucher for a speci-
lumber1 n 1 Brit unwanted disused house- fied amount issued to employees and ac-
hold articles. 2 Chiefly US & Canad logs; cepted by some restaurants as payment for
sawn timber. ~vb 3 Brit informal to bur- food.
den with something unpleasant: she was lunchroom n US & Canad a room where
lumbered with a bill for about ninety lunch is served or where students or em-
pounds. 4 to fill up with useless household ployees may eat lunches they bring.
articles. 5 Chiefly US & Canad to convert lung n the part of the body that allows an
trees into marketable timber. animal or bird to breathe air. Humans have
lumber2 vb to move awkwardly and heavily, two lungs, contained within the chest cav-
lumbering adj ity.
lumberjack n (esp. in North America) a per- lunge n 1 a sudden forward motion. 2 Fenc-
son who fells trees and prepares the timber ing a thrust made by advancing the front
for transport. foot and straightening the back leg. -vb
luminary n, pl -naries 1 a a famous person, b lunging, lunged 3 to move with a lunge. 4
an expert in a particular subject. 2 Literary Fencing to make a lunge.
something, such as the sun or moon, that lungfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a freshwater
gives off light. fish with an air-breathing lung.
luminescence n Physics the emission of lupin n a garden plant with large spikes of
light at low temperatures by any process brightly coloured flowers and flattened
other than burning, luminescent adj pods.
luminous adj 1 reflecting or giving off light: lupine adj of or like a wolf.
luminous colours. 2 Not in technical use lu- lupus n an ulcerous skin disease.
minescent: luminous sparklers. 3 enlighten- lurch1 vb 1 to lean or tilt suddenly to one
ing or wise, luminosity n side. 2 to stagger. ~n 3 a lurching move-
lump1 n 1 a small solid mass without definite ment.
shape. 2 Pathol any small swelling or tu- lurch2 n leave someone in the lurch to
mour. 3 Informal an awkward, heavy, or abandon someone in trouble.
lure 473 lyricist
lure vb luring, lured 1 (sometimes foil, by luxury n, pl -ries 1 indulgence in rich and
away or into) to tempt or attract by the sumptuous living. 2 something considered
promise of reward. -n 2 a person or thing an indulgence rather than a necessity. 3
that lures. 3 Angling a brightly coloured ar- -adj relating to, indicating, or supplying
tificial spinning bait. 4 Falconry a feath- luxury: a luxury hotel.
ered decoy to which small pieces of meat LV luncheon voucher.
can be attached. lx lux.
lurid adj 1 vivid in shocking detail; sensa- lyceum n (now chiefly in the names of build-
tional: magazines whose lurid covers sick- ings) a public building for events such as
ened him. 2 glaring in colour. 3 horrible in concerts and lectures.
savagery or violence: reporting lurid
crimes, luridly adv lychee (lie-chee) n a Chinese fruit with a
whitish juicy pulp.
lurk vb 1 to move stealthily or be concealed,
esp. for evil purposes. 2 to be present in an lychgate or lichgate n a roofed gate to a
unobtrusive way; be latent. churchyard, formerly used as a temporary
shelter for a coffin.
lurking adj lingering but almost unacknowl-
edged: it confirms a lurking suspicion. Lycra n Trademark a synthetic elastic fabric
used for tight-fitting garments, such as
luscious (lush-uss) adj 1 extremely pleasur- swimsuits.
able to taste or smell. 2 very attractive.
lye n 1 a caustic solution obtained from
lush1 adj 1 (of vegetation) growing thickly wood ash. 2 a concentrated solution of so-
and healthily. 2 luxurious, elaborate, or dium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
opulent.
lying vb the present participle of lie1 or lie2,
lush2 n Slang an alcoholic.
lying-in n, pl lyings-in Old-fashioned con-
lust n 1 a strong sexual desire. 2 a strong de- finement in childbirth.
sire or drive: a lust for power. -vb 3 (often
foil, by after or for) to have a passionate lymph n the almost colourless body fluid
desire (for), lustful adj lustfully adv containing chiefly white blood cells, lym-
phatic adj
lustre or US luster n 1 soft shining light re-
flected from a surface; sheen. 2 great lymphatic system n a network of fine ves-
splendour or glory. 3 a shiny metallic sur- sels by which lymph circulates throughout
face on some pottery and porcelain, lus- the body.
trous adj lymph node n any of many bean-shaped
lusty adj lustier, lustiest 1 healthy and full masses of tissue in the lymphatic system
of strength and energy. 2 strong or invigor- that help to protect against infection.
ating. lustily adv lustiness n lymphocyte n a type of white blood cell,
lute n an ancient plucked stringed instru- lynch vb (of a mob) to kill (a person) for
ment with a long fingerboard and a body some supposed offence without a trial,
shaped like a half pear. lynching n
lutetium (loo-tee-shee-um) n Chem a silvery- lynchpin n same as linchpin.
white metallic element of the lanthanide se- lynx n, pl lynxes or lynx a mammal of the
ries. Symbol: Lu cat family, with grey-brown mottled fur,
Lutheran n 1 a follower of Martin Luther tufted ears, and a short tail.
(1483-1546), German leader of the Refor- lynx-eyed adj having keen sight.
mation, or a member of a Lutheran Church. lyre n an ancient Greek U-shaped stringed
-adj 2 of or relating to Luther, his doc- instrument, similar to a harp but plucked
trines, or any of the Churches that follow with a plectrum.
these doctrines. Lutheranism n lyrebird n an Australian bird, the male of
luvvie or luvvy n, pl -vies Facetious a person which spreads its tail into the shape of a
who is involved in acting or the theatre. lyre during courtship.
lux n, pl lux the SI unit of illumination, lyric adj 1 (of poetry) a expressing the writ-
luxe n See de luxe. er’s personal feelings, b having the form
Luxembourger n a person from Luxem- and manner of a song. 2 of or relating to
bourg. such poetry. 3 (of a singing voice) light and
luxuriant adj 1 rich and abundant; lush: melodic. ~n 4 a short poem of songlike
luxuriant foliage. 2 very elaborate or or- quality. 5 lyrics the words of a popular
nate. luxuriance n luxuriantly adv song, lyrically adv
luxuriate vb -ating, -ated 1 luxuriate in to lyrical adj 1 same as lyric (senses 1, 2). 2 en-
take self-indulgent pleasure in; revel in. 2 to thusiastic or effusive.
flourish profusely. lyricism n 1 the quality or style of lyric po-
luxurious adj 1 characterized by luxury. 2 etry. 2 emotional outpouring.
enjoying or devoted to luxury, luxuriously lyricist n a person who writes the words for
adv a song, opera, or musical.
 M
m 1 metre(s). 2 mile(s). 3 milli-. 4 million. 5 machine n 1 an assembly of components ar-
minute(s). ranged so as to perform a particular task
M 1 mach. 2 Currency mark(s). 3 medium. 4 and usually powered by electricity. 2 a ve-
mega-. 5 (in Britain) motorway. 6 the hicle, such as a car or aircraft. 3 a system
Roman numeral for 1000. within an organization that controls activi-
m. 1 male. 2 married. 3 masculine. 4 merid- ties and policies: the party machine, -vb
ian. 5 month. -chining, -chined 4 to shape, cut, or make
M. 1 Majesty. 2 Master. 3 (in titles) Member.
something using a machine, machinable
4 (pl MM. or MM) Monsieur.
adj
machine gun n 1 a rapid-firing automatic
ma n an informal word for mother. gun, using small-arms ammunition. ~vb
MA 1 Massachusetts. 2 Master of Arts, machine-gun, -gunning, -gunned 2 to shoot
ma’am n short for madam (sense 1). or fire at with a machine gun.
maas (mahs) n S African thick soured milk, machine language n instructions for a com-
mac or mack n Brit informal a mackintosh. puter in binary or hexadecimal code that
Mac n Chiefly US & Canad an informal term require no conversion or translation by the
of address to a man. computer.
macabre (mak-kahb-ra) adj strange and machine-readable adj in a form suitable for
horrible; gruesome. processing by a computer.
macadam n a road surface made of com- machinery n, pl -eries 1 machines, machine
pressed layers of small broken stones, esp. parts, or machine systems collectively. 2
one bound together with tar or asphalt. the mechanism of a machine. 3 the organi-
macadamize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or zation and procedures by which a system
-ising, -ised to pave a road with macadam. functions: the machinery of international
macaque (mak-kahk) n any of various politics.
Asian and African monkeys with cheek machine shop n a workshop in which ma-
pouches and either a short tail or no tail. chine tools are operated.
macaroni n, pl -nis or -nies 1 pasta tubes machine tool n a power-driven machine,
made from wheat flour. 2 (in 18th-century such as a lathe, for cutting and shaping
Britain) a man who was excessively con- metal, wood, or plastic.
cerned with his clothes and appearance. machinist n 1 a person who operates ma-
macaroon n a sweet biscuit made of ground chines to cut or process materials. 2 a
almonds. maker or repairer of machines.
macaw n a large tropical American parrot machismo (mak-izz-moh) n strong or exag-
with a long tail and brightly coloured gerated masculinity.
feathers. Mach number (mak) n the ratio of the speed
mace1 n 1 a ceremonial staff carried by cer- of a body in a particular medium to the
tain officials. 2 a club with a spiked metal speed of sound in that medium.
head used in the Middle Ages. macho (match-oh) adj 1 strongly or exag-
mace2 n a spice made from the dried outer geratedly masculine. ~n 2 strong or exag-
casing of the nutmeg. gerated masculinity.
macebearer n a person who carries a mace mack n Brit informal same as mac.
in processions or ceremonies. mackerel n, pl -rel or -rels an edible sea fish
macerate (mass-er-ate) vb -ating, -ated to with a greenish-blue body marked with
soften or be softened by soaking, mac- wavy dark bands on the back.
erated adj maceration n mackintosh or macintosh n 1 a raincoat
Mach (mak) n a unit for expressing the made of rubberized cloth. 2 any raincoat.
speed of an aircraft as a multiple of the macrame (mak-rah-mee) n 1 the art of knot-
speed of sound: an airliner capable of cruis- ting and weaving coarse thread into pat-
ing at Mach 2. See also Mach number. terns. 2 ornaments made in this way.
machete (mash-ett-ee) n a broad heavy macro- or before a vowel macr- combining
knife used for cutting or as a weapon. form large, long, or great: macroscopic.
Machiavellian (mak-ee-a-vel-yan) adj clev- macrobiotics n a dietary system which ad-
erly deceitful and unscrupulous. Machia- vocates whole grains and vegetables grown
vellianism n without chemical additives, macrobiotic
machinations (mak-in-nay-shuns) pl n cun- adj
ning schemes or plots to gain power or harm macrocarpa n a large Californian coniferous
an opponent: the machinations of a power- tree, used in New Zealand and elsewhere as
hungry institution. a windbreak on farms and for rough timber.
macrocosm 475 magic
macrocosm n a complex structure, such as wearing make-up. 3 put together: some
the universe or society, regarded as a made-up carpet shampoo. 4 (of a road) sur-
whole. faced with tarmac or concrete.
macroeconomics n the branch of economics madhouse n Informal 1 a state of uproar or
concerned with the relationships between confusion. 2 Old-fashioned a mental hospi-
aggregates, such as consumption and in- tal.
vestment, in a large economic system, madly adv 1 in an insane or foolish manner.
macroeconomic adj 2 with great speed and energy. 3 Informal
macromolecule n any very large molecule, extremely or excessively: she was madly in
such as a protein or synthetic polymer. love with him.
macron n a mark (-) placed over a letter to madman or fem madwoman n, pl -men or
represent a long vowel. -women a person who is insane.
macroscopic adj 1 large enough to be vis- Madonna n 1 Chiefly RC Church the Virgin
ible to the naked eye. 2 concerned with Mary. 2 a picture or statue of the Virgin
large units. Mary.
macula (mak-kew-la) n, pl -ulae (-yew-lee) madrigal n a type of 16th- or 17th-century
Anat a small spot or area of distinct colour, part song for unaccompanied voices, mad-
such as a freckle. rigalist n
mad adj madder, maddest 1 mentally de- maelstrom (male-strom) n 1 a large power-
ranged; insane. 2 extremely foolish; sense- ful whirlpool. 2 any confused, violent, and
less: that was a mad thing to do! 3 Informal destructive turmoil: a maelstrom of adul-
angry or annoyed: he’s mad at her for the terous passion.
unjust accusation. 4 extremely excited or maenad (mean-ad) n 1 Classical history a
confused: a mad rush. 5 (of animals) a un- female disciple of Dionysus, the Greek god
usually ferocious: a mad bear, b afflicted of wine. 2 a frenzied woman.
with rabies. 6 mad about, on or over wild- maestro (my-stroh) n, pl -tri or-tros 1 a dis-
ly enthusiastic about or fond of. 7 like mad tinguished musician or conductor. 2 any
Informal with great energy, enthusiasm, or master of an art.
haste, madness n
mae west n Siangan inflatable life jacket.
madam n, pl madams 1 (pl mesdames) a po-
lite term of address for a woman. 2 a Mafia n the a secret criminal organization
woman who runs a brothel. 3 Brit informal founded in Sicily, and carried to the US by
a spoilt or pert girl: she is a thoroughly pre- Italian immigrants.
cocious little madam if ever there was one. mafioso (maf-fee-oh-so) n, pl -sos or -si
madame (mad-dam) n, pl mesdames (may- (-see) a member of the Mafia.
dam) a French form of address equivalent mag n short for magazine (sense 1).
to Mrs. magazine n 1 a periodic paperback publica-
madcap adj 1 impulsive, reckless, or unlike- tion containing written pieces and illustra-
ly to succeed: a madcap expansion of coun- tions. 2 a television or radio programme
cil bureaucracy. —n 2 an impulsive or reck- made up of short nonfictional items. 3 a
less person. metal case holding several cartridges used
mad cow disease n Informal same as BSE. in some firearms. 4 a rack for automatically
feeding slides through a projector. 5 a place
madden vb to make or become mad or for storing weapons, explosives, or military
angry, maddening adj equipment.
madder n 1 a plant with small yellow flow- magenta (maj-jen-ta) adj deep purplish-red.
ers and a red fleshy root. 2 a dark reddish-
purple dye formerly obtained from its root. maggot n the limbless larva of various in-
3 an artificial pigment of this colour. sects, esp. the housefly and blowfly, mag-
goty adj
made vb 1 the past of make, -adj 2 pro-
duced or shaped as specified: handmade. 3 magi (maje-eye) pl n, sing magus (may-
get or have it made Informal to be assured guss) 1 See magus. 2 the three Magi
of success. Christianity the wise men from the East
who came to worship the infant Jesus (Mat-
Madeira (mad-deer-a) n a fortified white thew 2:1-12).
wine from Madeira, an island in the N At-
lantic. magic n 1 the supposed power to make
things happen by using supernatural
Madeira cake n a type of rich sponge cake, means. 2 tricks done to entertain; conjuring.
mademoiselle (mad-mwah-zel) n, pl mes- 3 any mysterious or extraordinary quality
demoiselles (maid-mwah-zel) 1 a French or power: the magic of Placido Domingo. 4
form of address equivalent to Miss. 2 a like magic very quickly, -adj also magi-
French teacher or governess. cal 5 of magic. 6 possessing or considered to
made-to-measure adj (of a piece of cloth- possess mysterious powers. 7 unaccount-
ing) made specifically to fit the person who ably enchanting. 8 Informal wonderful or
has ordered it. marvellous, —vb -icking, -icked 9 to trans-
made-up adj 1 invented or fictitious. 2 form or produce as if by magic: he had mag-
magic away 476 magnitude
icked up a gourmet meal at a moment's no- compass needle points, at an angle from the
tice. magically adv direction of true (geographic) north.
magic away vb to cause to disappear as if magnetic pole n either of two variable
by magic. points on the earth’s surface towards which
magic carpet n (in fairy stories) a carpet a magnetic needle points.
which can carry people through the air. magnetic storm n a sudden severe disturb-
magician n 1 a conjuror. 2 a person with ance of the earth’s magnetic field, caused
magic powers. by emission of charged particles from the
magic lantern n an early type of slide pro- sun.
jector. magnetic tape n a long plastic strip coated
magisterial adj 1 commanding and authori- with a magnetic substance, used to record
tative. 2 of a magistrate, magisterially sound or video signals or to store informa-
adv tion in computers.
magistracy n, pl -cies 1 the office or func- magnetism n 1 the property of attraction
tion of a magistrate. 2 magistrates collec- displayed by magnets. 2 powerful personal
tively. charm. 3 the branch of physics concerned
magistrate n 1 a public officer concerned with magnetic phenomena.
with the administration of law. 2 same as magnetite n a black magnetizable mineral
justice of the peace. that is an important source of iron.
magistrates’ court n (in England) a court magnetize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
that deals with minor crimes, certain civil -ised 1 to make a substance or object mag-
actions, and preliminary hearings. netic. 2 to attract strongly: he was magnet-
magma n, pl -mas or -mata hot molten rock ized by her smile. magnetizable or -isable
within the earth’s crust which sometimes adj magnetization or -isation n
finds its way to the surface where it solidi- magneto (mag-nee-toe) n, pl -tos a small
fies to form igneous rock. electric generator in which the magnetic
Magna Carta n English history the charter field is produced by a permanent magnet,
granted by King John at Runnymede in esp. one used to provide the spark in an
1215, recognizing the rights and privileges internal-combustion engine.
of the barons, church, and freemen. magnetron n an electronic valve used with a
magnanimous adj generous and forgiving, magnetic field to generate microwave oscil-
esp. towards a defeated enemy, magna- lations, used. esp. ip.radar.
nimity n magnanimously adv Magnificat n Christianity the hymn of the
magnate n an influential or wealthy person, Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46 - 55), used as a can-
esp. in industry. ticle.
magnesia n a white tasteless substance magnification n 1 the act of magnifying or
used as an antacid and laxative; magnesium the state of being magnified. 2 the degree to
oxide. which something is magnified. 3 a magni-
magnesium n Chem a light silvery-white fied copy of something.
metallic element that burns with a very magnificent adj 1 splendid or impressive in
bright white flame. Symbol: Mg appearance. 2 superb or very fine: a mag-
magnet n 1 a piece of iron, steel, or lode- nificent performance, magnificence n
stone that has the property of attracting magnificently adv
iron to it. 2 a person or thing that exerts a magnify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make
great attraction: these woods are a magnet something look bigger than it really is, for
for bird watchers. instance by using a lens or microscope. 2 to
magnetic adj 1 of, producing, or operated make something seem more important than
by means of magnetism. 2 of or like a mag- it really is; exaggerate: you are magnifying
net. 3 capable of being made into a magnet. the problem out of all proportion. 3 to make
4 exerting a powerful attraction: political something sound louder than it really is: the
leaders of magnetic appeal, magnetically stethoscope magnifies internal body
adv sounds. 4 Archaic to glorify or praise,
magnetic disk n a computer storage disk. magnified adj
magnetic field n an area around a magnet in magnifying glass or magnifier n a convex
which its power of attraction is felt. lens used to produce an enlarged image of
magnetic mine n a mine which detonates an object.
when a magnetic field such as that generat- magniloquent adj (of speech) excessively
ed by the metal of a ship’s hull is detected. grand, literary, and pompous, magnilo-
magnetic needle n a slender magnetized quence n
rod used in certain instruments, such as the magnitude n 1 relative importance: an evil
magnetic compass, for indicating the direc- of the first magnitude. 2 relative size or ex-
tion of a magnetic field. tent. 3 Astron the apparent brightness of a
magnetic north n the direction in which a celestial body expressed on a numerical
magnolia 477 mainstream
scale on which bright stars have a low mail1 n 1 letters and packages transported
value. and delivered by the post office. 2 the post-
magnolia n an Asian and North American al system. 3 a single collection or delivery
tree or shrub with white, pink, purple, or of mail. 4 a train, ship, or aircraft that car-
yellow showy flowers. ries mail. 5 short for electronic mail. ~vb
magnox n an alloy composed mainly of 6 Chiefly US & Canad to send by mail.
magnesium, used in fuel elements of some mail2 n flexible armour made of riveted
nuclear reactors (magnox reactors). metal rings or links, mailed adj
magnum n, pl -nums a wine bottle of twice mailbag n a large bag for transporting or de-
the normal size, holding 1.5 litres. livering mail.
magnum opus n a great work of art or lit- mailbox n US & Canad a box outside a house
erature, esp. the greatest single work of an into which the postman puts letters for the
artist. occupiers of the house.
magpie n 1 a bird of the crow family with mail coach n History a fast stagecoach de-
black-and-white plumage, a long tail, and a signed primarily for carrying mail.
chattering call. 2 Brit a person who hoards mailing list n a register of names and ad-
small objects. dresses to which information or advertising
magus (may-guss) n, pl magi (maje-eye) 1 a matter is sent by post.
Zoroastrian priest. 2 an astrologer or magi- mailman n, pl -men US & Canad a postman,
cian of ancient times. mail order n a system of buying and selling
Magyar n 1 a member of the main ethnic goods by post.
group of Hungary. 2 the Hungarian lan- mailshot n a posting of circulars, leaflets, or
guage. ~adj 3 of the Magyars. other advertising to a selected large number
maharaja or maharajah n the head of one of of people at once.
the royal families which formerly ruled maim vb to injure badly or cruelly, with
parts of India. some permanent damage resulting.
maharani or maharanee n the wife of a ma- main adj 1 chief or principal. ~n 2 a princi-
haraja. pal pipe or line in a system used to distrib-
maharishi n Hinduism a teacher of religious ute water, electricity, or gas. 3 mains the
and mystical knowledge. main distribution network for water, gas, or
mahatma n a person revered for his holiness electricity. 4 great strength or force: with
or wisdom: often used as a title or form of might and main. 5 Literary the open ocean.
address: Mahatma Gandhi. 6 in the main on the whole.
mah jong or mah jongg n a game of Chinese mainbrace n Naut 1 the rope that controls
origin, played using tiles bearing various the movement of the spar of a ship’s main-
designs, in which the players try to obtain a sail. 2 splice the mainbrace See splice.
winning combination of tiles. main clause n Grammar a clause that can
mahogany n, pl -nies 1 the hard reddish- stand alone as a sentence.
brown wood of any of several tropical mainframe n Computers a high-speed
trees. ~adj2 reddish-brown. general-purpose computer, with a large
mahout (ma-howt) n (in India and the East store capacity.
Indies) an elephant driver or keeper. mainland n the main part of a land mass as
maid n 1 a female servant. 2 Archaic or lit- opposed to an island.
erary a young unmarried girl; maiden. main line n 1 Railways the chief route be-
maiden n 1 Archaic or literary a young un- tween two points, usually fed by branch
married girl, esp. a virgin. 2 Horse racing a lines. ~vb 2 Slang to inject a drug into a
horse that has never won a race. ~adj 3 vein.
unmarried: a maiden aunt. 4 first or earli- mainly adv for the most part; principally,
est: maiden voyage, maidenhood n maid- mainmast n Naut the chief mast of a sailing
enly adj vessel with two or more masts.
maidenhair fern n a fern with delicate hair- mainsail n Naut the largest and lowermost
like fronds of small pale green leaflets. sail on the mainmast.
maidenhead n 1 the hymen. 2 virginity or mainspring n 1 the chief cause or motive of
maidenhood. something: the mainspring of a dynamic
maiden name n a woman’s surname before economy. 2 the chief spring of a watch or
marriage. clock.
maiden over n Cricket an over in which no mainstay n 1 a chief support. 2 Naut a rope
runs are scored. securing a mainmast.
maid of honour n 1 an unmarried lady at- mainstream n 1 the people or things repre-
tending a queen or princess. 2 US & Canad senting the most common or generally ac-
the principal unmarried attendant of a cepted ideas and styles in a society, art
bride. form, etc.: the mainstream of British politi-
maidservant n a female servant. cal thought. 2 the main current of a river.
mainstreeting 478 make
-adj 3 belonging to the social or cultural part of the evidence. Its use as a rough
mainstream: mainstream American movies. equivalent to “large” is very informal.
mainstreeting n Canad the practice of a major-domo n, pl -mos the chief steward or
politician walking about a town or city to butler of a great household.
try to gain votes. majorette n one of a group of girls who
maintain vb 1 to continue or keep in exist- practise formation marching and baton
ence: we must maintain good relations with twirling.
them. 2 to keep in proper or good condition: major general n a senior military officer,
an expensive car to maintain. 3 to sustain majority n, pl -ties 1 the greater number or
or keep up a particular level or speed: he part of something. 2 (in an election) the
set off at a high speed, but couidn’t main- number of votes or seats by which the
tain it ali the way. 4 to enable a person to strongest party or candidate beats the com-
have the money, food and other things he or bined opposition or the runner-up. 3 the
she needs to live: the money maintained us largest party or group that votes together
for a month. 5 to assert: he had always in a meeting, council or parliament. 4 the
maintained that he never wanted children. age at which a person legally becomes an
6 to defend against contradiction; uphold: adult. 5 in the majority forming or part of
he maintained his innocence. the group of people or things made up of
maintenance n 1 the act of maintaining or more than half of a larger group.
the state of being maintained. 2 the process make vb making, made 1 to create, con-
of keeping a car, building, etc. in good con- struct, establish, or draw up; bring into
dition. 3 Law financial provision ordered to being: houses made of stone; he will have to
be made by way of periodical payments or a make a will. 2 to cause to do or be; compel
lump sum, usually for a separated or di- or induce: please make her go away. 3 to
vorced spouse. bring about or produce: don’t make a noise.
maisonette n a flat with more than one 4 to carry out or perform: he made his first
floor. trip to China in 1987; she made an obscene
maitre d’hotel (met-ra dote-tell) n, pl mai- gesture. 5 to appoint: they made him care-
tres d’hotel a head waiter. taker manager. 6 to come into a specified
maize n a type of corn grown for its large state or condition: to make merry. 7 to be-
yellow edible grains, which are used for come: she will make a good diplomat. 8 to
food and as a source of oil. See also sweet cause or ensure the success of: that news
corn. has made my day. -9 to amount to: 5 and 5
Maj. Major. make 10. 10 to earn or be paid: she’s only
majestic adj beautiful, dignified, and im- making £100 a week. 11 to have the qual-
pressive. majestically adv ities of or be suitable for: what makes this
book such a good read? 12 to prepare for
majesty n 1 great dignity and grandeur. 2 use: she forgot to make her bed. 13 to be the
supreme power or authority. essential element in: confidence makes a
Majesty n, pl -ties (preceded by Your, His, or good salesman. 14 to use for a specified
Her) a title used to address or refer to a purpose: they will make this town their
sovereign or the wife or widow of a sover- base. 15 to deliver: he made a very good
eign. speech. 16 to consider to be: what time do
majolica or maiolica n a type of porous pot- you make it? 17 to cause to seem or repre-
tery glazed with bright metallic oxides. It sent as being: her girlish pigtails made her
was extensively made in Renaissance Italy. look younger than she was; she made the
major adj 1 greater in size, frequency, or experience sound most unpleasant. 18 to
importance than others of the same kind: acquire: she doesn’t make friends easily. 19
the major political parties. 2 very serious or to engage in: they made war on the Turks.
significant: a major investigation. 3 main or 20 to travel a certain distance or to a cer-
principal: a major road. 4 Music (of a scale) tain place: we can make at least three miles
a having notes separated by a whole tone, before it gets dark. 21 to arrive in time for:
except for the third and fourth notes, and he didn’t make the first act of the play. 22
seventh and eighth notes, which are sepa- to win or score: he made a break of 125. 23
rated by a semitone, b of or based on the Informal to gain a place or position on or in:
major scale: the key of D minor; a major to make the headlines. 24 make a day or
third. ~n 5 a middle-ranking military of- night of it to cause an activity to last a day
ficer. 6 Music a major key, chord, mode, or or night. 25 make eyes at Old-fashioned to
scale. 7 a person who has reached the age of flirt with or ogle. 26 make it Informal a to
legal majority. 8 US, Canad, Austral, & NZ be able to attend: I'm afraid 1 can’t make it
the principal field of study of a student. to your party, b to be successful. 27 make
-vb 9 major in US, Canad, Austral, & NZ like Slang, chiefly US & Canad a to imitate,
to study as one’s principal subject: he b to pretend. 28 make to, as if to or as
majored in economics. though to to act with the intention or with
► Major strictly involves the comparison of a show of doing something: she made as if
one part with another: he found the major to hit him. -n 29 manufacturer; brand:
make away 479 malformation
what make of car is that? 30 the way in mal- combining form bad or badly; wrong or
which something is made. 31 on the make wrongly: maladjusted; malfunction.
Slang out for profit or conquest. ~See also malachite (mal-a-kite) n a green mineral
make away, make for, etc. maker n used as a source of copper, and for making
make away vb 1 to depart in haste. 2 make ornaments.
away with a to steal, b to kill or get rid of. maladjustment n Psychol a failure to meet
make believe vb 1 to pretend. ~n make- the demands of society, such as coping with
believe 2 a fantasy or pretence. problems and social relationships, malad-
make do vb to manage with an inferior al- justed adj
ternative. maladminister vb to administer badly, inef-
make for vb 1 to head towards. 2 to prepare ficiently, or dishonestly, maladministra-
tion n
to attack. 3 to help bring about: this will
make for a spectacular race. maladroit (mal-a-droyt) adj clumsy, awk-
ward, or tactless, maladroitly adv mala-
make of vb to interpret as the meaning of: droitness n
what did she make of it all?
malady (mal-a-dee) n, pl -dies Old-fashioned
make off vb 1 to go or run away in haste. 2 any disease or illness.
make off with to steal or abduct. malaise (mal-laze) n a vague feeling of un-
make out vb 1 to manage to see or hear. 2 to ease, illness, or depression.
understand. 3 to write out: I made out a malapropism n the comic misuse of a word
cheque for £100. 4 to attempt to establish by confusion with one which sounds simi-
or prove: she made me out to be a crook. 5 lar, for example under the affluence of al-
to pretend: he made out that he could play cohol.
the piano. 6 to manage or get on: how did malaria n a disease with recurring attacks of
you make out in the exam? fever, caused by the bite of some types of
make over vb 1 to renovate or remodel: she mosquito, malarial adj
made over the dress to fit her sister. ~n malarkey n Slang nonsense or rubbish.
makeover 2 a complete remodelling. 3 a se- Malay n 1 a member of a people living chief-
ries of alterations, including beauty ly in Malaysia and Indonesia. 2 the lan-
treatments and new clothes, intended to guage of this people, -adj 3 of the Malays
make an improvement to someone's ap- or their language.
pearance.
Malayan adj 1 of Malaya. ~n 2 a person
Maker n a title given to God. from Malaya.
makeshift adj serving as a temporary sub- Malaysian adj 1 of Malaysia. ~n 2 a person
stitute. from Malaysia.
make-up n 1 cosmetics, such as powder or malcontent n a person who is discontented
lipstick. 2 the cosmetics used by an actor to with the existing situation.
adapt his or her appearance. 3 the ar- male adj 1 of the sex that can fertilize fe-
rangement of the parts of something. 4 male reproductive cells. 2 of or characteris-
mental or physical constitution. -vb make tic of a man. 3 for or composed of men or
up 5 to form or constitute: these arguments boys: a male choir. 4 (of flowers) bearing
make up the case for the defence. 6 to de- stamens but lacking a pistil. 5 Electronics,
vise or compose, sometimes with the intent engineering having a projecting part or
to deceive: she was well known for making parts that fit into a hollow counterpart: a
up stories about herself. 7 to supply what is male plug. ~n 6 a male person, animal, or
lacking in; complete: £3 billion is needed to plant, maleness n
make up the shortfall. 8 Also: make it up to male chauvinism n the belief, held by some
settle differences amicably. 9 make up for men, that men are better and more impor-
to compensate for: one good year can make tant than women, male chauvinist n, adj
up for several bad ones. 10 to apply cosmet- malediction (mal-lid-dik-shun) n the utter-
ics to the face. 11 make up to Informal a to ance of a curse against someone or some-
make friendly overtures to. b to flirt with. thing. maledictory adj
makeweight n an unimportant person or malefactor (mal-if-act-or) n a criminal or
thing added to make up a lack. wrongdoer, malefaction n
making n 1 the act or process of producing malevolent (mal-lev-a-lent) adj wishing evil
something. 2 be the making of to cause the to others; malicious, malevolence n ma-
success of. 3 in the making in the process levolently adv
of becoming or being made. malfeasance (mal-fee-zanss) n Law wrong-
makings pl n have the makings of to have ful or illegal behaviour, esp. by a public of-
the potentials, qualities, or materials neces- ficial.
sary to make or become something: it had malformation n 1 the condition of being
the makings of a classic showdown. faulty or abnormal in form or shape. 2
mako n, pl makos a powerful shark of the Pathol a deformity, esp. when congenital,
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. malformed adj
malfunction 480 manage
malfunction vb 1 to fail to function properly maltreat vb to treat badly, cruelly, or vio-
or fail to funetion at all. ~n 2 failure to lently. maltreatment n
function properly or failure to function at malt whisky n whisky made from malted
all. barley.
malice (mal-iss) n the desire to do harm or malversation n Rare professional or public
cause mischief to others, malicious adj misconduct.
maliciously adv mam n Informal or dialect same as mother,
malice aforethought n Law a deliberate in- mama or esp US mamma (mam-mah) n Old-
tention to do something unlawful. fashioned, informal same as mother.
malign (mal-line) vb 1 to say unpleasant mamba n a very poisonous tree snake found
and untrue things about someone; slander. in tropical and Southern Africa.
~adj 2 evil in influence or effect. mambo n, pl -bos a Latin American dance
malignant (mal-lig-nant) adj 1 seeking to resembling the rumba.
harm others. 2 tending to cause great harm;
injurious. 3 Pathol (of a tumour) uncontrol- mammal n a warm-blooded animal, such as
lable or resistant to therapy, malignancy n a human being, dog or whale, the female of
malignity (mal-lig-nit-ee) n the condition of
which produces milk to feed her babies,
mammalian adj, n
being malign or deadly.
malinger (mal-ling-ger) vb to pretend to be mammary adj of the breasts or milk-
ill, or exaggerate how ill one is, to avoid produeing glands.
work, malingerer n mammary gland n any of the milk-
mall (mawl) n 1 US, Canad, Austral, & NZ producing glands in mammals, such as a
short for shopping mall. 2 a shaded av- woman’s breast or a cow’s udder.
enue, esp. one open to the public. mammon n wealth regarded as a source of
mallard n, pl -lard or -lards a common N evil and corruption, personified in the New
hemisphere duck, the male of which has a Testament as a false god (Mammon).
dark green head. mammoth n 1 a large extinct elephant with
malleable (mal-lee-a-bl) adj 1 (esp. of metal) a hairy coat and long curved tusks. ~adj 2
capable of being hammered or pressed into gigantic.
shape without breaking. 2 able to be influ- mammy n, pl -mies Informal or dialect same
enced. malleability n malleably adv as mother.
mallet n 1 a hammer with a large wooden man n, pl men 1 an adult male human being,
head. 2 a long stick with a head like a ham- as distinguished from a woman. 2 a human
mer used to strike the ball in croquet or being of either sex; person: all men are born
polo. equal. 3 human beings collectively; man-
mallow n any of a group of European plants, kind. 4 a human being regarded as repre-
with purple, pink, or white flowers. sentative of a particular period or category:
malnourished adj physically weak due to Neanderthal man. 5 an adult male human
lack of healthy food. being with qualities associated with the
male, such as courage or virility: take it like
malnutrition n physical weakness resulting a man. 6 an employee, servant, or repre-
from insufficient food or an unbalanced sentative. 7 a member of the armed forces
diet. who is’not an officer. 8 a member of a group
malodorous (mal-lode-or-uss) adj having an or team. 9 a husband, boyfriend, or male
unpleasant smell. lover. 10 a movable piece in various games,
malpractice n illegal, unethical, or negligent such as draughts. 11 S African slang any
professional conduct. person: used as a term of address. 12 as one
malt n 1 grain, such as barley, that is kiln- man with unanimous action or response. 13
dried after it has been germinated by soak- he’s your man he's the person needed. 14
ing in water. 2 See malt whisky. ~vb 3 to man and boy from childhood. 15 sort out
make into or become malt. 4 to make from the men from the boys to discover who
malt or to add malt to. malted adj malty can cope with difficult or dangerous situa-
adj tions and who cannot. 16 to a man without
Maltese adj 1 of Malta. ~n 2 (pl -tese) a exception. ~vb manning, manned 17 to
person from Malta. 3 the language of Malta. provide with sufficient people for operation
Maltese cross n a cross with triangular or defence. 18 to take one’s place at or near
arms that taper towards the centre, some- in readiness for action, manhood n
times with the outer sides curving in. Man. Manitoba.
Malthusian (malth-yew-zee-an) adj of the manacle (man-a-kl) n 1 a metal ring or
theory stating that increases in population chain put round the wrists or ankles, used
tend to exceed increases in the food supply to restrict the movements of a prisoner or
and that therefore sexual restraint should convict, -vb-cling, -cled 2 to put manacles
be exereised. on.
maltose n a sugar formed by the action of manage vb -aging, -aged 1 to succeed in
enzymes on starch. doing something: we finally managed to sell
management 481 manhandle
our old house. 2 to be in charge of; adminis- having the nature or powers of a mandate,
ter: the company is badly managed. 3 to mandatorily adv
have room or time for: can you manage mandible n 1 the lower jawbone of a verte-
lunch tomorrow? 4 to keep under control: brate. 2 either of the jawlike mouthparts of
she disapproved of taking drugs to manage an insect. 3 either part of the bill of a bird,
stress. 5 to struggle on despite difficulties, esp. the lower part.
esp. financial ones: most people cannot mandolin n a musical instrument with four
manage on a cleaner’s salary, manageable pairs of strings stretched over a small light
adj body, usually played with a plectrum.
management n 1 the people responsible for mandrake n a plant with a forked root. It
running an organization or business. 2 was formerly thought to have magic powers
managers or employers collectively. 3 the and a narcotic was prepared from its root.
technique or practice of managing or con-
trolling. mandrel or mandril n 1 a spindle on which
the object being worked on is supported in a
manager n 1 a person who manages an or- lathe. 2 a shaft on which a machining tool is
ganization or business. 2 a person in charge mounted.
of a sports team. 3 a person who controls
the business affairs of an actor or enter- mandrill n a monkey of W Africa. The male
tainer. manageress fem n has red and blue markings on its face and
► In professional life the title manager is buttocks.
used for either men or women. Elsewhere mane n 1 the long hair that grows from the
the term manageress is still in use. neck in such mammals as the lion and horse.
2 long thick human hair, maned adj
managerial adj of a manager or manage-
ment. manege (man-nayzh) n 1 the art of training
managing director n the senior director of a
horses and riders. 2 a riding school,
company, who has overall responsibility for maneuver n, vb US same as manoeuvre,
the way it is run. man Friday n 1 a loyal male servant or as-
manana (man-yah-na) n, adv a tomorrow, b sistant. 2 Also: girl Friday, person Friday
some other and later time. any person who does all the odd jobs that
arise, esp. in an office.
man-at-arms n, pl men-at-arms a soldier,
esp. a medieval soldier. manful adj determined and brave, manfully
adv
manatee n a large plant-eating mammal oc-
curring in tropical coastal waters of the At- manganese n Chem a brittle greyish-white
lantic. metallic element used in making steel. Sym-
bol: Mn
Manchu n, pl -chus or -chu a member of a
Mongoloid people of Manchuria, a region of mange n a skin disease of domestic animals,
NE China, who conquered China in the 17th characterized by itching and loss of hair.
century, ruling until 1912. mangelwurzel n a variety of beet with a
Mancunian (man-kew-nee-an) adj 1 of Man- large yellowish root.
chester, a city in NW England. ~n 2 a per- manger n a trough in a stable or barn from
son from Manchester. which horses or cattle feed.
mandala n Hindu & Buddhist art a circular mangetout (mawnzh-too) n a variety of
design symbolizing the universe. garden pea with an edible pod.
mandarin n 1 (in the Chinese Empire) a mangle1 vb -gling, -gled 1 to destroy or
member of a senior grade of the bureaucra- damage by crushing and twisting. 2 to spoil,
cy. 2 a high-ranking official with extensive mangled adj
powers. 3 a person of standing and influ- mangle2 n 1 a machine for pressing or
ence, esp. in literary or intellectual circles. squeezing water out of washed clothes, con-
4 a small citrus fruit resembling the tange- sisting of two heavy rollers between which
rine. the clothes are passed. ~vb -gling, -gled 2
Mandarin Chinese or Mandarin n the offi- to put through a mangle.
cial language of China since 1917. mango n, pl -goes or-gos the egg-shaped ed-
mandate n 1 an official or authoritative ible fruit of a tropical Asian tree, with a
command to carry out a particular task: the smooth rind and sweet juicy flesh.
UN force’s mandate does not allow it to mangrove n a tropical evergreen tree or
intervene. 2 Politics the political authority shrub with intertwining aerial roots that
given to a government or an elected repre- forms dense thickets along coasts.
sentative through an electoral victory. 3 mangy adj -gier, -giest 1 having mange. 2
Also: mandated territory (formerly) a ter- scruffy or shabby, mangily adv mangi-
ritory administered by one country on be- ness n
half of an international body. ~vb -dating, manhandle vb -handling, -handled 1 to
-dated 4 to delegate authority to. 5 to as- handle or push someone about roughly. 2 to
sign territory to a nation under a mandate. move something by manpower rather than
mandatory adj 1 obligatory; compulsory. 2 by machinery.
manhole 482 manor house
manhole n a hole with a detachable cover, (Exodus 16:14-3). 2 a windfall: manna from
through which a person can enter a sewer heaven.
or pipe to inspect or repair it. manned adj having a human staff or crew:
man-hour n a unit of work in industry, equal one of the few remaining manned light-
to the work done by one person in one hour. houses in the UK.
manhunt n an organized search, usually by mannequin n 1 a woman who wears the
police, for a wanted man or fugitive. clothes displayed at a fashion show; model.
mania n 1 an obsessional enthusiasm or lik- 2 a life-size dummy of the human body used
ing. 2 a mental disorder characterized by to fit or display clothes.
great or violent excitement. manner n 1 the way a thing happens or is
-mania n combining form indicating extreme done. 2 a person’s bearing and behaviour. 3
or abnormal excitement aroused by some- the style or customary way of doing some-
thing: kleptomania. thing: sculpture in the Greek manner. 4
maniac n 1 a wild disorderly person. 2 a type or kind. 5 in a manner of speaking in
person who has a great craving or enthusi- a way; so to speak. 6 to the manner born
asm for something, maniacal (man-eye-ak- naturally fitted to a specified role or activ-
kl) adj ity.
manic adj 1 extremely excited or energetic; mannered adj 1 (of speech or behaviour)
frenzied: manic, cavorting dancers. 2 of, in- unnaturally formal and put on to impress
volving, or affected by mania: deep depres- others. 2 having manners as specified: ill-
sion broken by periods of manic excitement. mannered.
manic-depressive Psychiatry -adj 1 de- mannerism n 1 a distinctive and individual
noting a mental disorder characterized by gesture way or way of speaking. 2 exces-
an alternation between extreme euphoria sive use of a distinctive or affected manner,
and deep depression. ~n 2 a person afflict- esp. in art or literature.
ed with this disorder. mannerly adj well-mannered and polite,
manicure n 1 cosmetic care of the hands and mannerliness n
fingernails, -vb -curing, -cured 2 to care manners pl n 1 a person’s social conduct
for the fingernails and hands, manicurist n viewed in the light of whether it is regarded
manifest adj 1 easily noticed, obvious, -vb as polite or acceptable or not: his manners
2 to reveal or display: an additional symp- leave something to be desired; shockingly
tom now manifested itself. 3 to show by the bad manners. 2 a socially acceptable way of
way one behaves: he manifested great per- behaving: it’s not manners to point.
sonal bravery. 4 (of a disembodied spirit) to mannish adj (of a woman) displaying qual-
appear in visible form. ~n 5 a customs ities regarded as typical of a man.
document containing particulars of a ship
and its cargo. 6 a list of the cargo and pas- manoeuvre or US maneuver (man-noo-ver)
sengers on an aeroplane, manifestation n vb -vring, -vred or -vering, -vered 1 to
manifesto n, pl -toes or -tos a public decla- move or do something with dexterity and
ration of intent or policy issued by a group skill: she manoeuvred the car into the park-
of people, for instance by a political party. ing space. 2 to manipulate a situation in
order to gain some advantage. 3 to perform
manifold adj Formal 1 numerous and varied: a manoeuvre or manoeuvres. ~n 4 a
her talents are manifold. ~n 2 a pipe with movement or action requiring dexterity and
a number of inlets or outlets, esp. one in a skill. 5 a contrived, complicated, and pos-
car engine. sibly deceptive plan or action. 6 manoeu-
manikin n 1 a little man; dwarf or child. 2 a vres military or naval exercises, usually on
model of the human body. a large scale. 7 a change in course of a ship
manila or manilla n a strong usually brown or aircraft, esp. a complicated one. 8 room
paper used to make envelopes. for manoeuvre the possibility of changing
man in the street n the average person, one’s plans or behaviour if it becomes nec-
manipulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to handle or essary or desirable, manoeuvrable or US
use skilfully. 2 to control something or maneuverable adj manoeuvrability or US
someone cleverly or deviously, manipula- maneuverability n
tion n manipulator n manipulative adj manoeuvring or US maneuvering n the
mankind n 1 human beings collectively. 2 skilful manipulation of a situation to gain
men collectively. some advantage.
manly adj-Her, -liest 1 possessing qualities, man-of-war n, pl men-of-war 1 a warship. 2
such as vigour or courage, traditionally re- short for Portuguese man-of-war.
garded as appropriate to a man; masculine. manor n 1 (in medieval Europe) the lands
2 characteristic of a man. manliness n and property controlled by a lord. 2 a large
man-made adj made by humans; artificial, country house and its lands. 3 Slang a police
manna n 1 Bible the miraculous food which district, manorial adj
sustained the Israelites in the wilderness manor house n a large country house, esp.
manpower 483 maquis
one that was originally part of a medieval machinery. 2 to invent or concoct evidence,
manor. an excuse, etc. ~n 3 the production of
manpower n the number of people needed goods, esp. by industrial processes, manu-
or available for a job. facturer n manufacturing n, adj
manque (mong-kay) adj unfulfilled; would- manuka (mah-nook-a) n a New Zealand tree
be: an actor manque. with strong elastic wood and aromatic
mansard n a roof with two slopes on both leaves.
sides and both ends, the lower slopes being manumit (man-new-mit) vb -mitting,
steeper than the upper. -mitted to free from slavery, manumission
manse n the house provided for a minister n
of some Christian denominations. manure n 1 animal excrement used as a fer-
manservant n, pl menservants a male ser- tilizer. —vb -nuring, -nured 2 to spread
vant, esp. a valet. manure upon fields or soil.
mansion n 1 a large and imposing house. 2 manuscript n 1 a book or other document
Mansions Brit a name given to some blocks written by hand. 2 the original handwritten
of flats as part of their address: 18 Wilton or typed version of a book or article submit-
Mansions. ted by an author for publication.
manslaughter n Law the unlawful but not Manx adj 1 of the Isle of Man. -n 2 an al-
deliberately planned killing of one human most extinct Celtic language of the Isle of
being by another. Man. ~pl n 3 the Manx the people of the
mantel n a wooden, stone, or iron frame Isle of Man. Manxman n Manxwoman n
around a fireplace. Manx cat n a short-haired breed of cat
mantelpiece n a shelf above a fireplace without a tail.
often forming part of the mantel. Also: many adj 1 a large number of; numerous:
mantel shelf, chimneypiece many times; many people think the gov-
mantilla n a woman’s lace or silk scarf cov- ernment is incompetent, —pron 2 a number
ering the shoulders and head, worn esp. in of people or things, esp. a large one: his
Spain. many supporters; have as many as you
want. 3 many a each of a considerable
mantis n, pl -tises or -tes a carnivorous in- number of: many a man. —n 4 the many
sect resembling a grasshopper, that rests the majority of mankind, esp. the common
with the first pair of legs raised as if in people.
prayer. Also: praying mantis
Maoism n Communism as interpreted in the
mantissa n the part of a common logarithm theories and policies of Mao Tse-tung
consisting of the decimal point and the fig- (1893-1976), Chinese statesman. Maoist n,
ures following it: the mantissa of 2.4771 is adj
.4771.
Maori n 1 (pl -ris or -ri) a member of the
mantle n 1 Old-fashioned a loose wrap or Polynesian people living in New Zealand
cloak. 2 anything that covers completely or since before the arrival of European set-
envelops: a mantle of snow covered the tlers. 2 the language of this people, —adj 3
ground. 3 the responsibilities and duties of this people or their language.
which go with a particular job or position:
he refuses to accept the mantle of leader. 4 map n 1 a diagrammatic representation of
a small mesh dome used to increase illumi- the earth’s surface or part of it, showing
nation in a gas or oil lamp by becoming in- the geographical distributions or positions
candescent. 5 Geol the part of the earth be- of features such as roads, towns, relief, and
tween the crust and the core. — vb -tling, rainfall. 2 a diagrammatic representation of
-tied 6 to spread over or become spread the stars or of the surface of a celestial
over: mountains mantled in lush vegetation. body. 3 Maths same as function. 4 put on
the map to make (a town or company) well-
man-to-man adj characterized by frankness known. —vb mapping, mapped 5 to make a
and sincerity: a man-to-man discussion. map of. 6 Maths to represent or transform
mantra n 1 Hinduism, Buddhism any sacred (a function, figure, or set). -See also map
word or syllable used as an object of con- out.
centration. 2 Hinduism a Vedic psalm of maple n 1 any of various trees or shrubs
praise. with five-pointed leaves and winged seeds
manual adj 1 of a hand or hands: manual borne in pairs. 2 the hard wood of any of
dexterity. 2 physical as opposed to mental: these trees. -See also sugar maple.
manual labour. 3 operated or done by maple leaf n the leaf of the maple tree, the
human labour rather than automatic or national emblem of Canada.
computer-aided means: a manual gearbox.
~n 4 a book of instructions or information. -maple syrup n a very sweet syrup made
5 Music one of the keyboards on an organ, from the sap of the sugar maple.
manually adv map out vb to plan or design,
manufacture vb -turing, -tured 1 to process mapping n Maths same as function,
or make goods on a large scale, esp. using maquis (mah-kee) n, pl -quis (-kee) 1 the
mar 484 marginalia
French underground movement that fought development. 9 a distance covered by
against the German occupying forces in marching. 10 an organized protest in which
World War 11. 2 a type of shrubby, mostly a large group of people walk somewhere to-
evergreen, vegetation found in coastal re- gether: a march against racial violence. 11 a
gions of the Mediterranean area. piece of music suitable for marching to. 12
mar vb marring, marred to spoil or be the steal a march on to gain an advantage
one bad feature of: Sicily’s coastline is over, esp. by a trick, marcher n marching
marred by high-rise hotels. adj
Mar. March. march2 n 1 a border or boundary. 2 the land
marabou n 1 a large black-and-white Afri- lying along a border or boundary, often of
can stork. 2 the soft white down of this disputed ownership.
bird, used to trim hats etc. March n the third month of the year.
maraca (mar-rak-a) n a shaken percussion March hare n a hare during its breeding sea-
instrument, usually one of a pair, consisting son in March, noted for its wild and excit-
of a gourd or plastic shell filled with dried able behaviour.
seeds or pebbles. marching orders pl n 1 Informal dismissal,
marae (mar-rye) n NZ a traditional Maori esp. from employment. 2 military orders,
meeting place. giving instructions about a march.
maraschino (mar-rass-kee-no) n a liqueur marchioness (marsh-on-ness) n 1 a woman
made from a type of sour cherry having a who holds the rank of marquis or marquess.
taste like bitter almonds. 2 the wife or widow of a marquis or mar-
maraschino cherry n a cherry preserved in quess.
maraschino. marchpane n Archaic marzipan.
marathon n 1 a race on foot of 26 miles 385 Mardi Gras (mar-dee grah) n the festival of
yards (42.195 kilometres). 2 any long or ar- Shrove Tuesday, celebrated in some cities
duous task or event. ~adj 3 of or relating with great revelry.
to a race on foot of 26 miles 385 yards mare1 n the adult female of a horse or zebra.
(42.195 kilometres): marathon runners. 4 mare2 n, pl maria one of many huge dry
long and arduous: a marathon nine hour plains on the surface of the moon or Mars,
meeting. visible as dark markings.
maraud vb to wander or raid in search of mare’s-nest n a discovery imagined to be
plunder, marauder n marauding adj important but proving to be worthless.
marble n 1 a hard limestone rock, which margarine n a butter substitute made from
usually has a mottled appearance and can vegetable and animal fats.
be given a high polish. 2 a block of marble marge n Brit informal margarine.
or work of art made of marble. 3 a small margin n 1 an edge, rim, or border: we came
round glass ball used in playing marbles.
~vb -bling, -bled 4 to mottle with varie- to the margin of the wood; people on the
gated streaks in imitation of marble, mar- margin of society. 2 the blank space sur-
bled adj rounding the text on a page. 3 an additional
amount or one beyond the minimum neces-
marbles n a game in which marbles are sary: the margin of victory was seven
rolled at one another. lengths; a small margin of error. 4 Chiefly
marbling n 1 a mottled effect or pattern re- Austral a payment made in addition to a
sembling marble. 2 the streaks of fat in lean basic wage, esp. for special skill or respon-
meat. sibility. 5 a limit beyond which something
marc n 1 the remains of grapes or other fruit can no longer exist or function: the margin
that have been pressed for wine-making. 2 a of physical survival. 6 Econ the minimum
brandy distilled from these. return below which an enterprise becomes
marcasite n 1 a pale yellow form of iron py- unprofitable.
rites used in jewellery. 2 a cut and polished marginal adj 1 of, in, on, or forming a mar-
form of steel used for making jewellery. gin. 2 not important; insignificant: he
march1 vb 1 to walk with very regular steps, remained a rather marginal political figure.
like a soldier. 2 to walk in a quick and de- 3 close to a limit, esp. a lower limit: margin-
termined manner, esp. when angry: he al legal ability. 4 Econ relating to goods or
marched into the kitchen without knocking. services produced and sold at the margin of
3 to make a person or group proceed: he profitability: marginal cost. 5 Politics chief-
was marched back to his cell. 4 (of an army, ly Brit & NZ of or designating a constituen-
procession, etc.) to walk as an organized cy in which elections tend to be won by
group: the demonstrators marched down small margins: a marginal seat. 6 designat-
the main street. 5 to advance or progress ing agricultural land on the edge of fertile
steadily: time marches on. ~n 6 a regular areas. ~n 7 Politics chiefly Brit & NZ a
stride. 7 a long or exhausting walk. 8 the marginal constituency, marginally adv
steady development or progress of some- marginalia pl n notes in the margin of a
thing: the continuous march of industrial book, manuscript, or letter.
margrave 485 market research
margrave n (formerly) a German nobleman person: she would now be marked as a
ranking above a count. troublemaker. 18 to label, esp. to indicate
marguerite n a garden plant with flowers price. 19 to celebrate or commemorate an
resembling large daisies. occasion or its anniversary: a series of con-
marigold n any of various plants cultivated certs to mark the 200th anniversary of
for their yellow or orange flowers. Mozart’s death. 20 to pay attention to: mark
my words. 21 to observe or notice. 22 to
marijuana or marihuana (mar-ree-wah-na) n grade or evaluate academic work. 23 Sport
the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp to stay close to an opponent to hamper his
plant, used as a drug, esp. in cigarettes. or her play. 24 mark off or out to set
marimba n a percussion instrument consist- boundaries or limits on. 25 mark time a to
ing of a set of hardwood plates placed over move the feet alternately as in marching
tuned metal resonators, played with soft- but without advancing, b to wait for some-
headed sticks. thing more interesting to happen. -See
marina n a harbour for yachts and other also markdown, mark-up.
pleasure boats. mark2 n See Deutschmark.
marinade n 1 a mixture of oil, wine, vinegar, markdown n 1 a price reduction, -vbmark
etc., in which meat or fish is soaked before down 2 to reduce in price. 3 to make a writ-
cooking. -vb -nading, -naded 2 same as ten note of: she marked down the number of
marinate. the getaway car.
marinate vb -nating, -nated to soak in marked adj 1 obvious or noticeable: a
marinade, marinated adj marked improvement. 2 singled out, esp. as
marine adj 1 of, found in, or relating to the the target of attack: a marked man. mark-
sea. 2 of shipping or navigation. 3 used or edly (mark-id-lee) adv
adapted for use at sea. ~n 4 a soldier marker n 1 an object used to show the posi-
trained for land and sea combat. 5 a coun- tion of something. 2 Also called: marker
try’s shipping or navy collectively: the mer- pen a thick felt-tipped pen used for draw-
chant marine. ing and colouring.
mariner (mar-in-er) n a sailor. market n 1 an occasion at which people meet
marionette n a puppet whose limbs are to buy and sell merchandise. 2 a place at
moved by strings. which a market is held. 3 the buying and
marital adj of or relating to marriage, mari- selling of goods and services, esp. when un-
tally adv restrained by political or social con-
siderations: the market has been
maritime adj 1 of or relating to shipping. 2 brought into health care. 4 the trading op-
of, near, or living near the sea. portunities provided by a particular group
marjoram n a plant with sweet-scented of people: the youth market. 5 demand for a
leaves, used for seasoning food and in sal- particular product. 6 short for stock mar-
ads. ket. 7 be in the market for to wish to buy.
mark1 n 1 a visible impression on a surface, 8 on the market available for purchase. 9
such as a spot or scratch. 2 a sign, symbol, seller’s or buyer’s market a market char-
or other indication that distinguishes some- acterized by excess demand (or supply) and
thing. 3 a written or printed symbol, as thus favourable to sellers (or buyers). -adj
used for punctuation. 4 a letter, number, or 10 of, relating to, or controlled by the buy-
percentage used to grade academic work. 5 ing and selling of goods and services, esp.
a thing that indicates position; marker. 6 an when unrestrained by political or social
indication of some quality: a mark of re- considerations: a market economy. —vb
spect. 7 a target or goal. 8 impression or in- -keting, -keted 11 to offer or produce for
fluence: this book displays the mark of its sale, marketable adj
author’s admiration of Kafka. 9 (in trade market garden n Chiefly Brit a place where
names) a particular model or type of a vehi- fruit and vegetables are grown for sale,
cle, machine, etc.: the Ford Escort Mark market gardener n
Two. 10 one of the temperature settings at marketing n the part of a business which
which a gas oven can work: bake at gas controls the way that goods or services are
mark 5 for thirty minutes. 11 make one’s sold.
mark to achieve recognition. 12 on your market maker n Stock Exchange a dealer in
mark or marks a command given to runners securities on the London Stock Exchange
in a race to prepare themselves at the start- who can also deal with the public as a bro-
ing line. 13 up to the mark meeting the de- ker.
sired standard. ~vb 14 to make a visible
impression, trace, or stain on. 15 to have a marketplace n 1 a place where a public
tendency to become dirty, scratched, or . market is held. 2 the commercial world of
damaged: this material marks easily. 16 to buying and selling.
characterize or distinguish: the gritty de- market price n the prevailing price at which
termination that has marked his career. 17 goods may be bought or sold.
to designate someone as a particular type of market research n the study of customers’
market town 486 marsupial
wants and purchases, and of the forces in- woman to live as husband and wife. 3 the
fluencing them. ceremony formalizing this union; wedding.
market town n Chiefly Brit the main town 4 a close union or relationship: the marriage
in an agricultural area, usually one where a of scientific knowledge and industry.
market is regularly held. marriageable adj suitable for marriage,
marking n 1 the arrangement of colours on usually with reference to age.
an animal or plant. 2 the assessment and marriage guidance n advice given by
correction of pupils’ or students’ written trained counsellors to couples who have
work by teachers. problems in their married life.
marksman n, pl -men a person skilled in married adj 1 having a husband or wife. 2 of
shooting, marksmanship n marriage or married people: married life.
mark-up n 1 an amount added to the cost of ~n 3 marrieds married people: young
something to provide the seller with a prof- marrieds.
it. ~vb mark up 2 to increase the cost of marrow n 1 the fatty tissue that fills the
something by an amount or percentage in cavities of bones. 2 Brit short for vegetable
order to make a profit. marrow.
marl n a fine-grained rock consisting of clay, marrowfat or marrow pea n a variety of
limestone, and silt used as a fertilizer, large pea.
marly adj marry1 vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 to take
marlin n, pl -lin or -lins a large fish with a (someone) as one’s husband or wife. 2 to
long spear-like upper jaw, found in warm join or give in marriage. 3 Also: marry up to
and tropical seas. fit together or unite; join: their playing
marlinspike or marlinespike (mar-lin-spike) marries Irish traditional music and rock.
n Naut a pointed metal tool used in separat- marry2 interj Archaic an exclamation of
ing strands of rope. surprise or anger.
marmalade n a jam made from citrus fruits, Mars n 1 the Roman god of war. 2 the fourth
esp. oranges. planet from the sun.
marmoreal (mar-more-ee-al) adj of or like Marseillaise (mar-say-yaze) n the Marseil-
marble. laise the French national anthem.
marmoset n a small South American mon- marsh n low poorly drained land that is wet,
key with a long bushy tail. muddy, and sometimes flooded, marshy
marmot n any of various burrowing rodents adj
of Europe, Asia, and North America. They marshal n 1 (in solne armies and air forces)
are heavily built and have coarse fur. an officer of the highest rank: Field Mar-
maroon1 vb 1 to abandon someone in a de- shall. 2 an officer who organizes or controls
serted area, esp. on an island. 2 to isolate in ceremonies or public events. 3 US the chief
a helpless situation: we’re marooned here police or fire officer in some states. 4 (for-
until the snow stops, marooned adj merly in England) an officer of the royal
maroon2 adj 1 dark purplish-red. ~n 2 an family or court. ~vb -shalling, -shalled or
exploding firework or flare used as a warn- US -shaling, -shaled 5 to arrange in order:
ing signal. she marshalled her facts and came to a con-
marque (mark) n a brand of product, esp. of clusion. 6 to assemble and organize people
a car. or vehicles in readiness for onward move-
marquee n a large tent used for a party, ex- ment. 7 to guide or lead, esp. in a ceremoni-
hibition, etc. ous way: she marshalled them towards the
lecture theatre, marshalcy n
marquess (mar-kwiss) n 1 (in the British
Isles) a nobleman ranking between a duke marshalling yard n Railways a place where
and an earl. 2 See marquis. railway wagons are shunted and made up
marquetry n, pl -quetries a pattern of inlaid
into trains.
veneers of wood or metal used chiefly as Marshal of the Royal Air Force n the high-
ornamentation in furniture. est rank in the Royal Air Force.
marquis n, pl -quises or -quis (in various marsh gas n a gas largely composed of me-
countries) a nobleman ranking above a thane formed when plants decay in the ab-
count, corresponding to a British marquess. sence of air.
marquise (mar-keez) n 1 (in various coun- marshland n land consisting of marshes,
tries) a marchioness. 2 a gemstone cut in a marshmallow n a spongy pink or white
pointed oval shape. sweet.
marram grass n a grass that grows on sandy marsh mallow n a plant that grows in salt
shores: often planted to stabilize sand marshes and has pale pink flowers. It was
dunes. formerly used to make marshmallows.
marriage n 1 the state or relationship of marsupial (mar-soop-ee-al) n 1 a mammal,
being husband and wife: the institution of such as a kangaroo or an opossum, the fe-
marriage. 2 the contract made by a man and male of which carries her babies in a pouch
mart 487 mass
at the front of her body until they reach a things. 4 Prosody denoting a rhyme be-
mature state, -adj 2 of or like a marsupial, tween pairs of single final stressed sylla-
mart n a market or trading centre. bles. masculinity n
Martello tower n a round tower used for maser n a device for amplifying micro-
coastal defence. waves, working on the same principle as a
marten n, pl -tens or -ten 1 any of several laser.
agile weasel-like mammals with bushy tails mash n 1 a soft pulpy mass. 2 Agriculture
and golden-brown to blackish fur. 2 the bran, meal, or malt mixed with warm water
highly valued fur of these animals. and used as food for horses, cattle, or poul-
martial adj of or characteristic of war, sol- try. 3 Brit informal mashed potatoes, -vb
diers, or the military life: martial music. 4 to beat or crush into a mash, mashed adj
martial art n any of various philosophies mask n 1 any covering for the whole or a
and techniques of self-defence originating part of the face worn for amusement, pro-
in the Far East, such as judo or karate. tection, or disguise. 2 behaviour that hides
martial law n rule of law maintained by mili- one’s true feelings: his mask of detachment.
tary forces in the absence of civil law. 3 Surgery a sterile gauze covering for the
nose and mouth worn to minimize the
Martian (marsh-an) adj 1 of the planet Mars. spread of germs. 4 a device placed over the
—n 2 an inhabitant of Mars, in science fic- nose and mouth to facilitate or prevent in-
tion. halation of a gas. 5 a moulded likeness of a
martin n a bird of the swallow family with a face or head, such as a death mask. 6 the
square or slightly forked tail. face or head of an animal such as a fox.
martinet n a person who maintains strict —vb 7 to cover with or put on a mask. 8 to
discipline. hide or disguise: a high brick wall that
martingale n a strap from the reins to the masked the front of the building. 9 to cover
girth of a horse, preventing it from carrying so as to protect, masked adj
its head too high. masking tape n an adhesive tape used to
martini n 1 (often cap) Trademark an Italian protect surfaces surrounding an area to be
vermouth. 2 a cocktail of gin and vermouth. painted.
Martinmas n the feast of St Martin on No- masochism (mass-oh-kiz-zum) n 1 Psychia-
vember 11: a quarter day in Scotland. try a condition in which pleasure, esp. sex-
martyr n 1 a person who chooses to die ra- ual pleasure, is obtained from feeling pain
ther than renounce his or her religious be- or from being humiliated. 2 a tendency to
liefs. 2 a person who suffers greatly or dies take pleasure from one’s own suffering,
for a cause or belief. 3 a martyr to suffer- masochist n, adj masochistic adj
ing constantly from: a martyr to arthritis. mason n a person skilled in building with
-vb 4 to make a martyr of. martyrdom n stone.
marvel vb -veiling, -veiled or US -veling, Mason n a Freemason.
-veled 1 to be filled with surprise or won- Masonic adj of Freemasons or Freemasonry,
der. —n 2 something that causes wonder. masonry n 1 stonework or brickwork. 2 the
marvellous or US marvelous adj 1 excellent craft of a mason.
or splendid: a marvellous idea. 2 causing Masonry n Freemasonry.
great wonder or surprise; extraordinary:
electricity is a marvellous thing, marvel- masque (mask) n a dramatic entertainment
lously or US marvelously adv of the 16th to 17th centuries, consisting of
dancing, dialogue, and song, masquer n
Marxism n the economic and political theo-
ries of Karl Marx (1818-83), German politi- masquerade (mask-er-aid) vb -ading, -aded
cal philosopher, which argue that class 1 to pretend to be someone or something
struggle is the basic agency of historical else. ~n 2 an attempt to keep secret the
change, and that capitalism will be super- real identity or nature of something: he was
seded by communism. Marxist n, adj unable to keep up his masquerade as the
war's victor. 3 a party at which the guests
marzipan n a mixture made from ground al- wear masks and costumes.
monds, sugar, and egg whites that is put on
top of cakes or used to make sweets. mass n 1 a large body of something without
a definite shape. 2 a collection of the com-
masc. masculine. ponent parts of something: a mass of fibres.
mascara n a cosmetic for darkening the eye- 3 a large amount or number, as of people. 4
lashes. the main part or majority. 5 the size of a
mascot n a person, animal, or thing consid- body; bulk. 6 Physics a physical quantity
ered to bring good luck. expressing the amount of matter in a body.
masculine adj 1 possessing qualities or 7 (in painting or drawing) an area of unified
characteristics considered typical of or ap- colour, shade, or intensity, -adj 8 done or
propriate to a man; manly. 2 unwomanly; occurring on a large scale: mass hysteria. 9
not feminine. 3 Grammar denoting a gender consisting of a mass or large number, esp.
of nouns that includes some male animate of people: a mass meeting, —vb 10 to join
Mass 488 masterstroke
together into a mass. ~See also masses, ing: a television mast. 3 before the mast
massed adj Naut as an apprentice seaman.
Mass n 1 (in the Roman Catholic Church and mast2 n the fruit of forest trees, such as
certain other Christian churches) a service beech or oak, used as food for pigs.
in which bread and wine are consecrated to mastaba n a mud-brick superstructure
represent the body and blood of Christ. 2 a above tombs in ancient Egypt.
musical setting of parts of this service. mastectomy (mass-tek-tom-ee) n, pl -mies
massacre (mass-a-ker) n 1 the wanton or surgical removal of a breast.
savage killing of large numbers of people. 2 master n 1 the man who has authority over
Informal an overwhelming defeat. -vb others, such as the head of a household, the
-cring, -cred 3 to kill people indiscriminate- employer of servants, or the owner of
ly in large numbers. 4 Informal to defeat slaves or animals. 2 a person with excep-
overwhelmingly. tional skill at a certain thing: B.B. King is a
massage (mass-ahzh) n 1 the kneading or master of the blues. 3 a person who has
rubbing of parts of the body to reduce pain complete control of a situation: the master
or stiffness or help relaxation. -vb of his portfolio. 4 an original copy or tape
-saging, -saged 2 to give a massage to. 3 to from which duplicates are made. 5 a
manipulate statistics or evidence to pro- craftsman fully qualified to practise his
duce a desired result. trade and to train others: a master builder.
massage parlour n 1 a commercial estab- 6 a player of a game, esp. chess or bridge,
lishment providing massages. 2 Euphemis- who has won a specified number of tour-
tic a place where men pay to have sex with nament games. 7 a highly regarded teacher
prostitutes. or leader. 8 a graduate holding a master’s
massasauga (mass-a-saw-ga) n a North
degree. 9 the chief officer aboard a mer-
American venomous snake with a horny chant ship. 10 Chiefly Brit a male teacher.
11 the superior person or side in a contest.
rattle at the end of the tail. 12 the heir apparent of a Scottish viscount
masses pl n 1 the masses ordinary people or baron: the Master of Ballantrae. -adj 13
as a group. 2 masses of Informal, chiefly overall or controlling: master plan. 14 des-
Brit a great number or quantity of: masses ignating a mechanism that controls others:
of food. master switch. 15 main or principal: master
masseur (mass-ur) or fem masseuse (mass- bedroom, -vb 16 to become thoroughly
uhz) n a person who gives massages. proficient in. 17 to overcome or defeat.
massif (mass-seef) n a series of connected Master n a title of address for a boy who is
masses of rock forming a mountain range. not old enough to be called Mr.
massive adj 1 (of objects) large, bulky, master aircrew n a rank in the Royal Air
heavy, and usually solid. 2 impressive or Force, equal to warrant officer.
imposing. 3 intensive or considerable: a masterful adj 1 showing great skill. 2 domi-
massive overdose, massively adv neering or authoritarian, masterfully adv
mass-market adj of, for, or appealing to a master key n a key that opens all the locks
large number of people; popular: mass- of a set; passkey.
market newspapers. masterly adj showing great skill; expert,
mass media pl n the means of communica- mastermind vb 1 to plan and direct a com-
tion that reach large numbers of people, plex task or project. ~n 2 a person who
such as television, newspapers, and radio. plans and directs a complex task or project.
mass noun n a noun that refers to an ex- Master of Arts n a degree, usually post-
tended substance rather than to each of a graduate in a nonscientific subject, or a
set of objects, eg, water as opposed to lake. person holding this degree.
mass number n the total number of protons master of ceremonies n a person who pre-
and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. sides over a public ceremony, formal din-
mass-produce vb -producing, -produced to ner, or entertainment, introducing the
manufacture standardized goods on a large events and performers.
seale by extensive use of machinery, mass- Master of Science n a degree, usually post-
produced adj mass-production n graduate in a scientific subject, or a person
mass spectrometer n an instrument for holding this degree.
analysing the composition of a sample of Master of the Rolls n (in England) the sen-
material, in which ions, produced from the ior civil judge in the country and the head
sample, are separated by electric or magnet- of the Public Record Office.
ic fields according to their ratios of charge masterpiece or masterwork n 1 an out-
to mass. standing work or performance. 2 the most
mast1 n 1 Naut a vertical pole for support- outstanding piece of work of an artist or
ing sails, radar equipment, etc., above the craftsman.
deck of a ship. 2 a tall upright pole used as masterstroke n an outstanding piece of
an aerial for radio or television broadcast- strategy, skill, or talent.
mastery 489 materially
mastery n, pl -teries 1 outstanding skill or scraped against a rough or specially treated
expertise. 2 complete power or control: he surface. 2 a fuse used to fire cannons’ ex-
had complete mastery over the country. plosives.
masthead n 1 Naut the highest part of a matchbox n a small box for holding
mast. 2 the name of a newspaper or periodi- matches.
cal printed at the top of the front page. match-fit adj Sport in good physical condi-
mastic n 1 an aromatic resin obtained from tion for competing in a match.
a Mediterranean tree and used to make var- matchless adj unequalled.
nishes and lacquers. 2 any of several putty-
like substances used as a filler, adhesive, or matchmaker n a person who introduces
seal. people in the hope that they will form a
couple, matchmaking n, adj
masticate vb -eating, -cated to chew food,
mastication n match play n Golf scoring according to the
mastiff n a large powerful short-haired dog, number of holes won and lost.
usually fawn or brown with dark streaks. match point n Sport the final point needed
mastitis n inflammation of the breast, to win a match.
mastodon n an extinct elephant-like mam- matchstick n 1 the wooden part of a match.
mal. ~adj 2 (esp. of drawn figures) thin and
straight: matchstick men.
mastoid adj 1 shaped like a nipple or breast.
~n 2 a nipple-like projection of bone be- matchwood n 1 wood suitable for making
hind the ear. 3 Informal mastoiditis. matches. 2 splinters.
mastoiditis n inflammation of the mastoid. mate1 n 1 a Informal, chiefly Brit, Austral,
masturbate vb -bating, -bated to fondle & NZ a friend: often used as a term of ad-
one’s own genitals, or those of someone dress between males: I spotted my mate
else, to cause sexual pleasure, masturba- Jimmy McCrae at the other end of the bar;
tion n that’s all right, mate, b an associate or col-
league: a classmate; the governor’s running
mat1 n 1 a thick flat piece of fabric used as a mate. 2 the sexual partner of an animal. 3 a
floor covering, a place to wipe one’s shoes, marriage partner. 4 Naut any officer below
etc. 2 a small pad of material used to pro- the master on a commercial ship. 5 (in some
tect a surface from heat or scratches from trades) an assistant: a plumber’s mate. 6
an object placed upon it. 3 a large piece of one of a pair of matching items. ~vb mat-
thick padded material put on the floor as a ing, mated 7 to pair (a male and female
surface for wrestling, gymnastics, etc. ~vb animal) or (of animals) to pair for breeding.
matting, matted 4 to tangle or become tan- 8 to marry. 9 to join as a pair.
gled into a dense mass.
mate2 n, vb mating, mated Chess same as
mat2 adj same as matt. checkmate.
matador n the bullfighter armed with a
mater n Brit slang mother: often used fa-
sword, who attempts to kill the bull.
cetiously.
matai n a New Zealand tree, the wood of
which is used for timber for building. material n 1 the substance of which a thing
is made. 2 cloth. 3 ideas or notes that a fin-
match1 n 1 a formal game or sports event in ished work may be based on: the material of
which people or teams compete. 2 a person the story resembles an incident in his own
or thing able to provide competition for an- life. ~adj 4 concerned with or composed of
other: he has met his match. 3 a person or physical matter or substance; not relating
thing that resembles, harmonizes with, or is to spiritual or abstract things: the material
equivalent to another: the colours aren’t a universe. 5 of or affecting economic or
perfect match, but they’re close enough; physical wellbeing: material prosperity. 6
white wine is not a good match for steak. 4 relevant or pertinent: material evidence.
a person or thing that is an exact copy or -See also materials.
equal of another. 5 a partnership between a
man and a woman, as in marriage. 6 a per- materialism n 1 excessive interest in and
son regarded as a possible partner in mar- desire for money or possessions. 2 the belief
riage: for any number of men she would that only the material world exists, ma-
have been a good match. ~vb 7 to fit parts terialist n, adj materialistic adj
together. 8 to resemble, harmonize with, or materialize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
equal one another or something else: our -ised 1 Not universally accepted to become
bedroom curtains match the bedspread; she fact; actually happen: the promised pay rise
walked at a speed that he could barely never materialized. 2 to appear after being
match. 9 to find a match for. 10 match with invisible: trees materialized out of the
or against a to compare in order to deter- gloom. 3 to take shape: after hours of talks,
mine which is the superior, b to arrange a a plan began to materialize, materializa-
competition between, matching adj tion or -isation n
match2 n 1 a thin strip of wood or cardboard materially adv to a significant extent: we
tipped with a chemical that ignites when were not materially affected.
materials 490 maul
materials pl n the equipment necessary for a matron n 1 a staid or dignified married
particular activity: building materials. woman. 2 a woman in charge of the domes-
materiel (mat-ear-ee-ell) n the materials and tic or medical arrangements in an institu-
equipment of an organization, esp. of a mili- tion. 3 Brit (formerly) the administrative
tary force. head of the nursing staff in a hospital, ma-
maternal adj 1 of or characteristic of a tronly adj
mother. 2 related through the mother’s side matron of honour n, pl matrons of honour
of the family: his maternal uncle, mater- a married woman attending a bride.
nally adv matt or matte adj having a dull surface ra-
maternity n 1 motherhood. 2 motherliness. ther than a shiny one.
-adj 3 relating to women during pregnan- matted adj tangled into a thick mass.
cy or childbirth: maternity leave. matter n 1 the substance of which some-
mate’s rates pl n NZ informal reduced thing, esp. a physical object, is made; ma-
charges offered to a friend or colleague: a terial. 2 substance that occupies space and
plumber friend did the job at mate’s rates. has mass, as distinguished from substance
matey adj Brit informal friendly or intimate, that is mental or spiritual. 3 substance of a
math n US & Canad informal short for specified type: vegetable matter. 4 an
mathematics. event, situation, or subject: a matter of
mathematical adj 1 using, used in, or relat- taste; the break-in is a matter for the police.
ing to mathematics. 2 having the precision 5 a quantity or amount: a matter of a few
of mathematics, mathematically adv pounds. 6 the content of written or verbal
material as distinct from its style or form. 7
mathematician n an expert or specialist in written material in general: advertising
mathematics. matter. 8 a secretion or discharge, such as
mathematics n 1 a group of related sci- pus. 9 for that matter as regards that. 10
ences, including algebra, geometry, and cal- no matter a regardless of; irrespective of:
culus, which use a specialized notation to you have to leave, no matter what she
study number, quantity, shape, and space. 2 thinks, b -interj it is unimportant. 11 the
numerical calculations involved in the solu- matter wrong; the trouble: there's nothing
tion of a problem. the matter, -vb 12 to be of importance.
maths n Brit informal short for mathemat- matter of fact n 1 as a matter of fact actu-
ics. ally; in fact, -adj matter-of-fact 2 unim-
matinee (mat-in-nay) n an afternoon per- aginative or emotionless: he conducted the
formance of a play or film. executions in a completely matter-of-fact
matinee coat or jacket n a short coat for a manner.
baby. matting n a coarsely woven fabric used as a
matins n an early morning service in various floor covering.
Christian Churches. mattock n a type of large pick that has one
matriarch (mate-ree-ark) n the female head flat, horizontal end to its blade, used for
of a tribe or family, matriarchal adj loosening soil.
matriarchy n, pl -chies a form of social or- mattress n a large flat cushion with a strong
ganization in which a female is head of the cover, filled with cotton, foam rubber, etc.,
family or society, and descent and kinship and often including coiled springs, used as a
are traced through the female line. bed.
matrices (may-triss-seez) n a plural of ma- maturation n the process of becoming ma-
trix. ture.
matricide n 1 the act of killing one’s mother. mature adj 1 fully developed physically or
2 a person who kills his or her mother, mentally; grown-up. 2 (of plans or theories)
matricidal adj fully considered and thought-out. 3 sensible
matriculate vb -lating, -lated to enrol or be and balanced in personality and emotional
enrolled in a college or university, ma- behaviour. 4 due or payable: a mature in-
triculation n surance policy. 5 (of fruit, wine, or cheese)
matrilineal (mat-rill-in-ce-al) adj relating to ripe or fully aged, -vb -turing, -tured 6 to
descent through the female line. make or become mature. 7 (of bills or
matrimony n the state of being married, bonds) to become due for payment or re-
matrimonial adj payment. maturity n
matrix (may-trix) n, p7-trices or matrixes 1 matzo n, pl matzos a large very thin biscuit
the context or framework in which some- of unleavened bread, traditionally eaten by
thing is formed or develops: a highly com- Jews during Passover.
plex matrix of overlapping interests. 2 the maudlin adj foolishly or tearfully senti-
rock in which fossils or pebbles are embed- mental, esp. as a result of drinking.
ded. 3 a mould, esp. one used in printing. 4 maul vb 1 to tear with the claws: she was
Maths a rectangular array of numbers el- badly mauled by a lion. 2 to criticize a play,
ements set out in rows and columns. performance, etc., severely: the film was
maunder 491 mead
mauled by the critics. 3 to handle roughly mayfly n, pl -flies a short-lived insect with
or clumsily. ~n 4 Rugby a loose scrum. large transparent wings.
maunder vb to move, talk, or act aimlessly mayhem n 1 any violent destruction or con-
or idly. fusion. 2 Law the maiming of a person.
mausoleum (maw-so-lee-um) n a large mayn’t may not.
stately tomb. mayonnaise n a thick creamy sauce made
mauve adj light purple. from egg yolks, oil, and vinegar.
maverick n 1 a person of independent or un- mayor n the civic head of a municipal coun-
orthodox views. 2 (in the U.S. and Canada) cil in many countries, mayoral adj
an unbranded stray calf. -adj 3 (of a per- mayoralty n, pl -ties the office or term of of-
son or his or her views) independent and fice of a mayor.
unorthodox. mayoress n 1 Chiefly Brit the wife of a
maw n the mouth, throat, or stomach of an mayor. 2 a female mayor.
animal. maypole n a tall pole around which people
mawkish adj foolishly or embarrassingly dance during May-Day celebrations.
sentimental, mawkishness n May queen n a girl chosen to preside over
max. maximum. May-Day celebrations.
maxi adj 1 (of a garment) very long. 2 large maze n 1 a complex network of paths or
or considerable. passages designed to puzzle people who try
maxilla n, pl -lae 1 the upper jawbone of a
and find their way through or out of it. 2 a
vertebrate. 2 any part of the mouth in in- puzzle in which the player must trace a
sects and other arthropods, maxillary adj path through a complex network of lines
without touching or crossing any of them. 3
maxim n a brief expression of a general any confusing network or system: a maze of
truth, principle, or rule of conduct. regulations.
maximal adj of or being a maximum; the mazurka n 1 a lively Polish dance in triple
greatest possible. time. 2 music for this dance.
maximize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, mb millibar.
-ised to make as high or great as possible; Mb Computers megabyte.
increase to a maximum, maximization or
-isation n MB 1 Bachelor of Medicine. 2 Manitoba.
MBE Member of the Order of the British
maximum n, pl -mums or -ma 1 the greatest
possible amount or degree: he gave the po- Empire.
lice the maximum of cooperation. 2 the MC 1 Master of Ceremonies. 2 (in the U.S.)
greatest amount recorded, allowed, or Member of Congress. 3 (in Britain) Military
reached: keep to a maximum of two drinks Cross.
a day. -adj 3 of, being, or showing a MCC (in Britain) Marylebone Cricket Club.
maximum or maximums: maximum speed. MCh Master of Surgery.
maxwell n the cgs unit of magnetic flux. Md Chem mendelevium.
may1 vb, past might used as an auxiliary to MD 1 Doctor of Medicine. 2 Managing Direc-
indicate or express: 1 that permission is re- tor. 3 Maryland.
quested by or granted to someone: she may MDMA methylenedioxymethamphetamine:
leave. 2 the possibility that something could the chemical name for the drug ecstasy.
happen: the lake may well dry up. 3 ability MDT (in the U.S. and Canada) Mountain
or capacity, esp. in questions: may I help Daylight Time.
you? 4 a strong wish: long may she reign. me1 pron (objective) 1 refers to the speaker
► In very careful usage may is used in pref- or writer: that hurts me. -n 2 Informal the
erence to can for asking permission. Might personality of the speaker or writer or
is used to express a more tentative request: something that expresses it: the real me.
may/might I ask a favour? ► The use of it’s me in preference to it’s I is
may2 or may tree n Brit same as hawthorn. accepted as quite standard.
May n the fifth month of the year. me2 or mi n Music (in tonic sol-fa) the third
Maya n 1 (pl -ya or -yas) a member of an note of any ascending major scale.
American Indian people of Central America, ME 1 Maine. 2 Middle English. 3 myalgic en-
who once had an advanced civilization. 2 cephalomyelitis: a condition characterized
the language of this people. Mayan n, adj by painful muscles and general weakness
maybe adv perhaps. sometimes persisting long after a viral ill-
Mayday n the international radio distress ness.
signal. mea culpa (may-ah cool-pah) an acknowl-
May Day n the first day of May, traditional- edgment of guilt.
ly a celebration of the coming of spring: in mead1 n a wine-like alcoholic drink made
some countries now a holiday in honour of from honey, often with spices added.
workers. mead2 n Archaic or poetic a meadow.
meadow 492 measure
meadow n 1 a grassy field used for hay or a curve or bend, as in a river. 4 a winding
for grazing animals. 2 a low-lying piece of course or movement.
grassland, often near a river. mean deviation n Statistics the difference
meadowsweet n a plant with dense heads between an observed value of a variable
of small fragrant cream-coloured flowers. and its mean.
meagre or US meager adj 1 not enough in meanie or meany n Informal 1 Chiefly Brit
amount or extent: meagre wages. 2 thin or a miserly person. 2 Chiefly US a nasty ill-
emaciated. tempered person.
meal1 n 1 any of the regular occasions, such meaning n 1 the sense or significance of a
as breakfast or dinner, when food is served word, sentence, or symbol. 2 the inner,
and eaten. 2 the food served and eaten. 3 symbolic, or true interpretation or message:
make a meal of Informal to perform a task the meaning of the New Testament.
with unnecessarily great effort. meaningful adj 1 serious and important: a
meal2 n 1 the edible part of a grain or bean meaningful relationship. 2 intended to ex-
pulse (excluding wheat) ground to a coarse press a feeling or opinion: a meaningful
powder. 2 Scot oatmeal. 3 Chiefly US maize pause.
flour, mealy adj meaningless adj having no meaning or pur-
mealie or mielie n (often pf) S African same pose; futile.
as maize. means n 1 the medium, method, or instru-
meals-on-wheels n a service taking hot ment used to obtain a result or achieve an
meals to the elderly or infirm in their own end: a means of transport, -pl n 2 income:
homes. a man of means. 3 by all means without
hesitation or doubt; certainly. 4 by means
meal ticket n Slang a person or situation of with the use or help of. 5 by no or not by
providing a source of livelihood or income. any means on no account; in no way.
mealy-mouthed adj unwilling or afraid to means test n the checking of a person’s in-
speak plainly. come to determine whether he or she quali-
mean1 vb meaning, meant 1 to intend to fies for financial aid. means-tested adj
convey or express: what do you mean by meant vb the past of mean1.
that? 2 to denote, represent, or signify: a
red light means “stop!"; “gravid” is a techni- meantime n 1 the intervening period: in the
cal term meaning “pregnant”. 3 to intend: I meantime, -adv 2 same as meanwhile.
meant to phone you earlier, but didn’t have mean time or mean solar time n the times,
time. 4 to say or do in all seriousness: the at a particular place, measured so as to give
boss means what she says. 5 to have the 24-hour days (mean solar days) throughout
importance specified: music means every- a year.
thing to him. 6 to destine or design for a meanwhile adv 1 during the intervening pe-
certain person or purpose: those sweets riod. 2 at the same time, esp. in another
weren’t meant for you. 7 to produce, cause, place.
or result in: major road works will mean meany n, pl meanies same as meanie.
long traffic delays. 8 to foretell: those black measles n a highly contagious viral disease
clouds mean rain. 9 mean well to have good common in children, characterized by fever
intentions. and a rash of small red spots. ~See also
mean2 adj 1 Chiefly Brit not willing to give German measles.
or use much of something, esp. money: she measly adj -slier, -sliest 1 Informal too
was noticeably mean; don’t be mean with small in quantity or value. 2 having or re-
the butter. 2 unkind or spiteful; a mean lating to measles.
trick. 3 Informal ashamed: she felt mean measure n 1 the size, quantity, or degree of
about not letting the children stay out late. something, as discovered by measurement
4 Informal, chiefly US & Canad bad- or calculation. 2 a device for measuring dis-
tempered or vicious. 5 shabby and poor: a tance, volume, etc., such as a graduated
mean little room. 6 Slang excellent or skil- scale or container. 3 a system or unit of
ful: he plays a mean trumpet. 7 no mean a measurement: the joule is a measure of en-
of high quality: no mean player, b difficult: ergy. 4 an amount of alcoholic drink, esp.
no mean feat, meanly adv meanness n that served as standard in a bar. 5 degree or
mean3 n 1 the middle point, state, or course extent: a measure of success. 6 a particular
between limits or extremes. 2 Maths a the action intended to achieve an effect: radical
mid-point between the highest and lowest measures are needed to cut unemployment.
number in a set. b the average, -adj 3 7 a legislative bill, act, or resolution. 8
intermediate in size or quantity. 4 occurring Music same as bar1 (sense 9). 9 Prosody po-
halfway between extremes or limits; aver- etic rhythm or metre. 10 Prosody a metrical
age. foot. 11 Old-fashioned a dance. 12 for good
meander (mee-and-er) vb 1 (of a river, road, measure as an extra precaution or beyond
etc.) to follow a winding course. 2 to wan- requirements, —vb -uring, -ured 13 to de-
der without definite aim or direction. ~n 3 termine the size, amount, etc., of by ineas-
measured 493 medical certificate
urement: he measured the room for a new structing, and operating machines. ~pl n 3
carpet. 14 to indicate or record the size, the technical aspects of something.
speed, force, etc., of: this dial measures the mechanism n 1 a system of moving parts
pressure in the pipe. 15 to have the size, that performs some function, esp. in a ma-
quantity, etc., specified: the room measures chine. 2 any mechanical device or part of
six feet. 16 to estimate or assess: you can- such a device. 3 a process or technique: the
not measure intelligence purely by exam re- body’s defence mechanisms, mechanistic
sults. 17 to function as a measurement of: adj
the ohm measures electrical resistance. 18 mechanize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
to bring into competition or conflict-with: -nising, -nised 1 to equip a factory or in-
tie measured his strength against that of his dustry with machinery. 2 to make mechani-
opponent. -See also measure out, meas- cal or automatic. 3 Mil to equip an army
ures, measure up. measurable adj with armoured vehicles, mechanization or
measured adj 1 slow or stately. 2 carefully -nisation n
considered; deliberate. med. 1 medical. 2 medicine. 3 medieval. 4
measurement n 1 the act or process of medium.
measuring. 2 an amount, extent, or size de- MEd Master of Education.
termined by measuring. 3 a system or unit medal n a small flat piece of metal bearing
used for measuring: the kilometre is the an inscription or image, given as an award
standard measurement of distance in most or in commemoration of some outstanding
countries. 4 measurements the size of a event.
person’s waist, chest, hips, etc., used when
buying clothes. medallion n 1 a disc-shaped ornament worn
on a chain round the neck. 2 a large medal.
measure out vb to carefully pour or put the 3 a circular decorative device used in archi-
required amount of (something) into a con- tecture.
tainer: she measured out a large whisky.
medallist or US medalist n Chiefly sport a
measures pl n rock strata that contain a winner of a medal or medals.
particular type of deposit: coal measures.
meddle vb -dling, -died to interfere
measure up vb 1 to take the measurement annoyingly, meddler n meddlesome adj
of (an area): we went round and measured
up for curtains. 2 measure up to to fulfil media n 1 a plural of medium. 2 the media
(expectations or standards). the mass media collectively. ~adj 3 of or
relating to the mass media: media hype.
measuring adj used to measure quantities, ► Media is a plural noun. There is an increas-
esp. in cooking: a measuring jug. ing tendency to use it also as a singular
meat n 1 the flesh of animals used as food. 2 noun because of the ambiguous senses of
the essence or gist: get to the meat of your medium.
lecture as quickly as possible, meatless adj mediaeval (med-ee-eve-al) adj same as me-
meatbail n minced beef, shaped into a ball dieval.
before cooking. media event n an event that is staged for or
meaty adj meatier, meatiest 1 of, like, or exploited by the mass media.
full of meat. 2 heavily built; fleshy or medial (mee-dee-al) adj of or situated in the
brawny. 3 full of import or interest: a middle, medially adv
meaty historical drama. median n 1 a middle point, plane, or part. 2
Mecca n 1 the holy city of Islam. 2 a place Geom a straight line joining one corner of a
that attracts many visitors. triangle to the midpoint of the opposite
mech. 1 mechanical. 2 mechanics, side. 3 Statistics the middle value in a fre-
mechanic n a person skilled in maintaining quency distribution, below and above
or operating machinery or motors. which lie values with equal total frequen-
mechanical adj 1 made, performed, or oper- cies.
ated by machinery. 2 able to understand mediate (mee-dee-ate) vb -ating, -ated 1 to
how machines work and how to repair or intervene between people or in a dispute in
maintain them. 3 a (of an action) done order to bring about agreement. 2 to resolve
without thought or feeling, b (of a task) not differences by mediation. 3 to be changed
requiring any thought; routine or repeti- slightly by (an experience or event): clients'
tive. 4 of or involving the science of me- attitudes to social workers have often been
chanics. mechanically adv mediated by their past experiences, media-
mechanical drawing n a drawing to scale of tion n mediator n
a machine or architectural plan from which medic n Informal a doctor, medical orderly,
dimensions can be taken. or medical student.
mechanical engineering n the branch of medical adj 1 of or relating to the science of
engineering concerned with the design, con- medicine or to the treatment of patients
struction, and operation of machines. without surgery. ~n 2 Informal a medical
mechanics n 1 the scientific study of motion examination, medically adv
and force. 2 the science of designing, con- medical certificate n 1 a doctor’s certificate
medicament 494 megadeath
giving evidence of a person’s unfitness for medlar n the apple-like fruit of a small
work. 2 a document stating the result of a Eurasian tree, which is not edible until it
satisfactory medical examination. has begun to decay.
medicament (mid-dik-a-ment) n a medicine, medley n 1 a mixture of various elements. 2
medicate vb -eating, -cated 1 to treat a pa- a musical composition consisting of various
tient with a medicine. 2 to add a medication tunes arranged as a continuous whole. 3
to a bandage, shampoo, etc. medicative adj Swimming a race in which a different
medication n 1 treatment with drugs or stroke is used for each length.
remedies. 2 a drug or remedy. medulla (mid-dull-la) n, pl -las or -lae (-lee)
medicinal (mid-diss-in-al) adj relating to or 1 Anat the innermost part of an organ or
having therapeutic properties, medicinal- structure. 2 Anat the lower stalklike section
ly adv of the brain. 3 Bot the central pith of a
medicine n 1 any substance used in treating plant stem, medullary adj
or alleviating the symptoms of disease. 2 medusa (mid-dew-za) n, pl -sas or -sae
the science of preventing, diagnosing, or (-zee) jellyfish.
curing disease. 3 any nonsurgical branch of meek adj quiet, and ready to do what other
medical science. 4 take one’s medicine to people say. meekly adv
accept a deserved punishment.
meerkat n a South African mongoose,
medicine man n (among certain peoples) a
person believed to have supernatural pow- meerschaum (meer-shum) n 1 a white,
ers of healing. heat-resistant, elaylike mineral. 2 a tobaeeo
medico n, pl -cos Informal a doctor or medi- pipe with a bowl made of this mineral.
cal student. meet1 vb meeting, met 1 to be in or come to
medieval or mediaeval (med-ee-eve-al) adj the same place at the same time as, either
1 of, relating to, or in the style of the Middle by arrangement or by accident: I met him in
Ages. 2 Informal old-fashioned or primitive, town. 2 to eome into contact with something
medievalist or mediaevalist n or each other: his head met the ground with
Medieval Greek n the Greek language from a crack; the town where the Rhine and the
the 7th to 13th century a d . Moselle meet. 3 to come to or be at the place
of arrival of: he met his train at noon. 4 to
Medieval Latin n the Latin language as used make the acquaintance of or be introduced
throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. to someone or each other. 5 (of people) to
mediocre (mee-dee-oak-er) adj not very gather together for a purpose: the board
high quality; average or second rate, medi- meets once a week. 6 to compete, play, or
ocrity (mee-dee-ok-rit-ee) n fight against. 7 to cope with effectively;
meditate vb -tating, -tated 1 to think about satisfy: they were unable to meet his de-
something deeply: he meditated on the mands. 8 to pay for (something): it is diffi-
problem. 2 to reflect deeply on spiritual cult to meet the cost of medical insurance. 9
matters. 3 to plan, consider, or think of Also: meet with to experience or suffer: he
doing something, meditative adj medita- met his death at the Somme. 10 more to
tor n this than meets the eye there is more in-
meditation n 1 the act of meditating; reflec- volved in this than appears. ~n 11 a sports
tion. 2 contemplation of spiritual matters, meeting. 12 the assembly of hounds and
esp. as a religious practice. huntsmen prior to a hunt.
Mediterranean adj of the Mediterranean ► Meet is only followed by with in the con-
Sea, lying between S Europe, N Africa, and text of misfortune: I met his son; I met with
SW Asia, or the surrounding region. an accident.
medium adj 1 midway between extremes of meet2 adj Archaic proper, fitting, or correct,
size, amount, or degree: fry over a medium meeting n 1 an act of coming together: a
heat; a man of medium height. ~n, pl -dia meeting was fixed for the following day. 2
or-diums 2 a middle state, degree, or condi- an assembly or gathering of people: the
tion: the happy medium. 3 a substance meeting voted in favour. 3 a sporting com-
which has a particular effect or can be used petition, as of athletes, or of horse racing.
for a particular purpose: linseed oil is used mega adj Slang extremely good, great, or
as a thinning medium for oil paint. 4 a successful.
means for communicating information or
news to the public. 5 a person who ean sup- mega- combining form 1 denoting 10fi:
posedly communicate with the dead. 6 the megawatt. 2 (in computer technology) de-
substance or surroundings in which an or- noting 220 (1 048 576): megabyte. 3 large or
ganism naturally lives or grows. 7 Art the great: megalith. 4 Informal very great:
category of a work of art, as determined by megastar.
its materials: bis works in the photographic megabyte n Computers 220 or 1 048 576
medium. bytes.
medium wave n a radio wave with a wave- megadeath n the death of a million people,
length between 100 and 1000 metres. esp. in a nuclear war or attack.
megahertz 495 memoirs
megahertz n, pl megahertz one million melody. 2 tuneful and pleasant to the ear;
hertz; one million cycles per second. melodious, melodically adv
megajoule n one million joules. melodious (mel-lode-ee-uss) adj 1 pleasant
megalith n a very large stone, esp. one form- to the ear: he gave a melodious chuckle. 2
ing part of a prehistoric monument, mega- tuneful and melodic, melodiousness n
lithic adj melodrama n 1 a play or film full of ex-
megalomania n 1 a mental illness character- travagant action and emotion. 2 over-
ized by delusions of power. 2 Informal a dramatic emotion or behaviour, melodra-
craving for power, megalomaniac adj, n matic adj melodramatics pl n
megaphone n a funnel-shaped instrument melody n, pl -dies 1 Music a succession of
used to make someone’s voice sound louder, notes forming a distinctive sequence; tune.
esp. out of doors. 2 sounds that are pleasant because of their
megapode n any of various ground-living tone or arrangement, esp. words of poetry.
birds of Australia, New Guinea, and adja- melon n any of various large edible fruits
cent islands. Their eggs incubate in mounds which have a hard rind and juicy flesh.
of sand or rotting vegetation. melt vb 1 to change from a solid into a liquid
megaton n 1 one million tons. 2 an explosive as a result of the action of heat. 2 to dis-
power, esp. of a nuclear weapon, equal to solve: these sweets melt in the mouth. 3
the power of one million tons of TNT. Also: melt away to diminish and finally
megavolt n one million volts,
disappear; fade away: he felt his inner
doubts melt away. 4 to blend so that it is
megawatt n one million watts. impossible to tell where one thing ends and
meiosis (my-oh-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) a type another begins: they melted into the trees
of cell division in which reproductive cells until the gamekeeper had passed. 5 to make
are produced, each containing half the or become emotional or sentimental; soften:
chromosome number of the parent nucleus. she melted into tears, meltingly adv
melamine n a colourless crystalline com- meltdown n (in a nuclear reactor) the melt-
pound used in making synthetic resins. ing of the fuel rods, with the possible es-
melancholia (mel-an-kole-lee-a) n an old cape of radioactivity.
name for depression (sense 1). melting point n the temperature at which a
melancholy (mel-an-kol-lee) n, pl -cholies 1 solid turns into a liquid.
a tendency to gloominess or depression. 2 a melting pot n a place or situation in which
sad thoughtful state of mind. ~adj 3 char- many races, ideas, etc., are mixed.
acterized by, causing, or expressing sad- meltwater n melted snow or ice.
ness. melancholic adj, n member n 1 a person who belongs to a group
melange (may-lahnzh) n a mixture or as- or organization such as a club or political
sortment: a melange of historical facts and party. 2 any part of a plant or animal, such
legends. as a limb or petal. 3 a Member of Parlia-
melanin n a black pigment present in the ment: the member for Glasgow Central.
hair, skin, and eyes of humans and animals. ~adj 4 (of a country or group) belonging to
melanoma n, pl -mas or -mata Pathol a tu- an organization or alliance: the member
mour composed of dark-coloured cells, oc- countries of the European Union.
curring in some skin cancers. Member of Parliament n a person who has
Melba toast n very thin crisp toast, been elected to the House of Commons or
meld vb to merge or blend. the equivalent assembly in another country,
melee (mel-lay) n a noisy riotous fight or membership n 1 the members of an organi-
crowd. zation collectively. 2 the number of mem-
bers. 3 the state of being a member.
mellifluous (mel-lif-flew-uss) adj (of sound)
membrane n a thin flexible tissue that cov-
smooth and sweet.
ers, lines, or connects plant and animal or-
mellow adj 1 (esp. of colours, light, or gans or cells, membranous adj
sounds) soft or rich: the mellow stillness of
memento n, pl -tos or -toes something that
a sunny Sunday morning. 2 kind-hearted,
esp. through maturity or old age. 3 genial reminds one of past events; a souvenir.
and relaxed, for instance through the ef- memento mori n, pl memento mori an ob-
fects of alcohol or good food. 4 (esp. of ject intended to remind people of death,
fruits) sweet, ripe and full-flavoured. 5 memo n, pl memos short for memorandum,
(esp. of wine or cheese) have developed a memoir (mem-wahr) n a biography or his-
full, smooth flavour as a result of maturing. torical account based on personal knowl-
6 (of soil) soft and loamy. ~vb 7 to make or_ edge.
become mellow. memoirs pl n 1 a collection of reminiscences
melodeon n 1 a small accordion. 2 a key- about a period or series of events, written
board instrument like a harmonium. from personal experience. 2 an autobiogra-
melodic (mel-lod-ik) adj 1 of or relating to phy.
memorabilia 496 mentality
memorabilia pl n, sing -rabile objects con- etc.) dependent on charity for food. ~n 3 a
nected with famous people or events. mendicant friar. 4 a beggar.
memorable adj worth remembering or easi- meneer n a S African title of address
ly remembered because it is very speeial or equivalent to sir or Mr.
important, memorably adv menfolk pl n men collectively, esp. the men
memorandum n, pl -dums or -da 1 a note of a particular family.
sent by one person or department to anoth- menhir (men-hear) n a single standing stone,
er within a business organization. 2 a note dating from prehistoric times.
of things to be remembered. 3 Law a short menial (mean-nee-al) adj 1 involving or
written summary of the terms of a transac- doing boring work of low status. ~n 2 a
tion. domestic servant.
memorial n 1 something, such as a statue, meninges (min-in-jeez) pl n, sing meninx
built or displayed to preserve the memory (mean-inks) the three membranes that sur-
of someone or something: a war memorial. round the brain and spinal cord.
~adj 2 in memory of someone or some- meningitis (men-in-jite-iss) n inflammation
thing: a memorial service. of the meninges, eaused by infection and
memorize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or eausing severe headache, fever, and rigidity
-rising, -rised to commit to memory; learn of the neck muscles.
by heart. meniscus n, pl -nisei or -niscuses 1 the
memory n, pl -ries 1 the ability of the mind curved upper surfaee of a liquid standing in
to store and recall past sensations, a tube, produced by the surface tension. 2 a
thoughts, and knowledge: she can do it from crescent-shaped lens.
memory. 2 the sum of everything retained menopause n the period during which a
by the mind. 3 a particular recollection of woman's menstrual eyele ceases, normally
an event or person: I have a vivid memory at an age of 45 to 50. menopausal adj
of visiting Blackpool as a boy. 4 the length menorah (min-or-a) n Judaism a seven-
of time one can remember: my memory branched candelabrum used as an emblem
doesn't go that far back. 5 commemoration: of Judaism.
in memory of our leader. 6 a person’s repu- menses (men-seez) n same as menstrua-
tation after death: a conductor of fond tion.
memory. 7 a part of a computer in which in- menstrual adj of or relating to menstrua-
formation is stored. tion: the menstrual cycle.
memsahib n (formerly, in India) a term of menstruate vb -ating, -ated to undergo
respect used for a European married menstruation.
woman. menstruation n the approximately monthly
men n the plural of man. discharge of blood from the womb in
menace vb -acing, -aced 1 to threaten with women of childbearing age who are not
violence or danger. ~n 2 a threat; a source pregnant.
of danger. 3 Informal an annoying person or mensuration n 1 the study of the measure-
thing; nuisanee. menacing adj ment of geometric magnitudes such as
menage (may-nahzh) n a household. length. 2 the act or process of measuring.
menage £ trois (ah trwah) n, pl menages a menswear n clothing for men.
trois a sexual arrangement involving a mental adj 1 of, done by, or involving the
married couple and the lover of one of mind: mental alertness. 2 done in the mind
them. without using speech or writing: mental
menagerie (min-naj-er-ec) n a collection of arithmetic. 3 affected by mental illness: a
wild animals kept for exhibition. mental patient. 4 concerned with mental
illness: a mental hospital. 5 Slang extremely
mend vb 1 to repair something broken or not foolish or eccentric, mentally adv
working. 2 to heal or recover: a wound like
that will take a while to mend. 3 (esp. of mental age n the age which a person is con-
behaviour) to improve; make or become bet- sidered to have reached in thinking ability,
ter: if you don’t mend your ways you’ll be judged by comparing his or her ability with
in serious trouble. ~n 4 a mended area, the average for people of various ages: a
esp. on a garment. 5 on the mend regaining twenty-one-year-old woman with a mental
one’s health. age of only ten.
mental handicap n any intellectual disabil-
mendacity n the tendency to be untruthful, ity resulting from injury to or abnormal
mendacious adj development of the brain, mentally handi-
mendelevium n Chem an artificially pro- capped adj
duced radioactive element. Symbol: Md mental illness n any of various disorders in
Mendel’s laws pl n the principles of hered- which a person’s thoughts, emotions, or be-
ity proposed by Gregor Mendel (1822-84), haviour are so abnormal as to cause suffer-
Austrian monk and botanist. Mendelism n ing to himself, herself, or other people.
mendicant adj 1 begging. 2 (of a monk, nun, mentality n, pl -ties a particular attitude or
menthol 497 merino
way of thinking: the traditional civil ser- merchant navy n the ships or crew engaged
vice mentality. in a nation’s commercial shipping.
menthol n an organic compound found in merciful adj 1 (of an act or event) giving re-
peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, lief from pain or suffering: after months of
decongestant, and painkiller, mentholated illness, death came as a merciful release. 2
adj showing or giving mercy; compassionate,
mention vb 1 to refer to or speak about mercifully adv
briefly or incidentally. 2 to include in a re- merciless adj without mercy; pitiless, cruel,
port, list etc., because of high standards or or heartless, mercilessly adv
an outstanding achievement: the hotel is mercurial (mer-cure-ee-al) adj 1 lively and
mentioned in all the guidebooks; he was unpredictable: a mercurial and tempera-
twice mentioned in dispatches during the mental chess player. 2 of or containing mer-
war. 3 not to mention (something) to say cury.
nothing of (something too obvious to men- mercuric adj of or containing mercury in the
tion). —n 4 a slight reference or allusion. 5 divalent state.
a recognition or acknowledgment of high mercurous adj of or containing mercury in
quality or an outstanding achievement. the monovalent state.
mentor n an adviser or guide. mercury n, pl -ries Chem a silvery toxic
menu n 1 a list of dishes served at a meal or metal, the only element liquid at normal
that can be ordered in a restaurant. 2 a list temperatures, used in thermometers,
of options displayed on a visual display barometers, lamps, and dental amalgams.
unit from which the operator can choose. Symbol: Hg
MEP (in Britain) Member of the European Mercury n 1 Roman myth the messenger of
Parliament. the gods. 2 the smallest planet and the one
Mephistopheles (mef-iss-stoff-ill-eez) n a nearest the sun.
devil in medieval mythology to whom Faust mercy n, pl -cies 1 compassionate treatment
sold his soul. Mephistophelean adj of or attitude towards an offender or enemy
who is in one’s power. 2 the power to show
mercantile adj of trade or traders; commer- mercy: they threw themselves on the King’s
cial. mercy. 3 a relieving or welcome occurrence
Mercator projection (mer-kate-er) n a way or act: it was a mercy you turned up when
of drawing maps in which latitude and lon- you did. 4 at the mercy of in the power of.
gitude form a rectangular grid, scale being -adj 5 done or undertaken in an attempt to
exaggerated with increasing distance from relieve suffering or bring help: a mercy
the equator. mission.
mercenary n, pl -naries 1 a soldier who mercy killing n same as euthanasia.
fights for a foreign army for money, —adj 2 mere1 adj nothing more than: a mere 100
motivated by greed or the desire for gain: yards from the station, merely adv
calculating and mercenary businessmen. 3 mere2 n Dialect or archaic a lake,
of or relating to a mercenary or merce- meretricious adj superficially or garishly
naries. attractive but of no real value.
mercerized or -ised adj (of cotton) treated merganser (mer-gan-ser) n, pl -sers or -ser
with an alkali to make it strong and shiny. a large crested marine diving duck.
merchandise n 1 goods for buying, selling, merge vb merging, merged 1 to combine,
or trading with; commodities, —vb -dising, esp. so as to become part of a larger whole:
-dised 2 to engage in the commercial pur- the two airlines merged in 1983. 2 to blend
chase and sale of goods or services; trade. gradually, without any sudden change
merchandising n 1 the selection and display being apparent: late afternoon merged im-
of goods in a retail outlet. 2 commercial perceptibly into early evening.
goods, esp. ones issued to exploit the popu- merger n the act of merging, esp. the combi-
larity of a pop group, sporting event, etc. nation of two or more companies.
merchant n 1 a person who buys and sells meridian n 1 one of the imaginary lines join-
goods in large quantities and usually of one ing the north and south poles at right angles
type: a wine merchant. 2 Chiefly Scot, US, to the equator, designated by degrees of
& Canad a person engaged in retail trade; longitude from 0° at Greenwich to 180°. 2
shopkeeper. 3 Slang a person dealing in (in acupuncture etc.) any of various chan-
something undesirable: a gossip merchant, nels through which vital energy is believed
-adj 4 of ships involved in commercial to circulate round the body.
trade or their crews: a merchant sailor; the meridional adj 1 of or along a meridian. 2 of
British merchant fleet. or in the south, esp. the south of Europe.
merchant bank n Brit a financial institution meringue (mer-rang) n 1 stiffly beaten egg
that deals primarily with foreign trade and whites mixed with sugar and baked. 2 a
business finance, merchant banker n small cake made from this mixture.
merchantman n, pl -men a merchant ship. merino n, pl -nos 1 a sheep with long fine
merit 498 Messrs
wool, originally reared in Spain. 2 the yarn Archaic to hypnotize, mesmerism n mes-
made from this wool. merizing adj
merit n 1 worth or superior quality; excel- Mesolithic (mess-oh-lith-ik) adj of the mid-
lence: the film had two sequels, neither of dle period of the Stone Age, in Europe from
much merit. 2 an admirable or advanta- about 12 000 to 3000 bc .
geous quality: the relative merits of film meson (mee-zon) n Physics any of a group
and video as a medium of communication. 3 of elementary particles that has a mass be-
have the merit of to have a positive fea- tween those of an electron and a proton.
ture or advantage that the alternatives do mesosphere (mess-oh-sfeer) n the atmos-
not have: the first version has the merit of pheric layer above the stratosphere.
being short. 4 on its merits on its intrinsic Mesozoic (mess-oh-zoh-ik) adj Geol of the
qualities or virtues. -vb -iting, -ited 5 to geological era that began 225 million years
be worthy of; deserve: the issue merits ago and lasted about 155 million years, dur-
much fuller discussion. ing which the dinosaurs emerged, flour-
meritocracy (mer-it-tok-rass-ee) n, pl -cies ished, then became extinct.
a social system in which power is held by mess n 1 a state of untidiness or confusion,
the most talented or intelligent people, esp. a dirty or unpleasant one: the house
meritocrat n meritocratic adj
was in a mess. 2 a confused and difficult
meritorious adj deserving praise for being situation; muddle: the firm is in a terrible
good or worthwhile. financial mess. 3 Informal a dirty or untidy
merlin n a small falcon with dark plumage, person or thing: there was a nasty burnt
mermaid n an imaginary sea creature with a mess in the saucepan. 4 a building provid-
woman’s head and upper body and a fish’s ing catering, and sometimes recreation, fa-
tail, merman mascn cilities for service personnel. 5 a group of
merry adj -rier, -riest 1 cheerful and jolly. 2 service personnel who regularly eat togeth-
Brit informal slightly drunk. 3 make merry er. 6 Old-fashioned a portion of soft or
to take part in noisy, cheerful celebrations runny food: a mess of pottage, —vb 7 (of
or fun. merrily adv merriment n service personnel) to eat in a group. ~See
merry-go-round n 1 a fairground round- also mess about, mess up, mess with.
about. 2 a whirl of activity. mess about or around vb 1 to pass the time
merrymaking n noisy, cheerful celebrations doing trivial or silly things without any
or fun. merrymaker n particular purpose or plan: messing about
mesalliance (mez-zal-ee-anss) n a marriage in boats. 2 to interfere or meddle: you have
with a person of lower social status. no business messing around here. 3 Chiefly
US to engage in adultery.
mescal (mess-kal) n 1 a globe-shaped cactus
without spine found in Mexico and the message n 1 a communication from one
southwestern US. 2 a Mexican alcoholic person or group to another. 2 an implicit
spirit similar to tequila. meaning or moral, as in a work of art. 3 a
religious or political belief that someone at-
mescaline n a hallucinogenic drug derived tempts to communicate to others: paintings
from the button-like top of the mescal cac- with a fierce feminist message. 4 get the
tus. message Informal to understand.
mesdames (may-dam) n the plural of mad- messages pl n Scot & NE English dialect
ame or madam (sense 1). household shopping.
mesdemoiselles (maid-mwah-zel) n the messenger n a person who takes messages
plural of mademoiselle. from one person or group to another.
mesembryanthemum n a low-growing plant Messiah n 1 Judaism the awaited king of the
with fleshy leaves and bright daisy-like Jews, who will be sent by God to free them.
flowers. 2 Christianity Jesus Christ, when regarded
mesh n 1 a material resembling a net made in this role. 3 a liberator of a country or
from intersecting strands with a space be- people.
tween each strand. 2 an open space between Messianic adj 1 of or relating to a Messiah,
the strands of a net or network: the mini- or the arrival on Earth of a Messiah. 2 mes-
mum permitted size of fishing net mesh. 3 sianic of or relating to the belief that some-
(often pf) the strands surrounding these one or something will bring about a compete
spaces. 4 anything that ensnares or holds transformation of the existing social order:
like a net. -adj 5 made from mesh: a wire a messianic zeal for the free market.
mesh fence, -vb 6 to entangle or become
entangled. 7 (of gear teeth) to engage or messieurs (may-syuh) n the plural of mon-
interlock. 8 to fit together closely or work sieur.
in harmony: Britain must mesh its policies mess jacket n a waist-length jacket, worn
with those of its neighbours. by officers in the mess for formal dinners.
mesmerize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, mess kit n a soldier’s eating utensils for use
-ised 1 to fascinate and hold spellbound: his in the field.
voice had the entire audience mesmerized. 2 Messrs (mess-erz) n the plural of Mr.
mess up 499 meteorology
mess up vb Informal 1 to make untidy or composition by pressure and heat. 2 of
dirty. 2 to spoil something, or do something metamorphosis or metamorphism.
badly: he messed up his driving test. metamorphism n the process by which
mess with vb Informal, chiefly US to inter- metamorphic rocks are formed.
fere in, or become involved with, a danger- metamorphose vb -phosing, -phosed to
ous person, thing, or situation: he had change from one state or thing into some-
started messing with drugs. thing different.
messy adj messier, messiest 1 dirty or un- metamorphosis (met-a-more-foss-is) n, pl
tidy. 2 unpleasantly confused or complicat- -ses (-seez) 1 a complete change of physical
ed: the messy, uncontrollable world of real form or substance. 2 a complete change of
life, messily adv messiness n character or appearance. 3 Zool the change
met vb the past of meet1. of form that accompanies transformation
Met adj 1 Meteorological: the Met Office. ~n into an adult in certain animals, for exam-
2 the Met the Metropolitan Police, who op- ple the butterfly or frog.
erate in London. metaphor n a figure of speech in which a
metabolism (met-tab-ol-liz-zum) n the word or phrase is applied to an object or ac-
chemical processes that occur in living or- tion that it does not literally apply to in
ganisms, resulting in growth, production of order to imply a resemblance, for example
energy, and elimination of waste, metabol- he is a lion in battle, metaphorical adj
ic adj metaphorically adv
metabolize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or metaphysical adj 1 of metaphysics. 2 ab-
-lising, -lised to produce or be produced by stract, abstruse, or unduly theoretical.
metabolism. Metaphysical adj denoting certain 17th-
metacarpus n, pl -pi the set of five long century poets who combined intense feeling
bones in the hand between the wrist and the with elaborate imagery.
fingers, metacarpal adj, n metaphysics n 1 the philosophical study of
metal n 1 a Chem a chemical element, such the nature of reality. 2 abstract or subtle
as iron or copper, that reflects light and can discussion or reasoning.
be shaped, forms positive ions, and is a metastasis (mit-tass-tiss-iss) n, pl -ses
good conductor of heat and electricity, b an (-seez) Pathol the spreading of a disease,
alloy, such as brass or steel, containing one esp. cancer, from one part of the body to
or more of these elements. 2 short for road another.
metal. 3 Informal short for heavy metal. 4
metals the rails of a railway. ~adj 5 made metatarsus n, pl -si the set of five long
of metal. bones in the foot between the toes and the
ankle, metatarsal adj, n
metalanguage n the language or system of
symbols used to discuss another language metathesis (mit-tath-iss-iss) n, pl -ses
or system. (-seez) the transposition of two sounds or
metalled or US metaled adj (of a road) sur- letters in a word.
faced with crushed rock or small stones: a metazoan (met-a-zoh-an) n 1 any animal
metalled driveway. having a body composed of many cells: in-
metallic adj 1 of or consisting of metal. 2 cludes all animals except sponges and
sounding like two pieces of metal hitting protozoans. ~adj2 of the metazoans.
each other: a metallic click. 3 (of a voice) meteor n 1 a small piece of rock or metal
harsh, unpleasant, and unemotional. 4 shin- that has entered the earth’s atmosphere
ing like metal: metallic paint. 5 (of a taste) from space. 2 Also: shooting star the
unpleasantly harsh and bitter. bright streak of light appearing in the sky
metalliferous adj containing a metallic el- due to a piece of rock or metal burning up
ement. because of friction as it falls through the
metallography n the study of the composi-
atmosphere.
tion and structure of metals. meteoric (meet-ee-or-rik) adj 1 of or relat-
metalloid n Chem a nonmetallic element, ing to meteors. 2 brilliant and very rapid:
such as arsenic or silicon, that has some of his meteoric rise to power, meteorically
the properties of a metal. adv
metallurgy n the scientific study of the meteorite n the rocklike remains of a me-
structure, properties, extraction, and refin- teoroid that has collided with the earth.
ing of metals, metallurgical adj metallur- meteoroid n any of the small celestial
gist n bodies that are thought to orbit the sun.
metalwork n 1 the craft of making articles When they enter the earth’s atmosphere,
from metal. 2 articles made from metal. 3_ they become visible as meteors.
the metal part of something, metalworker meteorol. or meteor. 1 meteorological. 2
n meteorology.
metamorphic adj 1 (of rocks) altered con- meteorology n the study of the earth’s at-
siderably from the original structure and mosphere and weather-forming processes,
mete out 500 -metry
esp. for weather forecasting, meteorologi- rendered undrinkable by the addition of
cal adj meteorologist n methanol and a violet dye, used as a solvent
mete out vb meting, meted to impose or or as a fuel for small lamps or heaters. Also:
deal out something, usually something un- methylated spirit
pleasant: the sentence meted out to him has methylene adj of, consisting of, or contain-
proved controversial. ing the divalent group of atoms -CH2-: a
meter1 n 1 any device that measures and methylene group or radical.
records the quantity or number of units of meticulous adj very precise about details;
something that was used during a specified careful and thorough, meticulously adv
period or is being used at that moment: a meticulousness n
gas meter. 2 short for parking meter. 3 metier (met-ee-ay) n 1 a profession or trade.
short for taximeter. —vb 4 to measure the 2 a person’s strong point or speciality.
amount of something used or a rate of flow Metis (met-teess) n, pl -tis (-teess, -teez) a
with a meter. person of mixed parentage, esp. the off-
meter2 n US same as metre1 or metre2. spring of a North American Indian and a
-meter n combining form 1 indicating an in- French Canadian. Metisse fem n
strument for measuring: barometer. 2 metonymy (mit-on-im-ee) n, pl -mies a fig-
Prosody indicating a verse having a speci- ure of speech in which one thing is replaced
fied number of feet: pentameter. by another associated with it, for instance
methadone n a drug similar to morphine, the use of Downing Street to mean the Brit-
sometimes prescribed as a heroin substi- ish government.
tute. metre1 or US meter n the basic SI unit of
methanal n same as formaldehyde. length, equal to 100 centimetres (39.37
methane n a colourless odourless flammable inches): the majority of people are between
gas, the main constituent of natural gas. one and a half and two metres tall.
methane series n a series of saturated metre2 or US meter n 1 Prosody the rhyth-
hydrocarbons with the general formula mic arrangement of syllables in verse, usu-
ally according to the number and kind of
CnH2n+2- feet in a line. 2 Music chiefly US the rhyth-
methanol n a colourless poisonous liquid mic arrangement of the beat in a piece of
used as a solvent and fuel. Also: methyl al- music.
cohol
metre-kilogram-seqond n See mks units,
methinks vb, past methought Archaic it
seems to me that. metric adj of or relating to the metre or met-
ric system: use either all metric or all im-
method n 1 a way of doing something, esp. a perial measurements.
systematic or regular one. 2 orderliness of
thought or action. 3 the techniques of a par- metrical or metric adj 1 of or relating to
ticular field or subject. measurement. 2 of or in poetic metre, met-
rically adv
Method n an acting technique in which the
actor bases his or her role on the inner mo- metricate vb -eating, -cated to convert a
tivation of the character played. measuring system or instrument to metric
units, metrication n
methodical adj careful, well-organized, and metric system n any decimal system of
systematic, methodically adv units based on the metre. For scientific
Methodist n 1 a member of any of the Chris- purposes SI units are used.
tian Nonconformist denominations that de- metric ton n (not in technical use) a tonne,
rive from the beliefs and practices of John
Wesley and his followers. -adj 2 of or re- metro n, pl -ros an urban, usually under-
lating to Methodists or their Church. ground, railway system in certain cities,
Methodism n such as Paris.
methodology n, pl -gies 1 the system of metronome n a device which indicates the
methods and principles used in a particular speed music should be played at by produc-
discipline. 2 the philosophical study of ing a clicking sound from a pendulum with
method, methodological adj an adjustable period of swing.
methought vb Archaic the past tense of me- metropolis (mit-trop-oh-liss) n the main city
thinks. of a country or region.
meths n Chiefly Brit, Austral, & NZ infor- metropolitan adj 1 of or characteristic of a
mal methylated spirits. metropolis. 2 of or consisting of a city and
its suburbs: the Tokyo metropolitan region.
methyl a<0' of or containing the monovalent 3 of or belonging to the home territories of a
saturated hydrocarbon group of atoms country, as opposed to overseas territories:
CH3-: methyl mercury. metropolitan France. ~n 4 Christianity the
methyl alcohol n same as methanol. senior clergyman, esp. an archbishop, in
methylate vb -ating, -ated to mix with charge of an ecclesiastical province. 5 an
methanol. inhabitant of a large city.
methylated spirits n alcohol that has been -metry n combining form indicating the pro-
mettle 501 microfilm
cess or science of measuring: geometry. ium or potassium silicates. They have a
-metric adj combining form high resistance to electricity and heat.
mettle n 1 courage or spirit: the lack of met- mice n the plural of mouse.
tle evident among British politicians. 2 Michaelmas (mik-kl-mass) n Sept 29, the
character or abilities: the mettle saints are feast of St Michael the archangel; one of the
made of. 3 on one’s mettle roused to mak- four quarter days in England, Ireland, and
ing one’s best efforts. Wales.
MeV million electronvolts (106 electron- Michaelmas daisy n Brit a garden plant
volts). with small daisy-shaped purple, pink, or
mevrou (mef-roe) n a S African title of ad- white flowers in autumn.
dress equivalent to madam or Mrs. Mick n Offensive slang an Irishman.
mew1 n 1 the characteristic high-pitched cry mickey n take the mickey (out of) Informal
of a cat; miaow. — vb 2 to make such a to tease (someone).
sound.
Mickey Finn n Slang a drink containing a
mew2 n a seagull. drug to make the drinker unconscious.
mewl vb 1 (esp. of a baby) to cry weakly; Mickey Mouse adj Slang trivial, insignifi-
whimper. ~n 2 a weak or whimpering cry. cant, or amateurish: a Mickey Mouse survey
mews n Chiefly Brit 1 a yard or street lined based on a tiny number of people.
by buildings originally used as stables but mickle or muckle Archaic or Scot & N Eng-
now often converted into dwellings, -adj 2 lish dialect -adj 1 large or abundant.
(of a flat or house) located in a mews: a —adv 2 much; greatly. ~n 3 a great
mews cottage. amount.
Mex. 1 Mexican. 2 Mexico.
micro n, pl micros short for microcomputer
Mexican adj 1 of Mexico. —n 2 a person or microprocessor.
from Mexico.
micro- or micr- combining form 1 small or
Mexican wave n the rippling effect pro- minute: microdot. 2 involving the use of a
duced when the spectators in successive microscope: microscopy. 3 denoting 10-6:
sections of a sports stadium stand up while microsecond.
raising their arms and then sit down.
microbe n any microscopic organism, esp. a
mezzanine (mez-zan-een) n an intermediate disease-causing bacterium, microbial or
storey, esp. one between the ground and microbic adj
first floor.
microbiology n the branch of biology in-
mezzo (met-so) adv 1 Music moderately; volving the study of microorganisms.
quite: mezzo-forte, —n, pl -zos 2 short for
mezzo-soprano. microchemistry n chemical experimentation
with minute quantities of material.
mezzo-soprano n, pl -nos 1 a female voice
lower than soprano but higher than contral- microchip n a tiny wafer of semiconductor
to. 2 a singer with such a voice. material, such as silicon, containing an in-
tegrated circuit. Often shortened to: chip
mezzotint (met-so-tint) n 1 a method of en-
graving done by scraping and burnishing microcircuit n a miniature electronic circuit
the roughened surface of a copper plate. 2 a in which a number of permanently connect-
print made from a plate so treated. ed components are contained in one small
mg milligram.
chip of semiconducting material.
Mg Chem magnesium. microcomputer n a compact computer in
which the central processing unit is con-
M. Glam Mid Glamorgan. tained in one or more silicon chips.
Mgr 1 manager. 2 monseigneur. 3 monsignor. microcosm n 1 a miniature representation
MHz megahertz. of something: this area is a microcosm of
mi n Music same as me2. France as a whole. 2 man regarded as
Ml Michigan. epitomizing the universe. 3 in microcosm
MI5 Military Intelligence, section five; the on a small scale, microcosmic adj
part of the British security services which microdot n a greatly reduced photographic
combats spying and subversion in Britain. copy (about the size of a pinhead) of a
MI6 Military Intelligence, section six; the document.
part of the British security services which microeconomics n the branch of economics
spies on other countries. concerned with particular commodities,
miaow (mee-ow) n 1 the characteristic high- firms, or individuals and the relationships
pitched cry of a cat; mew. -vb 2 to make between them.
such a sound. microelectronics n the branch of electron-
miasma (mee-azz-ma) n, pl -mata or-mas an ics concerned with microcircuits.
unwholesome or foreboding atmosphere. microfiche (my-kroh-feesh) n same as fiche.
mica (my-ka) n any of a group of minerals microfilm n 1 a strip of film on which books
consisting of flakelike crystals of alumin- or documents can be recorded in miniatur-
microlight 502 middleman
ized form. -vb 2 to photograph a page or the middle of town. 2 the time between the
document on microfilm. first part and last part of an event or period
microlight or microlite n a very small pri- of time: the middle of June; the film got a
vate aircraft with large wings. bit boring in the middle. 3 the part of the
micrometer (my-krom-it-er) n an instru- body around the stomach; waist. 4 in the
ment for the accurate measurement of small middle of busy doing something: I’m in the
distances or angles. middle of washing the dishes, —adj 5
microminiaturization or -isation n the pro-
equally distant from the ends or outer edges
of something; central: the middle finger. 6
duction and use of very small electronic having an equal number of elder and
components. younger brothers and sisters: he was the
micron (my-kron) n a unit of length equal to middle child of three. 7 intermediate in sta-
one millionth of a metre. tus or situation: middle management. 8
microorganism n any organism of micro- avoiding extremes; moderate: we must find
scopic size, such as a virus or bacterium. a middle course between authoritarianism
microphone n a device for converting sound and anarchy.
into electrical energy. middle age n the period of life between
microprocessor n Computers a single inte- youth and old age, usually considered to
grated circuit which acts as the central pro- occur between the ages of 40 and 60.
cessing unit in a small computer. middle-aged adj
microscope n 1 an optical instrument that Middle Ages n European history 1 (broadly)
uses a lens or combination of lenses to pro- the period from the fall of the W Roman
duce a greatly magnified image of a small, Empire in 476 a d to the Italian Renaissance.
close object. 2 any instrument, such as the 2 (narrowly) the period from about 1000 a d
electron microscope, for producing a great- to the 15th century.
ly magnified visual image of a small object.
middle-age spread or middle-aged spread
microscopic adj 1 too small to be seen ex- n the fat that appears round many people’s
cept with a microscope. 2 very small; min- waists when they become middle-aged.
ute. 3 of or using a microscope, micro-
scopically adv Middle America n the US middle class, esp.
microscopy n the use of microscopes,
those groups that are politically conserva-
tive.
microsecond n one millionth of a second,
middlebrow Disparaging ~n 1 a person
microstructure n a structure on a micro- with conventional tastes and limited cul-
scopic scale, such as that of a metal or a tural appreciation, -adj 2 of or appealing
cell. to middlebrows.
microsurgery n intricate surgery performed
using a special microscope and miniature middle C n Music the note written on the
precision instruments. first ledger line below the treble staff or the
first ledger line above the bass staff. On a
microwave n 1 an electromagnetic wave piano it is near the middle of the keyboard.
with a wavelength of between 0.3 and 0.001
metres: used in radar and cooking. 2 short middle class n 1 the social class between
for microwave oven. —vb -waving, the working and upper classes. It consists
-waved 3 to cook in a microwave oven. of business and professional people, -adj
middle-class 2 of or characteristic of the
microwave detector n a device used by po-
lice for recording the speed of a motorist. middle class.
microwave oven n a type of cooker which middle-distance adj 1 Athletics of or being
uses microwaves to cook food quickly. a race of a length between the sprints and
the distance events, esp. the 800 or 1500
micturate vb -rating, -rated to urinate, metres: a middle-distance runner. ~n mid-
micturition n dle distance 2 the part of a painting be-
mid1 n Archaic the middle. tween the foreground and the far distance.
mid2 or’mid prep Poetic amid. middle ear n the sound-conducting part of
mid- combining form indicating a middle the ear immediately inside the eardrum.
part, point, time, or position: midday; mid- Middle East n the area around the E Medi-
June; mid-Victorian.
terranean, esp. Israel and the Arab coun-
midair n some point above ground level, in tries from Turkey to North Africa and
the air. eastwards to Iran. Middle Eastern adj
midday n 1 twelve o’clock in the day; noon. Middle English n the English language from
2 the middle part of the day, from late
morning to early afternoon: the midday about 1100 to about 1450.
sun. Middle High German n High German from
midden n Archaic or dialect a dunghill or about 1200 to about 1500.
pile of refuse. Middle Low German n Low German from
middle n 1 an area or point equal in distance about 1200 to about 1500.
from the ends or edges of a place: a hotel in middleman n, pl -men 1 a trader who buys
middle name 503 mike
from the producer and sells to the consum- midst of a surrounded by. b at a point dur-
er. 2 an intermediary or go-between. ing.
middle name n 1 a name between a person’s midsummer n 1 the middle or height of
first name and surname. 2 a characteristic summer. 2 same as summer solstice.
quality for which a person is known: danger Midsummer Day or Midsummer’s Day n
is my middle name. June 24, the feast of St John the Baptist:
middle-of-the-road adj 1 not extreme, esp. one of the four quarter days in England,
in political views; moderate. 2 of or denot- Ireland, and Wales.
ing popular music of wide general appeal. midway adj 1 in or at the middle of the dis-
middle school n Brit a school for children tance; halfway, -adv 2 to the middle of the
aged between 8 or 9 and 12 or 13. distance.
middleweight n a professional boxer weigh- midweek n the middle of the week.
ing up to 160 pounds (72.5 kg) or an ama- Midwest n the N central part of the US.
teur weighing up to 75 kg. Midwestern adj
middling adj 1 neither very good nor very mid-wicket n Cricket the fielding position
bad. 2 moderate in size. 3 fair to middling on the on side, roughly the same distance
neither good nor bad, esp. in health. ~adv from both wickets, and halfway towards
4 Informal moderately: middling well. the boundary.
Middx Middlesex. midwife n, pl -wives a person qualified to
midfield n Soccer the area between the two deliver babies and to care for women be-
opposing defences. fore, during, and after childbirth, mid-
midge n a small mosquito-like biting insect wifery (mid-wiff-fer-ree) n
occurring in dancing swarms, esp. near midwinter n 1 the middle or depth of winter.
water. 2 same as winter solstice.
midget n 1 a dwarf whose skeleton and fea- mien (mean) n Literary a person’s manner,
tures are of normal proportions. ~adj 2 bearing, or appearance.
much smaller than normal: a midget subma- miffed adj Informal offended or upset.
rine. might1 vb used as an auxiliary: 1 the past
midi- combining form of medium or middle tense or subjunctive mood of may1.: he
size or length: a midi-skirt. might have come. 2 expressing possibility:
midi system n a complete set of compact he might well have gone already. See may1
hi-fi sound equipment designed as a single (sense 2).
unit. ► Both might and may can be used to ex-
midland n the central or inland part of a press a tentative request: might/may I ask a
country. favour?
Midlands n 1 the Midlands the central might2 n 1 great power, strength, or vigour.
counties of England, —adj 2 of, in, or from 2 with all one’s might using all one’s
the central counties of England: a Midlands strength and energy. 3 (with) might and
engineering firm. main See main.
midmost adj, adv in the middle or midst. mighty adj mightier, mightiest 1 powerful
or strong. 2 very great in extent or impor-
midnight n 1 the middle of the night; 12 tance. —adv 3 Informal, chiefly US &
o’clock at night, —adj 2 happening or ap- Canad very: mighty hungry, mightily adv
parent at midnight or in the middle of the mightiness n
night: midnight Mass. 3 burn the midnight
mignonette (min-yon-net) n a plant with
oil to work or study late into the night.
spikes of small fragrant greenish-white
midnight sun n the sun visible at midnight flowers.
during the summer inside the Arctic and migraine (mee-grain) n a throbbing head-
Antarctic circles. ache usually affecting only one side of the
mid-off n Cricket the fielding position on the head and commonly accompanied by nausea
off side closest to the bowler. and visual disturbances.
mid-on n Cricket the fielding position on the migrant n 1 a person or animal that moves
on side closest to the bowler. from one place to another, -adj 2 moving
midpoint n 1 the point on a line equally dis- from one place to another: migrant farm la-
tant from either end. 2 a point in time half- bourers.
way between the beginning and end of an migrate vb -grating, -grated 1 to go from
event. one place to settle in another, esp. in a for-
midriff n 1 the middle part of the human eign country. 2 (of living creatures, esp.
body between waist and chest. 2 Anat same birds) to journey between different habitats
as diaphragm (sense 1). at specific times of the year, migration n
midshipman n, pl -men a naval officer of the migratory adj
lowest commissioned rank. mikado n, pl -dos Archaic the Japanese em-
midships adv, adj Naut See amidships, peror.
midst n 1 in our midst among us. 2 in the mike n Informal a microphone.
mil 504 mill
mil n Photog short for millimetre: 35-mil borders in the world, militarization or
film. -isation n
milady n, pl -dies (formerly) a continental military adj 1 of or relating to the armed
title for an English gentlewoman. forces or war. 2 of or characteristic of sol-
milch (miltch) adj (esp. of cattle) kept for diers. ~n 3 the military the armed serv-
milk. ices, esp. the army, militarily adv
mild adj 1 (of a taste or sensation) not military police n a corps within an army
strong; bland. 2 gentle or temperate in that performs police duties.
character, climate, or behaviour. 3 not ex- militate vb -tating, -tated (of facts or
treme; moderate: mild criticism of senior of- events) to have a strong influence or effect:
ficers. 4 feeble; unassertive: a mild protest. our position militated against counter-
~n 5 Brit a dark beer flavoured with fewer attacks.
hops than bitter. ► Do not confuse militate with mitigate
mildew n 1 a disease of plants caused by a “make less severe”.
parasitic fungus. 2 same as mould2, -vb 3 militia (mill-ish-a) n a military force of
to affect or become affected with mildew, trained civilians enlisted for use in emer-
mildewy adj gency only, militiaman n
mild steel n strong tough steel containing a milk n 1 a a whitish fluid secreted by the
small quantity of carbon. mammary glands of mature female mam-
mals and used for feeding their young, b the
mile n 1 Also: statute mile a unit of length milk of cows, goats, etc., used by humans as
used in the U.K., the U.S. and certain other a food and to make cheese, butter and yo-
countries, equal to 1760 yards. 1 mile is gurt. 2 any similar fluid, such as the juice of
equivalent to 1.60934 kilometres. 2 See a coconut, -vb 3 to draw milk from the
nautical mile. 3 Also: miles Informal a udder of a cow or other animal. 4 to extract
great distance; great deal: he missed by as much money, help, or value as possible
miles. 4 a race extending over a mile, -adv from: he was accused of milking the situa-
5 miles very much: it’s miles better than tion for his own ends, milker n milkiness
their first album. n milky adj
mileage n 1 a distance expressed in miles. 2 milk-and-water adj weak, feeble, or insipid,
the total number of miles that a motor vehi- milk bar n Brit (formerly) a snack bar at
cle has travelled. 3 the number of miles a which milk drinks and light refreshments
motor vehicle will travel on one gallon of are served.
fuel. 4 Informal the usefulness or benefit of
something: the opposition is trying to make milk chocolate n chocolate that has been
political mileage out of the issue. made with milk, having a creamy taste.
milk float n Brit a small electrically powered
mileometer or milometer (mile-om-it-er) n a
device that records the number of miles vehicle used to deliver milk to houses.
that a vehicle has travelled. milkmaid n a girl or woman who milks cows,
milepost n Chiefly US & Canad a signpost milkman n, pl -men a man who delivers milk
that shows the distance in miles to or from to people’s houses.
a place. milk of magnesia n a suspension of magne-
miler n an athlete, horse, etc., that special-
sium hydroxide in water, used as an antacid
izes in races of one mile. and laxative.
milk pudding n Chiefly Brit a pudding made
milestone n 1 a stone pillar that shows the by cooking milk with a grain, esp. rice.
distance in miles to or from a place. 2 a sig- milk round n Brit 1 a route along which a
nificant event in a life or history: a mile- milkman regularly delivers milk. 2 a regular
stone in Turkish-Bulgarian relations. series of visits made by recruitment officers
milfoil n same as yarrow. from industry to colleges.
milieu (meal-yuh) n, pl milieus or milieux milk shake n a cold frothy drink made of
(meal-yuhz) the social and cultural envi- milk, flavouring, and sometimes ice cream,
ronment in which a person or thing exists: whisked together.
the film takes for its milieu an apparently milksop n a feeble or ineffectual man or
wholesome small town. youth.
militant adj 1 very active or aggressive in milk tooth n any of the first set of teeth in
the support of a cause. 2 Formal warring; young children.
engaged in warfare, —n 3 a militant person, Milky Way n 1 the diffuse band of light
militancy n militantly adv stretching across the night sky that consists
militarism n the pursuit of policies intended of millions of distant stars in our galaxy. 2
to create and maintain aggressive and in- the galaxy in which the Earth is situated.
fluential armed forces, militarist n, adj mill ii 1 a building where grain is crushed
militaristic adj and ground to make flour. 2 a factory, esp.
militarized or -ised adj occupied by armed one which processes raw materials: a steel
forces: one of the most heavily militarized mill. 3 any of various processing or manu-
milled 505 mince pie
facturing machines, esp. one that grinds, responsibility or obligation: the debt had
presses, or rolls. 4 a small device for grind- become a millstone round his neck.
ing solids: a pepper mill. 5 go or be put millstream n a stream of water used to turn
through the mill to have an unpleasant ex- a millwheel.
perience or ordeal. ~vb 6 to grind, press, or millwheel n a water wheel that drives a mill,
process in or as if in a mill. 7 to groove or
flute the edge of a coin. 8 to move about in a milometer (mile-om-it-er) n same as mile-
confused manner: the corridor was full of ometer.
people milling about. milord n (formerly) a continental title used
milled adj 1 crushed or ground in a mill: for an English gentleman.
freshly milled black pepper. 2 (of a coin) milt n the male reproductive gland, sperm,
having a grooved and often raised edge. or semen of a fish.
millennium (mill-en-nee-um) n, pl -niums or mime n 1 an style of acting using only ges-
-nia (-nee-a) 1 a period of one thousand ture and bodily movement and not words. 2
years. 2 the Millennium Christianity the a performer specializing in this. 3 a perfor-
period of a thousand years of Christ’s mance in this style, -vb miming, mimed 4
awaited reign upon earth. 3 a future period to express or describe something in actions
of peace and happiness, millennial ac(/ or gestures without using speech. 5 (of mu-
sicians) to pretend to be singing or playing
millepede n same as millipede. music that is actually prerecorded, mimer
miller n History a person who owns or oper- n
ates a mill, esp. a corn mill. Mimeograph (mim-ee-oh-grahf) n 1 Trade-
miller’s thumb n a small freshwater Euro- mark an office machine for printing multi-
pean fish with a flattened body. ple copies from a stencil. —vb 2 to print
millesimal (mill-less-im-al) adj 1 denoting or copies using this machine.
consisting of a thousandth. ~n 2 a thou- mimetic (mim-met-ik) adj 1 imitating or
sandth part of something. representing something: most photographs
millet n a cereal grass cultivated for its ed- are mimetic representations of the real
ible grain and as animal fodder. world. 2 Biol of or showing mimicry.
milli- combining form denoting 10~3: milli- mimic vb -icking, -icked 1 to imitate a per-
metre. son or a way of acting or speaking, esp. to
milliard n Brit (no longer in technical use) a entertain or make fun of. 2 to take on the
thousand million. appearance of: certain flies mimic wasps. 3
to copy closely or in a servile manner: social
millibar n a unit of atmospheric pressure climbers in the colonies began to mimic
equal to 100 newtons per square metre. their conquerors. ~n 4 a person or an ani-
milligram or milligramme n one thousandth mal, such as a parrot, that is clever at mim-
of a gram. icking.
millilitre or US milliliter n a measure of vol- mimicry n, pl -ries 1 the act or art of copying
ume equivalent to one thousandth of a litre. or imitating closely. 2 Biol the resemblance
millimetre or US millimeter n a unit of shown by one animal species to another
length equal to one thousandth of a metre. dangerous or inedible one, which protects it
milliner n a person who makes or sells wom- from predators.
en’s hats, millinery n mimosa n a tropical shrub with ball-like
million n, pl -lions or -lion 1 the number clusters of yellow flowers and leaves sensi-
equal to one thousand thousands: 1 000 000 tive to touch and light.
or 10®. 2 (often pl) Informal an extremely min. 1 minimum. 2 minute or minutes.
large but unspecified number: I’ve got a mil- Min. 1 Minister. 2 Ministry,
lion things to do today, millionth n, adj mina n same as myna.
millionaire n a person who has money or minaret n a slender tower of a mosque with
property worth at least a million pounds, one or more balconies.
dollars, etc. millionairess fem n minatory adj threatening or menacing,
millipede or millepede n a small crawling mince vb mincing, minced 1 to chop, grind,
animal with a cylindrical many-segmented or cut into very small pieces. 2 to walk or
body, each segment of which bears two speak in an affected dainty manner. 3 not
pairs of legs. mince one’s words be direct and to the
millisecond n one thousandth of a second, point rather than making an effort to avoid
millpond n a pool which provides water to upsetting people. ~n 4 Chiefly Brit minced
turn a millwheel. meat, minced adj mincer n
millrace n the current of water that turns a mincemeat n 1 a mixture of dried fruit and
millwheel. spices used for filling pies. 2 make mince-
millstone n 1 one of a pair of heavy flat meat of Informal to defeat completely.
stones that are rotated one against the mince pie n a small round pastry tart filled
other to grind grain. 2 a heavy burden of with mincemeat.
mincing 506 minicomputer
mincing adj (of a person or their style of esp. in order to obtain minerals. 6 to place
walking or speaking) affectedly elegant. explosive mines in or on: the retreating
mind n 1 the part of a person responsible for troops had mined the bridge.
thought, feelings, and intention. 2 intelli- mine dump n S African a large mound of
gence as opposed to feelings or wishes. 3 waste material from gold-mining opera-
memory or recollection: his name didn’t tions.
spring to mind immediately. 4 a person con- minefield n 1 an area of ground or water
sidered as an intellectual being: one of containing explosive mines. 2 a subject or
Europe’s greatest minds. 5 the condition or situation full of hidden problems.
state of a person’s feelings or thoughts: a minelayer n a warship or aircraft for carry-
confused state of mind. 6 an intention or ing and laying mines.
desire: I have a mind to go. 7 attention or
thoughts: keep your mind on the job. 8 a miner n a person who works in a mine, esp. a
sound mental state; sanity: he’s out of his coal mine.
mind. 9 change one’s mind to alter one’s mineral n 1 a naturally occurring solid inor-
decision or opinion. 10 give someone a ganic substance with a characteristic
piece of one’s mind scold someone severe- chemical composition and structure. 2 any
ly. 11 in two minds undecided or wavering. inorganic matter. 3 any substance obtained
12 make up one’s mind reach a decision. 13 by mining, esp. a metal ore. 4 Brit a soft
on one’s mind in one’s thoughts. 14 to my drink containing carbonated water and fla-
mind in my opinion. ~vb 15 to take offence vourings. ~adj 5 of, containing, or resem-
at: do you mind if I open a window? 16 to bling minerals.
pay attention to: to mind one’s own busi- mineral acid n any acid which can be pro-
ness. 17 to make certain; ensure: mind you duced from a mineral.
tell him. 18 to take care of: mind the shop. mineralogy (min-er-al-a-jee) n the scientific
19 to be cautious or careful about: mind study of minerals, mineralogical adj min-
how you go. 20 Dialect to remember. -See eralogist n
also mind out. mineral water n water containing dissolved
mind-boggling adj so large, complicated, or mineral salts or gases.
surprising that it causes surprise and minestrone (min-ness-strone-ee) n a soup
shock: mind-boggling wealth. made from a variety of vegetables and
minded adj having a mind or inclination as pasta.
specified: commercially minded. minesweeper n a naval vessel equipped to
minder n 1 Slang an aide or assistant, esp. clear mines.
one employed as a bodyguard or public re- Ming adj of or relating to Chinese porcelain
lations officer for someone. 2 short for from the time of the Ming dynasty, which
child minder. ruled China from 1368 to 1644.
mindful adj mindful of being aware of and mingle vb -gling, -gled 1 to mix or blend. 2
taking into account: the company is ever to associate or mix with a group of people:
mindful of the need to find new markets. the performers mingled with the audience
mindless adj 1 stupid or careless. 2 requir- after the show.
ing little or no intellectual effort. 3 heed-
less: mindless of the risks involved, mind- mingy adj -gier, -giest Brit informal mean or
lessly adv mindlessness n miserly.
mind out vb Brit to be careful or pay atten- mini adj 1 small; miniature. 2 (of a skirt or
tion. dress) very short. —n, pl minis 3 some-
thing very small of its kind, esp. a mini-
mind-reader n a person seemingly able to skirt.
make out the thoughts of another.
mini- combining form smaller or shorter
mind’s eye n in one’s mind’s eye in one’s than the standard size: minibus; miniseries.
imagination.
miniature n 1 a model or representation on a
mine1 pron 1 something or someone belong- very small scale. 2 a very small painting,
ing to or associated with me: it’s a great fa- esp. a portrait. 3 a very small bottle of
vourite of mine. 2 of mine belonging to or whisky or other spirits, which can hold 50
associated with me. ~adj 3 Archaic same millilitres. 4 in miniature on a small scale.
as my: mine eyes; mine host. ~adj 5 much smaller than usual; small-
mine2 n 1 a place where minerals, esp. coal, scale. miniaturist n
ores, or precious stones, are dug from the miniaturize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
ground. 2 a type of bomb placed in water or
under the ground, and designed to destroy -ised to make a very small version of some-
ships, vehicles, or people passing over or thing, esp. electronic components, minia-
near it. 3 a profitable source or abundant turization or -isation n
supply: a mine of information. ~vb min- minibus n a small bus.
ing, mined 4 to dig minerals from the minicab n Brit an ordinary car used as a
ground: lead has been mined here for over taxi.
three centuries. 5 to dig a hole or tunnel, minicomputer n a small digital computer
minim 507 minus sign
which is more powerful than a microcom- minneola n a juicy citrus fruit that is a cross
puter. between a tangerine and a grapefruit.
minim n 1 a unit of fluid measure equal to minnow n, pl -nows or -now a small slender
one sixtieth of a drachm. 2 Music a note European freshwater fish.
with the time value of half a semibreve. Minoan (min-no-an) adj of or denoting the
minimal adj of the least possible quantity or Bronze Age culture of Crete from about
degree. 3000 bc to about 1100 bc .
minimalism n 1 a type of music based on the minor adj 1 lesser or secondary in size, fre-
repetition of simple elements. 2 a design or quency, or importance than others of the
style using the simplest and fewest el- same kind: a minor poet. 2 not very serious
ements to create the maximum effect, or significant: minor injuries. 3 Music a (of
minimalist adj, n a scale) having a semitone between the sec-
minimize or -mise vb -mizing, -mized or ond and third and fifth and sixth notes
-mising, -mised 1 to reduce to the lowest (natural minor), b of or based on the minor
possible degree or amount: these measures scale: his quintet in C minor; a minor third,
should help minimize our costs. 2 to regard —n 4 a person below the age of legal major-
or treat as less important than it really is; ity. 5 US & Canad education a subsidiary
belittle: I don’t want to minimize the impor- subject. 6 Music a minor key, chord, mode,
tance of her contribution. or scale. —vb 7 minor in US education to
minimum n, pi-mums or-ma 1 the least pos- study as a subsidiary subject: to minor in
sible amount, degree, or quantity: fry the politics.
burgers in the minimum of oil. 2 the least minority n, pl -ties 1 the smaller of two
amount recorded, allowed, or reached: soak parts, factions, or groups. 2 a group that is
the beans for a minimum of eight hours, different, esp. racially or politically, from a
—adj 3 of, being, or showing a minimum or larger group of which it is a part. 3 in the
minimums: the minimum age. minority forming or part of the group of
minimum lending rate n (formerly) the people or things made up of less than half
minimum rate at which the Bank of Eng- of a larger group. -adj 4 relating to or
land would lend money: replaced in 1981 by being a minority: a minority sport.
the base rate. minster n Brit any of certain cathedrals and
minimum wage n the lowest wage that an large churches, usually originally connected
employer is permitted to pay by law or to a monastery.
union contract. minstrel n 1 a medieval singer and musician.
mining n 1 the act, process, or industry of 2 a performer in a minstrel show.
extracting coal or ores fiom the earth. 2 Mil
the process of laying mines. minstrel show n a theatrical entertainment
consisting of songs and dances performed
minion n a servile assistant. by actors wearing black face make-up.
miniseries n, pl -series a television pro-
gramme in several parts that is shown on mint1 n 1 any of various plants with aromat-
consecutive days over a short period. ic leaves used for seasoning and flavouring.
2 a sweet flavoured with mint, minty adj
miniskirt n a very short skirt.
minister n 1 (esp. in Presbyterian and some mint2 n 1 a factory where the official coins
Nonconformist Churches) a member of the of a country are made. 2 a very large
clergy. 2 a head of a government depart- amount of money, -adj 3 in mint condi-
ment. 3 a diplomat with a lower rank than tion in perfect condition; as if new. —vb 4
an ambassador. —vb 4 minister to to at- to make coins by stamping metal. 5 to in-
tend to the needs of. ministerial adj vent or create: no-one knows who first
minted the term “yuppie”.
minister of state n (in the British Parlia-
ment) a minister, usually below cabinet minuet (min-new-wet) n 1 a stately court
rank, appointed to assist a senior minister. dance of the 17th and 18th centuries in tri-
Minister of the Crown n Brit any Govern- ple time. 2 music for this dance.
ment minister of cabinet rank. minus prep 1 reduced by the subtraction of:
ministrations pl n the giving of help or ser- six minus two equals four. 2 Informal with-
vice: the ministrations of the chaplain. out or lacking: he returned minus his jacket,
-adj 3 indicating or involving subtraction:
ministry n, pl -tries 1 the profession or
duties of a minister of religion. 2 ministers a minus sign. 4 Also: negative less than
considered as a group. 3 a a government zero: it’s minus eight degrees in Montreal
today. 5 Education slightly below the
department headed by a minister, b the standard of a particular grade: a C minus
buildings of such a department. for maths. ~n 6 short for minus sign. 7 a
mink n, pl mink or minks 1 a mammal of negative quantity. 8 Informal something
Europe, Asia, and North America, resem- detrimental or negative.
bling a large stoat. 2 its highly valued fur. 3
a garment made of this, esp. a woman’s coat minuscule (min-niss-skyool) adj very small,
or stole. minus sign n the symbol —, indicating sub-
minute 508 mischief-maker
traction, a negative quantity, or a negative warheads, each one being aimed at a differ-
electrical charge. ent target.
minute1 n 1 60 seconds; one sixtieth of an mis- prefix 1 wrong or bad; wrongly or
hour. 2 any very short period of time; mo- badly: misunderstanding; mislead. 2 lack of;
ment: I’ll be with you in a minute. 3 the dis- not: mistrust.
tance that can be travelled in a minute: it's misadventure n 1 an unlucky event; misfor-
about ten minutes away. 4 a measure of tune. 2 Law accidental death not due to
angle equal to one sixtieth of a degree. 5 up crime or negligence.
to the minute the very latest or newest. misaligned adj not properly aligned; out of
~vb -uting, -uted 6 to record in minutes: true, misalignment n
the decision was minuted in 1990. —See
also minutes. misalliance n an unsuitable alliance or mar-
riage.
minute2 adj 1 very small; tiny. 2 precise or
detailed: a minute examination, minutely misanthrope (miz-zan-thrope) or misan-
adv thropist (miz-zan-throp-ist) n a person who
dislikes or distrusts people in general, mis-
minutes pl n an official record of the pro- anthropic (miz-zan-throp-ik) adj misan-
ceedings of a meeting or conference. thropy (miz-zan-throp-ee) n
minute steak n a small piece of steak that misapply vb -plies, -plying, -plied to use
can be cooked quickly. something for a purpose for which it is not
minutiae (my-new-shee-eye) pl n, sing -tia intended or is not suited, misapplication n
trifling or precise details. misapprehend vb to misunderstand, mis-
minx n a bold or flirtatious girl. apprehension n
Miocene (my-oh-seen) adj Geol of the epoch misappropriate vb -ating, -ated to take and
of geological time about 25 million years use money dishonestly, misappropriation
ago. n
miracle n 1 an event contrary to the laws of misbegotten adj 1 planned or designed
nature and attributed to a supernatural badly or with dishonourable motives or
cause. 2 any amazing and fortunate event: aims. 2 Literary or dialect illegitimate; bas-
it’s a miracle that no-one was killed in the tard.
accident. 3 a marvellous example of some- misbehave vb -having, -haved to behave
thing: a miracle of organization. badly, misbehaviour or US misbehavior n
miracle play n a medieval play based on a
biblical story or the life of a saint. miscalculate vb -lating, -lated to calculate
or judge wrongly: we miscalculated the
miraculous adj 1 like a miracle. 2 surprising strength of the opposition, miscalculation
or remarkable. n
mirage (mir-rahzh) n 1 an image of a distant miscall vb to call by the wrong name,
object or sheet of water, often inverted or
distorted, caused by atmospheric refraction miscarriage n 1 spontaneous premature ex-
by hot air. 2 something illusory: the mirage pulsion of a fetus from the womb, esp. be-
of economic recovery. fore the 20th week of pregnancy. 2 an act of
mismanagement or failure: a miscarriage of
mire n 1 a boggy or marshy area. 2 mud, justice.
muck, or dirt. 3 an unpleasant or difficult
situation that is difficult to get out of: the miscarry vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 to expel a
country sank deeper into the economic fetus prematurely from the womb. 2 to fail.
mire. ~vb miring, mired 4 to sink or be miscast vb -casting, -cast to cast a role or
stuck in a mire: the company has been an actor in a play or film inappropriately:
mired in financial scandal. the role of the avaricious boss was miscast;
mirror n 1 a sheet of glass with a metal coat- she was miscast as Cassandra.
ing on its back, that reflects an image of an miscegenation (miss-ij-in-nay-shun) n
object placed in front of it. 2 a thing that interbreeding of races, esp. where differ-
reflects or depicts something else, -vb 3 to ences of colour are involved.
reflect or represent faithfully: the book in- miscellaneous (miss-sel-lane-ee-uss) adj
evitably mirrors my own interests. composed of or containing a variety of
mirror ball n a large revolving ball covered things; mixed or assorted.
with small pieces of mirror glass so that it miscellany (miss-sell-a-nee) n, pl -nies a
reflects light in changing patterns: used in mixed assortment of items.
discos and ballrooms. mischance n 1 bad luck. 2 an unlucky event
mirror image n an image or object that has or accident.
left and right reversed as if seen in a mir- mischief n 1 annoying but not malicious be-
ror. haviour that causes trouble or irritation. 2
mirth n laughter, gaiety, or merriment, an inclination to tease. 3 injury or harm
mirthful adj mirthless adj caused by a person or thing.
MIRV multiple independently targeted re- mischief-maker n someone who deliberately
entry vehicle: a missile that has several causes trouble, mischief-making n
mischievous 509 misread
mischievous (miss-chiv-uss) adj 1 full of misguided adj mistaken or unwise.
mischief. 2 teasing; slightly malicious. 3 in- mishandle vb -dling, -died to handle or treat
tended to cause harm: a purveyor of mis- badly or inefficiently.
chievous disinformation, mischievously mishap n a minor accident.
adv
mishear vb -hearing, -heard to fail to hear
miscible (miss-sib-bl) adj able to be mixed: what someone says correctly.
miscible with water, miscibility n
mishit Sport ~n 1 a faulty shot, kick, or
misconceived adj false, mistaken, or badly stroke. ~vb -hitting, -hit 2 to hit or kick a
thought-out: a misconceived conception of ball with a faulty stroke.
loyalty.
mishmash n a confused collection or mix-
misconception n a false or mistaken view, ture.
idea, or belief.
misinform vb to give incorrect information
misconduct n behaviour, such as adultery to. misinformation n
or professional negligence, that is regarded
as immoral or unethical. misinterpret vb to understand or represent
something wrongly: the press misinterpret-
misconstrue vb -struing, -strued to inter- ed the President’s remarks, misinterpre-
pret mistakenly, misconstruction n tation n
miscreant (miss-kree-ant) n a wrongdoer or misjudge vb -judging, -judged to judge
villain. wrongly or unfairly, misjudgment or mis-
misdeal vb -dealing, -dealt 1 to deal out judgement n
cards incorrectly. ~n 2 a faulty deal. mislay vb -lays, -laying, -laid to lose some-
misdeed n an evil or illegal action. thing temporarily, esp. by forgetting where
misdemeanour or US misdemeanor n 1 a it is.
minor wrongdoing. 2 Criminal law (former- mislead vb -leading, -led to give false or
ly) an offence less serious than a felony. confusing information to.
misdirect vb to give someone wrong direc- misleading adj giving a false or confusing
tions or instructions, misdirection n impression: misleading use of statistical
mise en scene (meez on sane) n 1 the stage data.
setting and scenery in a play. 2 the envi- mismanage vb -aging, -aged to organize or
ronment of an event. run something badly, mismanagement n
miser n a person who hoards money and mismatch vb 1 to form an unsuitable part-
hates spending it. miserly adj ner, opponent, or set. ~n 2 an unsuitable
miserable adj 1 unhappy or depressed; match, mismatched adj
wretched. 2 causing misery or discomfort: a misnamed adj having an inappropriate or
miserable existence. 3 sordid or squalid: misleading name: the grotesquely misnamed
miserable living conditions. 4 mean or un- Freedom Party.
generous: a miserable pension, miserable-
ness n miserably adv misnomer (miss-no-mer) n 1 an incorrect or
unsuitable name for a person or thing. 2 the
misericord n a ledge projecting from the use of the wrong name.
underside of the hinged seat of a choir stall
in a church, which the occupant can rest misogyny (miss-oj-in-ee) n hatred of
against while standing. women, misogynist n misogynous ac(/
misery n, pl -eries 1 intense unhappiness or misplace vb -placing, -placed 1 to lose
suffering. 2 something which causes such something temporarily by forgetting where
unhappiness. 3 squalid or poverty-stricken it was placed. 2 to put something in the
conditions. 4 Brit informal a person who is wrong place.
habitually depressed: he is such a misery. misplaced adj 1 (of an emotion or action)
misfire vb -firing, -fired 1 (of a firearm) to directed towards a person or thing that
fail to fire as expected. 2 (of a motor engine does not deserve it: misplaced optimism. 2
or vehicle) to fail to fire at the appropriate put in the wrong place: a scrappy game
time. 3 to fail to have the intended result; dominated by misplaced kicking.
go wrong: he was injured when a practical misprint n 1 an error in printing. ~vb 2 to
Joke misfired. ~n 4 the act or an instance print a letter incorrectly.
of misfiring. misprision n Law the concealment of the
misfit n a person who is not suited to the commission of a felony or an act of treason.
role, social group, etc., he or she finds him- mispronounce vb -nouncing, -nounced to
self or herself in. pronounce a word or name wrongly, mis-
misfortune n 1 bad luck. 2 an unfortunate pronunciation n
event. „ misquote vb -quoting, -quoted to quote in-
misgivings pl n feelings of uncertainty, fear, accurately. misquotation n
or doubt. misread vb -reading, -read 1 to misinterpret
misgovern vb to govern badly, misgovern- or misunderstand: he misread her polite-
ment n ness as approval. 2 to read incorrectly.
misrepresent 510 mistreat
misrepresent vb to represent wrongly or government mission is based. 6 the dispatch
inaccurately, misrepresentation n of aircraft or spacecraft to achieve a par-
misrule vb -ruling, -ruled 1 to govern ineffi- ticular task. 7 a charitable centre that of-
ciently or without justice. ~n 2 inefficient fers shelter or aid to the poor or needy.
or unjust government. 3 disorder or law- missionary n, pl -aries 1 a person sent
lessness. abroad by a church to do religious and so-
miss1 vb 1 to fail to notice, see, or hear: it’s cial work. ~adj 2 of or relating to mission-
right at the top of the hill, so you can’t miss aries: missionary work. 3 resulting from a
it; I missed what he said because I was talk- desire to convert people to one’s own be-
ing at the time. 2 to fail to hit something liefs: missionary zeal.
aimed at: he threw a stone at the dog but mission statement n an official statement
missed. 3 to fail to achieve or reach: they of the aims and objectives of a business or
narrowly missed promotion last season. 4 to other organization.
fail to take advantage of: he never missed a missive n a formal or official letter.
chance to make money. 5 to fail or be un- miss out vb 1 to leave out or overlook. 2
able to be present: he had missed the last miss out on to fail to take part in (some-
three meetings. 6 to be too late for: we thing enjoyable or beneficial): she’d missed
missed the bus and had to walk. 7 to fail to out on going to university.
take advantage of: he never missed a misspell vb -spelling, -spelt or -spelled to
chance to make money. 8 to discover or re- spell a word wrongly, misspelling n
gret the loss or absence of: the boys miss misspend vb -spending, -spent to waste or
their father when he's away on business. 9 spend unwisely, misspent adj
to escape or avoid narrowly: it missed the
helicopters rotors by inches. ~n 10 a fail- missus or missis n 1 Informal one’s wife or
ure to hit, reach, etc.: an easy miss in the the wife of the person addressed or re-
second frame gave his opponent the advan- ferred to: the missus is a fabulous cook. 2
tage. 11 give something a miss to decide an informal term of address for a woman.
not to do, go to, or take part in something: missy n, pl missies Informal an affectionate
I'll give the pub a miss and have a quiet or disparaging form of address to a girl.
night in. ~See also miss out. mist n 1 a thin fog. 2 a fine spray of liquid,
miss2 n Informal an unmarried woman or such as that produced by an aerosol con-
girl. tainer. 3 condensed water vapour on a sur-
Miss n a title of a girl or unmarried woman, face. 4 something that causes haziness or
usually used before the surname: Miss lack of clarity, such as a film of tears. ~vb
Brown to you. 5 to cover or be covered with mist: the
windscreen has misted up again; his eyes
missal n RC Church a book containing the misted over and he shook with rage, misty
prayers and rites of the Masses for a com- adj mistiness n
plete year.
mistake n 1 an error or blunder. 2 a miscon-
misshapen adj badly shaped; deformed, ception or misunderstanding. ~vb -taking,
missile n 1 a rocket with an exploding war- -took, -taken 3 to misunderstand or misin-
head, used as a weapon. 2 an object or terpret: the chaplain quite mistook her
weapon that is thrown, launched, or fired meaning. 4 to confuse a person or thing
at a target. with another: they saw the HMS Sheffield
missing adj 1 not in its proper or usual place and mistook her for the Bismarck. 5 to
and unable to be found. 2 not able to be choose badly or incorrectly: he mistook his
traced and not known to be dead: seven men path.
were reported missing after the raid. 3 not mistaken adj 1 wrong in opinion or judg-
included in something although it perhaps ment. 2 arising from error in opinion or
should have been: two things are missing judgment: a mistaken viewpoint.
from the report. mister n an informal form of address for a
missing link n 1 any missing section or part man.
in a series. 2 the missing link a hypotheti- Mister n the full form of Mr.
cal extinct animal, formerly thought to be mistime vb -timing, -timed to do or say at
intermediate between the apes and man. the wrong time.
mission n 1 a specific task or duty assigned mistle thrush or missel thrush n a large
to a person or group of people. 2 a task or European thrush with a brown back and
duty that a person believes he or she must spotted breast.
achieve; vocation: he felt it was his mission
to pass on his knowledge to other people. 3 mistletoe n a Eurasian evergreen shrub
a group of people representing or working with waxy white berries, which grows as a
for a particular country or organization in a parasite on various trees.
foreign country: the UN peacekeeping mis- mistook vhthe past tense of mistake,
sion. 4 a group of people sent by a church to mistral n a strong cold dry northerly wind of
a foreign country to do religious and social S France.
work. 5 the building in which a church or mistreat vb to treat badly, mistreatment n
mistress 511 mm
mistress n 1 a woman who has a continuing produced by mixing. -See also mix-up.
sexual relationship with a man who is usu- mixed adj
ally married to somebody else. 2 a woman mixed bag n Informal something made up of
in a position of authority, ownership, or different elements, characteristics, or peo-
control. 3 a woman having control over ple.
something specified: she is a mistress of mixed blessing n an event or situation with
disguise. 4 Chiefly Brit a female teacher. both advantages and disadvantages.
mistrial n Law a trial which is invalid be- mixed doubles pl n Tennis, badminton a
cause of some error. doubles game with a man and a woman as
mistrust vb 1 to have doubts or suspicions partners on each side.
about. ~n 2 lack of trust, mistrustful adj mixed economy n an economy in which
mistrustfully adv some companies are privately owned and
misunderstand vb -standing, -stood to fail others are owned by the government.
to understand properly. mixed farming n farming involving both the
misunderstanding n 1 a failure to under- growing of crops and the keeping of live-
stand properly. 2 a disagreement. stock. mixed farm n
misunderstood adj not properly or sympa- mixed grill n a dish of several kinds of
thetically understood: a misunderstood ado- grilled meat, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
lescent. mixed marriage n a marriage between peo-
misuse n 1 incorrect, improper, or careless ple of different races or religions.
use: misuse of drugs. 2 cruel or inhumane mixed metaphor n a combination of incon-
treatment. —vb -using, -used 3 to use gruous metaphors, such as when the Nazi
wrongly. 4 to treat badly or harshly. jackboots sing their swan song.
mite1 n any of numerous very small crea- mixed-up a<jj in a state of mental confusion,
tures of the spider family some of which mixer n 1 a kitchen appliance, usually elec-
live as parasites. trical, used for mixing foods. 2 any of vari-
mite2 n 1 a very small creature or thing. 2 a ous other devices or machines used for mix-
very small sum of money. 3 a mite Informal ing things: a cement mixer. 3 a nonalcoholic
somewhat: the main course was a mite drink such as tonic water or ginger ale that
bland. is mixed with an alcoholic drink. 4 Informal
mitigate vb -gating, -gated to make less se- a person considered in relation to his or her
vere or harsh, mitigating adj mitigation n ability to mix socially: he’s not a good
► Mitigate is often confused with militate mixer.
“have an influence on”. mixture n 1 something produced by blending
mitosis n a type of cell division in which the or combining other things: top with the
nucleus divides into two nuclei each con- cheese and breadcrumb mixture. 2 a combi-
taining the same number of chromosomes as nation of different things, such as feelings:
the parent nucleus. he speaks of her with a mixture of loyalty
mitre or US miter (my-ter) n 1 Christianity and regret. 3 Chem a substance consisting
the headdress of a bishop or abbot, consist- of two or more substances mixed together
ing of a tall pointed cleft cap. 2 Also: mitre without any chemical bonding between
joint a corner joint formed by cutting bev- them.
els of equal angles at the ends of each piece mix-up n 1 a confused condition or situation.
of material. ~vb -tring, -tred or -tering, ~vb mix up 2 to make into a mixture. 3 to
-tered 3 to join with a mitre joint. confuse: he mixes Ryan up with Lee. 4
mitt n 1 a glovelike hand covering that does mixed up in involved in (an activity or
not cover the fingers. 2 short for mitten. 3 group, esp. one that is illegal): she’s mixed
Slang a hand. 4 a baseball glove. up in a drugs racket.
mitten n a glove with one section for the mizzenmast n Naut (on a vessel with three
thumb and a single section for the fingers. or more masts) the third mast from the
bow.
mix vb 1 to combine or blend into one mass
or substance: mix the water, yeast, and MJ megajoule.
flour into a smooth dough. 2 to be able to Mk (in trade names) mark.
combine into one substance: oil and water mks units pl n a metric system of units
do not mix. 3 to form by combining differ- based on the metre, kilogram, and second: it
ent substances: to mix cement. 4 to do at the forms the basis of the SI units.
same time: to mix business and pleasure. 5 ml 1 millilitre(s). 2 mile(s).
to be outgoing in social situations: he mixed ML Medieval Latin.
well. 6 Music to balance and adjust individ- MLitt Master of Letters.
ual performers’ parts to make an overall-
sound by electronic means. ~n 7 something Mlle or Mlle, pl Mlles or Mlles, the French
produced by mixing; mixture. 8 a mixture equivalent of Miss.
of ingredients, esp. one commercially pre- MLR minimum lending rate,
pared for making a cake. 9 Music the sound mm millimetre(s).
Mme 512 model
Mme pl Mmes the French equivalent of Mrs. mocha (mock-a) n 1 a dark brown coffee
MMR a combined vaccine against measles, originally imported from the port of Mocha
mumps, and rubella, given to very young in Arabia. 2 a flavouring made from coffee
children. and chocolate.
MMus Master of Music. mock vb 1 to behave with scorn or contempt
Mn Chem manganese. towards a person or thing: her husband
MN Minnesota. mocked her attempts to educate herself. 2
mnemonic (nim-on-ik) n 1 something, for to imitate or mimic, esp. in fun. 3 to defy or
instance a verse, intended to help the frustrate: the team mocked the visitors’ at-
memory, -adj 2 aiding or meant to aid tempts to score. ~n 4 mocks Informal (in
one’s memory, mnemonically adv England and Wales) school examinations
taken as practice before public exams.
mo n Informal, chiefly Brit short for mo- —adj 5 sham or imitation: mock Georgian
ment (sense 1). windows. 6 serving as an imitation or sub-
Mo Chem molybdenum. stitute, esp. for practice purposes: a mock
MO 1 Medical Officer. 2 Missouri. battle. -See also mock-up. mocking n, adj
m.o. or MO 1 mail order. 2 money order, mockers pl n put the mockers on Informal
moa n a recently extinct large flightless bird to ruin the chances of success of.
of New Zealand that resembled the ostrich. mockery n, pl -eries 1 ridicule, contempt, or
moan n 1 a low prolonged cry of pain or suf- derision. 2 a person, thing, or action that is
fering. 2 any similar sound, esp. that made so worthless that it seems like a parody: the
by the wind. 3 Informal a grumble or com- interview was a mockery from start to fin-
plaint. -vb 4 to make a low cry of, or talk ish. 3 make a mockery of something to
in a way suggesting, pain or suffering: he make something appear worthless or fool-
moaned in pain. 5 to make a sound like a ish: the judge’s decision makes a mockery of
moan: the wind moaned through the trees. 6 the law.
Informal to grumble or complain, moaner n mock-heroic adj (of a literary work, esp. a
moat n a wide ditch, originally filled with poem) imitating the style of heroic poetry
water, surrounding a fortified place such as in order to satirize an unheroic subject.
a castle. mockingbird n an American songbird which
mob n 1 a riotous or disorderly crowd of can mimic the song of other birds.
people. 2 Informal any group of people. 3 mock orange n a shrub with white fragrant
the masses. 4 Slang a gang of criminals. flowers like those of the orange.
—vb mobbing, mobbed 5 to attack in a mock turtle soup n an imitation turtle soup
group resembling a mob. 6 to surround in a made from a calf’s head.
crowd to acclaim or attack: she was mobbed
by her fans when she left the theatre. mock-up n a working full-scale model of a
mobcap n a woman’s 18th-century cotton
machine or apparatus for test or research
cap with a pouched crown. purposes.
mobile adj 1 able to move or be moved: mo- mod1 n Brit a member of a group of teen-
bile toilets. 2 changing quickly in expres- agers, originally in the mid-1960s, who
sion: a mobile face. 3 Sociol (of individuals were very clothes-conscious and rode motor
or social groups) moving within and be- scooters.
tween classes, occupations, and localities. mod2 n an annual Highland Gaelic meeting
~n 4 a light structure suspended in midair with musical and literary competitions.
with delicately balanced parts that are set MOD (in Britain) Ministry of Defence,
in motion by air currents. 5 short for mo- mod. 1 moderate. 2 modern.
bile phone, mobility n modal (mode-al) adj 1 of or relating to mode
mobile home n a large caravan, usually or manner. 2 Grammar (of a verb form or
staying in one place, which people live in auxiliary verb) expressing possibility, in-
permanently. tention, or necessity rather than actuality:
mobile phone n a portable telephone pow- “can”, “might” and “will” are examples of
ered by batteries. modal verbs in English. 3 Music of or relat-
mobilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -Using, ing to a mode, modality n
-lised 1 to prepare for war or another mod cons pl n Informal modern conveni-
emergency by organizing resources and the ences, such as hot water and heating.
armed services. 2 to organize for a purpose: mode n 1 a manner or way of doing, acting,
we must mobilize local residents behind our or existing. 2 a particular fashion or style. 3
campaign, mobilization or -lisation n Music any of the various scales of notes
mobster n US a member of a criminal or- within one octave. 4 Maths the most fre-
ganization; gangster. quently occurring of a range of values.
moccasin n 1 a type of soft leather shoe model n 1 a three-dimensional representa-
traditionally worn by some Native Ameri- tion, usually on a smaller scale, of a device
can peoples. 2 a soft leather shoe with a or structure: an architect’s model of the
raised seam at the front above the toe. proposed new housing estate. 2 an example
modem 513 modus operandi
or pattern that people might want to follow: modernism n a early- and mid-twentieth
her success makes her an excellent role century movement in art, literature and
model for other young Black women. 3 an music that rejected traditional styles and
outstanding example of its kind: the report techniques, modernist n, adj
is a model of clarity. 4 a person who poses modernize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
for a sculptor, painter, or photographer. 5 a -ised 1 to make modern in style, methods, or
person who wears clothes to display them equipment: a commitment to modernizing
to prospective buyers; mannequin. 6 a de- industry. 2 to adopt modern ways or ideas,
sign or style of a particular product: the modernization or -isation n
cheapest model of this car has a 1300cc en- modern languages n the languages spoken
gine. 7 a theoretical description of the way in present-day Europe, with the exception
a system or process works: a computer of English.
model of the British economy. -adj 8 excel-
lent or perfect: a model husband. 9 being a modern pentathlon n an athletic contest
small-scale representation of: a model aero- consisting of five different events: horse
plane. ~vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, riding with jumps, fencing with electric
-eled 10 to make a model of: he modelled a epee, freestyle swimming, pistol shooting,
plane out of balsa wood. 11 to plan or cre- and cross-country running.
ate according to a model or models: it had a modest adj 1 having a humble opinion of
constitution modelled on that of the United oneself or one’s accomplishments. 2 not ex-
States. 12 to display (clothing and accesso- treme or excessive: a modest increase in in-
ries) as a mannequin. 13 to pose for a sculp- flation. 3 not ostentatious or pretentious: a
tor, painter, or photographer. modest flat in the suburbs. 4 shy or easily
modem (mode-em) n Computers a device embarrassed. 5 Old-fashioned (esp. of
for transmitting information between two clothes) not revealing much of the body: a
computers by a telephone line, consisting of modest dress, modestly adv modesty n
a modulator that converts computer signals modicum n a small amount.
into audio signals and a corresponding de- modifier n Grammar a word or phrase that
modulator. makes the sense of another word more spe-
moderate adj 1 not extreme or excessive: a cific: for example, the noun garage is a
man of moderate views; moderate consump- modifier of door in garage door.
tion of alcohol. 2 (of a size, rate, intensity, modify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to change or
etc.) towards the middle of the range of alter slightly. 2 to make less extreme or un-
possible values: a moderate-sized garden; a compromising. 3 Grammar (of a word or
moderate breeze. 3 of average quality or ex- phrase) to act as a modifier to another word
tent: moderate success. ~n 4 a person who or phrase, modification n
holds moderate views, esp. in politics, —vb modish (mode-ish) adj in the current fash-
-ating, -ated 5 to make or become less ex- ion or style, modishly adv
treme or violent: he has moderated his opin- modiste (mode-east) n a fashionable dress-
ions since then. 6 to preside over a meeting, maker or milliner.
discussion, etc. moderately adv
modulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to change the
moderation n 1 the quality of being moder- tone, pitch, or volume of (one’s voice). 2 to
ate. 2 the act of moderating. 3 in modera- adjust or regulate the degree of: the hor-
tion within moderate or reasonable limits. mone which modulates the development of
moderato (mod-er-ah-toe) adv Music 1 at a the sexual organs. 3 Music to change from
moderate speed. 2 with restraint: allegro one key to another. 4 Physics, electronics to
moderato. superimpose the amplitude, frequency, or
moderator n 1 Presbyterian Church a minis- phase of a wave or signal onto another
ter appointed to preside over a Church wave or signal, modulation n modulator
court, synod, or general assembly. 2 a per- n
son who presides over at a public or legisla- module n 1 a standard self-contained unit,
tive assembly. 3 a material, such as heavy such as an assembly of electronic compo-
water, used for slowing down neutrons in nents or a standardized piece of furniture,
nuclear reactors. that can be used in combination with other
modern adj 1 of the present or a recent time; units. 2 Astronautics a self-contained sepa-
contemporary: there have been very few rable unit making up a spacecraft. 3 Educa-
outbreaks of the disease in modern times. 2 tion a short course of study that together
using the latest techniques, equipment, etc.; with other such courses counts towards a
up-to-date: modern and efficient railways. 3 qualification, modular adj
of contemporary styles or schools of art, modulus n, pl -li Physics a coefficient ex-
literature, and music, esp. those of an ex- pressing a specified property, for instance
perimental kind. ~n 4 a contemporary per- elasticity, of a specified substance.
son. modernity n modus operandi (mode-uss op-er-an-die) n,
Modern English n the English language pl modi operandi (mode-eye) method of
since about 1450. operating.
modus vivendi 514 momentary
modus vivendi (mode-uss viv-venn-die) n, in which the atoms are linked by covalent
pl modi vivendi (mode-eye) a working ar- bonds to form molecules.
rangement between conflicting interests. molecular formula n Chem a chemical for-
moggy or mog n, pl moggies or mogs Brit mula indicating the number and type of
slang a cat. atoms in a molecule, but not its structure:
mogul (moh-gl) n an important or powerful NH3 is the molecular formula of ammonia.
person. molecular weight n Chem the sum of all the
Mogul adj of or relating to a Muslim dynasty atomic weights of the atoms in a molecule.
of Indian emperors established in 1526. molecule (mol-lik-kyool) n 1 the simplest
MOH (in Britain) Medical Officer of Health, unit of a chemical compound that can exist,
mohair n 1 the long soft silky hair of the consisting of two or more atoms held to-
Angora goat. 2 a fabric made from yarn of gether by chemical bonds. 2 a very small
this hair and cotton or wool. particle.
Mohawk n 1 a member of a N American In- molehill n 1 the small mound of earth
dian people formerly living along the Mo- thrown up by a burrowing mole. 2 make a
hawk river. 2 the language of this people. mountain out of a molehill to exaggerate
mohican n a punk hairstyle in which the an unimportant matter out of all propor-
head is shaved at the sides and the remain- tion.
ing strip of hair is worn stiffly erect and molest vb 1 to accost or attack someone,
often brightly coloured. esp. a woman or child with the intention of
moiety (moy-it-ee) n, pl -ties 1 a half. 2 one assaulting her or him sexually. 2 to disturb
of two parts or divisions of something. or injure, esp. by using or threatening vio-
moire (mwahr) n a fabric, usually silk, with lence: killing, capturing, or molesting the
a watered effect. local wildlife was strictly forbidden, mo-
lestation n molester n
moire (mwahr-ray) adj 1 having a watered
or wavelike pattern. ~n 2 such a pattern, moll n Slang a gangster’s female accomplice
impressed on fabrics. 3 a fabric, usually or girlfriend.
silk, with such a pattern. 4 Also: moire pat- mollify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make some-
tern a pattern seen when two geometrical one less angry or upset; soothe: he sought to
patterns, such as grids, are visually super- mollify his critics, mollification n
imposed. mollusc or US mollusk n an invertebrate
moist adj slightly damp or wet. with a soft unsegmented body and often a
moisten vb to make or become moist, shell, such as a snail, mussel, or octopus.
moisture n water diffused as vapour or mollycoddle vb -coddling, -coddled to give
condensed on or in objects. an excessive amount of care and protection
to.
moisturize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
-ised to add moisture to the air or the skin, Molotov cocktail n an simple bomb made
moisturizer or -iser n from a bottle filled with petrol and a cloth
wick; petrol bomb.
moke n Brit slang a donkey.
molt vb, n US same as moult.
mol Chem mole.
mol. 1 molecular. 2 molecule. molten adj so hot that it has melted and
formed a liquid: molten metal.
molar n 1 a large back tooth specialized for
crushing and chewing food. ~adj 2 of any molto adv Music very: allegro molto; molto
of these teeth. adagio.
molasses n 1 the thick brown bitter syrup molybdenum (mol-lib-din-um) n Chem a
obtained from sugar during refining. 2 US & very hard silvery-white metallic element
Canad same as treacle. used in alloys, esp. to harden and strength-
en steels. Symbol: Mo
mold n, vb US same as mould.
mom n Informal, chiefly US & Canad same
mole1 n a small dark raised spot on the skin. as mother.
mole2 n 1 a small burrowing mammal with moment n 1 a short period of time. 2 a spe-
velvety dark fur and forelimbs specialized cific instant or point in time: at that mo-
for digging. 2 Informal a spy who has ment the phone rang. 3 the moment the
infiltrated an organization and become a present point of time: for the moment he is
trusted member of it. out of prison. 4 importance, significance, or
mole3 n Chem the basic SI unit of amount of value: a matter of greatest moment. 5 Phys-
substance: the amount that contains as ics a a tendency to produce motion, esp. ro-
many elementary entities as there are tation about a point or axis, b the product
atoms in 0.012 kilogram of carbon-12. of a physical quantity, such as force or
mole4 n 1 a breakwater. 2 a harbour pro- mass, and its distance from a fixed refer-
tected by a breakwater. ence point.
molecular (mol-lek-yew-lar) adj of or relat- momentary adj lasting for only a moment;
ing to molecules. temporary, momentarily adv
molecular compound n Chem a compound ► Note that some American speakers use
moment of truth 515 monitor
momentarily to mean “soon” rather than in one’s opinion. 7 one’s money’s worth
“for a moment”. full value for the money one has paid for
moment of truth n a moment when a person something. 8 put money on to place a bet
or thing is put to the test. on.
momentous (moh-men-tuss) adj of great moneybags n Informal a very rich person,
significance, momentousness n moneychanger n a person engaged in the
momentum (moh-men-tum) n 1 the impetus business of exchanging currencies or
to go forward, develop, or get stronger: the money.
campaign steadily gathered support and moneyed or monied adj having a great deal
momentum. 2 the impetus of a moving of money; rich.
body: the sledge gathered momentum as it money-grubbing adj Informal seeking
slid ever faster down the slope. 3 Physics greedily to obtain money, money-grubber
the product of a body’s mass and its veloc- n
ity. moneylender n a person who lends money
momma n Chiefly US an informal or child- at interest as a living.
ish word for mother.
moneymaker n 1 a person whose chief con-
Mon. Monday. cern is to make money. 2 a person or thing
mon- combining form See mono-. that is or might be profitable, money-
monad n 1 Philosophy any fundamental sin- making adj, n
gular metaphysical entity. 2 a single-celled money-spinner n Informal an enterprise,
organism. 3 an atom, ion, or radical with a idea, or thing that is a source of wealth.
valency of one. -monger n combining form 1 indicating a
monandrous adj 1 Biol having only one trader or dealer: an ironmonger. 2 indicat-
stamen in each flower. 2 having only one ing a promoter of something: a warmonger.
male sexual partner over a period of time. mongol n (not in technical use) a person af-
monarch n a sovereign head of state, esp. a fected by Down’s syndrome, mongoloid n,
king, queen, or emperor, who rules by he- adj
reditary right, monarchical or monarchic
adj Mongolian adj 1 of Mongolia. ~n 2 a person
from Mongolia. 3 the language of Mongolia.
monarchism n the belief that a country
should have a hereditary ruler, such as a mongolism n Pathol a former name (not in
king, rather than an elected one. monar- technical use) for Down’s syndrome.
chist n, adj Mongoloid adj of a major racial group of
monarchy n, pl -chies 1 a form of govern- mankind, characterized by yellowish skin,
ment in which supreme authority is held by straight black hair, and slanting eyes: in-
a single hereditary ruler, such as a king. 2 a cludes most of the people of Asia, the
country reigned over by a monarch. American Indians, and the Eskimos.
monastery n, pl -teries the building or mongoose n, pl -gooses a small long-tailed
group of buildings where a community of predatory mammal of Asia and Africa that
monks lives. kills snakes.
monastic adj 1 of or relating to monasteries, mongrel n 1 a dog of mixed breeding. 2
monks, or nuns. 2 (of a way of life) simple something made up of things from a variety
and austere; ascetic, monasticism n of sources: despite using components from
monatomic adj Chem 1 (of an element) con- three other cars, this new model is no mon-
sisting of single atoms. 2 (of a compound or grel. -adj 3 of mixed breeding or origin.
molecule) having only one atom or group monied adj same as moneyed.
that can be replaced in a reaction. monies n Law old-fashioned a plural of
Monday n the second day of the week, and money.
the first day of the working week. monism n Philosophy the doctrine that real-
monetarism n 1 the theory that inflation is ity consists of only one basic substance or
caused by an excess quantity of money in element, such as mind or matter, monist n,
an economy. 2 an economic policy based on adj
this theory and a belief in the efficiency of monition n a warning or caution.
free market forces, monetarist n, adj monitor n 1 a person or device that warns,
monetary adj of money or currency. checks, controls, or keeps a continuous rec-
money n 1 a means of payment and measure ord of something. 2 Education a pupil as-
of value: some cultures used to use shells as sisting a teacher with various duties. 3 a
money. 2 the official currency, in the form television set or loudspeaker used in a stu-
of banknotes or coins, issued by a govern- dio for checking what is being transmitted
ment. 3 moneys or monies Law old- - or recorded. 4 a large predatory lizard in-
fashioned a financial sum or income. 4 an habiting warm regions of Africa, Asia, and
unspecified amount of wealth: money to Australia. ~vb 5 to act as a monitor of. 6 to
lend. 5 Informal a rich person or rich peo- observe or record the condition or perfor-
ple: he married money. 6 for one’s money mance of a person or thing. 7 to check a
monitory 516 monosaccharide
broadcast for acceptable quality or content, of composition consisting of a single vocal
monitorial adj part, usually with accompaniment, mono-
monitory adj acting as or giving a warning, dist n
monk n a male member of a religious com- monoecious (mon-ee-shuss) adj 1 (of some
munity bound by vows of poverty, chastity, flowering plants) having the male and fe-
and obedience, monkish adj male reproductive organs in separate flow-
monkey n 1 any long-tailed primate that is ers on the same plant. 2 (of some animals
not a lemur or tarsier. 2 (loosely) any pri- and lower plants) hermaphrodite.
mate that is not a human. 3 a naughty or monogamy n the state or practice of having
mischievous child. 4 Slang £500 or $500. only one husband or wife at a time, mo-
~vb 5 monkey around or about with to nogamous adj
meddle or tinker with. monogram n a design of one or more letters,
monkey business n Informal mischievous esp. initials, on clothing, stationery, etc.
or dishonest behaviour or acts. monograph n a paper, book, or other work
monkey nut n Brit a peanut. concerned with a single subject or aspect of
monkey puzzle n a South American conifer- a subject.
ous tree with branches shaped like a cande- monolingual adj knowing or expressed in
labrum and stiff sharp leaves. only one language.
monkey tricks or US monkey shines pl n monolith n 1 a large block of stone. 2 a
Informal mischievous behaviour or acts. statue, obelisk, or column cut from one
monkey wrench n a wrench with adjustable block of stone. 3 something which can be
jaws. regarded as forming one large, single,
monkshood n a poisonous plant with hood- whole: the Christian religion should not be
ed blue-purple flowers. thought of as a monolith, monolithic adj
mono adj 1 short for monophonic. ~n 2 monologue n 1 a long speech made by one
monophonic sound. actor in a play or film; soliloquy. 2 a dra-
matic piece for a single performer. 3 any
mono- or before a vowel mon- combining long speech by one person, esp. one which
form 1 one; single: monorail; monolingual. 2 prevents other people talking or expressing
Chem indicating that a chemical compound their views.
contains a single specified atom or group:
monoxide. monomania n an obsession with one thing or
monobasic adj Chem (of an acid, such as
idea, monomaniac n, adj
hydrogen chloride) having only one re- monomer n Chem a compound whose mol-
placeable hydrogen atom per molecule. ecules can join together to form a polymer.
monochromatic adj (of light or other elec- monomial n Maths an expression consisting
tromagnetic radiation) having only one of a single term, such as 5ax.
wavelength. mononucleosis (mon-oh-new-klee-oh-siss) n
monochrome adj 1 Photog, television black- infectious mononucleosis same as glan-
and-white. ~n 2 a painting or drawing dular fever.
done in a range of tones of a single colour. monophonic adj (of a system of broadcast-
monocle (mon-a-kl) n (formerly) a lens ing, recording, or reproducing sound) using
worn for correcting defective sight in one only one channel between source and loud-
eye only, held in position by the facial mus- speaker. Short form: mono
cles. monocled adj monoplane n an aeroplane with only one
monocline n a fold in stratified rocks in pair of wings.
which the strata are inclined in the same di- monopolize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or
rection from the horizontal, monoclinal -Using, -lised 1 to have full control or use
adj, n of, to the exclusion of others. 2 to hold ex-
monoclinic adj Crystallog of the crystal sys- clusive control of a market or supply.
tem characterized by three unequal axes, monopoly n, pl -lies 1 exclusive control of
one pair of which are not at right angles to the market supply of a product or service. 2
each other. a an enterprise exercising this control, b the
monoclonal antibody n an antibody pro- product or service so controlled. 3 Law the
duced from a single clone of cells grown in a exclusive right granted to a person or com-
culture. pany by the state to trade in a specified
monocotyledon (mon-no-kot-ill-leed-on) n commodity or area. 4 exclusive control,
any flowering plant with a single embryon- possession, or use of something, monopo-
ic seed leaf, such as the grasses, lilies, list n monopolistic adj
palms, and orchids. Monopoly n Trademark a board game for
monocular adj having or intended for the two to six players who deal in “property” as
use of only one eye. they move tokens around the board.
monody n, pl -dies 1 (in Greek tragedy) an monorail n a single-rail railway,
ode sung by a single actor. 2 Music a style monosaccharide n a simple sugar, such as
monosodium glutamate 517 moon
glucose, that cannot be broken down into human females over the junction of the
other sugars. pubic bones.
monosodium glutamate n a substance montage (mon-tahzh) n 1 a picture made by
which enhances protein flavours: used as a combining material from various sources,
food additive. such as other pictures or photographs. 2 the
monosyllable n a word of one syllable, technique of producing pictures in this way.
monosyllabic adj 3 a method of film editing by juxtaposition
monotheism n the belief or doctrine that or partial superimposition of several shots
there is only one God. monotheist n, adj to form a single image. 4 a film sequence of
monotheistic adj this kind.
monotone n 1 a single unvaried pitch level month n 1 one of the twelve divisions (cal-
in speech or sound. 2 a way of speaking endar months) of the calendar year. 2 a pe-
which lacks variety of pitch or expression: riod of time extending from one date to a
he rambled on in a dull monotone. 3 lack of corresponding date in the next calendar
variety in style or expression. -adj 4 un- month. 3 a period of four weeks or of 30
varying. days.
monotonous adj tedious because of lack of monthly adj 1 happening or payable once
variety, monotonously adv every month: a monthly magazine. 2 lasting
monotony n, pl -nies 1 wearisome routine; or valid for a month: a monthly travel pass,
dullness. 2 lack of variety in pitch or tone. -adv 3 once a month, -n, pl -lies 4 a
monounsaturated adj of a group of vegeta- magazine published once a month.
ble oils, such as olive oil, that have a neu- monument n 1 something, such as a statue
tral effect on cholesterol in the body. or building, erected in commemoration of a
monovalent adj Chem 1 having a valency of person or event. 2 an ancient building
one. 2 having only one valency, monova- which is regarded as an important part of a
lence or monovalency n country’s history. 3 an exceptional example
monoxide n an oxide that contains one oxy- of the results of something: the whole town
gen atom per molecule. is a monument to bad sixties’ architecture.
Monseigneur (mon-sen-nyur) n, pl Messei- monumental adj 1 large, impressive, or like-
gneurs (may-sen-nyur) a title given to ly to last or be remembered for a long time:
French prelates and princes. a monumental three-volume biography. 2 of
monsieur (muss-syuh) n, pl messieurs or being a monument. 3 Informal extreme: a
(may-syuh) a French form of address monumental gamble.
equivalent to sir or Mr. moo n 1 the characteristic deep long sound
Monsignor n, pl Monsignors or Monsignori made by a cow. — vb 2 to make this sound;
RC Church a title given to certain senior low.
clergymen. mooch vb Slang 1 to loiter or walk aimless-
monsoon n 1 a seasonal wind of S Asia ly. 2 to cadge or scrounge.
which blows from the southwest in summer mood1 n 1 a temporary state of mind or
and from the northeast in winter. 2 the temper: a happy mood. 2 a sullen or gloomy
rainy season when the SW monsoon blows, state of mind, esp. when temporary: she’s in
from about April to October. a mood. 3 a prevailing atmosphere or feel-
mons pubis (monz pew-biss) n, pl montes ing: the current mood of disenchantment
pubis (mon-teez) the fatty flesh in human with politics. 4 in the mood inclined to do
males over the junction of the pubic bones. or have (something).
monster n 1 an imaginary beast, usually mood2 n Grammar a form of a verb indicat-
frightening in appearance. 2 a very large ing whether the verb expresses a fact (in-
person, animal, or thing. 3 an exceptionally dicative mood), a wish or supposition (sub-
cruel or wicked person. 4 a person, animal, junctive mood), or a command (imperative
or plant with a marked deformity. mood).
monstrance n RC Church a vessel in which moody adj moodier, moodiest 1 sullen,
the consecrated Host is exposed for adora- sulky, or gloomy. 2 temperamental or
tion. changeable, moodily adv moodiness n
monstrosity n, pl -ties 1 an outrageous or Moog n Music trademark a type of synthe-
ugly person or thing. 2 the state or quality sizer.
of being monstrous.
monstrous adj 1 hideous or unnatural in mooi adj S African slang pleasing or nice,
size or character. 2 atrocious, unjust, or mooli n a type of large white radish.
shocking: the President described the inva- moon n 1 the natural satellite of the earth. 2
sion as monstrous. 3 huge. 4 of or like a - this satellite as it is seen during its revolu-
monster. 5 (of plants and animals) abnor- tion around the earth, esp. at one of its
mal in structure, monstrously adv phases: new moon; full moon. 3 any natural
mons veneris (monz ven-er-iss) n, pl mon- satellite of a planet. 4 a month. 5 over the
tes veneris (mon-teez) the fatty flesh in moon Informal extremely happy; ecstatic.
moonbeam 518 more
-vb 6 moon about or around to be idle in moped n a light motorcycle not over 50cc.
a listless or dreamy way. moonless adj mopes pl n the low spirits.
moonbeam n a ray of moonlight, mopoke n 1 a small spotted owl of Australia
moon-faced adj having a round face, and New Zealand. 2 Austral & NZ slang a
moonlight n 1 light from the sun received on slow or lugubrious person.
earth after reflection by the moon, -adj 2 moppet n same as poppet.
illuminated by the moon: a moonlight walk, mop up vb 1 to clean with a mop. 2 Informal
-vb -lighting, -lighted 3 Informal to work to complete the last remaining stages of a
at a secondary job, esp. illegally, moon- job. 3 Mil to clear remaining enemy forces
lighter n after a battle, by killing them or taking
moonlight flit n Brit informal a hurried de- them prisoner.
parture at night to avoid paying rent. moquette n a thick velvety fabric used for
moonlit adj illuminated by the moon, carpets and upholstery.
moonscape n the surface of the moon or a moraine n a ridge or mound formed from
picture or model of it. debris deposited by a glacier.
moonshine n 1 US & Canad illegally dis- moral adj 1 concerned with or relating to the
tilled or smuggled whisky. 2 foolish or non- distinction between good and bad or right
sensical talk or thought. and wrong behaviour: moral sense. 2 based
moonshot n the launching of a spacecraft to on a sense of right and wrong: moral duty. 3
the moon. (of support or a victory) psychological ra-
moonstone n a white translucent form of
ther than practical, —n 4 a lesson about
feldspar, used as a gem. right or wrong behaviour that is shown in a
fable or event. 5 morals principles of be-
moonstruck adj slightly mad or odd, as if haviour in accordance with standards of
affected by the moon. right and wrong, morally adv
moony adj moonier, mooniest Informal morale (mor-rahl) n the degree of confi-
dreamy or listless. dence or optimism of a person or group.
moor1 n an expanse of open uncultivated moralist n 1 a person who has a strong sense
ground covered with heather, coarse grass, of right and wrong. 2 someone who
and bracken. criticizes other people for not doing what he
moor2 vb to secure a ship or boat with ca- or she thinks is morally correct, moralistic
bles, ropes, or anchors so that it .remains in adj
one place, moorage n morality n, pl -ties 1 good moral conduct. 2
Moor n a member of a Muslim people of the degree to which something is morally
North Africa who ruled Spain between the acceptable: we discussed the morality of
8th and 15th centuries. Moorish adj fox-hunting. 3 a system of moral principles.
moorhen n a waterfowl with black plumage morality play n a medieval type of drama
and a red bill. concerned with the conflict between per-
mooring n a place where a ship or boat can sonified virtues and vices.
be tied up or anchored. moralize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
moorings pl n Naut the ropes and anchors -ised 1 to discuss or consider something in
used in mooring a vessel. the light of one’s own moral beliefs, esp.
moorland n Brit an area of moor. with disapproval. 2 to interpret or explain
moose n, pl moose a large North American in a moral sense. 3 to improve the morals of.
deer with large flattened antlers; the moral philosophy n the branch of philoso-
American elk. phy dealing with ethics.
moot adj 1 subject or open to debate: a moot morass n 1 a tract of swampy low-lying
point, -vb 2 to suggest or bring up for de- land. 2 a disordered, confusing, or muddled
bate: a compromise proposal, involving state of affairs.
building fewer flats, was mooted. ~n 3 (in moratorium n, pl -ria or -riums 1 a legally
Anglo-Saxon England) a local administra- authorized postponement of the payment of
tive assembly. a debt. 2 an agreed suspension of activity.
mop n 1 a tool with a head made of twists of moray n a large marine eel marked with bril-
cotton or sponge and a long handle used for liant colours.
washing or polishing floors. 2 a similar tool, morbid adj 1 having an unusual interest in
except smaller and without a long handle, death or unpleasant events. 2 Med relating
used to wash dishes. 3 a thick untidy mass to or characterized by disease, morbidity n
of hair, -vb mopping, mopped 4 to clean morbidly adv
or soak up with or as if with a mop: she mordant adj 1 sarcastic or caustic: mordant
mopped her brow with a handkerchief. wit. ~n 2 a substance used in dyeing to fix
~See also mop up. colours. 3 an acid or other corrosive fluid
mope vb moping, moped 1 to be gloomy or used to etch lines on a printing plate.
apathetic. 2 to walk around in a gloomy and more adj 1 the comparative of much or
aimless manner. many: more joy than you know; even more
moreish 519 mortgage
are leaving the country. 2 additional or fur- morocco n a fine soft leather made from
ther: no more apples. 3 more of to a greater goatskins.
extent or degree: more of a nuisance. -adv moron n 1 Informal, derogatory a foolish or
4 used to form the comparative of some ad- stupid person. 2 (formerly) a person having
jectives and adverbs: more quickly. 5 the an intelligence quotient of between 50 and
comparative of much: people listen to the 70. moronic adj
radio more now. 6 more or less a as an es- morose (mor-rohss) adj ill-tempered, sullen,
timate; approximately, b to an unspecified and unwilling to talk very much, morosely
extent or degree: the film was a disaster, adv
more or less.
morpheme n Linguistics a speech element
moreish or morish adj Informal (of food) having a meaning or grammatical function
causing a desire for more. that cannot be subdivided into further such
morel n an edible mushroom with a pitted elements.
cap. morphine or morphia n a drug extracted
morello n, pl -los a variety of small dark from opium: used in medicine as an anaes-
sour cherry. thetic and sedative.
moreover adv in addition to what has al- morphology n the science of forms and
ready been said. structures of organisms or words, morpho-
morepork n Chiefly NZ same as mopoke. logical adj
mores (more-rayz) pl n the customs and morris dance n an old English folk dance
conventions embodying the fundamental performed by men (morris men) who wear
values of a community. a traditional costume decorated with bells.
morganatic adj of or designating a marriage morrow n the morrow Old-fashioned or po-
between a person of high rank and a person etic 1 the next day. 2 the morning.
of low rank, by which the latter is not el-
evated to the higher rank and any children Morse code n a code used internationally
have no rights to inherit the higher party’s for transmitting messages, in which letters
titles or property. and numbers are represented by groups of
dots and dashes, or by shorter and longer
morgue n 1 a mortuary. 2 Informal a store sounds.
of clippings and back numbers used for ref-
erence in a newspaper. morsel n a small piece of something, esp. of
food.
moribund adj 1 near death. 2 no longer per-
forming effectively or usefully: Romania’s mortal adj 1 (of living beings, esp. humans)
moribund economy. destined to die sometime rather than living
forever. 2 causing death; fatal: a mortal
morish adj same as moreish. wound. 3 deadly or unrelenting: he is my
Mormon n 1 a member of the Church of mortal enemy. 4 of or resulting from the
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, founded fear of death: mortal terror. 5 of or involv-
in 1830 in New York by Joseph Smith, -adj ing life or the world: the hangman's noose
2 of the Mormons, their Church, or their be- ended his mortal existence. 6 great or very
liefs. Mormonism n intense: mortal pain. 7 Informal conceivable
morn n Poetic morning. or possible: there was no mortal reason to
mornay adj served with a cheese sauce: leave. 8 Slang long and tedious: for three
haddock mornay. mortal hours, —n 9 a human being, mor-
morning n 1 the first part of the day, ending tally adv
at noon. 2 daybreak; dawn. 3 the morning mortality n, pl -ties 1 the condition of being
after Informal the after effects of excess, mortal. 2 great loss of life, as in war or dis-
esp. a hangover, —adj 4 of or in the morn- aster. 3 the number of deaths in a given pe-
ing: morning coffee. riod.
morning dress n formal daytime dress for mortal sin n Christianity a sin that will lead
men, consisting of a frock coat with the to damnation unless repented of.
front cut away (morning coat), usually mortar n 1 a small cannon that fires shells in
with grey trousers and top hat. high ares. 2 a mixture of cement or lime or
morning-glory n, pl -ries a tropical climbing both with sand and water, used to hold
plant with trumpet-shaped blue, pink, or bricks or stones together. 3 a vessel, usually
white flowers, which close in late after- bowl-shaped, in which substances are
noon. crushed with a pestle, —vb 4 to fire on with
mornings adv Informal in the morning, esp. mortars. 5 to join bricks or stones with mor-
regularly, or during every morning. tar.
morning sickness n nausea occurring short- mortarboard n 1 a black tasselled academic
ly after rising in early pregnancy. cap with a flat square top. 2 a small square
morning star n a planet, usually Venus, seen board with a handle on the underside for
just before sunrise. carrying mortar.
Moroccan adj 1 of Morocco. ~n 2 a person mortgage n 1 an agreement under which a
from Morocco. person borrows money to buy property,
mortgagee 520 Mothering Sunday
esp. a house, and the lender can take pos- fifteen at the most. 4 make the most of to
session of the property if the borrower fails use to the best advantage: they made the
to repay the money. 2 a loan obtained under most of their chances. ~adj 5 of or being
such an agreement: a mortgage of £35 000. the majority of a group of things or people
3 a regular repayment of money borrowed or the largest part of something: most peo-
under such an agreement: a mortgage of ple don’t share your views. 6 the most the
£247 per month. -vb -gaging, -gaged 4 to superlative of many or much: he has the
pledge a house or other property as security most talent, -adv 7 the most used to form
for the repayment of a loan. -adj 5 of or the superlative of some adjectives and
relating to a mortgage: a mortgage pay- adverbs: the most beautiful women in the
ment. world. 8 the superlative of much: what do
mortgagee n the person or organization you like most about your job? 9 very; ex-
who lends money in a mortgage agreement. ceedingly: a most unfortunate accident.
mortgagor or -ger n the person who mostly adv 1 almost entirely; generally: the
borrows money in a mortgage agreement. men at the party were mostly young. 2 on
mortice or mortise (more-tiss) n 1 a slot or many or most occasions; usually: rattle-
recess cut into a piece of wood or stone to snakes mostly hunt at night.
receive a matching projection (tenon) on Most Reverend n (in Britain) a courtesy
another piece, or a mortice lock. —vb title applied to archbishops.
-ticing, -ticed or -tising, -tised 2 to cut a mot (moh) n short for bon mot.
slot or recess in a piece of wood or stone. 3 MOT 1 Brit short for MOT test. 2 Brit the
to join two pieces of wood or stone by certificate showing that a vehicle has
means of a mortice and tenon. passed its MOT test. 3 NZ Ministry of
mortice lock n a lock set into the edge of a Transport.
door so that the mechanism of the lock is mote n a tiny speck,
enclosed by the door. motel n a roadside hotel for motorists,
mortician n Chiefly US same as undertaker,
motet (moh-tet) n a religious song for a
mortify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make choir in which several voices, usually unac-
someone feel ashamed or embarrassed. 2 companied, sing contrasting parts simulta-
Christianity to subdue one’s emotions, the neously.
body, etc., by self-denial. 3 (of flesh) to be-
come gangrenous, mortification n morti- moth n any of numerous chiefly nocturnal
fying adj insects resembling, butterflies, that typical-
ly have stout bodies and do not have club-
mortuary n, pl -aries a building or room shaped antennae.
where dead bodies arc kept before crema-
tion or burial. mothball n 1 a small ball of camphor or
mosaic (moh-zay-ik) n a design or decora-
naphthalene placed in stored clothing to
repel clothes moths. 2 put in mothballs to
tion made up of small pieces of coloured postpone work on. -vb 3 to take something
glass or stone. out of operation but maintain it for future
Mosaic adj of or relating to Moses or the use. 4 to postpone work on.
laws and traditions ascribed to him.
moth-eaten adj 1 decayed or scruffy. 2
moselle n a German white wine from the eaten away by or as if by moths.
valley of the river Moselle.
mother n 1 a female who has given birth to
mosey vb mosey along or on Informal to offspring. 2 a person’s own mother. 3 a title
walk slowly and casually; amble. given to certain members of female reli-
Moslem n, pl -lems or -lem, adj same as gious orders. 4 motherly qualities, such as
Muslim. maternal affection: it appealed to the moth-
mosque n a Muslim place of worship, er in her. 5 the mother of a female or thing
mosquito n, pi -toes or -tos a two-winged that creates, founds, or protects something:
insect, the females of which pierce the skin the mother of modern feminism; necessity is
of humans and animals to suck their blood. the mother of invention, -adj 6 of or relat-
mosquito net n a fine curtain or net to keep ing to a female or thing that creates,
mosquitoes away, esp. hung over a bed. founds, or protects something: our mother
moss n 1 a very small flowerless plant typi- company is in New York. 7 native or innate:
cally growing in dense mats on trees, rocks, mother wit. -vb 8 to give birth to or pro-
or moist ground. 2 Scot & N English a peat duce. 9 to nurture or protect, motherless
bog or marsh, mossy adj adj motherly adj
mossie n S African the common sparrow, Mother Carey’s chicken n same as stormy
moss rose n a variety of rose that has a petrel.
mossy stem and fragrant pink flowers. mother country n 1 the original country of
most n 1 the greatest number or degree: colonists or settlers. 2 a person's native
twenty pounds is the most I can afford. 2 country.
the majority: most of his records arc dread- motherhood n the state of being a mother.
ful. 3 at (the) most at the maximum: she is Mothering Sunday n Brit the fourth Sunday
mother-in-law 521 mould
in Lent, when mothers traditionally receive motor n 1 the engine, esp. an internal-
presents from their children. Also called: combustion engine, of a vehicle. 2 a ma-
Mother’s Day chine that converts energy, esp. electrical
mother-in-law n, pl mothers-in-law the energy, into mechanical energy. 3 Chiefly
mother of one’s wife or husband. Brit informal a car. —adj 4 Chiefly Brit of
motherland n a person’s native country, or relating to cars and other vehicles pow-
mother-of-pearl n a hard iridescent sub- ered by petrol or diesel engines: the motor
stance that forms the inner layer of the industry. 5 powered by or relating to a
shells of certain molluscs, such as the oys- motor: a new synthetic motor oil. 6 Physiol
ter. producing or causing motion, —vb 7 to
travel by car. 8 Informal to move fast, mo-
Mother’s Day n 1 See Mothering Sunday. 2 torized or -ised adj
US & Canad the second Sunday in May, ob- motorbicycle n 1 a motorcycle. 2 a moped,
served as a day in honour of mothers.
motorbike n Informal a motorcycle,
mother superior n, pl mother superiors or
mothers superior the head of a community motorboat n any boat powered by a motor,
of nuns. motorcade n a procession of cars carrying
mother tongue n the language first learned an important person or people.
by a child. motorcar n a more formal word for car.
mothproof adj 1 (esp. of clothes) chemically motorcycle n a two-wheeled vehicle driven
treated so as to repel clothes moths. -vb 2 by an engine, motorcyclist n
to make mothproof. motorist n a driver of a car.
motif (moh-teef) n 1 a distinctive idea, esp. motorman n, pl -men the driver of an elec-
a theme elaborated on in a piece of music or tric train.
literature. 2 a recurring shape in a design. 3 motor scooter n a light motorcycle with
a single decoration, such as a symbol or small wheels and an enclosed engine.
name on a piece of clothing. motor vehicle n a road vehicle driven by an
motion n 1 the process of continual change engine.
in the position of an object; movement: the motorway n Brit, Austral, & NZ a dual
motion of the earth round the sun. 2 a carriageway for fast-moving traffic, with
movement or gesture: he made stabbing mo- no stopping permitted and no crossroads.
tions with the spear. 3 a way or style of Motown n Trademark music combining
moving: massage the back with steady cir- rhythm and blues and pop.
cular motions. 4 a formal proposal to be motte n History a mound on which a castle
discussed and voted on in a debate or meet- was built.
ing. 5 Brit a the evacuation of the bowels, b MOT test n (in Britain) a compulsory annual
excrement. 6 go through the motions to do
something mechanically or without sincer- test of the roadworthiness of motor vehi-
ity. 7 set in motion to make operational or cles over 3 years old.
start functioning. -vb 8 to signal or direct mottled adj coloured with streaks or
a person by a movement or gesture: she blotches of different shades, mottling n
motioned to me to sit down, motionless adj motto n, pl -toes or-tos 1 a short saying ex-
motion picture nUS& Canad a film; movie, pressing the guiding maxim or ideal of a
family or organization, esp. when part of a
motivate vb -vating, -vated 1 to give a rea-
son or inspiration for a course of action to coat of arms. 2 a verse or maxim contained
in a paper cracker. 3 a quotation prefacing
someone: he was motivated purely by a book or chapter of a book.
greed. 2 to inspire and encourage someone
to do something: a good teacher must moti- mould1 or US mold n 1 a shaped hollow con-
vate her pupils, motivation n tainer into which a liquid material is poured
so that it can set in a particular shape: pour
motive n 1 the reason, whether conscious or the mixture into a buttered mould, cover,
unconscious, for a certain course of action. and steam for two hours. 2 a shape, nature,
2 same as motif (sense 2). -adj 3 of or or type: an orthodox Communist in the Sta-
causing motion: a motive force. linist mould. 3 a framework around which
motive power n 1 any source of energy used something is constructed or shaped: the
to produce motion. 2 the means of supply- heated glass is shaped round a mould inside
ing power to an engine or vehicle. a kiln. 4 something, esp. a food, made in or
mot juste (moh zhoost) n, pl mots justes on a mould: salmon mould, —vb 5 to make
the appropriate word or expression. in a mould. 6 to shape or form: a figure
motley adj 1 made up of people or things of moulded out of clay. 7 to influence or di-
different types: a motley assortment of rect: cultural factors moulding our every-
mules, donkeys, and camels. 2 multicol- - day life.
oured. ~n 3 History the costume of a jest- mould2 or US mold n a coating or discolora-
er. tion caused by various fungi that develop in
motocross n the sport of motorcycle racing a damp atmosphere on food, fabrics, and
across rough ground. walls.
mould 522 mouthful
mould3 or US mold n loose soil, esp. when shortness of breath caused by climbing to
rich in organic matter: leaf mould. high altitudes.
mouldboard or US moldboard n the curved mountebank n 1 (formerly) a person who
blade of a plough, which turns over the fur- sold quack medicines in public places. 2 a
row. charlatan or fake.
moulder or US molder vb to crumble or mounted adj riding horses: mounted police.
cause to crumble, as through decay. John Mountie or Mounty n, pl Mounties Informal
Brown’s body lies mouldering in the grave. a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted
moulding or US molding n a shaped orna- Police.
mental edging. mounting n same as mount1 (sense 6).
mouldy or US moldy adj -dier, -diest 1 cov- mourn vb to feel or express sadness for the
ered with mould. 2 stale or musty, esp. from death or loss of someone or something,
age or lack of use. 3 Slang dull or boring. mourner n
moult or US molt vb 1 (of birds and animals) mournful adj 1 feeling or expressing grief
to shed feathers, hair, or skin so that they and sadness: he stood by, a mournful ex-
can be replaced by a new growth. ~n 2 the pression on his face. 2 (of a sound) sugges-
periodic process of moulting. tive or reminiscent of grief or sadness: the
mound n 1 a heap of earth, debris, etc. 2 any locomotive gave a mournful bellow.
heap or pile. 3 a small natural hill. mournfully adv
mount1 vb 1 to climb or ascend: he mounted mourning n 1 sorrow or grief, esp. over a
the stairs to his flat. 2 to get up on a horse, death. 2 the conventional symbols of grief
a platform, etc. 3 Also: mount up to in- for a death, such as the wearing of black. 3
crease or accumulate: costs do mount up; the period of time during which a death is
the tension mounted. 4 to fix onto a back- officially mourned, -adj 4 of or relating to
ing, setting, or support: sensors mounted on mourning.
motorway bridges. 5 to organize and stage a mouse n, pl mice 1 a small long-tailed ro-
campaign, a play, etc.: the Allies mounted a dent similar to but smaller than a rat. 2 a
counter attack on the eastern front. —n 6 a quiet, timid, or cowardly person. 3 Comput-
backing, setting, or support onto which ers a hand-held device used to control cur-
something is fixed: a diamond set in a gold sor movements and computing functions
mount. 7 a horse for riding: none of his without keying, -vb mousing, moused 4
mounts at yesterday’s race meeting finished Rare to stalk and c^tch mice.
better than third. mouser n a cat or other animal that is used
mount2 n a mountain or hill: used in litera- to catch mice.
ture and (when cap.) in proper names: mousetrap n 1 a spring-loaded trap for kill-
Mount Etna. ing mice. 2 Brit informal cheese of mediocre
mountain n 1 a very large, high, and steep quality.
hill: the highest mountain in the Alps. 2 a moussaka n a dish originating in the Balkan
huge heap or mass: a mountain of papers. 3 States, consisting of meat, aubergines, and
a surplus of a commodity, esp. in the Euro- tomatoes, topped with cheese sauce.
pean Union: a butter mountain. ~adj 4 of, mousse n 1 a light creamy dessert made
found on, or for use on a mountain or moun- with eggs, cream, and fruit set with gela-
tains: a mountain village. tine. 2 a similar dish made from fish or
mountain ash n a tree with clusters of small meat. 3 short for styling mousse.
white flowers and bright red berries; moustache or US mustache n unshaved
rowan. hair growing on the upper lip.
mountain bike n a type of bicycle with mousy or mousey adj mousier, mousiest 1
straight handlebars and heavy-duty tyres, (of hair) dull light brown in colour. 2 shy or
originally designed for use over rough hilly ineffectual, mousiness n
ground. mouth n, pl mouths 1 the opening through
mountain cat n any of various wild animals which many animals take in food and issue
of the cat family, such as the bobcat, lynx, sounds. 2 the visible part of the mouth; lips.
or puma. 3 a person regarded as a consumer of food:
mountaineer n 1 a person who climbs moun- three mouths to feed. 4 a particular manner
tains. —vb 2 to climb mountains, moun- of speaking: a foul mouth. 5 Informal boast-
taineering n ful, rude, or excessive talk: she is all mouth.
mountain goat n a wild goat inhabiting 6 the point where a river issues into a sea or
mountainous regions. lake. 7 an opening, such as that of a bottle,
tunnel, or gun. 8 down in the mouth in low
mountain lion n a puma. spirits, -vb 9 to form words with move-
mountainous adj 1 having many mountains: ments of the lips but without speaking. 10
a mountainous region. 2 like a mountain or to speak or say something insincerely, esp.
mountains, esp. in size: mountainous waves. in public: ministers mouthing platitudes.
mountain sickness n nausea, headache, and mouthful n, pl -fuls 1 the amount of food or
mouth organ 523 mozzarella
drink put into the mouth at any one time ed to make the first move. 23 on the move
when eating or drinking. 2 a long word, travelling from place to place.
phrase, or name that is difficult to say. 3 move in vb 1 Also: move into to start to live
Brit informal an abusive response: I asked in a different house or flat. 2 to start to live
him to move and he just gave me a mouth- in the same house or flat as: he moved in
ful. with his girlfriend. 3 to attack a person or
mouth organ n same as harmonica. place, or try to gain influence or control
over a person or activity: the police moved
mouthpiece n 1 the part of a wind instru- in to break up the demonstration.
ment into which the player blows. 2 the movement n 1 the act, process, or an in-
part of a telephone receiver into which a stance of moving. 2 the manner of moving:
person speaks. 3 a person or publication their movement is jerky. 3 a a group of peo-
expressing the views of an organization. ple with a common ideology, b the organ-
mouthwash n a medicated solution for gar- ized action and campaigning of such a
gling and cleansing the mouth. group: a successful movement to abolish
mouthwatering adj (of food) making one child labour. 4 a trend or tendency: a
movement towards shorter working hours.
want to eat it, because it looks or smells de-
licious. 5 Finance a change in the price or value of
shares, a currency, etc.: adverse currency
movable or moveable adj 1 able to be movements. 6 Music a principal self-
moved; not fixed. 2 (of a festival, esp. East- contained section of a large-scale work,
er) varying in date from year to year. ~n 3 such as a symphony. 7 movements a per-
movables movable articles, esp. furniture. son’s location and activities during a specif-
move vb moving, moved 1 to go or take ic time: police were trying to piece together
from one place to another; change in posi- the recent movements of the two men. 8 a
tion: I moved your books off the table. 2 to the evacuation of the bowels, b the matter
start to live or work in a different place: I evacuated. 9 the mechanism which drives
moved to Brighton from Bristol last year. 3 and regulates a watch or clock.
to be or cause to be in motion: the trees move on vb 1 to leave one place in order to
were moving in the wind; the car moved go elsewhere: we spent three days in Perth
slowly down the road. 4 to act or begin to before moving on towards Inverness. 2 to
act: the government plans to move to re- order (someone) to leave and go elsewhere:
duce crime. 5 to cause or prompt to do we were moved on by the police. 3 to finish
something: public opinion moved the Presi- one thing and turn one’s attention to some-
dent to act. 6 to change the time when thing else: can we move on to the next ques-
something is scheduled to happen: can I tion?
move the appointment to Friday afternoon, move over vb 1 to change one’s position in
please? 7 to arouse affection, pity, or com- order to make room for someone else: if you
passion in; touch: her story moved me to moved over there’d be room for us both on
tears. 8 to change, progress, or develop in a the couch. 2 to leave one’s job so that some-
specified way: the conversation moved to one else can have it: she decided to move
more personal matters. 9 to suggest a pro- over to let someone younger onto the board.
posal formally, as in a debate: to move a mover n 1 a person or animal that moves in
motion. 10 to spend most of one’s time with a particular way: a slow mover. 2 the per-
a specified social group: they both move in son who first puts forward a proposal. 3 US
theatrical, arty circles. 11 (in board games) 6 Canad a removal firm or a person who
to change the position of a piece. 12 (of ma- works for one.
chines) to work or operate. 13 a (of the movie n 1 Chiefly US informal a cinema
bowels) to excrete waste, b to cause the film. 2 the movies the cinema: I want to go
bowels to excrete waste. 14 (of merchan- to the movies tonight.
dise) to be disposed of by being bought. 15 moving adj 1 arousing or touching the emo-
to travel quickly: this car can really move. tions: a moving account of her son’s death.
16 move heaven and earth do everything 2 changing or capable of changing position:
possible to achieve a result. ~n 17 the act a moving target, movingly adv
of moving; movement. 18 one of a sequence moving staircase or stairway n an escala-
of actions, usually part of a plan: the first tor.
real move towards disarmament. 19 the act
of moving one’s home or place of business. mow vb mowing, mowed, mowed or mown
20 (in board games) a a player’s turn to 1 to cut down grass or crops: a tractor
move his piece, b a manoeuvre of a piece. 21 chugged along, mowing hay. 2 to cut the
get a move on Informal to hurry up. 22 growing vegetation of a field or lawn: to
make a move Informal a to prepare or ^mow a meadow, mower n
begin to leave a place to go somewhere else; mow down vb to kill in large numbers, esp.
we’d better make a move if we want to be by gunfire.
home before dark, b to do something which mown vhthe past participle of mow.
will produce a response: neither of us want- mozzarella (mot-sa-rel-la) n a moist white
MP 524 mudslinging
curd cheese originally made in Italy from muck in vb Brit slang to share duties or
buffalo milk. work with other people.
MP 1 Member of Parliament. 2 Military Po- muck out vb to clean (a barn, stable, etc.),
lice. 3 Mounted Police. muckraking n seeking out and exposing
mpg miles per gallon, scandal relating to well-known people,
mph miles per hour. muckraker n
MPhil Master of Philosophy. mucksweat n Brit informal profuse sweat,
Mr n, pl Messrs a title used before a man’s muck up vb Informal to ruin, spoil, or do
name or before some office that he holds: very badly: I mucked up my driving test.
Mr Pickwick; Mr President. mucky adj 1 dirty or muddy: don’t come in
Mrs n, pl Mrs or Mesdames a title used be- here with your mucky boots on? 2 sexually
fore the name of a married woman. explicit; obscene: a mucky book.
ms millisecond(s). mucous membrane n a mucus-secreting tis-
Ms (mizz) n a title used before the name of a sue that lines body cavities or passages.
woman to avoid indicating whether she is mucus (mew-kuss) n the slimy protective
married or not. secretion of the mucous membranes, mu-
MS 1 Mississippi. 2 multiple sclerosis. cosity n mucous adj
MS. or ms. pl MSS ormss manuscript. mud n 1 soft wet earth, as found on the
ground after rain or at the bottom of ponds.
MSc Master of Science. 2 (someone’s) name is mud Informal
MSF Manufacturing, Science, and Finance (someone) is disgraced. 3 throw mud at In-
(Union). formal slander or vilify, —adj 4 made from
MSG monosodium glutamate. mud or dried mud: a mud hut.
MST Mountain Standard Time. mud bath n 1 a medicinal bath in heated
mt megaton. mud. 2 a dirty or muddy place, occasion, or
Mt Mount: Mt Everest. state: heavy rain turned the pitch into a
mud bath.
MT Montana.
muddle n 1 a state of untidiness or confu-
mt. megaton. sion: the files are in a terrible muddle. 2 a
MTech (in the U.S. and Canada) Master of state of mental confusion or uncertainty:
Technology. the government are in a muddle over the
much adj more, most 1 a large amount or economy. ~vb-dling, -died 3 Also: muddle
degree of: there isn’t much wine left. ~n 2 up to mix up or confuse (objects or items):
a large amount or degree. 3 a bit much In- you’ve got your books all muddled up with
formal rather excessive. 4 make much of a mine. 4 to make (someone) confused: don’t
to make sense of: he eouldn’t make mueh of muddle her with too many suggestions.
her letter, b to give importance to: the press muddled adj
made much of the story. 5 not much of not muddleheaded adj mentally confused or
to any appreciable degree or extent: he’s vague.
not much of a cook. 6 not up to much In- muddle through vb Chiefly Brit to succeed
formal of a low standard: this beer is not up in spite of lack of organization.
to mueh. -adv 7 considerably: I'm much
better now. 8 practically or nearly: it’s muddy adj -dier, -diest 1 covered or filled
mueh the same. 9 often or a great deal: that with mud. 2 not clear or bright: muddy col-
doesn’t happen much these days. 10 (as) ours. 3 cloudy: a muddy liquid. 4 (esp. of
much as even though; although: much as I’d thoughts) confused or vague, -vb -dies,
like to, I can't come. -See also more, most. -dying, -died 5 to make muddy. 6 to make a
situation or issue less clear: the allegations
muchness n much of a muchness Brit very of sexual misconduct only serve to muddy
similar. the issue, muddily adv
mucilage (mew-sill-ij) n 1 a sticky substance mud flat n an area of low muddy land that is
used as an adhesive, such as gum or glue. 2 covered at high tide but not at low tide.
a glutinous substance secreted by certain
plants, mucilaginous adj mud flow n the rapid downhill movement of
a mass of mud, typically in the shape of a
muck n 1 dirt or filth. 2 farmyard dung or tongue.
decaying vegetable matter. 3 Slang, chiefly
Brit something of poor quality; rubbish: I mudguard n a curved part of a bicycle or
don't want to eat this muck. 4 make a muck other vehicle attached above the wheels to
of Slang, chiefly Brit to ruin or spoil, -vb 5 reduce the amount of water or mud thrown
to spread manure upon. ~See also muck up by them.
about, muck in, etc. mudpack n a cosmetic paste applied to the
muck about or around vb Brit slang 1 to face to improve the complexion.
waste time by misbehaving or being silly. 2 mudpie n a mass of mud moulded into a
muck about with to interfere with, annoy, pielike shape by a child.
or waste the time of. mudslinging n the making of malicious per-
muesli 525 multiple
sonal attacks on an opponent, esp. in poli- plants or enrich the soil, -vb 2 to cover
tics. mudslinger n soil with mulch.
muesli (mewz-lee) n a mixture of rolled mule1 n 1 the sterile offspring of a male
oats, nuts, and dried fruit, usually eaten donkey and a female horse. 2 a machine
with milk. that spins cotton into yarn.
muezzin (moo-ezz-in) n Islam the official of mule2 n a backless shoe or slipper,
a mosque who calls the faithful to prayer muleteer n a person who drives mules,
from the minaret.
mulish adj stubborn; obstinate.
muff1 n a tube of fur or cloth into which the
hands are placed for warmth. mull n Scot a promontory or headland: the
muff2 vb 1 to do (something) badly. I muffed
Mull of Galloway.
my chance to make a good impression. 2 to mullah n (formerly) a Muslim scholar,
bungle (a shot or catch). teacher, or religious leader.
muffin n 1 Brit a thick round baked yeast mulled adj (of wine or ale) flavoured with
roll, usually toasted and served with butter. sugar and spices and served hot.
2 Chiefly US & Canad a small cup-shaped mullet n, pl mullets or mullet any of vari-
sweet bread roll, usually eaten hot with ous marine food fishes such as the red mul-
butter. let.
muffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to deaden (a sound mulligatawny n a curry-flavoured soup of
or noise), esp. by wrapping the source of it Anglo-Indian origin.
in something: the sound was muffled by the mullion n a slender vertical bar between the
double glazing. 2 to wrap up in a scarf or casements or panes of a window, mulli-
coat for warmth. 3 to censor or restrict: an oned adj
attempt to muffle criticism, muffled adj mull over vb to study or ponder: he mulled
muffler n 1 a thick scarf worn for warmth. 2 over the arrangements.
US & Canad a device to deaden sound, esp. multi- combining form 1 many or much:
one on a car exhaust; silencer. multimillion. 2 more than one: multistorey.
mufti n civilian clothes worn by a person multicoloured adj having many colours,
who normally wears a military uniform.
multicultural adj of or for the cultures of
mug1 n 1 a large drinking cup with a handle.
2 the quantity held by a mug or its contents: several different races.
a mug of coffee. multifarious (mull-tee-fare-ee-uss) adj many
mug2 n 1 Slang a person’s face or mouth: and varied: multifarious religious move-
keep your ugly mug out of this. 2 Slang a ments and political divisions sprang up
gullible person, esp. one who is swindled around this time.
easily. 3 a mug’s game a worthless activity. multiflora rose n a climbing rose with clus-
mug3 vb mugging, mugged to attack some- ters of small fragrant flowers.
one in order to rob them, mugger n mug- multiform adj having many shapes or forms,
ging n multilateral adj of or involving more than
muggins n Brit slang a a stupid or gullible two nations or parties: multilateral trade
person, b a title used humorously to refer to negotiations.
oneself. multilingual adj 1 able to speak more than
muggy adj -gier, -giest (of weather or air) two languages. 2 written or expressed in
unpleasantly warm and humid, mugginess more than two languages: a multilingual
n leaflet.
mug shot n Informal a photograph of a per- multimedia pl n 1 the combined use of media
son’s face, esp. one resembling a police-file such as television and slides. 2 Computers
picture. of or relating to systems that can manipu-
mug up vb Brit slang to study a subject late data in a variety of forms, such as
hard, esp. for an exam. sound, graphics, or text.
mujaheddin or mujahedeen (moo-ja-hed- multimillionaire n a person who has money
deen) pl n fundamentalist Muslim guerril- or property worth several million pounds,
las. dollars, etc.
mukluk n a soft boot, usually of sealskin, multinational ac(j 1 (of a large business com-
worn by Inuits. pany) operating in several countries. 2 in-
mulatto (mew-lat-toe) n, pl -tos or -toes a volving people from several countries: a
person with one Black and one White par- multinational peacekeeping force. ~n 3 a
ent. large company operating in several coun-
mulberry n, pl -ries 1 a tree with edible tries.
blackberry-like fruit, the leaves of which multiparous (mull-tip-a-russ) adj producing
are used to feed silkworms. 2 the fruit of many offspring at one birth.
any of these trees, -adj 3 dark purple. multiple adj 1 having or involving more than
mulch n 1 a mixture of half-rotten vegetable one part, individual, or element, —n 2 a
matter and peat used to protect the roots of number or polynomial which can be divided
multiple-choice 526 murmur
by another specified one an exact number mumbo jumbo n 1 meaningless language;
of times: 6 is a multiple of 2. multiply adv nonsense or gibberish. 2 foolish religious
multiple-choice adj (of a test or question) ritual or incantation.
giving a number of possible answers out of mummer n one of a group of masked per-
which the correct one must be chosen. formers in a folk play or mime.
multiple sclerosis n a chronic progressive mummery n, pl -meries 1 a performance by
disease of the central nervous system, re- mummers. 2 hypocritical or ostentatious
sulting in speech and visual disorders, ceremony.
tremor, muscular incoordination, and par- mummified adj (of a body) preserved as a
tial paralysis. mummy, mummification n
multiplex n, pl -plexes 1 a purpose-built mummy1 n, pl -mies an embalmed body as
complex containing several cinemas and prepared for burial in ancient Egypt.
usually restaurants and bars. —adj 2 hav- mummy2 n, pl -mies Chiefly Brit a child’s
ing many elements; complex. word for mother.
multiplicand n a number to be multiplied by mumps n an infectious viral disease in
another number (the multiplier). which the glands below the ear become
multiplication n 1 a mathematical operation, swollen and painful.
equivalent to adding a number to itself a munch vbto chew noisily and steadily,
specified number of times. For instance, 4 mundane adj 1 everyday, ordinary, and
multiplied by 3 equals 12 (i.e. 4 + 4 + 4). 2 therefore not very interesting. 2 relating to
the act of multiplying or state of being mul- the world or worldly matters.
tiplied. mung bean n an E Asian bean plant grown
multiplication sign n the symbol X, placed for its edible seeds which are used as a
between numbers to be multiplied. source of bean sprouts.
multiplication table n a table giving the re- municipal adj of or relating to a town or city
sults of multiplying two numbers together. or its local government.
multiplicity n, pl -ties 1 a large number or municipality n, pl -ties 1 a city, town, or dis-
great variety. 2 the state of being multiple. trict enjoying local self-government. 2 the
multiplier n a number by which another governing body of such a unit.
number (the multiplicand) is multiplied. munificent (mew-niff-fiss-sent) adj very
multiply vb -plies, -plying, -plied 1 to in- generous, munificence n
crease or cause to increase in number, muniments (mew-"nim-ments) pl n Law the
quantity, or degree. 2 to combine numbers title deeds and other documentary evidence
or quantities by multiplication. 3 to in- relating to the title to land.
crease in number by reproduction. munitions (mew-nish-unz) pl n military
multipurpose adj having many uses: a giant equipment and stores, esp. ammunition.
multipurpose enterprise. muon (mew-on) n a positive or negative el-
multiracial adj consisting of or involving ementary particle with a mass 207 times
people of many races: a multiracial society. that of an electron.
multiracialism n mural (myoor-al) n 1 a large painting on a
multistage adj (of a rocket or missile) hav- wall. —adj 2 of or relating to a wall, mu-
ing several stages, each of which can be jet- ralist n
tisoned after it has burnt out. murder n 1 the unlawful intentional killing
multistorey adj (of a building) having many of one human being by another. 2 Informal
storeys. something dangerous, difficult, or unpleas-
multitrack adj (in sound recording) using ant: shopping on Christmas Eve is murder.
tape containing two or more tracks. 3 cry blue murder Informal to make an
outcry. 4 get away with murder Informal
multitude n 1 a large number of people or to do as one pleases without ever being pun-
things: a multitude of different pressure ished. —vb 5 to kill someone intentionally
groups. 2 the multitude the common peo- and unlawfully. 6 Informal to ruin a piece
ple. multitudinous adj of music or drama by performing it very
multi-user adj (of a computer) capable of badly: he absolutely murdered that song. 7
being used by several people at once. Informal to beat decisively: they’ll murder
mum1 n Informal, chiefly Brit same as them in the home tie. murderer n murder-
mother. ess fem n murderous adj
mum2 adj 1 keep mum remain silent. 2 murk n thick gloomy darkness.
mum’s the word keep quiet (about some- murky adj murkier, murkiest 1 gloomy or
thing). dark. 2 cloudy or hard to see through: a
mumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to speak or say murky stagnant pond. 3 obscure and suspi-
something indistinctly, with the mouth cious; shady: murky goings-on; his murky
partly closed: I could hear him mumbling past, murkily adv murkiness n
under his breath. ~n 2 an indistinct or low murmur vb 1 to speak or say in a quiet indis-
utterance or sound. tinct way. 2 to complain. ~n 3 a continuous
Murphy’s Law 527 musket
low indistinct sound, such as that of a dis- growth, -vb 3 to grow rapidly: consumer
tant conversation. 4 an indistinct utterance: debt mushroomed rapidly in 1989.
a murmur of protest. 5 a complaint or mushroom cloud n the large mushroom-
grumble: he left without a murmur. 6 Med shaped cloud produced by a nuclear explo-
any abnormal soft blowing sound heard sion.
usually over the chest: a heart murmur. mushy adj mushier, mushiest 1 soft and
murmuring n, adj murmurous adj pulpy. 2 Informal excessively sentimental.
Murphy’s Law n same as Sod’s Law. music n 1 an art form consisting of
murrain (murr-rin) n any plaguelike disease sequences of sounds organized melodically,
in cattle. harmonically, and rhythmically. 2 such
mus. 1 museum. 2 music. 3 musical. sounds, esp. when produced by singing or
MusB or MusBac Bachelor of Music. musical instruments. 3 any written or
muscle n 1 a tissue in the body composed of printed representation of musical sounds: I
bundles of elongated cells which produce can’t read music. 4 any sequence of sounds
movement in an organ or part by contract- perceived as pleasing or harmonious. 5 face
ing or relaxing. 2 an organ composed of the music Informal to confront the conse-
muscle tissue: the heart is essentially just quences of one’s actions. 6 music to one’s
another muscle. 3 strength or force: we do ears something, such as a piece of news,
not have the political muscle to force that one is pleased to hear.
through these reforms, —vb -cling, -cled 4 musical adj 1 of or used in music. 2 talented
muscle in to force one’s way into a situa- in or fond of music. 3 pleasant-sounding;
tion; intrude: I don’t like the way he’s try- harmonious: musical laughter. 4 involving
ing to muscle in here. or set to music: a musical biography of Judy
muscle-bound adj having overdeveloped Garland, —n 5 a play or film that has dia-
and inelastic muscles. logue interspersed with songs and dances,
musicality n musically adv
muscleman n, pl -men 1 a man with highly
developed muscles. 2 a henchman employed musical box n a box containing a mechani-
to intimidate or use violence upon victims. cal instrument that plays tunes when the
box is opened.
Muscovite adj 1 of Moscow, a city in Russia.
musical chairs n 1 a game in which the
~n 2 a person from Moscow.
players run round a row of chairs while
muscular adj 1 having well-developed mus- music plays. There is one more player than
cles; brawny. 2 of or consisting of muscle: there are chairs, and when the music stops
great muscular effort is needed. 3 forceful the player who cannot find a chair to sit on
or powerful: a muscular account of is out. 2 any situation involving a number
Schumann’s Fourth Symphony, muscular- of people in a series of interrelated changes:
ity n the dismissal of the Chancellor started a
muscular dystrophy n a hereditary disease game of musical chairs in the Cabinet.
in which the muscles gradually weaken and music centre n a single hi-fi unit containing
waste away. a turntable, radio, and cassette player.
musculature n the arrangement of muscles music hall n Chiefly Brit (formerly) 1 a va-
in an organ, part, or organism. riety entertainment consisting of songs and
MusD or MusDoc Doctor of Music. comic turns. 2 a theatre at which such en-
muse1 vb musing, mused to think deeply tertainments were staged.
and at length about: she mused unhappily musician n a person who plays or composes
on how right her sister had been. music, esp. as a profession.
muse2 n the muse a force or person, esp. a musicianship n the technical and interpre-
woman, that inspires a creative artist. tive skills involved in singing or playing
Muses pl n Greek myth the nine sister god- music: the piano part is simple but per-
desses, each of whom was the protector of a formed with great musicianship.
different art or science. musicology n the scholarly study of music,
museum n a building where objects of his- musicologist n
torical, artistic, or scientific interest are musk n 1 a strong-smelling glandular secre-
exhibited and preserved. tion of the male musk deer, used in perfum-
museum piece n Informal a very old or old- ery. 2 any similar substance produced by
fashioned object or building. animals or plants, or manufactured syn-
mush1 n 1 a soft pulpy mass. 2 Informal thetically.
cloying sentimentality. musk deer n a small central Asian mountain
mush2 Canad -interj 1 an order to dogs in a deer.
sled team to start up or go faster, —vb 2 to- muskeg n Chiefly Canad an area of un-
travel by or drive a dogsled. drained boggy land.
mushroom n 1 an edible fungus consisting musket n a long-barrelled muzzle-loading
of a cap at the end of a stem. 2 something gun fired from the shoulder, a forerunner of
resembling a mushroom in shape or rapid the rifle, musketeer n
muskmelon 528 mutter
muskmelon n any of several varieties of on the bank of the river, —n 3 an assembly
melon, such as the cantaloupe and honey- of military personnel for duty or inspection.
dew. 4 a collection, assembly, or gathering. 5
musk ox n a large ox, which has a dark pass muster to be acceptable.
shaggy coat, downward-curving horns, and musty adj -tier, -tiest 1 smelling or tasting
emits a musky smell. old, stale, or mouldy. 2 old-fashioned, dull,
muskrat n, pl -rats or -rat 1 a North Ameri- or hackneyed: musty ideas, mustily adv
can beaver-like amphibious rodent. 2 the mustiness n
brown fur of this animal. mutable (mew-tab-bl) adj able to or tending
musk rose n a Mediterranean rose, cultivat- to change, mutability n
ed for its white musk-scented flowers. mutant (mew-tant) n 1 an animal, organism,
musky adj muskier, muskiest having a or gene that has undergone mutation, —adj
heady sweet smell, muskiness n 2 of or resulting from mutation.
Muslim or Moslem n, pl -lims or -lim 1 a fol- mutate (mew-tate) vb -tating, -tated to
lower of the religion of Islam. —adj 2 of or undergo or cause to undergo mutation.
relating to Islam. mutation (mew-tay-shun) n 1 a change or al-
muslin n a very fine plain-weave cotton fab- teration. 2 a change in the chromosomes or
ric. genes of a cell which may affect the struc-
musquash n muskrat fur. ture and development of the resultant off-
muss vb US & Canad informal to make unti- spring. 3 a physical characteristic in an or-
dy; rumple: watch you don't muss up my ganism resulting from this type of chromo-
hair! somal change.
mussel n an edible shellfish, with a dark mute adj 1 not giving out sound or speech;
slightly elongated hinged shell, which lives silent. 2 unable to speak; dumb. 3 unspoken
attached to rocks. or unexpressed: she shot him a look of mute
must1 vb used as an auxiliary to express or entreaty. 4 (of a letter in a word) silent: the
indicate: 1 the need or necessity to do some- “k” in “know" is mute. ~n 5 a person who
thing: I must go to the shops. 2 obligation or is unable to speak. 6 any of various devices
requirement: you must not smoke in here. 3 used to soften the tone of stringed or brass
the probable correctness of a statement: he instruments, -vb muting, muted 7 to re-
must be finished by now. 4 inevitability: all duce the volume or soften the tone of a mu-
good things must come to an end. 5 deter- sical instrument by means of a mute or soft
mination: I must try and finish this. 6 con- pedal. 8 to reduce'the volume of a sound:
viction or certainty on the part of the the double glazing muted the noise of the
speaker: you must be kidding! ~n 7 an es- traffic, mutely adv muteness n
sential or necessary thing: strong boots are muted adj 1 (of a sound or colour) softened:
a must for hill walking. a muted pink shirt. 2 (of an emotion or ac-
must2 n the pressed juice of grapes or other tion) subdued or restrained: his response
fruit ready for fermentation. was muted. 3 (of a musical instrument)
mustache n US same as moustaehe. being played while fitted with a mute:
muted trumpet.
mustachio n, pl -Chios Often humorous a
moustache, esp. a bushy or elaborate one. mute swan n the swan most commonly seen
mustaehioed adj in Britain, which has a pure white plumage
and an orange-red bill.
mustang n a small breed of horse, often wild
or half wild, found in the southwestern US. muti (moo-tee) n S African medicine, esp.
mustard n 1 a hot, spicy paste made from
herbal.
the powdered seeds of any of a family of mutilate (mew-till-ate) vb -lating, -lated 1
plants. 2 any of these plants, which have to injure by tearing or cutting off a limb or
yellow flowers and slender pods, -adj 3 essential part; maim. 2 to damage a book or
brownish-yellow. text so as to render it unintelligible. 3 to
mustard and cress n seedlings of white spoil or damage severely: why did he muti-
mustard and garden cress, used in salads late his favourite tapes and leave ours
and as a garnish. alone? mutilated adj mutilation n muti-
lator n
mustard gas n an oily liquid with poisonous
vapour used in chemical warfare, esp. in mutineer n a person who mutinies.
World War 1, which can cause blindness, mutinous adj 1 openly rebellious. 2 charac-
burns, and sometimes death. teristic or indicative of mutiny.
mustard plaster n Med a mixture of pow- mutiny (mew-tin-ee) n, pl -nies 1 open rebel-
dered black mustard seeds applied to the lion against authority, esp. by sailors or
skin for its counterirritant effects. soldiers against their officers, —vb -nies,
muster vb 1 to summon or gather: I put as -nying, -nied 2 to engage in mutiny.
much disbelief in my expression as I could mutt n Slang 1 a foolish or stupid person. 2 a
muster. 2 to call or be called together for mongrel dog.
duty or inspection: the battalion mustered mutter vb 1 to say something or speak in a
mutton 529 myth
low and indistinct tone: he muttered an ex- myocardium n, pl -dia the muscular tissue
cuse. 2 to grumble. —n 3 a muttered sound of the heart, myocardial adj
or complaint, muttering n, adj myopia (my-oh-pee-a) n inability to see dis-
mutton n 1 the flesh of mature sheep, used tant objects clearly because the images are
as food. 2 mutton dressed as lamb an older focused in front of the retina; short-
person dressed up to look young. sightedness. myopic (my-op-ik) adj
muttonchops pl n side whiskers trimmed in myriad (mir-ree-ad) adj 1 innumerable: the
the shape of chops. myriad demands of the modern world, —n
muttonhead n Slang a stupid or ignorant 2 a large indefinite number: myriads of tiny
person. yellow flowers.
mutual (mew-chew-al) adj 1 experienced or myriapod n an invertebrate with a long
expressed by each of two or more people segmented body and many legs, such as a
about the other; reciprocal: mutual inter- centipede.
ests. 2 common to or shared by two or more myrmidon n a follower or henchman.
people: a mutual friend. 3 denoting an or- myrrh (mur) n the aromatic resin of an Afri-
ganization, such as an insurance company, can or Asian shrub or tree, used in perfume,
in which the policyholders or investors incense, and medicine.
share the profits and expenses and there myrtle (mur-tl) n an evergreen shrub with
are no shareholders, mutuality n mutual- pink or white flowers and aromatic blue-
ly adv black berries.
► The objection that something mutual holds myself pron 1 the reflexive form of I or me: I
between two people only is outdated; really enjoyed myself at the party. 2 I or me
nowadays mutual is equivalent to “shared, in person, as distinct from anyone else: I
in common”. myself know of no answer. 3 my usual self:
Muzak n Trademark recorded light music I’m not myself today.
played in places such as restaurants and mysterious adj 1 of unknown cause or na-
shops. ture: a mysterious illness. 2 creating a feel-
muzzle n 1 the projecting part of an animal’s ing of strangeness, curiosity, or wonder: a
face, usually the jaws and nose. 2 a guard, fascinating and mysterious old woman.
made of plastic or strap of strong material, mysteriously adv
fitted over an animal’s nose and jaws to mystery n, pl -teries 1 an unexplained or in-
prevent it biting or eating. 3 the front end explicable event or phenomenon. 2 a person
of a gun barrel, —vb -zling, -zled 4 to pre- or thing that arouses curiosity or suspense
vent from being heard or noticed: an at- because of an unknown, obscure, or enig-
tempt to muzzle the press. 5 to put a muzzle matic quality. 3 a story or film which
on an animal. arouses suspense and curiosity because of
muzzy adj -zier, -ziest 1 confused and grog- facts concealed. 4 a religious rite, such as
gy: he felt muzzy and hung over. 2 blurred the Eucharist in Christianity.
or hazy: the picture was muzzy and out of mystery play n (in the Middle Ages) a type
focus, muzzily adv muzziness n of drama based on the life of Christ.
MV megavolt. mystery tour n an excursion to an unspeci-
MW 1 megawatt. 2 Radio medium wave. fied destination.
Mx Physics maxwell. mystic n 1 a person who achieves mystical
my adj 1 of, belonging to, or associated with experience, —adj 2 same as mystical.
the speaker or writer (me): my own way of mystical adj 1 relating to or characteristic
doing things. 2 used in various forms of ad- of mysticism. 2 Christianity having a sacred
dress: my lord, —interj 3 an exclamation of significance that is beyond human under-
surprise or awe: my, how you’ve grown! standing. 3 having occult or metaphysical
mycelium (mice-eel-lee-um) n, pl -lia (-lee-a) significance, mystically adv
the mass forming the body of a fungus. mysticism n 1 belief in or experience of a
Mycenaean (mice-in-ee-an) adj of or relat- reality beyond normal human understand-
ing to the Aegean civilization of Mycenae, a ing or experience. 2 the use of prayer and
city in S Greece (1400-1100 bc ). meditation in an attempt to achieve direct
intuitive experience of the divine.
mycology n the study of fungi. mystify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to confuse,
myelin (my-ill-in) n a white tissue forming bewilder, or puzzle: his success mystifies
an insulating sheath around certain nerve many in the fashion industry. 2 to make ob-
fibres. scure: it is important for us not to mystify
myeloma (my-ill-oh-ma) n, pl -mas or -mata the function of the scientist, mystification
(-ma-ta) a tumour of the bone marrow. n mystifying adj
myna, mynah, or mina n a tropical Asian mystique (miss-steek) n an aura of mys-
starling which can mimic human speech. tery, power, and awe that surrounds a per-
Mynheer (min-near) n a Dutch title of ad- son or thing.
dress equivalent to Sir or Mr. myth n 1 a a story about superhuman beings
myth. 530 myxomatosis
of an earlier age, usually of how natural esp. those associated with a particular cul-
phenomena or social customs came into ex- ture or person. 2 a body of stories about a
istence. b same as mythology (senses 1, 3). person, institution, etc. 3 the study of
2 a an idea or explanation which is widely myths, mythological adj
held but untrue or unproven: the myth that
the USA is a classless society, b a person or myxoedema or US myxedema (mix-id-
thing whose existence is fictional or un- deem-a) n a disease caused by an
proven: the Loch Ness Monster is a myth. underactive thyroid gland, characterized by
myth. 1 mythological. 2 mythology, puffy eyes, face, and hands, and mental
sluggishness.
mythical or mythic adj 1 of or relating to
myth. 2 imaginary or fictitious, mythically myxomatosis (mix-a-mat-oh-siss) n an in-
adv fectious and usually fatal viral disease of
mythology n, pl -gies 1 myths collectively, rabbits causing swellings and tumours.
 N
n1 1 nano-. 2 neutron. way: a compromise was agreed in principle
n2 n 1 Maths a number whose value is not but has not yet been nailed down.
stated: two to the power n. ~adj 2 an in- nailfile n a small metal file used to shape and
definite number of: there are n objects in smooth the nails.
the box. nth adj nail varnish or polish n a thick liquid ap-
N 1 Chess knight. 2 Chem nitrogen. 3 Physics plied to the nails as a cosmetic.
newton(s). 4 North(ern). 5 nuclear: Nplant. naive (nye-eev) adj 1 innocent and gullible.
n. 1 neuter. 2 noun. 3 number. 2 simple and lacking sophistication: naive
N. 1 National(ist). 2 Navy. 3 New. 4 Norse. art. naively adv
Na Chem sodium. naivety (nye-eev-tee) or naivete n the state
NA North America. or quality of being naive.
n/a not applicable: used to indicate that a naked adj 1 without clothes. 2 not con-
question on a form is not relevant to the cealed: naked aggression. 3 without any
person filling it in. covering: it was dimly lit by naked bulbs. 4
the naked eye the eye unassisted by any
Naafi n 1 Navy, Army, and Air Force Insti- optical instrument: difficult to spot with
tutes. 2 a canteen or shop run by this or- the naked eye. nakedly adv nakedness n
ganization for military personnel.
namby-pamby adj excessively sentimental
naan n same as nan bread. or prim.
naartjie (nahr-chee) n S African a tangerine, name n 1 a word or term by which a person
nab vb nabbing, nabbed Informal 1 to ar- or thing is known. 2 reputation, esp. a good
rest (someone). 2 to catch (someone) doing one: he was making a name for himself. 3 a
something wrong. famous person: she’s a big name now. 4 call
nabob (nay-bob) n Informal a rich or impor- someone names or a name to insult some-
tant person. one by using rude words to describe him or
nacelle (nah-sell) n a streamlined enclosure her. 5 in name only not possessing the
on an aircraft, esp. one housing an engine. powers or status implied by one’s title: a
leadership in name only. 6 in the name of a
nacre (nay-ker) n mother-of-pearl, nacre- for the sake of: in the name of decency, b by
ous adj the authority of: in the name of the law. 7
nadir n 1 the point in the sky directly below name of the game the most significant or
an observer and opposite the zenith. 2 the important aspect of something: survival is
lowest or worst point of anything: I had the name of the game in wartime. 8 to one’s
touched the very nadir of despair. name in one’s possession: she hasn’t a
naevus or US nevus (nee-vuss) n, pl -vi a penny to her name. ~vb naming, named 9
birthmark or mole. to give a name to. 10 to refer to by name: he
naff adj Brit slang in poor taste: naff frocks refused to name his source. 11 to fix or
and trouser suits, naffness n specify: he named a time for the meeting. 12
nag1 vb nagging, nagged 1 to scold or find to appoint: she was named Journalist of the
fault constantly. 2 nag at to be a constant Year. 13 to ban (an MP) from the House of
source of discomfort or worry to. ~n 3 a Commons by mentioning him or her formal-
person who nags, nagging adj, n ly by name as being guilty of disorderly
conduct. 14 name names to cite people in
nag2 n 1 Often disparaging an old horse. 2 a order to blame or accuse them.
small riding horse. name day n RC Church the feast day of a
naiad (nye-ad) n, pl naiads or naiades saint whose name one bears.
(nye-ad-deez) Greek myth a water nymph.
name-dropping n Informal the practice of
nail n 1 a piece of metal with a point at one referring to famous people as though they
end and a head at the other, hit with a were friends, in order to impress others.
hammer to join two objects together. 2 the nameless adj 1 without a name. 2 unspeci-
hard covering of the upper tips of the fin- fied: the individual concerned had better
gers and toes. 3 hit the nail on the head to remain nameless. 3 too horrible to speak
say something exactly correct or accurate. about: the nameless dread.
4 on the nail at once: he paid always in
cash, always on the nail. ~vb 5 to attach namely adv that is to say.
(something) with nails. 6 Informal to arrest - nameplate n a small sign on or next to a
or catch (someone). door giving the occupant’s name and, some-
nail down vb 1 to secure or fasten down times, profession.
with nails or as if with nails. 2 to force an namesake n a person or thing with the same
agreement from. 3 to settle in a definite name as another.
nan bread 532 national grid
nan bread or naan n a slightly leavened In- narration n 1 a narrating. 2 a narrated ac-
dian bread in a large flat leaf shape. count or story.
nancy n, pl -cies Brit offensive slang an ef- narrative n 1 an account of events. 2 the
feminate or homosexual boy or man. Also part of a literary work that relates events.
called: nancy boy -adj 3 telling a story: a narrative account
nanny n, pl -nies 1 a woman whose job is of the main events. 4 of narration: narra-
looking after young children. -vb nannies, tive clarity.
nannying, nannied 2 to nurse or look after narrow adj 1 small in breadth in comparison
someone else’s children. 3 to be too protec- to length. 2 limited in range, extent, or out-
tive towards (someone). look: a narrow circle of academics. 3 with
nanny goat n a female goat. little margin: a narrow advantage. ~vb 4 to
nano- combining form denoting one thou- make or become narrow. 5 narrow down to
sand millionth (10“9): nanosecond. restrict or limit: the search can be narrowed
nap1 n 1 a short sleep. -vb napping, down to a single room. -See also narrows,
napped 2 to have a short sleep. 3 catch narrowly adv narrowness n
someone napping to catch someone unpre- narrowboat n a long bargelike canal boat,
pared: they don’t want to be caught nap- narrow gauge n 1 a railway track with less
ping when the army moves again. than 561^ inches between the lines, —adj
nap2 n the raised fibres of velvet or similar narrow-gauge 2 denoting a railway with a
cloth. narrow gauge.
nap3 n 1 a card game similar to whist. 2 narrow-minded adj bigoted, intolerant, or
Horse racing a tipster’s choice for a certain prejudiced, narrow-mindedness n
winner. —vb napping, napped 3 Horse rac- narrows pl n a narrow part of a strait, river,
ing to name (a horse) as a likely winner. or current.
napalm n 1 a highly inflammable jellied pet- narwhal n an arctic whale with a long spiral
rol, used in firebombs and flame-throwers. tusk.
-vb 2 to attack (people or places) with na- NASA (in the US) National Aeronautics and
palm. Space Administration.
nape n the back of the neck. nasal ad) 1 of the nose. 2 (of a sound) pro-
naphtha n Chem a liquid mixture distilled nounced with air passing through the nose.
from coal tar or petroleum: used as a sol- 3 (of a voice) characterized by nasal
vent and in petrol. sounds, nasally adv
naphthalene n Chem a white crystalline nasalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
substance distilled from coal tar or petro- -ised to pronounce or speak nasally.
leum, used in mothballs, dyes, and explo- nascent adj Formal starting to grow or de-
sives. velop.
napkin n 1 a piece of cloth or paper for wip- nasturtium n a plant with yellow, red, or or-
ing the mouth or protecting the clothes ange trumpet-shaped flowers.
while eating. 2 same as sanitary towel.
nasty adj -tier, -tiest 1 unpleasant: a nasty
nappy n, pl -pies Brit a piece of soft absorb-
ent material, usually disposable, wrapped odour. 2 dangerous or painful: a nasty burn.
around the waist and between the legs of a 3 (of a person) spiteful or ill-natured. ~n,
baby to absorb its urine and excrement. pl -ties 4 something unpleasant: video
nasties, nastily adv nastiness n
narcissism n an exceptional interest in or
admiration for oneself, narcissistic adj nat. 1 national. 2 nationalist.
narcissus (nahr-siss-uss) n, pl -cissi natal (nay-tl) adj of or relating to birth,
(-siss-eye) a yellow, orange, or white flow- nation n a large body of people of one or
er related to the daffodil. more cultures or races, organized into a sin-
narcosis n unconsciousness caused by a gle state: a major industrialised nation.
narcotic or general anaesthetic. national adj 1 of or serving a nation as a
narcotic n 1 a drug, such as opium or mor- whole. 2 characteristic of a particular na-
phine, that produces numbness and drowsi- tion: the national character, —n 3 a citizen
ness, used medicinally but addictive. -adj of a particular country: Belgian nationals. 4
2 of narcotics or narcosis. a national newspaper, nationally adv
nark Slang -vb 1 to annoy. -n 2 an in- national anthem n a patriotic song adopted
former or spy: copper’s nark. 3 someone by a nation for use on public occasions.
who complains in an irritating or whining National Curriculum n (in England and
manner. Wales) the curriculum of subjects taught in
narky adj narkier, narkiest Slang irritable, state schools since 1989.
complaining, or sarcastic. national debt n the total outstanding
narrate vb -rating, -rated 1 to tell (a story); borrowings of a nation’s central govern-
relate. 2 to speak the words accompanying ment.
and telling what is happening in a film or national grid n Brit 1 a network of high-
TV programme, narrator n voltage power lines linking major electric
National Health Service 533 nature
power stations. 2 the arrangement of verti- ganization: an international organization
cal and horizontal lines on an ordnance sur- established for purposes of collective secu-
vey map. rity.
National Health Service n (in Britain) the natter Informal, chiefly Brit ~vb 1 to talk
system of national medical services fi- idly and at length. ~n 2 a long idle chat.
nanced mainly by taxation. natterjack n a greyish-brown toad with red-
national insurance n (in Britain) state in- dish warty lumps.
surance based on contributions from em- natty adj -tier, -tiest Informal smart and
ployees and employers, providing payments spruce, nattily adv
to the unemployed, the sick, and the re- natural adj 1 as is normal or to be expected:
tired. the natural consequence. 2 genuine or spon-
nationalism n 1 a policy of national inde- taneous: talking in a relaxed, natural man-
pendence. 2 patriotism, sometimes to an ex- ner. 3 of, according to, existing in, or pro-
cessive degree, nationalist n, adj nation- duced by nature: natural disasters. 4 not
alistic adj acquired; inborn: their natural enthusiasm.
nationality n, pl -ties 1 the fact of being a 5 not created by human beings. 6 not syn-
citizen of a particular nation. 2 a group of thetic: natural fibres such as wool. 7 (of a
people of the same race: young men of all parent) not adoptive. 8 (of a child) illegiti-
nationalities. mate. 9 Music not sharp or flat: F natural.
nationalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, ~n 10 Informal a person with an inborn
-ised to put (an industry or a company) talent or skill: she’s a natural at bridge. 11
under state control, nationalization or Music a note that is neither sharp nor flat,
-isation n naturalness n
national park n an area of countryside pro- natural gas n a gaseous mixture, consisting
tected by a national government for its sce- mainly of methane, found below ground;
nic or environmental importance and visit- used widely as a fuel.
ed by the public. natural history n the study of animals and
national service n Chiefly Brit compulsory plants in the wild.
military service. naturalism n a movement in art and litera-
National Socialism n German history the ture advocating detailed realism, natural-
doctrines and practices of the Nazis, involv- istic adj
ing the supremacy of Hitler, anti-Semitism, naturalist n 1 a student of natural history. 2
state control of the economy, and national a person who advocates or practises natu-
expansion. National Socialist n, adj ralism.
national superannuation n NZ a govern- naturalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
ment pension paid to people of 65 years t nd -ised 1 to give citizenship to (a person born
over; retirement pension. in another country). 2 to introduce (a plant
National Trust n (in Britain) an organization or animal) into another region. 3 to cause (a
concerned with the preservation of historic foreign word or custom) to be adopted,
buildings and areas of natural beauty. naturalization or -isation n
nationwide adj covering or available to the natural logarithm n a logarithm which has
whole of a nation. the irrational number e as a base.
native adj 1 relating to a place where a per- naturally adv 1 of course; surely. 2 in a
son was born: native land. 2 born in a speci- natural or normal way. 3 instinctively.
fied place: a native New Yorker. 3 native to natural number n a positive integer, such as
originating in: a plant native to alpine re- 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.
gions. 4 natural or inborn: native genius. 5 natural philosophy n Old-fashioned physics,
relating to the original inhabitants of a natural resources pl n naturally occurring
country: archaeology may uncover magnifi- materials such as coal, oil, and minerals.
cent native artefacts. 6 go native (of a set- natural science n any of the sciences deal-
tler) to adopt the lifestyle of the local popu- ing with the study of the physical world,
lation. ~n 7 a person born in a specified such as biology, physics, chemistry, and ge-
place: a native of Palermo. 8 an indigenous ology.
animal or plant: the saffron crocus is a na- natural selection n a process by which only
tive of Asia Minor. 9 a member of the origi- those creatures and plants well adapted to
nal race of a country, as opposed to colonial their environment survive.
immigrants. natural wastage n a reduction in the num-
Native American n same as American In- ber of employees through not replacing
dian. those who leave, rather than by dismissing
nativity n, pl-ties birth or origin. employees or making them redundant.
Nativity n Christianity 1 the birth of Jesus nature n 1 the whole system of the exist-
Christ. 2 the feast of Christmas celebrating ence, forces, and events of the physical
this. world that are not controlled by human be-
NATO or Nato North Atlantic Treaty Or- ings. 2 fundamental or essential qualities:
nature reserve 534 nearside
the theory and nature of science. 3 kind or ices. 2 the warships of a nation, -adj 3
sort: problems of a financial nature. 4 tem- short for navy-bine.
perament or personality: an amiable and navy-blue adj very dark blue,
pleasant nature. 5 by nature essentially: he nawab (na-wahb) n (formerly) a Muslim
was by nature a cautious man. 6 in the na- ruler or powerful landowner in India.
ture of essentially; by way of: it was in the nay interj 1 Old-fashioned no. ~n 2 a person
nature of a debate rather than an argument. who votes against a motion, -adv 3 used
nature reserve n an area of land that is pre- for emphasis: I want, nay, need to know.
served and managed in order to protect its Nazarene n 1 the Nazarene Jesus Christ. 2
animal and plant life. Old-fashioned a Christian. 3 a person from
nature study n the study of animals and Nazareth, a town in N Israel, -adj 4 of
plants by direct observation. Nazareth.
nature trail n a path through countryside, Nazi n, pl -zis 1 a member of the fascist Na-
signposted to draw attention to natural fea- tional Socialist German Workers’ Party,
tures of interest. which came to power in Germany in 1933
naturisrn n same as nudism, naturist n, adj under Adolf Hitler, -adj 2 of or relating to
naught n 1 Archaic or literary nothing. 2 the Nazis. Nazism n
Chiefly US the figure 0. -adv 3 Archaic or nb Cricket no-ball.
literary not at all: I care naught. Nb Chem niobium.
naughty adj -tier, -tiest 1 (of children) mis- NB 1 New Brunswick. 2 note well.
chievous or disobedient. 2 mildly indecent: NC 1 North Carolina. 2 Brit education Na-
naughty lingerie, naughtily adv naughti- tional Curriculum.
ness n NCO noncommissioned officer.
nausea (naw-zee-a) n 1 the feeling of being Nd Chem neodymium.
about to vomit. 2 disgust. ND North Dakota.
nauseate vb -ating, -ated 1 to cause (some- NDT Newfoundland Daylight Time.
one) to feel sick. 2 to arouse feelings of dis-
gust in (someone), nauseating adj Ne Chem neon.
nauseous adj 1 as if about to be sick: he felt NE 1 Nebraska. 2 northeast(ern).
nauseous. 2 sickening. ne- combining form same as neo-: Nearctic.
nautical adj of the sea, ships, or navigation, Neanderthal (nee-ann-der-tahl) adj 1 of a
type of primitive man that lived in Europe
nautical mile n a unit of length, used in before 12 000 bc . 2 Informal with excessive-
navigation, equal to 1852 metres (6 076 103 ly conservative views: his notoriously Ne-
feet). anderthal attitude to women.
nautilus n, pl -luses or-li a sea creature with neap n short for neap tide.
a shell and tentacles.
Neapolitan adj 1 of Naples, a city in SW
naval adj of or relating to a navy or ships. Italy. ~n 2 a person from Naples.
nave1 n the long central part of a church. neap tide n a tide that occurs at the first
nave2 n the hub of a wheel. and last quarter of the moon when there is
navel n the slight hollow in the centre of the the smallest rise and fall in tidal level.
abdomen, where the umbilical cord was at- near prep 1 at or to a place or time not far
tached. away from, -adv 2 at or to a place or time
navel orange n a sweet orange that has a not far away. 3 short for nearly: the pain
navel-like hollow at the top. damn near crippled him. -adj 4 at or in a
navigable adj 1 wide, deep, or safe enough place or time not far away: in the near fu-
to be sailed through: the navigable portion ture. 5 closely connected or intimate: a near
of the Nile. 2 able to be steered: the boat relation. 6 almost being the thing specified:
has to be watertight and navigable. a mood of near rebellion, -vb 7 to draw
navigate vb -gating, -gated 1 to direct or close (to): the participants are nearing
plot the course or position of a ship or air- agreement. ~n 8 the left side of a horse or
craft. 2 to travel over or through safely: vehicle, nearness n
your cousin, who’s just navigated the Ama- nearby adj, adv not far away.
zon. 3 Informal to direct (oneself) carefully Near East n same as Middle East.
or safely: he navigated his unsteady way to nearly adv 1 almost. 2 not nearly nowhere
the bar. 4 (of a passenger in a vehicle) to near: it's not nearly as easy as it looks.
read the map and give directions to the near miss n 1 any attempt that just fails to
driver, navigation n navigational adj succeed. 2 an incident in which two aircraft
navigator n or vehicles narrowly avoid collision. 3 a
navvy n, pl -vies Brit informal a labourer on bomb or shot that does not quite hit the tar-
a building site or road. get.
navy n, pl -vies 1 the branch of a country’s nearside n 1 Chiefly Brit the side of a vehi-
armed services comprising warships with cle that is nearer the kerb. 2 the left side of
their crews, and all their supporting serv- an animal.
near-sighted 535 needlepoint
near-sighted adj same as short-sighted. neckerchief n a piece of cloth worn tied
near thing n Informal an event whose out- round the neck.
come is nearly a failure or a disaster, or necklace n 1 a decorative piece of jewellery
only just a success. worn round the neck. 2 (in South Africa) a
neat adj 1 clean and tidy. 2 smoothly or tyre soaked in petrol, placed round a per-
competently done: a neat answer. 3 (of al- son’s neck, and set on fire in order to burn
coholic drinks) undiluted. 4 Slang, chiefly the person to death.
US & Canad admirable; excellent, neatly neckline n the shape or position of the
adv neatness n upper edge of a dress or top.
neaten vb to make neat. necktie n US same as tie (sense 5).
neath prep Archaic short for beneath. necromancy (neck-rome-man-see) n 1 com-
neb n Archaic or dialect the beak of a bird munication with the dead. 2 sorcery,
or the nose of an animal. necromancer n
nebula (neb-yew-la) n, pl -lae (-lee) Astron a necrophilia n sexual attraction for or sexual
hazy cloud of particles and gases, nebular intercourse with dead bodies.
adj necropolis (neck-rop-pol-liss) n a cemetery,
nebulous adj vague and unclear: a nebulous necrosis n 1 Biol, med the death of cells in
concept. the body, as from an interruption of the
NEC National Executive Committee. blood supply. 2 Bot death of plant tissue
necessaries pl n essential items: the neces-
due to disease or frost, necrotic adj
saries and comforts of life. nectar n 1 a sugary fluid produced by flow-
necessarily adv 1 as a certainty: the factors
ers and collected by bees. 2 Classical myth
the drink of the gods. 3 any delicious drink.
were not necessarily connected with one
another. 2 inevitably: our summary of this nectarine n a smooth-skinned variety of
arrangement is necessarily brief. peach.
necessary adj 1 needed in order to obtain ned n Scot Slang a hooligan.
the desired result: the necessary skills. 2 NEDC (formerly) National Economic Devel-
certain or unavoidable: the necessary con- opment Council. Also (informal): Neddy
sequences. ~n 3 the necessary Informal nee prep indicating the maiden name of a
the money required for a particular pur- married woman: Jane Gray (nee Blandish).
pose. 4 do the necessary Informal to do need vb 1 to require or be in want of: they
something that is necessary in a particular desperately need success. 2 to be obliged:
situation. —See also necessaries. the government may need to impose a
necessitate vb -tating, -tated to compel or statutory levy. 3 used to express necessity
require. or obligation and does not add -s when used
necessitous adj Literary very needy, with singular nouns or pronouns: need he
necessity n, pl -ties 1 a set of circumstances go? ~n 4 the condition of lacking some-
that inevitably requires a certain result: the thing: he has need of a new coat. 5 a re-
necessity to maintain safety standards. 2 quirement: the need for closer economic co-
something needed: the daily necessities. 3 operation. 6 necessity: there was no need
great poverty. 4 of necessity inevitably. for an explanation. 7 poverty or destitu-
tion: the money will go to those areas where
neck n 1 the part of the body connecting the need is greatest. 8 distress: help has been
head with the rest of the body. 2 the part of given to those in need. -See also needs.
a garment around the neck. 3 the long nar-
row part of a bottle or violin. 4 the length of needful adj 1 necessary or required. ~n 2
a horse’s head and neck taken as the dis- the needful Informal what is necessary,
tance by which one horse beats another in a usually money.
race: to win by a neck. 5 Informal impu- needle n 1 a pointed slender piece of metal
dence. 6 by a neck by a very small margin: with a hole in it through which thread is
she held on to win by a neck. 7 get it in the passed for sewing. 2 a long pointed rod used
neck Informal to be reprimanded or pun- in knitting. 3 same as stylus. 4 Med the long
ished severely. 8 neck and neck absolutely hollow pointed part of a hypodermic sy-
level in a race or competition. 9 neck of the ringe, which is inserted into the body. 5 a
woods Informal a particular area: how did pointer on the scale of a measuring instru-
they get to this neck of the woods? 10 stick ment. 6 a long narrow stiff leaf: pine nee-
one’s neck out Informal to risk criticism or dles. 7 Informal intense rivalry or ill-feeling
ridicule by speaking one’s mind. 11 up to in a sports match. 8 short for magnetic
one’s neck in to be deeply involved in: he needle. 9 have or get the needle Brit in-
was up to his neck in the scandal. ~vb 12- formal to be annoyed. ~vb -dling, -died 10
Informal (of two people) to kiss each other Informal to goad or provoke.
passionately. needlecord n a fine-ribbed corduroy fabric,
neckband n a band around the neck of a needlepoint n 1 embroidery done on canvas.
garment. 2 lace made by needles on a paper pattern.
needless 536 neologism
needless adj not required; unnecessary, agreed by discussion: the prices were nego-
needlessly adv tiable. 2 (of a bill of exchange or promis-
needlewoman n, pl -women a woman who sory note) legally transferable.
does needlework. negotiate vb -ating, -ated 1 to talk with
needlework n sewing and embroidery, others in order to reach (an agreement). 2
needs adv 1 necessarily: they must needs be to succeed in passing round or over (a place
admired. ~pl n 2 what is required: he pro- or a problem), negotiation n negotiator n
vides them with their needs. Negro Old-fashioned —n, pl -groes 1 a
needy adj needier, neediest in need of fi- member of any of the Black peoples origi-
nancial support. nating in Africa, —adj 2 of Negroes.
ne’er adv Poetic never. Negroid adj of or relating to the Negro race,
ne’er-do-well n 1 an irresponsible or lazy neigh n 1 the high-pitched sound made by a
person, -adj 2 useless; worthless: his horse, —vb 2 to make this sound.
ne’er-do-well brother. neighbour or US neighbor n 1 a person who
nefarious (nif-fair-ee-uss) adj Literary evil; lives near or next to another. 2 a person,
wicked. thing, or country near or next to another.
neg. negative. neighbourhood or US neighborhood n 1 a
negate vb -gating, -gated 1 to cause to have district where people live. 2 the immediate
no value or effect: his prejudices largely environment; surroundings. 3 the people in
negate his accomplishments. 2 to deny the a district. 4 in the neighbourhood of ap-
existence of. proximately. -adj 5 in and for a district:
negation n 1 the opposite or absence of our neighbourhood cinema.
something. 2 a negative thing or condition. neighbouring or US neighboring adj situat-
3 a negating. ed nearby: the neighbouring island.
negative adj 1 expressing a refusal or deni- neighbourly or US neighborly adj kind,
al: a negative response. 2 lacking positive friendly, and helpful.
qualities, such as enthusiasm or optimism. 3 neither adj 1 not one nor the other (of two):
Med indicating absence of the condition for neither enterprise went well, -pron 2 not
which a test was made. 4 Physics a (of an one nor the other (of two): neither complet-
electric charge) having the same electrical ed the full term, -conj 3 a (used preceding
charge as an electron, b (of a body or sys- alternatives joined,by nor) not: sparing nei-
tem) having a negative electric charge; hav- ther strength nor courage, b same as nor
ing an excess of electrons. 5 same as minus (sense 2). -adv 4 Not standard same as
(sense 4). 6 measured in a direction oppo- either (sense 4).
site to that regarded as positive. 7 short for ► When neither is followed by a plural noun
electronegative. 8 of a photographic nega- it is acceptable to make the verb plural too:
tive. ~n 9 a statement or act of denial or neither of these books are useful.
refusal. 10 Photog a piece of photographic nelson n a wrestling hold in which a wres-
film, exposed and developed, bearing an tler places his arm or arms under his oppo-
image with a reversal of tones or colours, nent’s arm or arms from behind and exerts
from which positive prints are made. 11 a pressure with his palms on the back of his
word or expression with a negative mean- opponent’s neck.
ing, such as not. 12 a quantity less than
zero. 13 in the negative indicating denial nematode n a slender unsegmented cylin-
or refusal, negatively adv drical worm.
negativism n a tendency to be uneon- nemesis (nem-miss-iss) n, pl -ses (-seez) a
structively critical, negativist n, adj means of retribution or vengeance.
neglect vb 1 to fail to give due care or atten- neo- combining form new, recent, or a mod-
tion to: she had neglected her child. 2 to fail ern form of: neoclassicism; neo-Nazi.
(to do something) through carelessness: he neoclassicism n a late 18th- and early 19th-
neglected to greet his guests. 3 to disregard: century style of art and architecture, based
he neglected his duty. ~n 4 lack of due care on ancient Roman and Greek models, neo-
or attention: the city had a look of shabbi- classical adj
ness and neglect. 5 the state of being ne- neocolonialism n political control wielded
glected. by one country over another through con-
neglectful adj not paying enough eare or at- trol of its economy, neocolonial adj
tention: abusive and neglectful parents. neodymium n Chem a toxic silvery-white
negligee (neg-lee-zhay) n a woman’s light, metallic element of the lanthanide series.
usually lace-trimmed dressing gown. Symbol: Nd
negligence n neglcet or carelessness, neg- Neolithic act; of the period that lasted in Eu-
ligent adj negligently adv rope from about 4000 to 2400 bc , character-
negligible adj so small or unimportant as to ized by primitive farming and the use of
be not worth considering. polished stone and flint tools and weapons.
negotiable adj 1 able to be changed or neologism (nce-ol-a-jiz-zum) n a newly
neon 537 nettle
coined word, or an established word used in excitable; highly strung. 3 of or relating to
a new sense. the nerves: the nervous system, nervously
neon n 1 Chem a colourless odourless rare adv nervousnessn
gas, used in illuminated signs and lights. nervous breakdown n a mental illness in
Symbol: Ne ~adj 2 of or illuminated by which the sufferer ceases to function prop-
neon: a flashing neon sign. erly, and experiences symptoms including
neonatal adj relating to the first few weeks tiredness, anxiety, and deep depression.
of a baby’s life, neonate n nervous system n the brain, spinal column,
neon light n a glass tube containing neon, and nerves, which together control thought,
which gives a pink or red glow when a volt- feeling, and movement. See neuron.
age is applied. nervy adj nervier, nerviest Brit informal
neophyte n Formal 1 a beginner. 2 a person excitable or nervous.
newly converted to a religious faith. 3 a ness n a headland or cape.
novice in a religious order. -ness n suffix indicating state, condition, or
Nepali (nip-paw-lee) or Nepalese (nep-pal- quality: greatness; selfishness.
leez) adj 1 of Nepal. ~n 2 (pl -pali, -palis, nest n 1 a place or structure in which birds
or-palese) a person from Nepal. 3 the lan- or other animals lay eggs or give birth to
guage of Nepal. young. 2 a cosy or secluded place. 3 a set of
nephew n a son of one’s sister or brother, things of graduated sizes designed to fit to-
nephritis (nif-frite-tiss) n inflammation of gether: a nest of tables. — vb 4 to make or
the kidney. inhabit a nest. 5 (of a set of objects) to fit
nepotism (nep-a-tiz-zum) n favouritism one inside another. 6 Computers to position
shown to relatives and friends by those (data) within other data at different ranks
with power. or levels.
Neptune n 1 the Roman god of the sea. 2 the nest egg n a fund of money kept in reserve,
eighth planet from the sun. nestle vb -tling, -tied 1 to snuggle or cuddle
neptunium n Chem a silvery metallic el- closely. 2 to be in a sheltered position:
ement synthesized in the production of plu- honey-coloured stone villages nestling in
tonium. Symbol: Np wooded valleys.
nerd or nurd n Slang 1 a boring or unpopular nestling n a young bird not yet able to fly.
person, esp. one who is obsessed with a par- net1 n 1 a very fine fabric made from inter-
ticular subject: a computer nerd. 2 a stupid secting strands of material with a space be-
and feeble person, nerdish or nurdish adj tween each strand. 2 a piece of net, used to
nervate adj (of leaves) with veins. protect or hold things or to trap animals. 3
nerve n 1 a cordlike bundle of fibres that (in certain sports) a strip of net over which
conducts impulses between the brain and the ball or shuttlecock must be hit. 4 the
other parts of the body. 2 bravery and de- goal in soccer or hockey. 5 a strategy in-
termination. 3 Informal impudence: you’ve tended to trap people: innocent fans were
got a nerve! 4 lose one’s nerve to lose self- caught in the police net. ~vb netting, net-
confidence and become afraid about what ted 6 to catch (a fish or other animal) in a
one is doing. 5 strain every nerve to make net.
every effort (to do something). ~vb nerv- net2 or nett adj 1 remaining after all deduc-
ing, nerved 6 nerve oneself to prepare tions, as for taxes and expenses: net in-
oneself (to do something difficult or un- come. 2 (of weight) excluding the weight of
pleasant). —See also nerves. wrapping or container. 3 final or conclu-
nerve cell n same as neuron. sive: the net effect. ~vb netting, netted 4
to yield or earn as a clear profit.
nerve centre n 1 a place from which a sys-
tem or organization is controlled: an under- netball n a team game, usually played by
ground nerve centre of intelligence. 2 a women, in which a ball has to be thrown
group of nerve cells associated with a spe- through a net hanging from a ring at the top
cific function. of a pole.
nerve gas n a poisonous gas which effects nether adj Old-fashioned lower or under:
the nervous system. nether regions.
nerveless adj 1 (of fingers or hands) with- nethermost adj lowest.
out feeling; numb. 2 (of a person) fearless. nether world n 1 the underworld. 2 hell.
nerve-racking or nerve-wracking adj very Also called: nether regions
distressing or harrowing. net profit n gross profit minus all operating
nerves pl n Informal 1 anxiety or tension: expenses such as wages and overheads.
nerves can often be the cause of wedding- nett adj, vb same as net2.
day hitches. 2 the ability or inability to re-' netting n a fabric or structure made of net.
main calm in a difficult situation: his nerves nettle n 1 a plant with stinging hairs on the
are in a shocking state. 3 get on someone’s leaves. 2 grasp the nettle to attempt some-
nerves to irritate someone. thing unpleasant with boldness and cour-
nervous adj 1 apprehensive or worried. 2 age.
nettled 538 New Man
nettled adj irritated or annoyed. neutron n Physics a neutral elementary par-
nettle rash n a skin condition, usually ticle of about the same mass as a proton.
caused by an allergy, in which itchy red or neutron bomb n a nuclear weapon designed
white raised patches appear. to kill people and animals while leaving
network n 1 a system of intersecting lines, buildings virtually undamaged.
roads, veins, etc. 2 an interconnecting group never adv 1 at no time; not ever. 2 certainly
or system: a network of sympathizers and not; not at all. 3 Also: well I never! surely
safe-houses. 3 Radio, television a group of not!
broadcasting stations that all transmit the ► Avoid the use of never with the past tense
same programme at the same time. 4 Elec- to mean not: I didn’t see her (not I never
tronics, computers a system of intercon- saw her).
nected components or circuits. —vb 5 never-ending adj long and boring,
Radio, television to broadcast (a pro- nevermore adv Literary never again,
gramme) over a network. never-never n the never-never Informal
neural adj of a nerve or the nervous system, hire-purchase: they are buying it on the
neuralgia n severe pain along a nerve, neu- never-never.
ralgic adj never-never land n an imaginary idyllic
neuritis (nyoor-rite-tiss) n inflammation of place.
a nerve or nerves, often causing pain and nevertheless adv in spite of that.
loss of function in the affected part. new adj 1 recently made, brought into being,
neurology n Med the scientific study of the or acquired: a new car. 2 of a kind never be-
nervous system, neurological adj neu- fore existing; novel: a new approach to
rologist n monetary policy. 3 recently discovered:
neuron or neurone n a cell specialized to testing new drugs. 4 recently introduced to
conduct nerve impulses. or inexperienced in a place or situation:
new to this game. 5 fresh; additional: you
neurosis (nyoor-oh-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) a can acquire new skills. 6 unknown: this is
mental disorder producing hysteria, anxi- new to me. 7 (of a cycle) beginning again: a
ety, depression, or obsessive behaviour. new era. 8 (of crops) harvested early: new
neurosurgery n Med the branch of surgery potatoes. 9 changed for the better: she re-
concerned with the nervous system, neu- turned a new woman, -adv 10 recently,
rosurgeon n neurosurgical adj newly: new-laid eggs. ~See also news,
neurotic adj 1 tending to be emotionally un- newish adj newness n
stable. 2 afflicted by neurosis. ~n 3 a per- New Age n 1 a late 1980s philosophy char-
son afflicted with a neurosis or tending to acterized by a belief in alternative medi-
be emotionally unstable. cine, astrology, and spiritualism, -adj 2 of
neuter adj 1 Grammar denoting a gender of the New Age: New Age therapies. New
nouns which are neither male nor female. 2 Ager n
(of animals and plants) sexually underde- New Age Music n a type of gentle melodic
veloped. ~n 3 Grammar a the neuter gen- largely instrumental popular music origi-
der. b a neuter noun. 4 a sexually underde- nating in the USA in the late 1980s.
veloped female insect, such as a worker newborn adj recently or just born.
bee. 5 a castrated animal. -vb 6 to castrate New Canadian n Canad a recent immigrant
(an animal). to Canada.
neutral adj 1 not taking any side in a war or new chum n Austral & NZ informal a recent
dispute. 2 of or belonging to a neutral party British immigrant.
or country. 3 not displaying any emotions newcomer n a recent arrival or participant,
or opinions. 4 (of a colour) not definite or newel n 1 Also called: newel post the post
striking. 5 Chem neither acidic nor alkaline. at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs that
6 Physics having zero charge or potential. supports the handrail. 2 the central pillar of
~n 7 a neutral person or nation. 8 the posi- a winding staircase.
tion of the controls of a gearbox that leaves
the gears unconnected to the engine, neu- newfangled adj objectionably or unneces-
trality n sarily modern.
neutralize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, New Jerusalem n Christianity heaven.
-ised 1 to make electrically or chemically New Latin n the form of Latin used since the
neutral. 2 to make ineffective by counter- Renaissance, mainly for scientific names.
acting. 3 to make (a country) neutral by newly adv 1 recently. 2 again; anew: newly
international agreement: the great powers interpreted.
neutralized Belgium in the 19th century. newlyweds pl n a recently married couple.
neutralization or -isation n New Man n the New Man a type of modern
neutrino (new-tree-no) n, pl -nos Physics an man who allows the caring side of his na-
elementary particle with no mass or electri- ture to show by being supportive and by
cal charge. sharing child care and housework.
new maths 539 nick
new maths n Brit an approach to mathemat- new wave n a movement in politics, the
ics in which basic set theory is introduced arts, or music that consciously breaks with
at an elementary level. traditional values.
new moon n the moon when it appears as a New World n the New World the western
narrow crescent at the beginning of its hemisphere of the world, esp. the Americas.
cycle. New Year n the first day or days of the year
news n 1 important or interesting new hap- in various calendars, usually a holiday.
penings. 2 information about such events, New Year’s Day n January 1, celebrated as
reported in the mass media. 3 the news a a holiday in many countries.
television or radio programme presenting New Year’s Eve n December 31.
such information. 4 interesting or impor- New Zealander n a person from New Zea-
tant new information: it’s news to me. 5 a land.
person or thing widely reported in the mass
media: reggae is suddenly big news again. next adj 1 immediately following: the next
generation. 2 immediately adjoining: in the
news agency n an organisation that collects next room. 3 closest to in degree: the next-
news reports and sells them to newspapers, best thing, -adv 4 at a time immediately to
magazines, and TV and radio stations. follow: the patient to be examined next. 5
newsagent n a shopkeeper who sells news- next to a adjacent to: the house next to
papers and magazines. ours, b following in degree: next to my wife,
newscast n a radio or television broadcast I love you most, c almost: the evidence is
of the news, newscaster n next to totally useless.
news conference n same as press confer- next door adj, adv in, at, or to the adjacent
ence. house or flat: the Cabinet retired next door;
newsflash n a brief item of important news, the people next door.
which interrupts a radio or television pro- next of kin n a person’s closest relative,
gramme. nexus n, pl nexus 1 a connection or link. 2 a
newsletter n a periodical bulletin issued to connected group or series.
members of a group. NF Newfoundland.
newspaper n a weekly or daily publication Nfld. Newfoundland.
consisting of folded sheets and containing ngati (nah-tee) n, pl ngati NZ a tribe or clan.
news, features, and advertisements. NH New Hampshire.
newspeak n the language of politicians and NHS (in Britain) National Health Service.
officials regarded as deliberately ambigu-
ous and misleading. Ni Chem nickel.
Nl 1 (in Britain) National Insurance. 2
newsprint n an inexpensive wood-pulp
paper used for newspapers. Northern Ireland.
newsreader n a news announcer on radio or nib n the writing point of a pen.
television. nibble vb -bling, -bled 1 to take little bites
(of). 2 to bite gently: she nibbled at her
newsreel n a short film with a commentary lower lip. —n 3 a little bite. 4 a light hur-
which presents current events. ried meal.
newsroom n a room in a newspaper office nibs n his or her nibs Slang a mock title
or broadcasting station where news is re- used of an important or self-important per-
ceived and prepared for publication or son.
broadcasting.
NICAM near-instantaneous companding sys-
newsstand n a portable stand from which tem: a technique for coding audio signals
newspapers are sold. into digital form.
New Style n the present method of reckon- nice adj 1 pleasant. 2 kind: it’s nice of you to
ing dates using the Gregorian calendar. worry about me. 3 good or satisfactory: a
newsworthy adj sufficiently interesting to nice clean operation. 4 subtle: a nice dis-
be reported as news. tinction. nicely adv niceness n
newsy adj newsier, newsiest (of a letter) ► It is mistaken to suggest that the adjective
full of news. nice should never be used, but, since it has
newt n a small amphibious creature with a been overused, it should be used sparingly.
long slender body and tail and short legs. nicety n, pl -ties 1 a subtle point: the ni-
New Testament n the second part of the ceties of our arguments. 2 a refinement or
Christian Bible, dealing with the life and delicacy: social niceties. 3 to a nicety pre-
teachings of Christ and his followers. cisely.
newton n the SI unit of force that gives an niche (neesh) n 1 a recess in a wall for a
acceleration of 1 metre per second per sec- statue or ornament. 2 a position exactly
ond to a mass of 1 kilogram. suitable for the person occupying it: per-
new town n (in Britain) a town planned as a haps I will find my niche in a desk job.
complete unit and built with government nick vb 1 to make a small cut in. 2 Slang to
sponsorship. steal. 3 Slang to arrest. —n 4 a small notch
nickel 540 nineteen
or cut. 5 Slang a prison or police station. 6 tivities available at night in a town or city:
Informal condition: in good nick. 7 in the New York nightlife.
nick of time just in time. night-light n a dim light left on overnight,
nickel n 1 Chem a silvery-white metallic el- nightlong adj, adv throughout the night,
ement that is often used in alloys. Symbol: nightly adj 1 happening each night, -adv 2
Ni 2 a US or Canadian coin worth five cents. each night.
nickelodeon n US an early type of jukebox, nightmare n 1 a terrifying or deeply dis-
nickel silver n an alloy containing copper, tressing dream. 2 a terrifying or unpleasant
zinc, and nickel. experience. 3 a thing that is feared: wheels
nicker n, pl nicker Brit slang a pound ster- and loose straps are a baggage handler’s
ling. nightmare, nightmarish adj
nick-nack n same as knick-knack. nights adv Informal at night or on most
nickname n 1 a familiar, pet, or derisory nights: he works nights.
name given to a person or place. -vb night safe n a safe built into the outside
-naming, -named 2 to call (a person or wall of a bank, in which customers can de-
place) by a nickname: Gaius Caesar Augus- posit money when the bank is closed.
tus Germanicus, nicknamed Caligula. night school n an educational institution
nicotine n a poisonous alkaloid found in to- that holds classes in the evening.
bacco. nicotinic adj nightshade n a plant which produces poi-
nictitating membrane n (in reptiles, birds, sonous berries with bell-shaped flowers.
and some mammals) a thin fold of skin nightshirt n a long loose shirtlike garment
under the eyelid that can be drawn across worn in bed.
the eye. night soil n Archaic human excrement col-
niece n a daughter of one’s sister or brother, lected at night from cesspools or privies.
niff Brit slang ~n 1 a stink, -vb 2 to stink. nightspot n Informal a nightclub,
niffy adj night-time n the time from sunset to sunrise,
nifty adj -tier, -tiest Informal neat or smart. night watch n 1 a watch or guard kept at
Nigerian adj 1 of Nigeria. ~n 2 a person night for security. 2 the period of time this
from Nigeria. watch is kept.
niggard n a stingy person. night watchman n a person who keeps
niggardly adj not generous: it pays its staff guard at night on. a factory or other build-
on a niggardly scale, niggardliness n ing.
nigger n Offensive a Black person. nihilism (nye-ill-liz-zum) n a total rejection
of all established authority and institu-
niggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to worry slightly. 2 tions. nihilist n, adj nihilistic adj
to find fault continually. ~n 3 a small -nik suffix forming nouns indicating a per-
worry or doubt. 4 a trivial objection or son associated with a particular state or
complaint, niggling adj quality: refusenik.
nigh adj, adv, prep Archaic, poetic near. nil n nothing: used esp. as a score in games,
night n 1 the period of darkness that occurs nimble adj 1 agile and quick in movement. 2
each 24 hours, between sunset and sunrise. mentally alert or acute, nimbly adv
2 the period between sunset and bedtime;
evening. 3 the time between bedtime and nimbus n, pi-bi or-buses 1 a dark grey rain
morning. 4 nightfall or dusk. 5 an evening cloud. 2 a halo.
designated for a specific activity: opening NIMBY not in my back yard: used of people
night. 6 make a night of it to celebrate the who are opposed to any building or changes
whole evening, -adj 7 of, occurring, or that will affect them directly.
working at night: the night sky. -Sec also nincompoop n Informal a stupid person,
nights. nine n 1 the cardinal number that is the sum
nightcap n 1 a drink taken just before bed- of one and eight. 2 a numeral, 9 or IX, rep-
time. 2 a soft cap formerly worn in bed. resenting this number. 3 something repre-
nightclub n a place of entertainment open senting or consisting of nine units. 4
until late at night, usually offering drink, a dressed up to the nines Informal elabo-
floor show, and dancing. rately dressed. 5 999 (in Britain) the tele-
phone number of the emergency services.
nightdress n a loose dress worn in bed by -adj 6 amounting to nine: nine men. ninth
women or girls. adj, n
nightfall n the approach of darkness; dusk, nine-days wonder n something that arouses
nightgown n same as nightdress, great interest, but only for a short period.
nightie n Informal short for nightdress, ninefold adj 1 having nine times as many or
nightingale n a small bird with a musical as much. 2 having nine parts, -adv 3 by
song, usually heard at night. nine times as much or as much.
nightjar n a nocturnal bird with a harsh cry. ninepins n the game of skittles,
nightlife n the entertainment and social ac- nineteen n 1 the cardinal number that is the
nineteenth hole 541 no-ball
sum of ten and nine. 2 a numeral, 19 or XIX, nitride n Chem a compound of nitrogen with
representing this number. 3 something rep- a more electropositive element.
resenting or consisting of nineteen units. 4 nitrify vb -fies, -fying, -fied Chem 1 to treat
talk nineteen to the dozen to talk very (a substance) or cause (a substance) to
fast, -adj 5 amounting to nineteen: nine- react with nitrogen. 2 to treat (soil) with
teen years, nineteenth adj, n nitrates. 3 to convert (ammonium com-
nineteenth hole n Golf slang the bar in a pounds) into nitrates by oxidation, nitrifi-
golf clubhouse. cation n
ninety n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number that nitrite n Chem a salt or ester of nitrous acid,
is the product of ten and nine. 2 a numeral, nitro- or before a vowel nitr- combining form
90 or XC, representing this number. 3 some- indicating that: 1 a chemical compound con-
thing representing or consisting of ninety tains the univalent group, -NO2: nitroben-
units. 4 nineties the numbers 90 to 99, esp. zene. 2 a chemical compound which is a ni-
when used to refer to a year of someone’s trate ester: nitrocellulose.
life or of a century, -adj 5 amounting to nitrogen (nite-roj-jen) n Chem a colourless
ninety: ninety degrees, ninetieth adj, n odourless gas that forms four-fifths of the
ninja n, pl -ja or -jas a person skilled in air and is an essential part of all animal and
ninjutsu, a Japanese martial art character- plant life. Symbol: N nitrogenous adj
ized by stealthy movement and camouflage. nitrogen cycle n the natural cycle by which
ninny n, pl -nies a stupid person. nitrates in the soil, derived from dead or-
niobium n Chem a white superconductive ganic matter, are absorbed by plants and
metallic element. Symbol: Nb reduced to nitrates again when the plants
nip1 vb nipping, nipped 1 Informal to hurry. and the animals feeding on them die and
2 to pinch or squeeze. 3 to bite lightly. 4 (of decay.
the cold) to affect (someone) with a stinging nitrogen fixation n the conversion of at-
sensation. 5 to check the growth of (some- mospheric nitrogen into nitrogen com-
thing): a trite script nips all hope in the pounds by soil bacteria.
bud. —n 6 a pinch or light bite. 7 sharp nitroglycerine or nitroglycerin n Chem a
coldness: a nip in the air. thick pale yellow explosive liquid made
nip2 n a small drink of spirits, from glycerol and nitric and sulphuric
nipper n Informal a small child. acids.
nipple n 1 the small projection in the centre nitrous adj Chem derived from or containing
of each breast, which in females contains nitrogen in a low valency state.
the outlet of the milk ducts. 2 a small pro- nitrous acid n Chem a weak acid known
jection through which oil or grease can be only in solution and in the form of nitrite
put into a machine or component. salts.
nippy adj -pier, -piest 1 (of weather) frosty nitrous oxide n Chem a colourless gas used
or chilly. 2 Informal quick or nimble. 3 (of a as an anaesthetic.
motor vehicle) small and relatively power- nitty-gritty n the nitty-gritty Informal the
ful. basic facts of a matter or situation.
nirvana (near-vah-na) n Buddhism, Hindu- nitwit n Informal a stupid person.
ism the ultimate state of spiritual enlight- NJ New Jersey.
enment and bliss attained by extinction of nkosi (ing-koss-ee) n S African a term of
all desires and individual existence. address to a superior; master; chief.
nisi (nye-sigh) adj See decree nisi. NM New Mexico.
Nissen hut n a tunnel-shaped military shel- no1 interj 1 used to express denial, dis-
ter made of corrugated steel. agreement, or refusal, —n, pl noes or nos 2
nit1 n the egg or larva of a louse. an answer or vote of no. 3 a person who an-
nit2 n Informal short for nitwit. swers or votes no.
nit-picking Informal ~n 1 a concern with no2 adj 1 not any, not a, or not one: I have no
insignificant details, usually with the inten- money; no comment. 2 not at all: he’s no ex-
tion of finding fault, -adj 2 showing such ception. 3 not: no taller than a child. 4 no
concern. way! an expression of emphatic refusal or
nitrate Chem ~n 1 a salt or ester of nitric denial.
acid. 2 a fertilizer containing nitrate salts. No1 or Noh n, pl No or Noh the stylized clas-
-vb -trating, -trated 3 to treat with nitric sical drama of Japan, using music and danc-
acid or a nitrate. 4 to convert or be convert- ing.
ed into a nitrate, nitration n No2 Chem nobelium.
nitre or US niter n Chem same as potassium - No. or no. pl Nos. or nos. number.
nitrate. n.o. Cricket not out.
nitric adj Chem of or containing nitrogen, nob n Slang, chiefly Brit a person of wealth
nitric acid n Chem a colourless corrosive or social distinction.
liquid widely used in industry. no-ball n Cricket an improperly bowled ball,
nobble 542 non-
for which the batting side scores a run. at which there is practically no vibration. 5
Abbrev.: nb Anat any natural bulge or swelling: lymph
nobble vb -bling, -bled Brit slang 1 to at- node. 6 Astron either of the two points at
tract the attention of (someone) in order to which the orbit of a body intersects the
talk to him or her. 2 to bribe or threaten. 3 path of the sun or the orbit of another body,
to disable (a racehorse) to stop it from win- nodal adj
ning. 4 to steal. nod off vb Informal to fall asleep.
nobelium n Chem a radioactive element nodule n 1 a small rounded lump, knot, or
produced artificially from curium. Symbol: node. 2 a rounded mineral growth on the
No root of a plant such as clover, nodular adj
Nobel prize (no-bell) n a prize for outstand- Noel n same as Christmas.
ing contributions to chemistry, physics, nog n an alcoholic drink containing beaten
physiology and medicine, literature, eco- egg-
nomics, and peace that may be awarded an- noggin n 1 Informal the head. 2 a small
nually. quantity of spirits.
nobility n 1 the quality of being noble; dig- no-go area n a district that is barricaded off
nity. 2 the class of people who hold titles so that the police or army can enter only by
and high social rank. force.
noble adj 1 having or showing high moral noise n 1 a sound, usually a loud or disturb-
qualities: a noble cause. 2 belonging to a ing one. 2 loud shouting; din. 3 an undesired
class of people who hold titles and high so- electrical disturbance in a signal. 4 noises
cial rank. 3 impressive and magnificent: a conventional utterances conveying a reac-
noble beast. 4 Chem (of certain metals) re- tion: he made the appropriate noises. ~vb
sisting oxidation. ~n 5 a person who holds noising, noised 5 be noised abroad (of
a title and high social rank, nobly adv news or gossip) to be spread.
noble gas n any of the unreactive gases he- noiseless adj making little or no sound,
lium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and noiselessly adv
radon.
noisette (nwah-zett) n a hazelnut chocolate,
nobleman or fem noblewoman n, pl -men or
-women a person of noble rank. noisome adj Formal 1 (of smells) offensive.
2 extremely unpleasant.
noblesse oblige (no-bless oh-bleezh) n
Often ironic the supposed obligation of the noisy adj noisier, noisiest 1 making a lot of
nobility to be honourable and generous. noise. 2 (of a place) full of noise, noisily
adv
nobody pron 1 no person; no-one. ~n, pl
-bodies 2 a person of no importance. nomad n 1 a member of a tribe who move
► Nobody is equivalent in its uses to no-one. from place to place to find pasture and
food. 2 a wanderer, nomadic adj
nock n 1 a notch on an arrow that fits on the
bowstring. 2 a groove at either end of a bow no-man’s-land n land between boundaries,
that holds the bowstring. esp. an unoccupied zone between opposing
forces.
no-claims bonus or no-claim bonus n a re-
duction in the cost of an insurance policy nom de plume n, p/noms de plume same as
made if no claims have been made in a pen name.
specified period. nomenclature (no-men-klatch-er) n Formal
nocturnal adj 1 of the night. 2 (of animals) the system of names used in a particular
active at night. subject.
nocturne n a short dreamy piece of music, nominal adj 1 in name only: nominal inde-
pendence. 2 very small in comparison with
nod vb nodding, nodded 1 to lower and real worth: a nominal amount of aid.
raise (one’s head) briefly, to express nominally adv
agreement or greeting. 2 to express by nod-
ding: he nodded his approval. 3 to sway or nominalism n the philosophical theory that
bend forwards and back. 4 to let one’s head a general word, such as dog, is merely a
fall forward with sleep. 5 nodding ac- name and does not denote a real object,
quaintance a slight knowledge (of a subject nominalist n
or person). ~n 6 a quick down-and-up nominal value n same as par value.
movement of the head, in agreement. 7 land nominate vb -nating, -nated 1 to propose
of Nod an imaginary land of sleep. (someone) as a candidate. 2 to appoint
noddle n Informal, chiefly Brit the head or (someone) to an office or position, nomina-
brains. tion n
noddy n, pl -dies 1 a tropical tern with a nominative n Grammar a grammatical case
dark plumage. 2 a fool. in some languages that identifies the sub-
node n 1 Bot the point on a plant stem from ject of a verb.
which the leaves grow. 2 Maths a point at nominee n a person who is nominated to an
which a curve crosses itself. 3 a knot or office or as a candidate.
knob. 4 Physics a point in a vibrating body non- prefix indicating: 1 negation: nonexist-
nonaddictive 543 nonrepresentational
ent. 2 refusal or failure: noncooperation. 3 nondescript adj' lacking outstanding fea-
exclusion from a specified class: nonfiction. tures.
4 lack or absence: nonevent. nondrinker n a person who does not drink
nonaddictive adj not causing addiction, alcohol.
nonage n 1 Law the state of being under full none pron 1 not any: none of the men was
legal age for various actions. 2 a period of represented by a lawyer; none of it meant
immaturity. anything to him. 2 no-one; nobody: none
nonagenarian n a person who is from 90 to could deny it. 3 none the in no degree: her
99 years old. parents were none the wiser.
nonaggression n the policy of not attacking ► Although none means “not one”, and can
other countries. take a singular verb, it more often takes a
nonagon n Geom a figure with nine sides, plural: none of them are mine.
nonagonal adj nonentity (non-enn-tit-tee) n, pl -ties an in-
nonalcoholic adj containing no alcohol, significant person or thing.
nonaligned adj (of a country) not part of a nonessential adj not absolutely necessary,
major alliance or power bloc, nonalign- nonetheless adv despite that; however,
ment n nonevent n a disappointing or insignificant
nonbeliever n a person who does not follow occurrence which was expected to be im-
a particular religious movement. portant.
nonbelligerent adj (of a country) not taking nonexistent adj not existing in a particular
part in a war. place, nonexistence n
nonce n for the nonce for the present, nonferrous adj 1 denoting a metal other
nonce word n a word coined for a single oc- than iron. 2 not containing iron.
casion. nonfiction n writing that deals with facts or
nonchalant (non-shall-ant) adj casually un- real events.
concerned or indifferent, nonchalance n nonflammable adj not easily set on fire,
nonchalantly adv nonfunctional adj having no practical func-
non-com n short for noncommissioned of- tion.
ficer. nonintervention n refusal to intervene in
noncombatant n a member of the armed the affairs of others.
forces whose duties do not include fighting, noniron adj not requiring ironing.
such as a chaplain or surgeon. nonmember n a person who is not a member
noncombustible adj not capable of igniting of a particular club or organization.
and burning. nonmetal n Chem a chemical element that
noncommissioned officer n (in the armed forms acidic oxides and is a poor conductor
forces) a person who is appointed as a sub- of heat and electricity, nonmetallic adj
ordinate officer, from the lower ranks, ra- nonmoral adj not involving morality; nei-
ther than by a commission. ther moral nor immoral.
noncommittal adj not committing oneself to non-native adj not originating in a particu-
any particular opinion. lar place.
noncompliance n failure or refusal to do as non-nuclear adj not involving or using nu-
requested. clear power or weapons.
non compos mentis adj of unsound mind, no-nonsense adj sensible, practical, and
nonconductor n a substance that is a poor straightforward: a no-nonsense approach to
conductor of heat, electricity, or sound. crime.
nonconformist n 1 a person who does not nonpareil (non-par-rail) n a person or thing
conform to generally accepted patterns of that is unsurpassed.
behaviour or thought. —adj 2 (of behaviour nonpartisan adj not supporting any single
or ideas) not conforming to accepted pat- political party.
terns. nonconformity n
nonpayment n failure to pay money owed,
Nonconformist n 1 a member of a Protest-
ant group separated from the Church of nonplussed or OS nonplused adj perplexed,
England, -adj 2 of or relating to nonprofessional adj not earning a living at
Nonconformists. a specified occupation: nonprofessional
noncontributory adj denoting a pension investors.
scheme for employees, the premiums of non-profit-making adj not intended to make
which are paid entirely by the employer. a profit.
non-cooperation n the refusal to do more nonproliferation n limitation of the produc-
than is legally or contractually required of tion or spread of something such as nuclear
one. or chemical weapons.
noncustodial adj not involving imprison- nonrepresentational adj Art same as ab-
ment: a noncustodial sentence. stract.
nonresident 544 North
nonresident n a person who does not live in nor eonj 1 (used to join alternatives, the first
a particular country or place. of which is preceded by neither) and not:
nonsectarian adj not confined to any specif- neither willing nor able. 2 and not.... either:
ic subdivision of a religious group. he had not arrived yet, nor had any of the
nonsense n 1 something that has or makes models.
no sense. 2 unintelligible language. 3 foolish nordic adj Skiing of competitions in cross-
behaviour: she’ll stand no nonsense, non- country racing and ski-jumping.
sensical adj Nordic adj of Scandinavia or its typically
non sequitur (sek-wit-tur) n a statement tall, blond, and blue-eyed people.
having little or no relation to what preceded norm n a standard that is required, desired,
it. or regarded as normal.
nonslip adj designed to prevent slipping: a normal adj 1 usual, regular, or typical: the
nonslip mat. study of norma] behaviour. 2 free from
nonsmoker n 1 a person who does not mental or physical disorder. 3 Geom same
smoke. 2 a train carriage or compartment in as perpendicular (sense 1). -n 4 the
which smoking is forbidden. usual, regular, or typical state, degree, or
nonsmoking or no-smoking adj denoting an form. 5 Geom a perpendicular line or plane,
area in which smoking is forbidden. normality or esp US normalcy n
nonstandard adj denoting words, expres- normalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
sions, or pronunciations that are not re- -ised 1 to make or become normal. 2 to
garded as correct by educated native bring into conformity with a standard,
speakers of a language. normalization or -isation n
nonstarter n a person or an idea that has lit- normally adv 1 as a rule; usually. 2 in a
tle chance of success. normal manner.
nonstick adj (of cooking utensils) coated Norman n 1 a person from Normandy in N
with a substance that food will not stick to France, esp. one of the people who con-
when cooked. quered England in 1066. 2 same as Norman
nonstop adj, adv without a stop: two weeks French. ~-adj 3 of the Normans or their
of nonstop rain; most days his phone rings dialect of French. 4 of Normandy. 5 of a
nonstop. style of architecture used in Britain from
nontoxic adj not poisonous. the Norman Conquest until the 12th centu-
non-U adj Brit informal (of language or be- ry, with rounded qrches and massive ma-
haviour) not. characteristic of the upper sonry walls.
classes. Norman French n the medieval Norman and
nonunion adj 1 (of a company) not employ- English dialect of Old French.
ing trade union members: a nonunion shop. normative adj of or establishing a norm or
2 (of a person) not belonging to a trade standard: a normative model.
union. Norn n Norse myth any of the three virgin
nonverbal adj not involving the use of lan- goddesses of fate.
guage. Norse adj 1 of ancient and medieval Scandi-
nonviolent adj using peaceful methods to navia. 2 of Norway. ~n 3 a the N group of
bring about change, nonviolence n Germanic languages spoken in Scandinavia,
nonvoter n 1 a person who does not vote. 2 a b any one of these languages, esp. in their
person not eligible to vote. ancient or medieval forms.
nonvoting adj Finance (of shares in a com- Norseman n, pl -men same as Viking.
pany) not entitling the holder to vote at north n 1 one of the four cardinal points of
company meetings. the compass, at 0° or 360°. 2 the direction
non-White adj 1 belonging to a race of peo- along a meridian towards the North Pole. 3
ple not European in origin. ~n 2 a member the direction in which a compass needle
of one of these races. points; magnetic north. 4 the north any
noodle n a simpleton. area lying in or towards the north. ~adj 5
noodles pl n ribbon-like strips of pasta, in or towards the north. 6 (esp. of the wind)
nook n 1 a corner or recess. 2 a secluded or from the north, -adv 7 in, to, or towards
sheltered place. the north.
noon n the middle of the day; 12 o’clock, North n 1 the North a the northern part of
England, generally regarded as reaching the
noonday n noon. southern boundaries of Yorkshire, Derby-
no-one or no one pron no person; nobody. shire, and Cheshire, b (in the US) the states
► When no-one refers to “people in general” north of the Mason-Dixon Line that were
it may be followed by a plural: no-one fin- known as the Free States during the Civil
ished their drink. War. c the economically and technically ad-
noose n a loop in the end of a rope, tied with vanced countries of the world, -adj 2 of or
a slipknot, such as one used to hang people, denoting the northern part of a country or
nope interj Informal no. area.
Northants 545 notation
Northants Northamptonshire, the sense of smell. 3 the front part of a ve-
northbound adj going towards the north. hicle. 4 the distinctive smell of a wine or
North Country n the North Country same perfume. 5 instinctive skill in finding some-
as North (sense la). thing: he had a nose for media events. 6 get
northeast n 1 the direction midway between up someone’s nose Informal to annoy
north and east. 2 the northeast any area someone. 7 keep one’s nose clean to stay
lying in or towards the northeast, -adj out of trouble. 8 look down one's nose at
also northeastern 3 (sometimes cap) of or Informal to be haughty towards. 9 pay
denoting that part of a country or area through the nose Informal to pay a high
which lies in the northeast. 4 situated in, price. 10 put someone’s nose out of joint
moving towards, or facing the northeast. 5 Informal to make someone envious by doing
(esp. of the wind) from the northeast. what he would have liked to do or had ex-
-adv 6 in, to, or towards the northeast, pected to do. 11 rub someone's nose in it
northeasterly adj, adv, n Informal to remind someone unkindly of a
failing or error. 12 turn up one’s nose at
Northeast n the Northeast the north- Informal to show contempt for. 13 win by a
eastern part of England, esp. Northumber- nose to win by a narrow margin, —vb nos-
land and Durham. ing, nosed 14 to move forward slowly and
northeaster n a strong wind or storm from carefully: a motorboat nosed out of the
the northeast. mist. 15 to pry or snoop. 16 nose out to dis-
northerly adj 1 of or in the north, —adv, adj cover by searching or prying.
2 towards the north. 3 from the north: a nosebag n a bag containing feed, fastened
cold northerly wind. around the head of a horse.
northern adj 1 situated in or towards the noseband n the part of a horse’s bridle that
north. 2 facing or moving towards the goes around the nose.
north. 3 (sometimes cap) of or characteris- nosebleed n bleeding from the nose.
tic of the north or North, northernmost
adj nose cone n the cone-shaped front section
of a missile or spacecraft.
Northerner n a person from the north of a
country or area, esp. England. nose dive n 1 (of an aircraft) a sudden
plunge with the nose pointing downwards.
northern hemisphere n that half of the 2 Informal a sudden drop: when we fail our
globe lying north of the equator. self-confidence takes a nose dive, —vb
northern lights pl n same as aurora boreal- nose-dive, -diving, -dived 3 to take a nose
is. dive.
Northman n, pl -men same as Viking. nosegay n a small bunch of flowers.
North Pole n the northernmost point on the nosey or nosy adj nosier, nosiest Informal
earth’s axis, at a latitude of 90°N, which prying or inquisitive, nosiness n
has very low temperatures. nosey parker n Informal, chiefly Brit a pry-
North Star n the North Star same as Pole ing person.
Star. nosh Slang —n 1 food, —vb 2 to eat.
Northumb. Northumberland. nosh-up n Brit slang a large meal.
northward adj, adv also northwards 1 to- nostalgia n 1 a sentimental yearning for the
wards the north. ~n 2 the northward part past. 2 homesickness, nostalgic adj nos-
or direction. talgically adv
northwest n 1 the direction midway be-
nostril n either of the two openings at the
tween north and west. 2 the northwest any end of the nose.
area lying in or towards the northwest.
-adj also northwestern 3 (sometimes cap) nostrum n 1 a quack medicine. 2 a favourite
of or denoting that part of a country or area remedy.
which lies in the northwest. 4 situated in, nosy adj nosier, nosiest same as nosey.
moving towards, or facing the northwest. 5 not adv 1 used to negate the sentence,
(esp. of the wind) from the northwest. phrase, or word that it modifies: I will not
-adv 6 in, to, or towards the northwest, stand for it. 2 not that which is not to say
northwesterly adj, adv, n that: not that I’ve ever heard him complain.
Northwest n the Northwest the north- nota bene (note-a ben-nay) note well; take
western part of England, esp. Lancashire note.
and the Lake District. notable (note-a-bl) adj 1 worthy of being
northwester n a strong wind or storm from noted; remarkable. ~n 2 a person of dis-
the northwest. tinction. notability n notably adv
Norwegian adj 1 of Norway, -n 2 a person- notary or notary public (note-a-ree) n, pl
from Norway. 3 the language of Norway. notaries or notaries public a public offi-
Nos. or nos. numbers. cial, usually a solicitor, who is legally
nose n 1 the organ situated above the authorized to attest and certify documents.
mouth, used for smelling and breathing. 2 notation (no-tay-shun) n 1 representation of
notch 546 nova
numbers or quantities in a system by a se- notification of something such as intention
ries of symbols. 2 a set of such symbols. to end a contract of employment: she
notch n 1 a V-shaped cut. 2 Informal a step handed in her notice. 4 a theatrical or liter-
or level: the economy moved up another ary review: the film reaped ecstatic notices.
notch. -vb 3 to cut a notch in. 4 notch up 5 take notice to pay attention. 6 take no
Informal to score or achieve: he notched up notice of to ignore or disregard. 7 at short
a hat trick of wins. notice with very little notification. -vb
note n 1 a brief informal letter. 2 a brief -ticing, -ticed 8 to become aware (of). 9 to
record in writing for future reference. 3 a point out or remark upon.
critical comment or explanation in a book. 4 noticeable adj easily seen or detected, no-
an official written communication, as from ticeably adv
a government or from a doctor. 5 short for notice board n a board on which notices are
banknote. 6 Chiefly Brit a musical sound of displayed.
a particular pitch. 7 a written symbol rep- notifiable adj having to be reported to the
resenting the pitch and duration of a musi- authorities: a notifiable disease.
cal sound. 8 Chiefly Brit a key on a piano, notification n 1 the act of notifying someone
organ, or other keyboard instrument. 9 a of something. 2 a formal announcement.
particular feeling or atmosphere: an opti- notify vb-fies, -fying, -fied to inform: notify
mistic note. 10 a distinctive vocal sound, as gas and electricity companies of your mov-
of a type of animal. 11 a sound used as a
signal or warning: the note to retreat was ing date.
sounded. 12 short for promissory note. 13 notion n 1 an idea or opinion. 2 a whim,
of note a distinguished or famous, b impor- notional adj hypothetical, imaginary, or un-
tant: nothing of note. 14 strike the right real: a notional dividend payment.
note to behave appropriately. 15 take note notorious adj well known for some bad rea-
of to pay attention to. -vb noting, noted son. notoriety n notoriously adv
16 to notice; pay attention to: such criticism not proven adj a verdict in Scottish courts,
should be noted. 17 to make a written note given when there is insufficient evidence to
of: he noted it in his diary. 18 to remark convict the accused.
upon: I note that you do not wear shoes. no-trump Cards ~n 1 a bid or hand without
notebook n a book for writing in. trumps, -adj 2 (of a hand) suitable for
notecase n same as wallet. playing without trumps.
noted adj well-known: a noted scholar. Notts Nottinghamshire.
notelet n a folded card with a printed design notwithstanding prep 1 in spite of. -adv 2
on the front, for writing informal letters. nevertheless.
notepad n a number of sheets of paper fas- nougat n a hard chewy pink or white sweet
tened together along one edge, used for containing chopped nuts.
writing notes or letters on. nought n 1 the figure 0. ~n, adv 2 same as
notepaper n paper used for writing letters, naught.
noteworthy adj worth noting; remarkable, noughts and crosses n Brit a game in
nothing pron 1 not anything: I felt nothing. which two players, one using a nought, the
2 a matter of no importance: don’t worry, other a cross, alternately mark squares
it’s nothing. 3 absence of meaning, value, or formed by two pairs of crossed lines, the
worth: the industry shrank to almost noth- winner being the first to get three of his or
ing. 4 the figure 0. 5 have or be nothing to her symbols in a row.
do with to have no connection with. 6 noth- noun n a word that refers to a person, place,
ing but not something other than; only. 7 or thing.
nothing doing Informal an expression of nourish vb 1 to provide with the food neces-
dismissal or refusal. 8 nothing less than sary for life and growth. 2 to encourage or
downright: nothing less than complete foster (an idea or feeling), nourishing adj
withdrawal. 9 think nothing of something nourishment n the food needed to nourish
to regard something as easy or natural. the body.
—adv 10 not at all: he looked nothing like
his brother. ~n 11 Informal a person or nous n Old-fashioned, slang common sense,
thing of no importance or significance. nouveau riche (noo-voh reesh) n, pl nou-
► Nothing is usually followed by a singular veaux riches (noo-voh reesh) a person
verb but, if it comes before a plural noun, who has become wealthy recently and is re-
this can sound odd: nothing but books garded as vulgar.
was/were on the shelf. A solution is to re- nouvelle cuisine (noo-vell kwee-zeen) n a
phrase the sentence: only books were.... style of preparing and presenting food with
nothingness n 1 nonexistence. 2 total insig- light sauces and unusual combinations of
nificance. flavours.
notice n 1 observation or attention: to at- Nov. November.
tract notice. 2 a displayed placard or an- nova n, pl -vae or -vas a star that undergoes
nouncement giving information. 3 advance an explosion and fast increase of bright-
novel 547 nucleus
ness, then gradually decreases to its origi- -n’t not: added to be or have, or auxiliary
nal brightness. verbs: can’t; don’t; isn’t.
novel1 n a long fictional story in book form. nth adj See n2.
novel2 adj fresh, new, or original: a novel nuance (new-ahnss) n a subtle difference,
approach. as in colour, meaning, or tone.
novelette n a short novel, usually one re- nub n the point or gist: this is the nub of his
garded as trivial or sentimental. theory.
novelist n a writer of novels. nubble n a small lump, nubbly adj
novella n, pl -las a short narrative tale or nubile (new-bile) adj (of a young woman) 1
short novel. sexually attractive. 2 old enough or mature
novelty n, pl -ties 1 the quality of being new enough for marriage.
and interesting. 2 a new or unusual experi- nuclear adj 1 of nuclear weapons or energy.
ence or thing. 3 a small cheap toy or trinket. 2 of an atomic nucleus: nuclear fission.
November n the eleventh month of the year, nuclear bomb n a bomb whose force is due
novena (no-vee-na) n, pl -nae (-nee) or -nas to uncontrolled nuclear fusion or fission.
RC Church a set of prayers or services on nuclear energy n energy released during a
nine consecutive days. nuclear reaction as a result of fission or fu-
novice (nov-viss) n 1 a beginner. 2 a person sion.
who has entered a religious order but has nuclear family n Sociol, anthropol a family
not yet taken vows. consisting only of parents and their off-
novitiate or noviciate n 1 the period of
spring.
being a novice. 2 the part of a monastery or nuclear fission n Nuclear physics the split-
convent where the novices live. ting of an atomic nucleus, either sponta-
neously or by bombardment by a neutron:
now adv 1 at or for the present time. 2 im- used in atomic bombs and nuclear power
mediately: bring it now. 3 in these times; plants.
nowadays. 4 given the present circum-
stances: now do you understand why? 5 a nuclear-free adj (of an area) barred, esp. by
used as a hesitation word: now, I can’t real- local authorities, from being supplied with
ly say. b used for emphasis: now listen to nuclear-generated electricity and from stor-
this, c used at the end of a command: run ing nuclear waste or weapons.
along now. 6 just now a very recently: he nuclear fusion n Nuclear physics the combi-
left just now. b very soon: I’m going just nation of two nuclei to form a heavier nu-
now. 7 now and again or then occasionally. cleus with the release of energy: used in
8 now now! an exclamation used to tell hydrogen bombs.
someone off or to calm someone, —conj 9 nuclear physics n the branch of physics
Also: now that seeing that: now you’re concerned with the structure of the nucleus
here, you can help me. ~n 10 the present and the behaviour of its particles.
time: now is the time to go. nuclear power n power produced by a nu-
nowadays adv in these times: nowadays his clear reactor.
work is regarded as out-of-date. nuclear reaction n Physics a process in
Nowell n same as Noel. which the structure and energy content of
nowhere adv 1 in, at, or to no place. 2 get- an atomic nucleus is changed by interaction
ting nowhere Informal making no progress. with another nucleus or particle.
3 nowhere near far from: the stadium is nuclear reactor n Nuclear physics a device
nowhere near completion. ~n 4 in the in which a nuclear reaction is maintained
middle of nowhere (of a place) completely and controlled to produce nuclear energy.
isolated. nuclear winter n a theoretical period of low
nowt n N English dialect nothing. temperatures and little light that has been
noxious adj 1 poisonous or harmful. 2 ex-
suggested would occur after a nuclear war.
tremely unpleasant. nucleate adj 1 having a nucleus. ~vb
-ating, -ated 2 to form a nucleus.
nozzle n a projecting spout from which fluid
is discharged. nuclei (new-klee-eye) n the plural of nu-
cleus.
Np Chem neptunium.
nucleic acid n Biochem a complex com-
nr near. pound, such as DNA or RNA, found in all
NS 1 New Style (method of reckoning dates). living cells.
2 Nova Scotia. nucleon n Physics a proton or neutron,
NSPCC (in Britain) National Society for the nucleonics n the branch of physics con-
Prevention of Cruelty to Children. - cerned with the applications of nuclear en-
NST Newfoundland Standard Time. ergy. nucleonic adj
NSW New South Wales. nucleus n, pl -clei 1 Physics the positively
NT 1 (in Britain) National Trust. 2 New Tes- charged centre of an atom, made of protons
tament. and neutrons, about which electrons orbit.
nude 548 nurse
2 a central thing around which others are seats. 17 to add up to: the illustrations
grouped. 3 a centre of growth or develop- numbered well over fifty. 18 to include in a
ment: the nucleus of a new relationship. 4 group: he numbered several Americans
Biol the part of a cell that contains the among his friends. 19 one’s days are num-
chromosomes and associated molecules that bered something unpleasant, such as death,
control the characteristics and growth of is likely to happen to one soon.
the cell. 5 Chem a fundamental group of number crunching n Computers the large-
atoms in a molecule serving as the base scale processing of numerical data.
structure for related compounds. numberless adj too many to be counted,
nude adj 1 completely undressed. ~n 2 a number one n 1 Informal oneself: he looks
naked figure in painting, sculpture, or pho- after number one. 2 Informal the best-
tography. 3 in the nude naked, nudity n selling pop record in any one week, -adj 3
nudge vb nudging, nudged 1 to push first in importance, urgency, or quality:
(someone) gently with the elbow to get at- he’s their number one suspect.
tention. 2 to push (something or someone)
lightly: the dog nudged the stick with its numberplate n a plate on the front or back
nose. 3 to persuade (someone) gently. —n 4 of a motor vehicle showing the registration
a gentle poke or push. number.
nudism n the practice of not wearing Number Ten n 10 Downing Street, the Brit-
clothes, for reasons of health, nudist n, adj ish prime minister’s official London resi-
dence.
nugatory (new-gat-tree) adj Formal 1 of lit-
tle value. 2 not valid: their rejection ren- numbskull or numskull n a stupid person,
dered the treaty nugatory. numeral n a word or symbol used to express
nugget n 1 a small lump of gold in its natu- a sum or quantity.
ral state. 2 something small but valuable: a numerate adj able to do basic arithmetic,
nugget of useful knowledge. numeracy n
nuisance n 1 a person or thing that causes numeration n 1 the act or process of num-
annoyance or bother. —adj 2 causing an- bering or counting. 2 a system of number-
noyance or bother: nuisance calls. ing.
nuke Slang -vb nuking, nuked 1 to attack numerator n Maths the number above the
with nuclear weapons. ~n 2 a nuclear line in a fraction.
bomb. numerical adj measured or expressed in
null adj 1 null and void not legally valid. 2 numbers: record the severity of your symp-
null set Maths a set with no members, nul- toms in numerical form, numerically adv
lity n numerology n the study of numbers and of
nullify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make their supposed influence on human affairs.
(something) ineffective. 2 to make (some- numerous adj 1 many: they carried out nu-
thing) legally void, nullification n merous bombings. 2 consisting of a large
NUM National Union of Mineworkers. number of people or things: the cast is not
numb adj 1 deprived of feeling through cold, as numerous as one might suppose.
shock, or fear. 2 unable to move; paralysed. numinous adj Formal 1 arousing spiritual or
—vb 3 to make numb, numbly adv numb- religious emotions. 2 mysterious or awe-
ness n inspiring.
number n 1 a concept of quantity that is or numismatics n the study or collection of
can be derived from a single unit, a sum of coins or medals, numismatist n
units, or zero. 2 the word or symbol used to numskull n same as numbskull.
represent a number. 3 a numeral or string
of numerals used to identify a person or nun n a female member of a religious order,
thing: an account number. 4 the person or nuncio n, pl -cios RC Church a papal ambas-
thing so identified: he was seeded number sador.
two. 5 sum or quantity: a very large number nunnery n, pl -neries a convent.
of people have telephoned. 6 one of a series, nunny bag n Canad (in Newfoundland) a
as of a magazine. 7 a self-contained piece of small sealskin haversack.
pop or jazz music. 8 a group of people: one nuptial adj relating to marriage: a nuptial
of their number might be willing. 9 Informal blessing.
an admired article: that little number is by
Dior. 10 Grammar classification of words nuptials pin a wedding,
depending on how many people or things nurd n Slang same as nerd.
arc referred to. 11 any number of many. 12 nurse n 1 a person trained to look after sick
beyond or without number innumerable. people, usu. in a hospital. 2 short for
13 have someone’s number Informal to nursemaid. -vb nursing, nursed 3 to look
have discovered someone’s true character after (a sick person). 4 to breast-feed (a
or intentions. 14 one’s number is up Brit baby). 5 (of a baby) to feed at its mother’s
informal one is about to die. -vb 15 to breast. 6 to try to cure (an ailment). 7 to
count. 16 to assign a number to: numbered harbour or foster (a feeling). 8 to clasp
nursemaid 549 NZ
fondly: she nursed her drink, nursing n, nutrient (new-tree-ent) n 1 a substance that
adj provides nourishment, —adj 2 providing
nursemaid or nurserymaid n a woman em- nourishment.
ployed to look after children. nutriment (new-tree-ment) n the food or
nursery n, pl -ries 1 a room in a house where nourishment required by all living things to
children sleep or play. 2 a place where chil- grow and stay healthy.
dren are taken care of when their parents nutrition (new-trish-un) n 1 the process of
are at work. 3 a place where plants and taking in and absorbing nutrients. 2 the
young trees are grown for sale. process of being nourished. 3 the study of
nurseryman n, pl -men a person who raises nutrition, nutritional adj nutritionist n
plants and trees for sale. nutritious adj providing nourishment,
nursery nurse n a person trained to look nutritive adj of nutrition; nutritious.
after children of pre-school age. nuts adj Slang 1 insane. 2 nuts about very
nursery rhyme n a short traditional verse or fond of or enthusiastic about.
song for children. nuts and bolts pl n Informal the essential or
nursery school n a school for young chil- practical details.
dren from three to five years old. nutshell n in a nutshell in essence; briefly,
nursery slopes pl n gentle slopes used by
beginners in skiing. nutter n Brit slang an insane person.
nursery stakes pl n a race for two-year-old nutty adj -tier, -tiest 1 containing or resem-
horses. bling nuts. 2 Slang insane or eccentric, nut-
tiness n
nursing home n a private hospital or home
for people who are old or ill. nux vomica n the seed of a tree, which con-
nursing officer n the administrative head of tains strychnine.
the nursing staff of a hospital. nuzzle vb -zling, -zled to push or rub gently
nurture n 1 the act or process of promoting with the nose or snout.
the development of a child or young plant. NV Nevada.
—vb -turing, -tured 2 to promote or en- NW northwest(ern).
courage the development of. NWT Northwest Territories (of Canada).
nut n 1 a dry one-seeded fruit that grows in- NY New York.
side a hard shell. 2 the edible inner part of NYC New York City.
such a fruit. 3 a small piece of metal with a
hole in it, that screws on to a bolt. 4 Slang nylon n a synthetic material used for cloth-
an eccentric or insane person. 5 Slang the ing and many other products.
head. 6 Slang an enthusiast: a health nut. 1 nylons pl n stockings made of nylon.
Brit a small piece of coal. 8 do one’s nut nymph n 1 Myth a spirit of nature, repre-
Brit slang to be very angry. 9 a hard or sented as a beautiful young woman. 2 the
tough nut to crack a person or thing that larva of certain insects, resembling the
presents difficulties. -See also nuts. adult form. 3 Chiefly poetic a beautiful
NUT National Union of Teachers, young woman.
nutcase n Slang an insane person, nymphet n a girl who is sexually precocious
nutcracker n a device for cracking the shells and desirable.
of nuts. Also: nutcrackers nympho n, pl -phos Informal short for nym-
nuthatch n a songbird that feeds on insects, phomaniac.
seeds, and nuts. nymphomaniac n a woman with an abnor-
nutmeg n a spice made from the seed of a mally intense sexual desire, nymphomania
tropical tree. n
nutria (new-tree-a) n the fur of the coypu. NZ, N.Z., orN. Zeal. New Zealand.
 o
O1 1 Chem oxygen. 2 Old. 3 same as nought. titude of respect or humble obedience. 2 a
02 interj same as oh. bow or curtsy showing this attitude, obei-
o. orO. old. sant adj
o’ prep Informal or old-fashioned of: a cup o’ obelisk (ob-bill-isk) n 1 a four-sided stone
tea. pillar that tapers to a pyramid at the top. 2
oaf n a stupid or clumsy person, oafish adj Printing same as dagger (sense 2).
oak n 1 a large forest tree with hard wood, obese (oh-beess) adj very fat. obesity n
acorns as fruits, and leaves with rounded obey vb 1 to carry out instructions or or-
projections. 2 the wood of this tree, used as ders; be obedient. 2 to act in accordance
building timber and for making furniture, with one’s feelings, an impulse, etc.: I had
oaken adj obeyed the impulse to open the gate and
oak apple or gall n a brownish round lump had walked up the drive.
or ball produced on oak trees by certain obfuscate vb -eating, -cated Formal to
wasps. make something unnecessarily difficult to
Oaks n the Oaks an annual horse race for
understand, obfuscation n obfuscatory
three-year-old fillies, run at Epsom. adj
oakum n loose fibre obtained by unravelling obituary n, pl -aries a published announce-
old rope, used for filling cracks in wooden ment of a death, usually with a short biog-
ships. raphy of the dead person, obituarist n
OAP (in Britain) old age pensioner. obj. 1 objection. 2 Grammarobject(ive).
oar n 1 a long pole with a broad blade, used object1 n 1 a thing that can be touched or
for rowing a boat. 2 put or stick one’s oar seen. 2 a person or thing seen as a focus for
in to interfere or interrupt.
feelings, actions, or thought: she had be-
come for him an object of compassion. 3 an
oarsman or fem oarswoman n, pl -men or aim or purpose: the main object of the exer-
-women a person who rows, oarsmanship cise. 4 Philosophy that which can be per-
n ceived by the mind, as contrasted with the
oasis n, pl -ses 1 a fertile patch in a desert. 2 thinking subject. 5 Grammar a noun, pro-
a place or situation offering relief in the noun, or noun phrase that receives the ac-
midst of difficulty. tion of a verb or is governed by a preposi-
oast n Chiefly Brit an oven for drying hops, tion, such as the bottle in she threw the bot-
oast house n Chiefly Brit a building con- tle. 6 no object not a hindrance or obstacle:
taining ovens for drying hops. money’s no object.
oat n 1 a hard cereal grown as food. 2 oats object2 vb 1 to express disapproval or oppo-
the edible grain of this cereal. 3 sow one’s sition: my colleagues objected strongly to
wild oats to have casual sexual relation- further delays. 2 to state as one’s reason for
ships while young, oaten adj opposing: he objected that his small staff
oatcake n a thin unsweetened biscuit made would be unable to handle the added work.
of oatmeal. objector n
oath n, pl oaths 1 a solemn promise, esp. to objection n 1 an expression or feeling of op-
tell the truth in a court of law. 2 an offen- position or disapproval. 2 a reason for op-
sive or blasphemous expression; a swear- posing something: the planning officer had
word. 3 on or under oath having made a raised no objection.
solemn promise to tell the truth, esp. in a objectionable adj offensive or unaccep-
court of law. table.
oatmeal n 1 a coarse flour made by grinding objective n 1 an aim or purpose: the objec-
oats, —adj 2 greyish-yellow. tive is to highlight the environmental threat
Ob. (on tombstones) he or she died. to the planet. 2 Grammar a grammatical
obbligato (ob-lig-gah-toe) Music -adj 1 not case in some languages that identifies the
to be omitted in performance, —n, pl -tos 2 direct object of a verb or preposition. 3 Op-
an essential part or accompaniment: with tics the lens nearest to the object observed
oboe obbligato. in an optical instrument, -adj 4 not dis-
torted by personal feelings or bias: I have
obdurate adj not to be persuaded; hard- tried to be as objective as possible in my
hearted or obstinate, obduracy n presentation. 5 of or relating to actual facts
OBE Officer of the Order of the British Em- as opposed to thoughts or feelings: stand
pire. back and try to take a more objective view
obedient adj obeying or willing to obey, of your life as a whole. 6 existing indepen-
obedience n obediently adv dently of the mind; real, objectival adj
obeisance (oh-bay-sanss) n Formal 1 an at- objectively adv objectivity n
object lesson 551 obstacle
object lesson n a practical demonstration oboe n a double-reeded woodwind instru-
of some principle or ideal. ment with a penetrating nasal tone, oboist
objet d’art (ob-zhay dahr) n, pl objets d’art n
(ob-zhay dahr) a small object considered to obs. obsolete.
be of artistic worth. obscene adj 1 offensive to accepted stand-
oblate adj Geom (of a sphere) flattened at ards of decency or modesty. 2 Law tending
the poles: the oblate spheroid of the earth. to deprave or corrupt: an obscene publica-
oblation n 1 Christianity the offering of tion. 3 disgusting: a great dark obscene pool
bread and wine to God at Communion. 2 any of blood, obscenity n
offering made for religious purposes, obla- obscure adj 1 not well-known: the concerts
tional adj feature several obscure artists. 2 not easily
obligated adj being morally or legally bound understood: the contracts are written in ob-
to do something: they are obligated to pro- scure language. 3 unclear or indistinct.
vide temporary accommodation, obliga- ~vb -scuring, -scured 4 to make unclear or
tive adj vague; hide: no amount of bluster could ob-
obligation n 1 a moral or legal duty. 2 the scure the fact that the prime minister had
binding power of such a duty: I feel under run out of excuses. 5 to cover or cloud over,
some obligation to help you with your edu- obscuration n obscurity n
cation. 3 a sense of being in debt because of obsequies (ob-sick-weez) pl n, sing -quy
a service or favour: I don’t want him marry- Formal funeral rites.
ing me out of obligation. obsequious (ob-seek-wee-uss) adj being
obligatory adj required or compulsory be- overattentive in order to gain favour, ob-
cause of custom or law. sequiousness n
oblige vb obliging, obliged 1 to compel observance n 1 the observing of a law or
someone by legal, moral, or physical means custom. 2 a ritual, ceremony, or practice,
to do something. 2 to make (someone) in- esp. of a religion.
debted or grateful for a favour: I am obliged observant adj quick to notice details around
to you for your help. 3 to do a favour to one; sharp-eyed.
someone: she obliged the guests with a observation n 1 the act of watching or the
song. state of being watched. 2 a comment or re-
obliging adj willing to be helpful, obliging- mark. 3 detailed examination of something
ly adv before analysis, diagnosis, or interpreta-
oblique (oh-bleak) adj 1 at an angle; slant- tion: you may be admitted to hospital for
ing. 2 Geom (of lines or planes) neither per- observation and rest. 4 the facts learned
pendicular nor parallel to one another. 3 in- from observing. 5 the ability to notice
direct or evasive: only oblique references things: she has good powers of observation.
have been made to the anti-government un- observational adj
rest. ~n 4 same as solidus, obliquely adv observatory n, pl -ries a building specially
obliqueness n designed and equipped for studying the
oblique angle n an angle that is not a right weather and the stars.
angle or any multiple of a right angle. observe vb -serving, -served 1 to see or no-
obliterate vb -rating, -rated to destroy tice: it is worth observing that old Chinese
every trace of; wipe out completely, oblit- maps and charts usually show south at the
eration n top. 2 to watch (something) carefully. 3 to
oblivion n 1 the condition of being forgotten make scientific examinations of. 4 to re-
or disregarded: the Marxist-Leninist wing mark: the speaker observed that times had
of the party looks set to sink into oblivion. 2 changed. 5 to keep (a law or custom), ob-
the state of being unaware or unconscious: servable adj observer n
guests seemed to feel a social obligation to obsessed adj thinking about someone or
drink themselves into oblivion. something all the time: he had become ob-
oblivious adj unaware or unconscious: sessed with her. obsessive adj
oblivious of her soaking clothes; I was obsession n 1 something that preoccupies a
oblivious to the beauty, obliviousness n person to the exclusion of other things: his
oblong adj 1 having an elongated, rectangu- principal obsession was with trying to
lar shape. ~n 2 a figure or object having economize. 2 Psychiatry a persistent idea or
this shape. impulse, often associated with anxiety and
mental illness, obsessional adj
obloquy (ob-lock-wee) n, pl -quies Formal 1
abusive statements or blame: the British obsidian n a dark glassy volcanic rock,
press was held up to moral obloquy. 2 dis- obsolescent adj becoming obsolete or out of
grace brought about by this: the punish-' date, obsolescence n
ment of lifelong public obloquy and private obsolete adj no longer used; out of date,
embarrassment. obstacle n 1 a situation or event that pre-
obnoxious adj extremely unpleasant, ob- vents something being done: there are ob-
noxiousness n stacles which could slow the development
obstetrician 552 occur
of a vaccine. 2 a person or thing that hin- tion: a wedding day is a truly special occa-
ders movement. sion. 5 on occasion every so often. 6 rise to
obstetrician n a doctor who specializes in the occasion to meet the special demands
obstetrics. of a situation, —vb 7 Formal to cause, esp.
obstetrics n the branch of medicine con- incidentally.
cerned with pregnancy and childbirth, ob- occasional adj happening from time to time;
stetric adj not frequent or regular, occasionally adv
obstinate adj 1 keeping stubbornly to a par- occasional table n a small table with no
ticular opinion or course of action. 2 diffi- regular use.
cult to treat or deal with: obstinate weeds. Occident n the western hemisphere, esp.
obstinacy n obstinately adv Europe and America. Occidental adj
obstreperous adj noisy and difficult to con- occiput (ox-sip-putt) n Anat the back of the
trol: her obstreperous teenage son. head or skull, occipital adj
obstruct vb 1 to block a way with an obsta- occlude vb -eluding, -eluded Formal 1 to
cle. 2 to make progress or activity difficult: block or stop up a passage or opening: the
this government will never obstruct the arteries are occluded by deposits of plaque.
course ofjustice. 3 to block a clear view of. 2 to shut in or out: slowly occluding him
obstruction n 1 a person or thing that from Nash’s vision. 3 Chem (of a solid) to
obstructs. 2 the act of obstructing or being absorb and retain a gas or other substance,
obstructed. 3 Sport the act of unfairly im- occlusion n
peding an opposing player. occluded front n Meteorol the front formed
obstructionist n a person who deliberately when the cold front of a depression over-
obstructs legal or parliamentary business, takes a warm front, raising the warm air
obstructionism n from ground level.
obstructive adj deliberately causing diffi- occult adj 1 involving mystical or super-
culties or delays, obstructively adv ob- natural phenomena or powers. 2 beyond or-
structiveness n dinary human understanding. 3 secret or
obtain vb 1 to gain possession of; get. 2 mysterious, —n 4 the occult the knowledge
Formal to be customary or accepted: silence and study of occult phenomena and powers.
obtains from eight in the evening, obtain- occupancy n, pl -cies 1 the act of occupying
able adj a property. 2 the period of time during
obtrude vb -trading, -traded 1 to push one- which one is an occupant of a property.
self or one’s opinions on others in an unwel- occupant n a person occupying a property,
come way. 2 to be or make unpleasantly no- position, or place.
ticeable. obtrusion n occupation n 1 a person’s job or profession.
obtrusive adj unpleasantly noticeable: the 2 any activity on which someone’s time is
music should fit your mood, it shouldn’t be spent: a pleasant and rewarding occupa-
too obtrusive, obtrasiveness n tion. 3 the control of a country by a foreign
obtuse adj 1 mentally slow or emotionally military power. 4 the act of occupying or
insensitive. 2 Maths (of an angle) between the state of being occupied: the occupation
90° and 180°. 3 not sharp or pointed; blunt, of Kuwait, occupational adj
obtuseness n occupational hazard n something unpleas-
obverse n 1 a counterpart or opposite: his ant that occurs due to your job: frequent
true personality being the obverse of bis colds are an occupational hazard in teach-
outer image. 2 the side of a coin that bears ing.
the main design. 3 the front, top, or main occupational therapy n treatment of people
surface of anything. with physical, emotional, or social problems
obviate vb -ating, -ated Formal to avoid or using purposeful activity to help them
prevent (a need or difficulty): a mediator overcome or learn to accept their problems.
will obviate the need for independent legal occupier n Brit the person who lives in a
advice. particular house, whether as owner or ten-
obvious adj 1 easy to see or understand. ~n ant.
2 state the obvious to say something that occupy vb -pies, -pying, -pied 1 to live,
is unnecessary or already known: he is stay, or work in (a house, flat, or office). 2
prone to stating the obvious, obviously to keep (someone or someone's mind) busy.
adv obviousness n 3 to take up (time or space). 4 to move in
ocarina n a small egg-shaped wind instru- and take control of (a country or other
ment with a mouthpiece and finger holes. place): soldiers have occupied the country's
occasion n 1 a particular event or the time television station. 5 to fill or hold (a posi-
at which it happens. 2 a need or reason to tion or office).
do or be something: we barely knew him occur vb -curring, -curred 1 to happen. 2 to
and never had occasion to speak of him. 3 a be found or be present; exist. 3 occur to to
suitable time or opportunity to do some- come into the mind of.
thing. 4 a special event, time, or celebra- ► Avoid the use of occur (or happen) for
occurrence 553 odyssey
events that are planned. Compare an acci- OD Informal ~n 1 an overdose of a drug.
dent occurred with a wedding took place. -vb OD’ing, OD’d 2 to take an overdose of
occurrence n 1 something that happens. 2 a drug.
the fact of occurring: the likelihood of its odalisque (ode-a-lisk) n a female slave in a
occurrence increases with age. harem.
ocean n 1 the vast area of salt water cover- odd adj 1 unusual or peculiar: odd behav-
ing about 70 per cent of the earth’s surface. iour. 2 occasional or incidental: the odd let-
2 one of the five principal divisions of this, ter from a friend abroad, the occasional
the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and postcard from a chum. 3 leftover or addi-
Antarctic. 3 Informal a huge quantity or tional: we use up odd pieces of fabric to
expanse: oceans of replies. 4 Literary the make up jerseys in wild designs. 4 (of a
sea. oceanic adj number) not divisible by two. 5 being part
ocean-going adj (of a ship or boat) suited of a pair or set when the other or others are
for travel on the open ocean. missing: the drawer was full of odd socks. 6
oceanography n the study of oceans and somewhat more than the round numbers
their environment. oceanographer n specified: for the past twenty-odd years. 7
oceanographic adj odd man or one out a person or thing ex-
ocelot (oss-ill-lot) n a large cat of Central cluded from others forming a group or unit.
and South America with a dark-spotted -See also odds, oddly adv oddness n
yellow-grey coat. oddball n Informal a strange or eccentric
och interj Scot & Irish an expression of sur- person.
prise, annoyance, or disagreement. oddity n, pl -ties 1 an odd person or thing. 2
oche (ok-kee) n Darts a mark on the floor a peculiar characteristic. 3 the quality of
behind which a player must stand when being or appearing unusual or strange.
throwing a dart. oddments pl n odd pieces or things; left-
ochre or US ocher (oak-er) n 1 a yellow or overs: oddments of wool.
reddish-brown earth used in paints or dyes. odds pl n 1 the probability, expressed as a
-adj 2 moderate yellow-orange to orange. ratio, that something will or will not hap-
o’clock adv used after a number between pen: the odds against an acquittal had
one and twelve to specify an hour: five stabilized at six to four. 2 the difference,
o’clock in the morning. expressed as a ratio, between the money
OCR optical character reader or recognition. placed on a bet and the amount that would
Oct. October. be received as winning payment: the cur-
octagon n a geometric figure with eight rent odds are ten to one. 3 the likelihood
sides, octagonal adj that a certain state of affairs will be so: the
odds are that you are going to fail. 4 the
octahedron (ok-ta-heed-ron) n, pl -drons or advantage that one contender is judged to
-dra a solid figure with eight plane faces. have over another: the odds are in his fa-
octane n a liquid hydrocarbon found in pe- vour. 5 it makes no odds Brit it does not
troleum. matter. 6 at odds in conflict or at variance.
octane number or rating n a number indi- 7 over the odds more than is expected or
cating the quality of a petrol. necessary.
octave n 1 a the musical interval between odds and ends pl n small, usually unimpor-
the first note and the eighth note of a major tant, objects, jobs to be done, etc.: I have
or minor scale, b the higher of these two brought a few odds and ends with me.
notes, c the series of notes filling this inter- odds-on adj having a better than even
val. 2 Prosody a rhythmic group of eight chance of winning.
lines of verse.
ode n a lyric poem, usually addressed to a
octavo n, pl -vos 1 a book size resulting particular subject, with lines of varying
from folding a sheet of paper of a standard lengths and metres.
size to form eight leaves. 2 a book or sheet
of this size. odious adj offensive or hateful: I steeled
myself for the odious task, odiousness n
octet n 1 a group of eight instrumentalists
or singers. 2 a piece of music for eight per- odium (oh-dee-um) n Formal widespread
formers. dislike or disapproval of a person or action.
October n the tenth month of the year, odometer (odd-om-it-er) n US & Canad
octogenarian n 1 a person between 80 and same as mileometer.
89 years old. -adj 2 between 80 and 89 odoriferous adj Formal having or giving off
years old. a pleasant smell.
octopus n, pl -puses a sea creature with a ~ odour or US odor n a particular and distinc-
soft oval body and eight long tentacles with tive scent or smell, odorous adj odourless
suckers. adj
ocular adj of or relating to the eyes or sight, odyssey (odd-iss-ee) n a long eventful jour-
oculist n Old-fashioned an ophthalmologist. ney.
OECD 554 offer
OECD Organization for Economic Coopera- distance: the men dashed back to their car
tion and Development. and sped off. 11 away in the future: the
oedema or edema (id-deem-a) n, pl -mata date was six weeks off. 12 so as to be no
Pathol an abnormal accumulation of fluid in longer taking place: the investigation was
the tissues of the body, causing swelling. hastily called off. 13 removed from contact
Oedipus complex (ee-dip-puss) n with something: he took the jacket off. 14
Psychoanal the usually unconscious sexual off and on occasionally; not regularly or
desire of a child, esp. a male child, for the continuously: we lived together off and on.
parent of the opposite sex. oedipal adj -adj 15 not on; no longer operating: her
bedroom light was off. 16 cancelled or
o’er prep, adv Poetic over. postponed: the deal is off and your deposit
oesophagus (ee-soff-a-guss) n, pl -gi (-guy) will be returned in full. 17 in a specified
the tube through which food travels from condition, esp. regarding money or provi-
the throat to the stomach; gullet, oesopha- sions: a married man with four children is
geal adj better off on the dole; how are you off for
oestrogen (ee-stra-jen) n a female sex hor- money? 18 not up to the usual standard: an
mone that controls the reproductive cycle, off year for good wine. 19 no longer on the
and prepares the body for pregnancy. menu: haddock is off. 20 (of food or drink)
oestrus (ee-struss) n a regularly occurring having gone bad or sour: this milk is off.
period of fertility and sexual receptivity in ~n 21 Cricket the side of the field to the
the reproductive cycle of most female right of a right-handed batsman when he is
mammals, except humans; heat. facing the bowler.
of prep 1 belonging to; situated in or coming ► Avoid using of after off: he got off the bus
from; because of: the inhabitants of former (not off of). The use of off to mean from is
East Germany; I saw five people die of very informal: they bought milk from (ra-
chronic hepatitis. 2 used after words or ther than off) a farmer.
phrases expressing quantities: a pint of offal n the edible internal parts of an animal,
milk. 3 specifying an amount or value: we such as the heart or liver.
had to release the bombs at a height of 400 offbeat adj unusual, unconventional, or ec-
metres. 4 made up of, containing, or charac- centric.
terized by: a length of rope; she is a woman off colour adj 1 Chiefly Brit slightly ill; un-
of enviable beauty. 5 used to link a verbal well. 2 slightly indecent: an off colourjoke.
noun with a following noun or noun phrase offeut n a piece of paper, wood, or fabric
that is either the subject or the object of the remaining after the main pieces have been
verb: the sudden slipping of the plates of cut; remnant.
the Earth’s crust; the bombing of civilian
targets. 6 at a given distance or space of offence or US offense n 1 a breaking of a
time from: you can still find wood within a law or rule; crime. 2 annoyance or anger. 3
mile of the village; he had been within a cause of annoyance or anger. 4 give of-
hours of leaving for Romania. 7 used to fence to cause to feel upset or angry. 5 take
specify or give more information about: the offence to feel hurt or offended.
city of Glasgow; a meeting on the subject of offend vb 1 to hurt the feelings of (a per-
regional security. 8 about or concerning: son); insult. 2 to be disagreeable to; disgust:
speaking of boycotts. 9 US before the hour the lady was offended by what she saw. 3
of: about quarter of eight in the evening. to commit a crime, offender n offending
► Only when of means ’belonging to’ can an
apostrophe be used: Bill’s dog (the dog of offensive adj 1 unpleasant or disgusting to
Biir). the senses: there was an offensive smell of
off prep 1 so as to be no longer in contact beer. 2 causing annoyance or anger; insult-
with: take the wok off the heat. 2 so as to be ing. 3 for the purpose of attack rather than
no longer attached to or associated with: defence. —n 4 an attitude or position of ag-
making use of benefit disqualification to gression: to go on the offensive. 5 an attack
terrorize the unemployed off the register. 3 or hostile action: troops had launched a
away from: he was driven off the road. 4 major offensive against the rebel forces.
situated near to or leading away from: they offensively adv
were laying out a bombing range off the offer vb 1 to present for acceptance or rejec-
coast. 5 no longer having a liking for: she’s tion: I offered her a lift. 2 to provide: this
gone off you lately. 6 no longer using: he department offers a wide range of courses.
was helped to stay off heroin for a year, 3 to present itself: if an opportunity should
-adv 7 so as to deactivate or disengage: offer. 4 to be willing (to do something): his
turn off the gas supply. 8 a so as to get rid father offered to pay his tuition. 5 to put
of: he was flying at midnight so he had to forward (a proposal, information, or opin-
sleep off his hangover, b as a reduction in ion) for consideration: may I offer a differ-
price: she took twenty per cent off. 9 spent ent view? 6 to present for sale. 7 to propose
away from work or other duties: it was the as payment; bid. 8 to present (a prayer or
assistant manager’s day off. 10 away; at a sacrifice) as an act of worship. 9 to show
offering 555 ogre
readiness for: to offer resistance. ~n 10 officious adj offering unwanted advice or
something that is offered. 11 the act of of- services; interfering, officiousness n
fering. offing n 1 the part of the sea that can be
offering n 1 something that is offered. 2 a seen from the shore. 2 in the offing not far
contribution to the funds of a religious or- off; likely to occur soon.
ganization. 3 a sacrifice to a god. off key adj, adv Music out of tune,
offertory n, pl -tories Christianity 1 the part off-licence n Brit a shop or a counter in a
of a church service when the bread and shop where alcoholic drink is sold for drink-
wine for communion are offered for conse- ing elsewhere.
cration. 2 the collection of money at this off-line adj (of computer equipment) not di-
service. 3 the prayers said or sung while the rectly connected to or controlled by the cen-
worshippers’ offerings are being brought to tral processing unit of a computer.
the altar. off-load vb to get rid of (something unpleas-
offhand adj also offhanded 1 curt or casual ant), usually by giving it to someone else:
in manner: I felt calm enough to adopt a you take all the credit and off-load all the
casual offhand manner. ~adv 2 without blame.
preparation: I don’t know offhand why that off-peak adj (of services) used at times
should be so. offhandedly adv off- other than those of greatest demand.
handedness n off-putting adj Brit informal rather un-
office n 1 a room, set of rooms, or building in pleasant or disturbing: it can be very off-
which business, professional duties, or putting when you first visit a social secu-
clerical work are carried out. 2 a depart- rity office.
ment of an organization dealing with par- offset vb -setting, -set 1 to cancel out or
ticular business: cheque books were sent compensate for. 2 to print (something)
from the printer to the bank’s sorting of- using the offset process. ~n 3 a printing
fice. 3 the group of people working in an of- method in which the impression is made
fice: she assured him that the office was onto a surface, such as a rubber roller,
running smoothly. 4 a government depart- which transfers it to the paper. 4 Bot a
ment or agency: Office of Fair Trading. 5 a short runner in certain plants that produces
position of trust or authority, as in a gov- roots and shoots at the tip.
ernment: he would not seek a second term
of office. 6 a place where tickets, informa- offshoot n 1 a shoot growing from the main
tion, or some service can be obtained: give stem of a plant. 2 something that has devel-
the ticket office a ring. 7 Christianity a reli- oped from something else.
gious ceremony or service. 8 good offices offshore adj, adv 1 away from or at some
the help given by someone to someone else: distance from the shore. ~adj 2 sited or
Syria’s good offices led to the release of two conducted at sea: he reversed his position
western hostages. 9 in or out of office (of a on offshore drilling.
government) in or out of power. Offside adj, adv 1 Sport (of a player) in a
officer n 1 a person in the armed services, or position illegally ahead of the ball when it
on a non-naval ship, who holds a position of is played. ~n 2 Chiefly Brit the side of a
authority. 2 a policeman or policewoman. 3 vehicle nearest the centre of the road.
a person holding a position of authority in a offspring n 1 the immediate descendant or
government or organization. descendants of a person or animal. 2 a
official adj 1 of an office or position of product, outcome, or result: the women’s
authority: I’m not here in any official ca- liberation movement was the offspring of
pacity. 2 approved by or derived from the 1960s.
authority: there has been no official an- off-the-peg adj (of clothing) ready to wear;
nouncement. 3 formal or ceremonial: he was not produced especially for the person buy-
speaking at an official dinner in Warsaw. ing.
~n 4 a person holding a position of author- oft adv Old-fashioned or poetic short for
ity. officially adv often.
officialdom n officials or bureaucrats collec- often adv 1 frequently; much of the time. 2
tively. as often as not quite frequently. 3 every
officialese n language typical of official so often occasionally. 4 more often than
documents, esp. when wordy or pompous. not in more than half the instances.
Official Receiver n an officer appointed by ogee arch (oh-jee) n a pointed arch made
the government to deal with the affairs of a with an S-shaped curve on each side.
bankrupt person or company. ogle vb ogling, ogled to stare at (someone)
officiate vb -ating, -ated 1 to perform the. lustfully.
duties of an office; act in an official capac- 0 grade n (formerly) 1 the basic level of the
ity: the referee will officiate at the match. 2 Scottish Certificate of Education. 2 a pass
to conduct a religious or other ceremony: in a particular subject at 0 grade: she has
the priest officiated at the wedding, offi- eight Ogrades.
ciation n officiator n ogre n 1 (in folklore) a man-eating giant. 2
oh 556 Old High German
any monstrous or cruel person, ogreish adj 1 twisted my knee as I tried to squat and
ogress fem n cursed old age. 3 worn with age or use: the
oh interj an exclamation of surprise, pain, old bathroom fittings. 4 having lived or ex-
pleasure, fear, or annoyance. isted for a specified period: he is 60 years
OH Ohio. old. 5 the earlier or earliest of two or more
ohm n the SI unit of electric resistance. things with the same name: the old edition;
the Old Testament. 6 designating the form
OHMS (in Britain and the Commonwealth) of a language in which the earliest known
On Her (or His) Majesty’s Service. records are written: Old English. 7 familiar
oil n 1 any of a number of viscous liquids through long acquaintance or repetition: an
with a smooth sticky feel, which are usual- old acquaintance; the legalization argument
ly flammable, insoluble in water, and are is an old and familiar one. 8 dear: used as a
obtained from plants, animals, or mineral term of affection or familiarity: always rely
deposits by synthesis. 2 same as petro- on old Tom to turn out. 9 out of date; un-
leum. 3 a substance derived from petro- fashionable. 10 former or previous: my old
leum and used for lubrication. 4 Brit paraf- housekeeper lent me some money. 11 of
fin as a domestic fuel. 5 oil colour or paint. long standing: he’s an old and respected
6 an oil painting. -vb 7 to lubricate with member of staff. 12 good old days an earli-
oil or apply oil to. 8 oil the wheels to make er period of time regarded as better than
things run smoothly. the present, —n 13 an earlier or past time:
oilcloth n a cotton fabric treated with oil or in days of old. oldish adj
a synthetic resin to make it waterproof, old age pension n a former name for re-
formerly used esp. for tablecloths. tirement pension, old age pensioner n
oilfield n an area containing reserves of oil. Old Bailey n the Central Criminal Court of
oilfired adj using oil as fuel. England.
oil paint n a thick paint made of pigment old boy n 1 Brit a male ex-pupil of a school.
ground in linseed oil. 2 Informal, chiefly Brit a a familiar form of
oil painting n 1 a picture painted with oil address used to refer to a man. b an old
paints. 2 the art of painting with oil paints. man.
oil rig n a structure used as a base when old country n the country of origin of an
drilling an oil well. immigrant or an immigrant’s ancestors.
oilskin n 1 a thick cotton fabric treated with olde adj Facetious quaint.
oil to make it waterproof. 2 a protective olden adj Archaic dr poetic old: in the olden
outer garment made of this fabric. days the girls were married young.
oil slick n a mass of floating oil covering an Old English n the English language of the
area of water. Anglo-Saxons, spoken from the fifth centu-
oil well n a well bored into the earth or sea ry a d to about 1100. Also called: Anglo-
bed to a supply of oil. Saxon
oily adj oilier, oiliest 1 soaked or covered Old English sheepdog n a large sheepdog
with oil. 2 of, containing, or like oil. 3 with thick shaggy hair.
attempting to gain favour by insincere be- old-fashioned adj 1 in the style of a previ-
haviour and flattery, oiliness n ous period; outdated: she wore her hair in a
oink interj the grunt of a pig or an imitation strangely old-fashioned tight hairdo. 2 fa-
of this. vouring or denoting the styles or ideas of a
ointment n a smooth greasy substance ap- former time: old-fashioned values.
plied to the skin to heal or protect, or as a old flame n Informal, old-fashioned a person
cosmetic. with whom one once had a romantic rela-
OK Oklahoma. tionship.
O.K. Informal -interj 1 an expression of Old French n the French language in its ear-
approval or agreement, —adj, adv 2 in good liest forms, from about the 9th century up
or satisfactory condition, -vb O.K.ing, to about 1400.
O.K.ed 3 to approve or endorse. ~n, pl old girl n 1 Brit a female ex-pupil of a
O.K.s 4 approval or agreement. school. 2 Informal, chiefly Brit a a familiar
okapi (oh-kah-pee) n, pl -pis or-pi an Afri- form of address used to refer to a woman, b
can mammal related to the giraffe, but with an old woman.
a shorter neck, a reddish coat, and white old guard n a group of people in an organi-
stripes on the legs. zation who have traditional values: the
okay interj, adj, adv, vb, n same as O.K. company’s old guard is making way for a
okra n a tall plant with long green pods that new, more youthful team.
are used as food. old hand n a skilled or experienced person,
old adj 1 having lived or existed for a long old hat adj old-fashioned or dull.
time: the old woman; burning witches is one Old High German n a group of West Ger-
old custom I've no desire to see revived. 2 of manic dialects that developed into modern
or relating to advanced years or a long life: German; High German up to about 1200.
oldie 557 omniscient
oldie n Informal an old song, film, or person, the small green or black bitter-tasting fruit
old lady n Informal one’s mother or wife. of this tree, -adj 3 short for olive-green.
old maid n 1 a woman regarded as unlikely olive branch n a peace offering: I should
ever to marry; spinster. 2 Informal a prim, offer some kind of olive branch and get in
fussy, or excessively cautious person. touch with them.
old man n 1 Informal one’s father or hus- olive-green adj deep yellowish-green.
band. 2 an affectionate form of address olive oil n a yellowish-green oil pressed from
used to a man. ripe olives and used in cooking and medi-
old master n 1 one of the great European cines.
painters of the period 1500 to 1800. 2 a Olympiad n 1 a staging of the modern Olym-
painting by one of these. pic Games. 2 an international contest in
old moon n a phase of the moon between chess or other games.
last quarter and new moon, when it appears Olympian adj 1 of Mount Olympus or the
as a waning crescent. classical Greek gods. 2 majestic or godlike.
Old Nick n Informal Satan. —n 3 a competitor in the Olympic Games. 4
a god of Mount Olympus.
old school n a group of people favouring
Olympic adj of the Olympic Games.
traditional or conservative ideas or prac-
tices. Olympic Games n 1 an ancient Greek festi-
val, held every fourth year in honour of
old school tie n the system of mutual help Zeus, consisting of games and festivities. 2
supposed to operate among the former pu- Also called: the Olympics the modern re-
pils of public schools. vival of these games, consisting of interna-
Old Style n the former method of reckoning tional athletic and sporting contests held
dates using the Julian calendar. every four years in a selected country.
Old Testament n the first part of the Chris- OM Order of Merit (a Brit, title),
tian Bible, containing the sacred Scriptures ombudsman n, pl -men an official who in-
of the Hebrews. vestigates citizens’ complaints against the
old-time adj of or relating to a former time; government or its servants.
old-fashioned: an old-time waltz. omega n 1 the 24th and last letter of the
old wives’ tale n a belief, usually supersti- Greek alphabet (S2, w). 2 the ending or last
tious or foolish, passed on by word of of a series.
mouth as a piece of traditional wisdom. omelette or esp US omelet n a dish of beat-
old woman n 1 Informal one’s mother or en eggs cooked in a flat pan and often fold-
wife. 2 a timid, fussy, or cautious person, ed round a savoury filling.
old-womanish adj omen n 1 a thing or occurrence regarded as
Old World n that part of the world that was a sign of future happiness or disaster. 2
known to Europeans before the discovery prophetic significance: birds of ill omen.
of the Americas; the eastern hemisphere. ominous adj warning of evil, ominously
old-world adj of or characteristic of former adv
times; quaint or traditional. omission n 1 something that has been left
oleaginous (oh-lee-aj-in-uss) adj like or out or passed over. 2 an act of missing out
producing oil; oily. or failing to do something: we regret the
oleander (oh-lee-ann-der) n an evergreen omission of these and the names of the
Mediterranean shrub with fragrant white, other fine artists.
pink, or purple flowers. omit vb omitting, omitted 1 to fail to in-
clude; leave out. 2 to fail (to do something).
O level n (formerly) 1 the basic level of the
General Certificate of Education. 2 a pass in omnibus n, pl -buses 1 a collection of works
a particular subject at 0 level: a very Intel- by one author or several works on a similar
ligent young woman with ten O levels. topic, reprinted in one volume. 2 Also
called: omnibus edition a television or
olfactory adj of the sense of smell. radio programme consisting of two or more
oligarchy (ol-lee-gark-ee) n, pl -chies 1 gov- episodes of a serial broadcast earlier in the
ernment by a small group of people. 2 a week. 3 Old-fashioned a bus. -adj 4 con-
state governed this way. 3 a small group of sisting of or dealing with several different
people governing such a state, oligarchic things at once: the BBC intends to increase
or oligarchical adj the number of omnibus programmes.
Oligocene (ol-lig-go-seen) adj Geol of the omnipotent (om-nip-a-tent) adj having very
epoch of geological time about 35 million great or unlimited power, omnipotence n
years ago. omnipresent adj (esp. of a god) present in
oligopoly n, pl -lies Econ a market situation all places at the same time, omnipresence
in which control over the supply of a com- n
modity is held by a small number of pro- omniscient (om-niss-ee-ent) adj Formal
ducers. knowing or seeming to know everything,
olive n 1 an evergreen Mediterranean tree. 2 omniscience n
omnivore 558 one
omnivore (om-niv-vore) n an animal that ONC (in Britain) Ordinary National Certifi-
eats any type of food. cate.
omnivorous (om-niv-or-uss) adj 1 eating once adv 1 one time; on one oecasion only. 2
any type of food. 2 taking in everything in- at some past time, but no longer: I was in
discriminately: his omnivorous sociability love once. 3 by one degree (of relationship):
has meant constant hard work for his wife. he was Dcirdre’s cousin once removed. 4
once and for all conclusively; for the last
on prep 1 in contact with or at the surface time. 5 once in a while occasionally; now
of: let the cakes stand in the tins on a wire and then. 6 once or twice a few times. 7
rack; she had dirt on her dress. 2 attached once upon a time used to begin fairy tales
to: a piece of paper on a clipboard. 3 carried and children’s stories, -conj 8 as soon as:
with: the message found on her. 4 near to or once you have learned good grammar you
along the side of: the hotel is on the coast. 5 can leave it to nature and forget it. -n 9
within the time limits of (a day or date): one occasion or ease: once is enough. 10 all
they returned to Moscow on 22nd Septem- at once a suddenly, b simultaneously. 11 at
ber. 6 being performed upon or relayed once a immediately, b simultaneously. 12
through the medium of: a construction of for once this time, even if at no other time.
refined sounds played on special musical
instruments; what’s on television? 7 at the once-over n Informal a quiek examination
oecasion of: she had received numerous let- or appraisal.
ters congratulating her on her election. 8 oncogene (ong-koh-jean) n a gene present
immediately after or at the same time as: in all cells, that when abnormally activated
check with the tourist office on arrival. 9 can cause eancer.
through the use of: an extraordinarily vig-
orous man who thrives on physical activity; oncoming adj coming nearer in space or
the program runs on the Unix operating time; approaehing: oncoming traffic.
system. 10 regularly taking (a drug): she’s OND (in Britain) Ordinary National Diplo-
on the pill. 11 by means of (a mode of ma.
transport): his only way up the hill had to
be on foot; they get around on bicycles. 12 one adj, n 1 single or lone (person or thing);
in the process or eourse of: he is away on a not two or more: one civilian has died and
climbing expedition; coal miners have been thirty-three have been injured. 2 only or
on strike for six weeks. 13 eoncerned with unique (person or thing): he is the one to
or relating to: ten million viewers watched make correct judgments and influence the
the recent series on homelessness. 14 (of a public; she was unique, inimitable, one of a
statement or action) having as basis or kind. 3 a speeified (person or thing) as dis-
grounds: I have it on good authority. 15 tinct from another or others of its kind:
charged to: all drinks are on the house for place one hand under the knee and the
the rest of the evening. 16 staked as a bet: other under the ankle; which one is correct?
I’ll have $50 on the favourite, -adv 17 in 4 one or two a few. —adj 5 a certain, in-
operation; funetioning: the lights had been definite, or unspecified (time): one day he
left on all night. 18 attaehed to, surround- would learn the truth about her. 6 Informal,
ing, or placed in contact with something: emphatic a: wc ’re on to one hell of a story,
they escaped with nothing on except sleeve- -pron 7 an indefinite person regarded as
less shirts and shorts. 19 taking place: what typical of every person: one can always
do you have on tonight? 20 eontinuously or hope that there won’t bc an accident. 8 any
persistently: the crisis must not bc allowed indefinite person: one can catch fine trout
to drag on indefinitely. 21 forwards or fur- in this stream. 9 1 or me: one only wonders
ther: they trudged on. 22 on and off occa- what he has against the dogs. ~n 10 the
sionally; not regularly or continuously. 23 smallest natural number and first cardinal
on and on without ceasing; continually. number. 11 a numeral, 1 or 1, representing
-adj 24 Informal performing: who’s on this number. 12 something representing or
next? 25 Informal definitely taking plaee: is consisting of one unit. 13 Informal a joke or
the party still on? 26 Informal tolerable, story: have you heard the one about the ac-
praetieable, or acceptable: I’m not going, tress and the bishop? 14 (all) in one com-
that's Just not on. 27 on at Informal nag- bined or united. 15 all one of no conse-
ging: he was always on at her to stop smok- quence: leave if you want to, it's all one to
ing. ~n 28 Cricket the side of the field to me. 16 at one with in agreement or harmo-
the left of a right-handed batsman when he ny with. 17 one and all everyone, without
is facing the bowler. exception. 18 one by one one at a time; in-
dividually.
ON Ontario. ► Avoid overuse of the pronoun one as a
onager n, pl -gri or -gers a wild ass of Per- substitute for I. Many listeners find it af-
sia. fected. The pronouns I and one should not
be mixed within the same group of sen-
onanism n 1 withdrawal in sexual inter- tences. Choose one of them and continue
course before ejaculation. 2 masturbation. with it.
one another 559 onyx
one another pron each other: they seem to on-line adj (of computer equipment) directly
genuinely care for one another. connected to and controlled by the central
one-armed bandit n Informal a fruit ma- processing unit of a computer.
chine operated by pulling down a lever at onlooker n a person who observes without
one side. taking part, onlooking adj
one-dimensional adj 1 having one dimen- only adj 1 alone of its or their kind: I will be
sion. 2 completely lacking in depth or com- talking to the only journalist to have been
plexity: the production staging is one- inside the prison. 2 (of a child) having no
dimensional and the direction rigid. brothers or sisters. 3 unique by virtue of
one-horse adj Informal small or insignifi- superiority; best: first class is the only way
cant: they are eighty miles from the nearest to travel. 4 one and only incomparable: the
one-horse town. one and only Diana Ross. ~adv 5 without
one-liner n Informal a short joke or witty anyone or anything else being included;
remark. alone: only you can decide if you can abide
oneness n 1 agreement. 2 uniqueness. 3 by this compromise. 6 merely or just: it’s
sameness. only Henry. 7 no more or no greater than: I
one-night stand n 1 Informal a sexual en- was talking to a priest only a minute ago. 8
counter lasting only one evening or night. 2 merely: they had only to turn up to win the
a performance given only once at any one competition. 9 not earlier than; not until:
place. I’ve only found out today why you wouldn ’t
one-off n Brit something that happens or is come. 10 if only or if ... only used to intro-
made only once. duce a wish or hope. 11 only too extremely:
they were only too willing to do anything to
onerous (own-er-uss) adj (of a task) diffi- help. ~conj 12 but or however: those coun-
cult to carry out. onerousness n tries are going through the same cycle, only
oneself pron 1 the reflexive form of one. 2 a little later than us.
one’s normal or usual self: one doesn’t feel ► The use of only to connect sentences is ra-
oneself after such an experience. ther informal: I would come only I’m busy.
one-sided adj 1 considering or favouring In formal use only is placed directly before
only one side of a matter: it is a one-sided the words it modifies: the club opens only
debate. 2 having all the advantage on one on Thursdays but in everyday use this be-
side: it was a one-sided match with Brazil comes: the club only opens on Thursdays.
missing a succession of chances. o.n.o. or near(est) offer.
one-stop adj having or providing a range of onomatopoeia (on-a-mat-a-pee-a) n use of a
services or goods in one place: one-stop word which imitates the sound it repre-
shopping. sents, such as hiss. onomatopoeic or
One Thousand Guineas n the One Thou- onomatopoetic adj
sand Guineas an annual horse race for onrush n a forceful forward rush or flow;
three-year-old fillies, run at Newmarket. surge.
one-time adj at some time in the past; form-
er. onset n a start; beginning.
one-to-one adj 1 (of two or more things) onshore adj, adv 1 towards the land: a stiff
corresponding exactly. 2 denoting a rela- onshore wind. 2 on land; not at sea.
tionship or encounter in which someone is onside adj, adv Sport (of a player) in a legal
involved with only one other person: one- position, for example, behind the ball or
to-one meetings. 3 Maths involving the pair- with a required number of opponents be-
ing of each member of one set with only one tween oneself and the opposing team’s goal
member of another set, without remainder. line.
one-track adj Informal obsessed with one onslaught n a violent attack.
idea or subject: she’s got a one-track mind. Ont. Ontario.
one-up adj Informal having an advantage or onto or on to prep 1 to a position that is on:
lead over someone else, one-upmanship n step onto the train. 2 having discovered or
one-way adj 1 moving or allowing travel in become aware of: the police are onto us. 3
one direction only: the town centre has a into contact with: get onto the factory.
baffling one-way system. 2 involving no re- ontology n Philosophy the study of the na-
ciprocal obligation or action: he does not get ture of being, ontological adj
anything back out of the one-way relation-
ship. onus (own-uss) n, pl onuses a responsibil-
ongoing adj in progress; continuing: there ity, task, or burden: the courts put the onus
arc still ongoing discussions about the fu- on parents.
ture role of NATO. onward adj 1 directed or moving forward.
onion n 1 a vegetable with an edible bulb -adv also onwards 2 continuing; progress-
with a strong smell and taste. 2 know one’s ing.
onions Brit slang to be fully acquainted onyx n a kind of quartz with alternating col-
with a subject, oniony adj oured layers, used as a gemstone.
oodles 560 open market
oodles pl n Informal great quantities: he has blatant: there has never been such sus-
shown he can raise oodles of cash. tained and open criticism of the President.
Ookpik n Canad trademark a sealskin doll 14 unprotected; susceptible: a change of
resembling an owl, used abroad as a symbol policy which would leave vulnerable
of Canadian handicrafts. youths open to exploitation. 15 having
oolite (oh-a-lite) n a limestone made up of spaces or gaps: open ranks; an open texture.
tiny grains of calcium carbonate, oolitic 16 Music a (of a string) not stopped with
adj the finger, b (of a note) played on such a
oom n S African a title of respect used to string. 17 Sport (of a goal or court) un-
refer to an elderly man. guarded or relatively unprotected. 18 (of a
wound) exposed to the air. ~vb 19 to make
oomiak or oomiac n same as umiak. or become open: it was easy to open the
oompah n a representation of the sound back door and to slip noiselessly outside;
made by a deep brass instrument, esp. in she knelt and tried to open the drawer. 20
brass band music. to set or be set in action; start: the US will
oomph n Informal enthusiasm, vigour, or have to open talks on Palestinian rights; I
energy. want to open a dress shop. 21 to arrange for
oops interj an exclamation of surprise or of (a bank account), usually by making an ini-
apology when someone has a slight accident tial deposit. 22 to declare open ceremonially
or makes a mistake. or officially. ~n 23 the open any wide or
ooze1 vb oozing, oozed 1 to flow or leak out unobstructed area. 24 Sport a competition
slowly; seep. 2 (of a substance) to discharge which all may enter, opener n openly adv
moisture. 3 to overflow with (a feeling or openness n
quality): he oozes confidence. ~n 4 a slow open air n the place or space where the air
flowing or leaking, oozy adj is unenclosed; outdoors.
ooze2 n a soft thin mud, such as that found open-and-shut adj easily decided or solved;
at the bottom of a lake, river, or sea. obvious: an open-and-shut case.
op. opus. opencast mining n Brit mining by excavat-
opacity (ohp-ass-it-tee) n, pl -ties 1 the ing from the surface.
state or quality of being opaque. 2 the qual- open day n a special occasion on which a
ity of being difficult to understand; unintcl- school, university, or other institution is
ligibility. open for the public to visit.
opal n a precious stone, usually milky or open-ended adj 1 without definite limits;
bluish in colour, with shimmering changing unrestricted: the schedule is open-ended. 2
reflections. (of an activity) done without the aim of at-
opalescent adj having shimmering changing taining a particular result or decision: the
reflections, like opal, opalescence n dangers of open-ended military involve-
opaque adj 1 not able to be seen through; ment.
not transparent or translucent. 2 hard to open-eyed adj 1 with the eyes wide open, as
understand; unintelligible. in amazement. 2 watchful; alert.
op. cit. (op sit) (in textual annotations) in
open-handed adj generous.
the work cited.
OPEC Organization of Petroleum-Exporting open-hearted adj 1 kind or generous. 2 will-
Countries. ing to speak one’s mind; candid.
open adj 1 not closed, fastened, or blocked open-heart surgery n surgical repair of the
up: the doctor’s office was open. 2 not en- heart during which the heart is exposed and
closed, covered, or wrapped: the parcel was the blood circulation is maintained me-
open. 3 extended, expanded, or unfolded: chanically.
an open flower. 4 ready for business: some open house n a situation in which people
of the crafts rooms and photography shops allow friends or visitors to come to their
are open all night. 5 (of a job) available: all house whenever they want to.
the positions on the council should be open opening n 1 the beginning or first part of
to females. 6 unobstructed by buildings or something. 2 the first performance of a the-
trees: we lived in a small market town sur- atrical production. 3 an opportunity or
rounded by open countryside. 7 free to all chance: an opening into show business. 4 a
to join in, enter, or use: there was an open hole or gap.
competition and I was appointed. 8 (of a opening time n Brit the time at which public
season or period) not restricted for purpos- houses can legally open for business.
es of hunting game of various kinds. 9 not
decided or finalized: the legality of these open letter n a letter, esp. one of protest,
sales is still an open question. 10 ready to addressed to an individual but published in
consider new ideas: I was able to approach a newspaper or magazine for all to read.
their problem with an open mind. 11 honest open market n a process by which prices
and frank. 12 generous: she has given me are decided by supply and demand and
love and the open hand. 13 exposed to view; goods are sold anywhere.
open-minded 561 opossum
open-minded adj willing to consider new addition, in which a number is derived from
ideas; unprejudiced. another number or numbers by applying
open-mouthed adj gaping in surprise, specific rules.
open-plan adj having no or few dividing operational adj 1 in working order and
walls between areas: the house includes an ready for use. 2 of or relating to an action
open-plan living room and dining area. done to produce a particular result.
open prison n a prison in which the prison- operations research n the analysis of prob-
ers are not locked up, thus extending the lems in business and industry. Also called:
range of work they can do. operational research
open secret n something that is supposed to operative (op-rat-tiv) adj 1 in force, effect,
be secret but is widely known. or operation: the Youth Training Scheme
Open University n (in Britain) a university was operative by the end of 1983. 2 (of a
teaching by means of television and radio word) particularly relevant or significant:
lectures, correspondence courses, and “if” is the operative word. 3 of or relating to
summer schools. a surgical operation. ~n 4 a worker with a
open up vb 1 to make or become accessible: special skill.
the Berlin Wall came down and opened up operator n 1 a person who operates a ma-
new territory for dramatists. 2 to speak chine or instrument, esp. a telephone
freely or without self-restraint. 3 to start switchboard. 2 a person who runs a busi-
firing a gun or guns. 4 Informal to increase ness: your tour operator will arrange a visa
the speed of (a vehicle). for you. 3 Informal a person who
open verdict n a finding by a coroner’s jury manipulates affairs and other people: she
of death without stating the cause. considered him a shrewd operator who only
liked to appear to be simple. 4 Maths any
opera1 n 1 a dramatic work in which most or symbol, term, or letter used to indicate or
all of the text is sung to orchestral accom- express a specific operation or process.
paniment. 2 the branch of music or drama
relating to operas. 3 a group that produces operculum (oh-perk-yew-lum) n, pl -la (-la)
or performs operas. 4 a theatre where opera or -lums a covering flap or lidlike structure
is performed. in animals or plants.
opera2 n a plural of opus. operetta n a type of comic or light-hearted
opera.
operable adj 1 capable of being treated by a
surgical operation. 2 capable of being oper- ophthalmia n inflammation of the eyeball or
ated or put into practice, operability n conjunctiva.
opera glasses pl n small low-powered bin- ophthalmic adj of or relating to the eye.
oculars used by audiences in theatres. ophthalmic optician n See optician (sense
opera house n a theatre specially designed 1).
for the performance of operas. ophthalmology n the branch of medicine
operand n Maths a quantity, variable, or concerned with the eye and its diseases,
function upon which an operation is per- ophthalmologist n
formed. ophthalmoscope n an instrument for exam-
operate vb -ating, -ated 1 to work. 2 to con- ining the interior of the eye.
trol the working of (a machine). 3 to man- opiate (oh-pee-ate) n 1 a narcotic or seda-
age, direct, or run (a business or system). 4 tive drug containing opium. 2 something
to perform a surgical operation (upon a that causes mental dullness or inactivity.
person or animal). 5 to conduct military or opine vb opining, opined Formal to hold or
naval operations. express an opinion: he opined that the navy
operatic adj 1 of or relating to opera. 2 would have to start again from the begin-
overdramatic or exaggerated: he was about ning.
to go out with his operatic strut. opinion n 1 belief not founded on certainty
operating system n the software control- or proof but on what seems probable. 2
ling a computer. evaluation or estimation of a person or
thing: they seemed to share my high opinion
operating theatre or US room n a room in of her. 3 a judgment given by an expert:
which surgical operations are performed. medical opinion. 4 a matter of opinion a
operation n 1 the act or method of operat- point open to question.
ing. 2 the condition of being in action: there opinionated adj holding very strong opin-
are twenty teleworking centres in operation ions which one is convinced are right.
around the country. 3 an action or series of
actions done to produce a particular result: opinion poll n same as poll (sense 1).
a large-scale police operation has been in opium (oh-pee-um) n an addictive narcotic
place to manage the heavy traffic. 4 Sur- drug made from the seed capsules of the
gery a surgical procedure carried out to re- opium poppy and used in medicine as a
move, replace, or repair a diseased or dam- painkiller and sedative.
aged part of the body. 5 a military or naval opossum n, pl -sums or -sum 1 a thick-
manoeuvre. 6 Maths any procedure, such as furred American marsupial, with a long
opponent 562 or
snout and a hairless prehensile tail. 2 Aus- of the eye or the sense of sight; optic. 3 (of a
tral & NZ a similar Australian animal, such lens) helping vision.
as a phalanger. optical character reader n a computer de-
opponent n a person who opposes another vice enabling letters and numbers to be op-
in a contest, battle, or argument. tically scanned and input to a storage de-
opportune ad/ Formal 1 happening at a time vice.
that is suitable or advantageous: there was optical fibre n a thin flexible glass fibre
an opportune knock at the door. 2 (of time) used in fibre optics to transmit information.
suitable for a particular purpose: I have ar- optician n 1 Also called: ophthalmic opti-
rived at a very opportune moment. cian a person who is qualified to examine
opportunist n 1 a person who adapts his or the eyes and prescribe and supply specta-
her actions to take advantage of opportu- cles and contact lenses. 2 Also called: dis-
nities and circumstances without regard for pensing optician a person who supplies
principles, -adj 2 taking advantage of op- and fits spectacle frames and lenses, but is
portunities and circumstances in this way. not qualified to prescribe lenses.
opportunism n opportunistic adj optic nerve n a cranial nerve of vertebrates
opportunity n, pl -ties 1 a favourable com- that conducts nerve impulses from the reti-
bination of circumstances. 2 a good chance na of the eye to the brain.
or prospect. optics n the science dealing with light and
opposable adj Zool (of the thumb) capable vision.
of touching the tip of all the other fingers.
optimal adj best or most favourable.
oppose vb -posing, -posed 1 Also: be op-
posed to to be against (something or some- optimism n 1 the tendency to take the most
one) in speech or action. 2 as opposed to in hopeful view in all matters. 2 Philosophy
strong contrast with: I’m a realist as op- the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of good
posed to a theorist, opposing adj over evil, optimist n optimistic adj op-
timistically adv
opposite adj 1 situated on the other or fur-
ther side. 2 facing or going in contrary di- optimize or -mise vb -mizing, -mized or
rections: he saw another small craft head- -mising, -mised to make the most of.
ing the opposite way. 3 completely differ- optimum n, pl -ma or -mums 1 the most fa-
ent: I have a different, in fact, opposite vourable conditions or best compromise
view on this subject. 4 Maths (of a side in a possible, —adj 2 most favourable or advan-
triangle) facing a specified angle, —n 5 a tageous; best: balance is a critical part of an
person or thing that is opposite; antithesis. optimum diet.
-prep 6 facing; across from, -adv 7 in an option n 1 the power or liberty to choose: we
opposite position: fragments smashed have no option other than to fully comply. 2
through the windows of the house opposite. something that is or may be chosen: the
opposite number n a person holding an menu includes a vegetarian option. 3 an ex-
equivalent position in another group or or- clusive right, usually for a limited period,
ganization. to buy or sell something at a future date: a
opposition n 1 the act of opposing or being producer could extend his option on the ma-
opposed. 2 hostility, resistance, or dis- terial for another six months. 4 keep or
agreement. 3 a person or group antagonistic leave one’s options open not to commit
or opposed to another. 4 a political party or oneself. 5 soft option an easy alternative.
group opposed to the ruling party or gov- optional adj possible but not compulsory;
ernment. 5 Astrol a diametrically opposite open to choice.
position of two heavenly bodies. optometrist (op-tom-met-trist) n a person
oppress vb 1 to put down or control by cru- qualified to examine the eyes and prescribe
elty or force. 2 to make anxious or uncom- and supply spectacles and contact lenses,
fortable. oppression n oppressor n optometry n
oppressive adj 1 cruel, harsh, or tyrannical. opt out vb 1 (often foil, by of) to choose not
2 uncomfortable or depressing: a small flat to be involved (in) or part (of), used esp. of
can become rather oppressive. 3 (of weath- schools and hospitals that leave the public
er) hot and humid, oppressiveness n sector, —n opt-out 2 the act of opting out,
opprobrium (op-probe-ree-um) n Formal 1 esp. of a local authority administration.
the state of being abused or scornfully opulent (op-pew-lent) adj 1 having or indi-
criticized. 2 a cause of disgrace or shame, cating wealth. 2 abundant or plentiful,
opprobrious adj opulence n
oppugn (op-pewn) vb Formal to call into opus (oh-puss) n, pl opuses or opera an ar-
question; dispute. tistic creation, esp. a musical work by a
opt vb to show preference (for) or choose (to particular composer, numbered in order of
do something). publication: Beethoven’s opus 61.
optic adj of the eye or vision. or conj used to join: 1 alternatives: do you
optical adj 1 of or involving light or optics. 2 want to go out or stay at home? 2
OR 563 order
rephrasings of the same thing: twelve, or a move around (a heavenly body) in an orbit.
dozen. 5 to send (a satellite or spacecraft) into
OR Oregon. orbit, orbital adj
oracle n 1 a shrine in ancient Greece or Orcadian n 1 a person from the Orkneys.
Rome at which gods were consulted through -adj 2 of the Orkneys.
the medium of a priest or priestess for ad- orchard n an area of land on which fruit
vice or prophecy. 2 a prophecy or statement trees are grown.
made by an oracle. 3 any person believed to orchestra n 1 a large group of musicians
indicate future action with infallible whose members play a variety of different
authority. instruments. 2 Also called: orchestra pit
Oracle n Trademark Optional Reception of the space, in front of or under the stage, re-
Announcements by Coded Line Electronics: served for musicians in a theatre, orches-
the teletext service of Independent Televi- tral adj
sion.
orchestrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to score
oracular adj 1 of or like an oracle. 2 wise or arrange (a piece of music) for orchestra.
and prophetic. 3 mysterious or ambiguous. 2 to arrange (something) in order to pro-
oral adj 1 spoken or verbal; using spoken duce a particular result: he had orches-
words. 2 of or for use in the mouth: an oral trated today’s meeting. orchestra-
thermometer. 3 (of a drug) to be taken by tion n
mouth: an oral contraceptive. ~n 4 an ex- orchid n a plant having flowers of unusual
amination in which the questions and an- shapes and beautiful colours, usually with
swers are spoken rather than written, oral- one lip-shaped petal which is larger than
ly adv the other two.
orange n 1 a round reddish-yellow juicy cit- ordain vb 1 to make (someone) a member of
rus fruit. 2 the evergreen tree on which it the clergy. 2 Formal to decree or order with
grows. 3 a colour between red and yellow; authority, ordainment n
the colour of an orange. ~adj 4 of a colour
between red and yellow. ordeal n 1 a severe or trying experience. 2
orangeade n a usually fizzy orange- History a method of trial in which the ac-
flavoured drink. cused person was subjected to physical
danger.
orange blossom n the flowers of the orange
tree, traditionally worn by brides. order n 1 an instruction that must be
obeyed; command. 2 a state in which every-
Orangeman n, pl -men a member of a politi- thing is arranged logically, comprehensibly,
cal society founded in Ireland in 1795 to or naturally: she strove to keep more order
uphold Protestantism. in the house. 3 an arrangement of things in
orangery n, pl -eries a conservatory or succession; sequence: group them by letter
greenhouse in which orange trees are grown and then put them in numerical order. 4 an
in cooler climates. established or customary system of society:
orangey adj slightly orange. there is an opportunity here for a new
orang-utan or orang-outang n a large ape world order. 5 a peaceful or harmonious
of the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, with condition of society: riot police were called
shaggy reddish-brown hair and long arms. in to restore order. 6 a an instruction to
oration n a formal or ceremonial public supply something in return for payment:
speech. the waitress came to take their order, b the
orator (or-rat-tor) n a person who gives an thing or things supplied. 7 a written in-
oration, esp. one skilled in persuasive pub- struction to pay money: post the coupon
lic speaking. below with a cheque or postal order. 8 a so-
oratorio (or-rat-tor-ee-oh) n, pl -rios a musi- cial class: the result will be harmful to soci-
cal composition for soloists, chorus, and or- ety as a whole and to the lower orders in
chestra, based on a religious theme. particular. 9 Biol one of the groups into
which a class is divided, containing one or
oratory1 (or-rat-tree) n the art or skill of more families. 10 kind or sort: the orchestra
public speaking. played superbly and the singing was of the
oratory2 n, pl -ries a small room or building highest order. 11 Also called: religious
set apart for private prayer. order a religious community of monks or
orb n 1 an ornamental sphere with a cross nuns. 12 a group of people who have been
on top, carried by a king or queen in impor- awarded a particular honour: the Order of
tant ceremonies. 2 a sphere; globe. 3 Poetic the Garter. 13 the office or rank of a Chris-
the eye. 4 Obsolete or poetic a heavenly tian minister: he studied for the priesthood
body, such as the sun. as a young man, but never took Holy Or-
orbit n 1 the curved path followed by some- ders. 14 the procedure and rules followed
thing, such as a heavenly body or space- by an assembly or meeting: a point of order.
craft, in its motion around another body. 2 15 one of the five major classical styles of
a range or sphere of action or influence. 3 architecture, classified by the type of col-
the eye socket. -vb -biting, -bited 4 to umns used. 16 a tall order something diffi-
order around 564 organization
cult or demanding. 17 in order a in se- company entitling their holders to a divi-
quence. b properly arranged: everything is dend according to the profits of the compa-
in order for your trip, c appropriate or fit- ny and to a claim on net assets.
ting. 18 in order that so that. 19 in order ordinate n Maths the vertical coordinate of
to so that it is possible to: a healthy diet is a point in a two-dimensional system of co-
necessary in order to keep fit. 20 in or of ordinates.
the order of amounting approximately to: ordination n the act or ceremony of making
summer temperatures are usually in the someone a member of the clergy.
order of thirty-five degrees. 21 keep order
to ensure that people obey the law or be- ordnance n 1 weapons and other military
have in an acceptable manner. 22 on order supplies. 2 the ordnance a government de-
having been ordered but not yet delivered. partment dealing with military supplies.
23 out of order a not in sequence, b not Ordnance Survey n the British government
working: the lift was out of order, so we organization that produces detailed maps of
had to use the stairs, c not following the Britain and Ireland.
rules or customary procedure: the chair- Ordovician (or-doe-vish-ee-an) adj Geol of
person ruled the motion out of order. 24 to the period of geological time about 500 mil-
order according to a buyer’s specifications. lion years ago.
—vb 25 to command or instruct (to do ordure n excrement; dung.
something): she ordered her son to wash the ore n rock or mineral from which valuable
dishes; the police ordered her into the substances such as metals can be extracted.
house. 26 to request (something) to be sup- oregano (or-rig-gah-no) n a sweet-smelling
plied in return for payment: I ordered a new herb used as seasoning.
car three weeks ago, but it hasn’t been de- organ n 1 a part in animals and plants that
livered yet. 27 to arrange (things) methodi- is adapted to perform a particular function,
cally or in their proper places, -interj 28 for example the heart or lungs. 2 a a musi-
an exclamation demanding that orderly be-
haviour be restored. cal keyboard instrument which produces
sound by forcing air through pipes of a va-
order around or about vb to repeatedly tell riety of lengths, b Also called: electric
(someone) what to do in a bossy or unsym- organ a keyboard instrument which pro-
pathetic way: it was intolerable that those duces similar sounds electronically. 3 a
two fat slobs could order her around. means of communication, such as a news-
orderly adj 1 tidy or well-organized: they paper issued by a specialist group or party.
evacuated the building in an orderly man- 4 Euphemistic a penis.
ner. 2 well-behaved; law-abiding. ~n, pl organdie n a fine, slightly stiff cotton fab-
-lies 3 Med a male hospital attendant. 4 Mil ric.
a soldier whose duty is to carry orders or
perform minor tasks for a more senior of- organ-grinder n (formerly) an entertainer
ficer. orderliness n who played a barrel organ in the streets.
Order of Merit n Brit an order awarded for organic adj 1 of, produced by, or found in
outstanding achievement in any field. plants or animals: the rocks were carefully
searched for organic remains. 2 not using,
order paper n a list indicating the order of or grown without, artificial fertilizers or
business, esp. in Parliament. pesticides: organic vegetables; an organic
ordinal number n a number indicating posi- farm. 3 Chem of or belonging to the class of
tion in a sequence, such as first, second, chemical compounds that are formed from
third. carbon. 4 (of change or development) grad-
ordinance n an official rule or order, ual and natural rather than sudden or
ordinarily adv in ordinary circumstances; forced. 5 made up of many different parts
usually; normally. which contribute to the way in which the
ordinary adj 1 usual or normal: it was an or- whole society or structure works: an organ-
dinary working day for them. 2 not special ic whole, organically adv
or different in any way: what do ordinary organic chemistry n Chem the branch of
Germans feel about reunification? 3 dull or chemistry dealing with carbon compounds.
unexciting: the restaurant charged very organism n 1 an animal or plant. 2 anything
high prices for very ordinary cooking. ~n, resembling a living creature in structure,
pl -naries 4 RC Church the parts of the behaviour, or complexity: cities are more
Mass that do not vary from day to day. 5 complicated organisms than farming vil-
out of the ordinary unusual. lages.
Ordinary level n the formal name for O organist n a person who plays the organ,
level. organization or -isation n 1 an organized
ordinary rating n a rank in the Royal Navy group of people, such as a club, society,
equivalent to that of a private in the army. union, or business. 2 the act of organizing:
ordinary seaman n a seaman of the lowest setting up the European tour took a lot of
rank. organization. 3 the structure and arrange-
ordinary shares pl n Brit shares issued by a ment of the different parts of something:
organize 565 ornament
the report recommended radical changes in new situation or environment: nearly every
the organization of the social services de- college has an orientation programme.
partment. 4 the state of being organized: orienteering n a sport in which contestants
the material in this essay lacks any sort of race on foot over a cross-country course
organization, organizational or -isational consisting of checkpoints found with the
adj aid of a map and compass.
organize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, orifice (or-rif-fiss) n an opening or hole
-ised 1 to plan and arrange (something): we through which something can pass, esp. one
organized a protest meeting in the village in the body such as the mouth or anus.
hall. 2 to arrange systematically: the files orig. 1 origin. 2 original(ly).
are organized in alphabetical order and by origami (or-rig-gah-mee) n the art, original-
date. 3 to form, join, or recruit (people) into ly Japanese, of folding paper intricately
a trade union: the seasonal nature of tour- into decorative shapes.
ism makes it difficult for hotel workers to
organize, organizer or -iser n origin n 1 the point, source, or event from
which something develops: the origin of the
organized or -ised adj 1 planned and con- term “jazz” is obscure; the war had its ori-
trolled on a large scale and involving many gin in the clash between rival nationalists. 2
people: organized crime. 2 orderly and effi- the country, race, or social class of a per-
cient: a highly organized campaign. 3 (of son’s parents or ancestors: an Australian of
the workers in a factory or office) belong- Greek origin; he was proud of his working-
ing to a trade union: socialism is especially class origins. 3 Maths the point at which the
popular among organized labour. horizontal and vertical axes intersect.
organza n a thin stiff fabric of silk, cotton, original adj 1 first or earliest: the dining
or synthetic fibre. room also has attractive original beams. 2
orgasm n the most intense point of pleasure fresh and unusual; not copied from or based
and excitement during sexual activity, or- on something else: the composer’s work has
gasmic adj created some original and attractive cho-
orgy n, pl -gies 1 a wild party involving reography. 3 able to think of or carry out
promiscuous sexual activity and excessive new ideas or concepts: he is an excitingly
drinking. 2 an act of immoderate or frenzied original writer. 4 being the first and genu-
indulgence: the rioters were engaged in an ine form of something, from which a copy
orgy of destruction, orgiastic adj or translation is made: all French recipes
were translated from the original abridged
oriel window or oriel n a window built out versions. ~n 5 the first and genuine form
from the wall of a house at an upper level. of something, from which others are copied
orient vb 1 to adjust or align (oneself or or translated: the original is in the British
one’s ideas) according to surroundings or Museum. 6 a person or thing used as a
circumstances: new employees can take model in art or literature: she claimed to be
some time to orient themselves to the the original on whom Lawrence based Lady
company’s procedures. 2 to position or set Chatterley. originality n originally adv
(a map or chart) with relation to the points original sin n a state of sin believed by some
of the compass or other specific directions. Christians to be inborn in all human beings
3 be oriented to or towards to work or act as a result of Adam’s disobedience.
with a particular aim, idea, or person in originate vb -nating, -nated to come or
mind: many people feel that Britain is too bring (something) into existence: humans
much oriented to the Americans. ~n 4 Po- probably originated in East Africa, origi-
etic the east. nation n originator n
Orient n the Orient East Asia. oriole n a songbird with a long pointed bill
oriental adj eastern. and a mostly yellow-and-black plumage.
Oriental adj 1 of the Orient. —n 2 a person ormolu n a gold-coloured alloy of copper,
from the Orient. tin, or zinc, used to decorate furniture and
other articles.
orientate vb -tating, -tated same as orient,
ornament n 1 anything that adorns someone
-orientated or-oriented adj combining form or something; decoration: the room’s only
interested in or directed towards the thing ornament was a dim, oily picture of the
specified: career-orientated women. Holy Family. 2 decorations collectively: he
orientation n 1 the activities and aims that a had no watch, nor ornament of any kind. 3
person or organization is interested in: the a small decorative object: I hit a garden or-
course has a practical rather than theoreti- nament while parking. 4 a person whose
cal orientation. 2 the position of an object character or talent makes them an asset to
with relation to the points of the compass, society or the group to which they belong:
or other specific directions: the room’s an ornament of the firm. 5 Music a note or
southerly orientation means that it receives group of notes which embellishes the melo-
a lot of light, -adj 3 of or providing infor- dy but is not an integral part of it, for in-
mation or training needed to understand a stance a trill, —vb 6 to decorate or adorn:
ornate 566 ostrich
the hall had a high ceiling, ornamented with oscillate (oss-ill-late) vb -lating, -lated 1 to
plaster fruits and flowers, ornamental adj swing repeatedly back and forth: its wings
ornamentation n ornamented adj oscillate up and down many times a second.
ornate adj 1 heavily or elaborately decorat- 2 to waver between two extremes of opin-
ed: an ornate ceiling painted with allegori- ion, attitude, or behaviour: the government
cal figures. 2 (of style in writing) over- oscillates between a desire for reform and a
elaborate; using many literary expressions, desire to keep its powers intact. 3 Physics
ornately adv (of an electric current) to vary between
ornithology n the study of birds, ornitho- minimum and maximum values, oscilla-
logical adj ornithologist n tion n oscillator n
orotund adj 1 (of the voice) resonant and oscilloscope (oss-sill-oh-scope) n an in-
booming. 2 (of speech or writing) pompous; strument that produces a visual representa-
containing many long or formal words. tion of an oscillating electric current on the
orphan n 1 a child whose parents are dead. screen of a cathode-ray tube.
~vb 2 to cause (someone) to become an or- osier (oh-zee-er) n 1 a willow tree whose
phan: she was orphaned at 16 when her flexible branches or twigs are used for mak-
parents died in a car crash. ing baskets and furniture. 2 a twig or
orphanage n a children’s home for orphans branch from this tree.
and abandoned children. osmium n Chem a very hard brittle bluish-
orphaned adj having no living parents, white metal, the heaviest known element.
Symbol: Os
orrery n, pl -ries a mechanical model of the
solar system in which the planets can be osmoregulation n Zool the adjustment of
moved around the sun. the osmotic pressure of a cell or organism in
relation to the surrounding fluid.
orris n 1 a kind of iris that has fragrant
roots. 2 Also: orrisroot the root of this osmosis n 1 the diffusion of liquids through
plant prepared and used as perfume. a membrane until they are mixed. 2 the
process by which people or ideas influence
orthodontics n the branch of dentistry con- each other gradually and subtly, osmotic
cerned with correcting irregularities of the adj
teeth, orthodontic adj orthodontist n
osprey n a large fish-eating bird of prey,
orthodox adj conforming to traditional or with a dark back and whitish head and
established standards in religion, behav- underparts.
iour, or attitudes: orthodox medicine; the
concerto has a more orthodox structure osseous adj consisting of or like bone,
than is usual for this composer, orthodoxy ossify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to change into
n bone; harden. 2 to become rigid, inflexible,
Orthodox adj 1 of the Orthodox Church of or unprogressive: ossified traditions, ossi-
Eastern Europe. 2 of or being the form of fication n
Judaism characterized by traditional inter- ostensible adj apparent or seeming; alleged:
pretation of and strict adherence to Mosaic our ostensible common interest is boats.
Law: an Orthodox Jew. ostensibly adv
Orthodox Church n the Christian Church ostensive adj directly showing or pointing
dominant in Eastern Europe, which has the out: he gave ostensive definitions to things.
Greek Patriarch of Constantinople as its ostentation n pretentious, showy, or vulgar
head. display: she felt the gold taps in the bath-
orthography n 1 spelling considered to be room were tasteless ostentation, ostenta-
correct: British and American orthography tious adj ostentatiously adv
is different in many cases. 2 the study of osteoarthritis (ost-ee-oh-arth-rite-iss) n
spelling, orthographic adj chronic inflammation of the joints, causing
orthopaedics or US orthopedics n the pain and stiffness.
branch of surgery concerned with disorders osteopathy n a system of healing based on
of the bones and joints, orthopaedic or US the manipulation of bones or muscle, os-
orthopedic adj orthopaedist or US ortho- teopath n
pedist n osteoporosis (ost-ee-oh-pore-oh-siss) n
ortolan n a small European songbird eaten brittleness of the bones, caused by lack of
as a delicacy. calcium.
oryx n any of various large straight-horned ostinato n, pl -tos Music a persistently re-
African antelopes. peated phrase or rhythm.
Os Chem osmium. ostler n (formerly) a stableman at an inn.
OS 1 Ordnance Survey. 2 outsize(d). ostracize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or
Oscar n an award in the form of a small gold -cising, -cised to exclude or banish (a per-
statuette awarded annually in the US for son) from a particular group or from soci-
outstanding achievements in various as- ety: he was ostracized from his family when
pects of the film industry: he won an Oscar his affair became known, ostracism n
for Best Supporting Actor in 1974. ostrich n 1 a large African bird which runs
OT 567 ours
fast but cannot fly, and has a long neck, otiose (oh-tee-oze) adj serving no useful
long legs, and soft dark feathers. 2 a person purpose: such a strike is almost otiose.
who refuses to recognize an unpleasant OTT Brit slang over the top.
truth: he accused the Minister of being “an otter n a small freshwater fish-eating ani-
ostrich with its head stuck in the sand, mal with smooth brown fur, a streamlined
while all around him unemployment soars”. body, and webbed feet.
OT Old Testament. ottoman n, pl -mans a storage chest with a
OTC (in Britain) Officers’ Training Corps. padded lid for use as a seat.
Ottoman adj 1 History of the Ottomans or
OTE (esp. in job adverts) on target earnings:
the minimum amount of money a salesman the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish empire
is expected to make. which lasted from the late 13th century
until the end of World War I, and at its
other adj 1 remaining (one or ones) in a height included the Balkans and much of N
group of which one or some have been Africa, —n, pl -mans 2 a member of a Turk-
specified: she wasn’t getting on with the ish people who formed the basis of this em-
other children. 2 being a different one or pire.
ones from the one or ones already specified ou (oh) n S African slang a man, bloke, or
or understood: other people might not be so chap.
tolerant of your behaviour; are you sure it’s OU 1 the Open University. 2 Oxford Univer-
not in your other pocket? 3 refers to a place sity.
or time which is not the one the speaker or oubaas (oh-bahss) n S African a man in
writer is in: results in other countries have authority.
been most encouraging. 4 additional; fur-
ther: there is one other thing for the gov- oubliette (oo-blee-ett) n History a dungeon,
ernment to do. 5 every other every alter- the only entrance to which is a trap door in
nate: the doctor sees me every other week. the ceiling.
6 other than a apart from: he knew little of ouch interj an exclamation of sharp sudden
the country other than it was Muslim, b dif- pain.
ferent from: treatment other than a hearing ought vb used to express: 1 duty or obliga-
aid will be possible for those with inner ear tion: she ought to tell this to the police. 2
deafness. 7 or other used to add vagueness advisability: we ought to get the roof re-
to the preceding word or phrase: he could paired before the attics get any damper. 3
take some evening course or other which probability or expectation: a good lawyer
could lead to an extra qualification; he was ought to be able to fix it for you. 4 a desire
called away from the house on some pretext on the part of the speaker: you ought to
or other. 8 the other day a few days ago. have a good breakfast before you hit the
—n 9 an additional person or thing: show road.
me one other. 10 others people apart from ► In standard English did and had are not
the person who is being spoken or written used with ought: ought not to (not
about: she devoted her entire life to helping didn ’t/hadn ’t ought to).
others. 11 the others the people or things oughtn’t ought not.
remaining in a group of which one or some Ouija board or Ouija (weej-a) n Trademark
have been specified: I can’t speak for the a board on which are marked the letters of
others, -adv 12 otherwise; differently: the alphabet. Answers to questions are
they couldn’t behave other than they do. spelt out by a pointer, which is supposedly
otherness n guided by spirits.
other ranks pl n Chiefly Brit (in the armed ouma (oh-mah) n S African 1 grandmother,
forces) all those who do not hold a commis- often as a title with a surname. 2 Slang any
sioned rank. elderly woman.
otherwise conj 1 or else; if not, then: I was ounce n 1 a unit of weight equal to one six-
fifty but said I was forty, otherwise I’d teenth of a pound or 28.4 grams. 2 short for
never have got a job. -adv 2 differently: it fluid ounce. 3 a small amount: you haven’t
was fruitless to pretend or to hope other- got one ounce of control over her.
wise. 3 in other respects: shrewd psycho- OUP (in Northern Ireland) Official Unionist
logical twists perk up an otherwise predict- Party.
able story line, -adj 4 different: circum- oupa (oh-pah) n S African 1 grandfather,
stances beyond our control dictated that it often as a title with a surname. 2 Slang any
should be otherwise, -pron 5 or otherwise elderly man.
or not; or the opposite: he didn’t want com- our adj 1 of, belonging to, or associated with
pany, talkative or otherwise. us: our daughter. 2 a formal word for my
otherworldly adj 1 concerned with spiritual used by monarchs.
rather than practical matters: his other- Our Father n same as the Lord’s Prayer.
worldly manner concealed a ruthless busi- ours pron 1 something belonging to us: ours
ness mind. 2 mystical or supernatural: this are smaller guns than those; the money is
part of Italy has an otherworldly beauty. ours. 2 of ours belonging to or associated
ourself 568 outdoor
with us: my wife and a friend of ours had out of touch with reality; out of focus, c be-
both deserted me. cause of; motivated by: out of jealousy, d
ourself pron Archaic a formal word for my- from (a material or source): made out of
self used by monarchs. plastic, e no longer in a specified state or
condition: out of work; out of practice,
ourselves pron 1 a the reflexive form of we —adj 28 directed or indicating direction
or us: we humiliated ourselves, b used for outwards: the out tray. 29 Informal not
emphasis: we ourselves will finish it. 2 our concealing one’s homosexuality, -prep 30
usual selves: we’ve not been feeling quite US or nonstandard out of; out through: he
ourselves since the accident. 3 Nonstandard ran out the door, -interj 31 a an exclama-
used instead of we or us in compound noun tion of dismissal, b (in signalling and radio)
phrases: other people and ourselves. an expression used to signal that the speak-
ousel n same as ouzel. er is signing off: over and out! -vb 32 In-
oust vb to force (someone) out of a position; formal (of homosexuals) to expose (a public
expel: the coup which ousted the President. figure) as being a fellow homosexual.
ouster n US an act or instance of forcing out- prefix 1 excelling or surpassing in a
someone out of a position: the demonstra- particular action: outlast; outlive. 2 at or
tors called for the ouster of the police chief. from a point away, outside: outpost; outpa-
tient. 3 going away, outward: outcrop; out-
out adv, adj 1 away from the inside of a growth.
place: she took her purse out; inspection of
the eggs should be done when the hen is out outage n a period of power failure.
of the nest. 2 away from one’s home or out and about adj regularly going out of the
place of work for a short time: I called ear- house to work, take part in social activity,
lier but you were out; a search party is out etc., esp. after an illness.
looking for survivors. 3 no longer burning, out-and-out adj absolute; thorough: it's an
shining, or functioning: he switched the out-and-out lie.
light out; the living-room fire went out outback n the remote bush country of Aus-
while we were next door eating. 4 used up; tralia.
not having any more of: their supplies ran outbid vb -bidding, -bidded or -bid to offer
out after two weeks; we’re out of milk. 5 a higher price than (another person).
public; revealed: our dirty little secret is outboard motor n a portable petrol engine
out. 6 available to the public: her biography that can be attached externally to the stern
will be out in December. 7 (of the sun, stars, of a boat to propel it.
or moon) visible. 8 in bloom: the roses are outbreak n a sudden occurrence of disease
out early this year. 9 not in fashion or cur- or war.
rent usage: trying to be trendy is out. 10 ex-
cluded from consideration: cost cutting is outbuilding n same as outhouse.
out of the question. 11 not allowed: smoking outburst n 1 a sudden strong expression of
on duty is out. 12 out for or to wanting or emotion, esp. of anger: such emotional out-
intent on (something or doing something): bursts do nothing to help calm discussion of
the young soldiers were out for revenge; the matter. 2 a sudden period of violent ac-
they’re out to get me. 13 Sport (of a player tivity: this sudden outburst of violence has
in a sport like cricket or baseball) no longer come as a shock.
batting because he or she has been dis- outcast n a person who is rejected or ex-
missed by being caught, bowled, etc. 14 on cluded from a particular group or from so-
strike. 15 in or into a state of unconscious- ciety.
ness: he went outside and passed out in an outclass vb to surpass (someone) in perfor-
alley. 16 used to indicate a burst of activity mance or quality.
as indicated by a verb: war broke out in the outcome n the result or consequence of
Gulf. 17 out of existence: the mistakes were something.
scored out. 18 to the fullest extent: spread outcrop n part of a rock formation that
out. 19 loudly; clearly: he cried out in shock sticks out of the earth.
and pain. 20 to a conclusion; completely: outcry n, pt-cries a widespread or vehement
she’d worked it out for herself. 21 existing: protest: there was great popular outcry
the friendliest dog out. 22 inaccurate or in- against the plan for a dual-carriageway.
correct: the estimate was out by sixty
pounds. 23 not in office or authority: she outdated adj old-fashioned or obsolete,
was finally voted out as party leader. 24 (of outdistance vb -tancing, -tanced 1 to sur-
a period of time) completed: before the year pass (someone) in a particular activity. 2 to
is out. 25 openly homosexual: I came out as leave (other competitors) behind in a race.
a lesbian when I was still in my teens. 26 outdo vb -doing, -did, -done to be more suc-
Old-fashioned (of a young woman) in or cessful or better than (someone or some-
into upper-class society life: Lucinda had a thing ) in performance: this car easily out-
large party when she came out. 27 out of a does its rivals when it comes to comfort.
at or to a point outside: the train pulled out outdoor adj 1 taking place, existing, or in-
of the station, b away from; not in: they're tended for use in the open air: have a swim
outdoors 569 outmatch
at the beach or outdoor pool; she was just naming by homosexuals of other prominent
taking off her outdoor clothing. 2 fond of homosexuals, often against their will.
the outdoors: Paul was a butch outdoor outlandish adj extremely unconventional;
type. bizarre.
outdoors adv 1 in the open air; outside: he outlast vb to last longer than.
hardly ever went outdoors. ~n 2 the world outlaw n 1 History a criminal who has been
outside or far away from buildings; the deprived of legal protection and rights.
open air: he’d forgotten his fear of the out- ~vb 2 to make (something) illegal: the
doors. European Court has outlawed sex discrimi-
outer adj 1 on the outside; external: the nation in pensions. 3 History to make
building's outer walls were painted pale (someone) an outlaw, outlawed adj
pink. 2 further from the middle: the outer outlay n the money, effort, or time spent on
suburbs. ~n 3 Archery a the white outer- something.
most ring on a target, b a shot that hits this outlet n 1 a means of expressing one’s feel-
ring.
ings: the shock would give her an outlet for
outermost adj furthest from the centre or her own grief. 2 a a market for a product:
middle. there is a huge sales outlet for personal
outer space n space beyond the atmosphere computers, b a shop or organization selling
of the earth. the goods of a particular producer or
outface vb -facing, -faced to subdue or dis- wholesaler or manufacturer: the company
concert (someone) by staring. now has outlets in 31 British towns. 3 an
outfall n the mouth of a river, drain, or pipe: opening permitting escape or release: make
the survey measured pollution levels near sure the exhaust outlet is not blocked.
sewer outfalls. outline n 1 a general explanation or descrip-
outfield n 1 Cricket the area of the field far tion of something, which does not give all
from the pitch. 2 Baseball the area of the the details: the course gave a brief outline
playing field beyond the lines connecting of twentieth-century music. 2 outlines the
first, second, and third bases, outfielder n important features of something: the out-
outfit n 1 a set of clothes worn together. 2 lines of his theory are correct, we just need
Informal a group of people working togeth- to fill in the details. 3 the general shape of
er as a unit. 3 a set of equipment for a par- something, esp. when only the profile and
ticular task; kit: a complete anti-snakebite not the details are visible: it was still light
outfit. enough to see the outline of the distant
outfitter n Old-fashioned a shop or person mountains. 4 a drawing showing only the
that sells men’s clothes. external lines of an object. ~vb -lining,
-lined 5 to give the main features or general
outflank vb 1 to go around and beyond the idea of (something): I outlined what we had
side of (an enemy army). 2 to get the better done and what we had still to do. 6 to show
of (someone). the general shape of an object but not its
outflow n 1 anything that flows out, such as details, as light does coming from behind an
liquid or money. 2 the amount that flows object: we could see the towers of the city
out. outlined against the night sky.
outfox vb to defeat or foil (someone) by outlive vb -living, -lived 1 to live longer
being more cunning; outsmart. than (someone): she only outlived her hus-
outgoing adj 1 leaving: some members of the band by a few months. 2 to live beyond (a
outgoing government continued to attend date or period): the sparrow outlived the
the peace talks. 2 friendly and sociable. winter. 3 outlive its usefulness to be no
outgoings pl n expenses. longer useful or necessary: some argued
outgrow vb -growing, -grew, -grown 1 to that the organization had outlived its use-
grow too large for (clothes or shoes): it’s fulness.
amazing how quickly children outgrow outlook n 1 a general attitude to life: my
their clothes. 2 to lose (a way of behaving whole outlook on life had changed. 2 the
or thinking) in the course of becoming more probable condition or outcome of some-
mature: most teenagers outgrow their thing: the economic outlook is not good. 3
moodiness as they near adulthood. 3 to the weather forecast for the next few days:
grow larger or faster than (someone or the outlook for the weekend. 4 the view
something): the weeds threatened to out- from a place: a dreary outlook of chimneys
grow and choke the rice plants. and smoke.
outgrowth n 1 a natural development or outlying adj far away from the main area,
consequence: he argued that religion was an outmanoeuvre or US outmaneuver vb
outgrowth of magic. 2 a thing growing out ~ -vring, -vred or -vering, -vered to gain an
of a main body; offshoot. advantage over (someone) by skilful deal-
outhouse n a building near to, but separate ing: the management outmanoeuvred us
from, a main building. into accepting redundancies.
outing n 1 a trip or excursion. 2 Informal the outmatch vb to surpass or outdo (someone).
outmoded 570 outskirts
outmoded adj no longer fashionable or ac- outrank vb to be of higher rank than (some-
cepted. one).
outnumber vb to exceed in number: they outre (oo-tray) adj eccentric and rather
were outnumbered by fifty to one. shocking.
out of bounds adj, adv 1 out of bounds to outrider n a person who rides a motorcycle
not to be entered by: the area has been out or horse in front of or beside an official ve-
of bounds to foreign Journalists and closed hicle as an attendant or guard.
to tourists. 2 (in a sport such as golf) out- outrigger n 1 a stabilizing framework proj-
side the boundaries of the course or playing ecting from the side of a boat or canoe. 2 a
area. boat or canoe equipped with such a frame-
out-of-date adj, adv old-fashioned; outmod- work.
ed. outright adj 1 complete; total: he is close to
out of doors adv in the open air; outside. an outright victory. 2 straightforward and
out of pocket adj having lost or spent direct: outright hostility, -adv 3 complete-
money: I was ten pounds out of pocket after ly: the film was banned outright. 4 instant-
paying for their drinks. ly: my driver was killed outright. 5 openly:
out-of-the-way adj remote and isolated: an ask her outright why she treated you as she
out-of-the-way village in the Bavarian For- did.
est. outrun vb -running, -ran, -run 1 to run fast-
out-of-work adj unemployed: an out-of- er or further than (someone). 2 to develop
work engineer. faster than (something): the population of
outpace vb -pacing, -paced 1 to go faster the city is in danger of outrunning the sup-
than (someone). 2 to surpass or outdo ply of houses.
(someone or something) in growth, devel- outsell vb -selling, -sold to be sold in great-
opment, etc.: the increase in the number of er quantities than: CDs are now outselling
households is outpacing the number of cassettes.
houses being built. outset n a start; beginning: we never really
outpatient n a patient who visits a hospital hit it off from the outset.
for treatment but does not stay there over- outshine vb -shining, -shone to be better
night. than (someone) at something: she has begun
outpost n a small settlement in a distant to outshine me in sports.
part of the country or in a foreign country, outside prep 1 on or to the exterior of: a
which is used for military or trading pur- crowd gathered outside the court. 2 beyond
poses. the limits of: it was outside my experience
outpouring n 1 a great amount of something and beyond my ability. 3 apart from; other
that is produced very rapidly: a prolific than: no-one knows outside us. —adj 4 on
outpouring of ideas and energy. 2 a pas- or of the outside: an outside light is also a
sionate outburst: the hysterical outpourings good idea. 5 remote; unlikely: I still had an
of fanatics. outside chance of the title. 6 coming from
output n 1 the amount of something that is outside a particular group or organization:
made or produced: our weekly output has the patient had been subjected to outside
increased by 240 tonnes. 2 Electronics the influences. 7 of or being the lane in a road
power, voltage, or current delivered by a which is further from the side than other
circuit or component. 3 Computers the in- lanes going in the same direction: he was
formation produced by a computer. -vb doing 120 in the outside lane, -adv 8 out-
-putting, -putted or -put 4 Computers to side a specified thing or place; out of doors:
produce (data) at the end of a process. we went outside to get some fresh air. 9
Slang not in prison. ~n 10 the external side
outrage n 1 deep indignation, anger, or re- or surface of something. 11 at the outside
sentment: she felt a sense of outrage that he Informal at the very most: I’ll be away four
should abandon her like that. 2 an extreme- days at the outside.
ly vicious or cruel act; gross violation of de- ► Outside is not followed by of in standard
cency, morality, or honour: there have been English.
reports of another bombing outrage in the
capital. ~vb -raging, -raged 3 to cause outside broadcast n Radio, television a
deep indignation, anger, or resentment in broadcast not made from a studio.
(someone): they were outraged by the news outsider n 1 a person excluded from a
of the assassination. group. 2 a contestant thought unlikely to
outrageous adj 1 unusual and shocking: his win.
sense of humour made him say and do the outsize adj also outsized 1 very large or
most outrageous things. 2 shocking and so- larger than normal. ~n 2 an outsize gar-
cially or morally unacceptable: / will fight ment.
these outrageous accusations of corruption outskirts pl n the parts of a town or city
in the courts if necessary, outrageously that are furthest from the centre: an office
adv in the northernmost outskirts of Glasgow.
outsmart 571 overall
outsmart vb Informal same as outwit, oval adj 1 egg-shaped. ~n 2 anything that is
outspan S African ~n 1 an area on a farm oval in shape, such as a sports ground.
kept available for travellers to rest and re- ovary n, pl -ries 1 a reproductive organ in
fresh their animals. -vb -spanning, women and female animals in which eggs
-spanned 2 to unharness or unyoke (ani- are produced. 2 Bot the lower part of a pis-
mals). til, containing the ovules, ovarian adj
outspoken adj 1 saying exactly what one ovate adj shaped like an egg: the tree has
thinks: an outspoken critic of human rights bluish-green, ovate leaves.
abuses. 2 spoken candidly: she is known for ovation n an enthusiastic round of applause,
her outspoken views, outspokenness n oven n an enclosed heated compartment or
outspread adj spread or stretched out as far container for baking or roasting food, or for
as possible: a gull glided by with outspread drying or firing ceramics.
wings. ovenable adj suitable for cooking in or using
outstanding adj 1 very good; excellent: an in an oven.
outstanding performance. 2 still to be dealt over prep 1 directly above; across the top or
with or paid: outstanding bills; a few out- upper surface of: set the frying pan over a
standing problems have to be put right. 3 low heat. 2 on or to the other side of: the
very obvious or important: there are sig- pilot flew over the blue waters. 3 during or
nificant exceptions, of which oil is the out- throughout (a period of time): over the next
standing example. outstandingly adv few months it became clear what was hap-
outstation n a station or post in a remote re- pening. 4 throughout the whole extent of: It
gion. will be heard all over Britain as midnight
outstay vb same as overstay. strikes. 5 by means of (an instrument of
outstretched adj extended or stretched out telecommunication): there was an an-
as far as possible: he pushed a wad of nouncement over the Tannoy system. 6
drachma notes into the young man’s out- more than: she had met him over a year ago.
stretched hand. 7 concerning; about: there has been much
outstrip vb -stripping, -stripped 1 to sur- argument over these figures. 8 while occu-
pass (someone) in a particular activity: his pied in: I’ll tell you over dinner tonight. 9
newspapers outstrip all others in vulgarity. having recovered from the effects of: he
2 to go faster than (someone). appeared to be over his niggling injury
outtake n an unreleased take from a record- problems. 10 all over someone Informal
ing session, film, or television programme. extremely affectionate or attentive towards
someone. 11 over and above added to; in
out tray n a shallow basket in an office for addition to. —adv 12 in a state, condition,
collecting letters and documents that are to or position over something: to climb over.
be sent out. 13 onto its side: the jug toppled over. 14 at
outvote vb -voting, -voted to defeat (some- or to a point across an intervening space:
one) by getting more votes than him or her. she carried him over to the other side of the
outward adj 1 apparent or superficial: to river. 15 covering the whole area: there’s
outward appearances the house is largely poverty the world over. 16 from beginning
unchanged today. 2 of or relating to the to end: to read a document over. 17 all over
outside: outward shape. 3 (of a journey) a finished, b over one’s entire body, c typi-
away from a place to which one intends to cally: that’s him all over. 18 over again
return. —adv also outwards 4 in an out- once more. 19 over and over (again) re-
ward direction; towards the outside, out- peatedly. -interj 20 (in signalling and
wardly adv radio) it is now your turn to speak, -adj 21
outweigh vb 1 to be more important, signifi- finished; no longer in progress: the second
cant, or influential than: these niggles are round of voting is over, -adv, adj 22 re-
outweighed by the excellent cooking and maining; surplus: there wasn’t any money
service. 2 to be heavier than. left over, —n 23 Cricket a a series of six
outwit vb -witting, -witted to gain an ad- balls bowled by a bowler from the same end
vantage over (someone) by cunning or in- of the pitch, b the play during this.
genuity. over- prefix 1 excessive or excessively:
outworks pl n Mil defences which lie outside overcharge; overdue. 2 superior in rank:
the main fortifications of a fort etc. overlord. 3 indicating location or movement
outworn adj (of a belief or custom) old- above: overhang. 4 downwards from above:
fashioned and no longer of any use or rel- overthrow.
evance: there is no point in pandering to overabundance n more than is really need-
outworn superstition. ed; excess.
ouzel or ousel (ooze-el) n same as dipper overact vb to act in an exaggerated way.
(sense 2). overactive adj more active than is normal or
OUZO (ooze-oh) n, pl ouzos a strong aniseed- desirable: an overactive thyroid gland.
flavoured alcoholic drink from Greece. overall adj 1 from one end to the other: the
ova n the plural of ovum. overall length. 2 including everything;
overambitious 572 overfeed
total: the overall cost, -adv 3 in general; things than is desirable: overcrowded com-
on the whole: overall, I think this is the bet- muter trains.
ter car. ~n 4 Brit a coat-shaped work gar- overcrowding n the cramming of too many
ment worn over ordinary clothes as a pro- people into too small a space: prison over-
tection against dirt. 5 overalls work trou- crowding and poor conditions.
sers with a bib and braces or jacket at- overdo vb -doing, -did, -done 1 to do (some-
tached, worn over ordinary clothes as a thing) to excess. 2 to exaggerate (some-
protection against dirt and wear. thing). 3 to cook (something) too long. 4
overambitious adj attempting more than overdo it or things to something to a great-
one has the ability to do well: good plain er degree than is advisable or healthy.
cookery marred by overambitious sauces. overdose n 1 a larger dose of a drug than is
overarm Sport, esp cricket -adj 1 bowled, safe: she tried to kill herself with an over-
thrown, or performed with the arm raised dose of alcohol and drugs, —vb -dosing,
above the shoulder, -adv 2 with the arm -dosed 2 to take more of a drug than is safe,
raised above the shoulder. either accidentally or deliberately: this
overawe vb -awing, -awed to affect (some- drug is rarely prescribed because it is easy
one) with an overpowering sense of awe: he to overdose fatally on it.
was overawed by the prospect of meeting overdraft n 1 the withdrawal of more money
the Prime Minister. from a bank account than there is in it. 2
overbalance vb -ancing, -anced to lose the amount of money withdrawn thus.
one’s balance. overdraw vb -drawing, -drew, -drawn to
overbearing adj 1 imposing one’s views in withdraw more money from a bank account
an unpleasant or forceful manner. 2 of par- than is in it.
ticular or overriding importance: an over- overdrawn adj 1 having overdrawn one’s
bearing need. bank account. 2 (of an account) in debit.
overblown adj inflated or excessive: hu- overdressed adj wearing clothes which are
miliation comes from having overblown ex- too elaborate or formal for the occasion.
pectations for yourself. overdrive n 1 a very high gear in a motor
overboard adv 1 from a boat or ship into the vehicle, used at high speeds to reduce wear.
water: he is believed to have fallen over- 2 a state of great activity or excitement: the
board and drowned. 2 go overboard Infor- government propaganda machine went into
mal a to be extremely enthusiastic, b to go overdrive to try to play down the Minister’s
to extremes. 3 throw overboard to reject or comments.
abandon (an idea or a plan). overdub vb -dubbing, -dubbed 1 to add
overburden vb to have more of something (new sounds) to a tape in such a way that
than it is possible to cope with: the city’s the old and the new sounds can be heard.
streets are already overburdened by rush- —n 2 a sound or series of sounds added by
hour motorists. this method.
overcast adj (of the sky or weather) cloudy, overdue adj 1 not having arrived or hap-
overcharge vb -charging, -charged to char- pened by the time expected or desired: a re-
ge too high a price. assessment of policy on this issue is long
overcoat n a warm heavy coat worn in cold overdue. 2 (of money) not having been paid
weather. by the required date: his rent was three
weeks overdue. 3 (of a library book) not
overcome vb -coming, -came, -come 1 to having been returned to the library by the
deal successfully with or control (a problem required date.
or feeling): once I’d overcome my initial
nerves I discovered hang-gliding was great overeat vb -eating, -ate, -eaten to eat more
fun. 2 (of an emotion or a feeling) to affect than is necessary or healthy.
(someone) strongly or make (someone) overemphasize or-sise vb-sizing,-sized or
powerless: he was overcome by a sudden -sising, -sised to give (something) more im-
surge ofjealousy. 3 to defeat (someone) in a portance than is necessary or appropriate.
conflict. overestimate vb -mating, -mated to believe
overcompensate vb -sating, -sated to at- something or someone to be bigger, more
tempt to make up for or cancel out (some- important, or better than is the case, over-
thing) to an unnecessary degree: when estimation n
bookings dropped slightly, the company overexcited adj excessively enthusiastic or
overcompensated by slashing the price of agitated.
its holidays by 50%. overexert vb to exhaust or injure oneself by
overconfident adj having more belief in doing too much, overexertion n
one’s abilities than is justified. overexposed adj (of a photograph) too light
overcook vb to spoil food by cooking it for in colour because the film has been exposed
too long. to light for too long.
overcrowded adj containing more people or overfeed vb -feeding, -fed to give (a person,
overfill 573 overpower
plant, or animal) more food than is neces- overlay vb -laying, -laid 1 to cover (a sur-
sary or healthy. face) with an applied decoration: a woollen
overfill vb to put more into (something) than cloth overlaid with gold and silver embroi-
there is room for. dery. ~n 2 something that is laid over
overflow vb -flowing, -flowed, -flown 1 to something else; a covering. 3 an applied
flow over (a brim). 2 to be filled beyond ca- decoration or layer, for example of gold
pacity so as to spill over. 3 overflow with leaf.
to be filled with (an emotion): a letter over- overleaf adv on the other side of the page,
flowing with passion and ardour. ~n 4 overlie vb -lying, -lay, -lain to lie on or
something that overflows, usually a liquid. cover (something or someone): a thin layer
5 an outlet that enables surplus liquid to be of black dust overlay everything.
drained off. 6 the amount by which a limit overload vb 1 to put too large a load on or in
or capacity is exceeded. -adj 7 of or being (something): the aircraft was dangerously
a subsidiary thing for use when there is no overloaded. 2 to cause (a transport system)
room left in the main one: an overflow car to be unable to function properly because
park. too many people or vehicles are using it:
overgraze vb -grazing, -grazed to graze Heathrow Airport was already overloaded
(land) too intensively so that it is damaged by 1972. 3 to try to put more electricity
and no longer provides nourishment. through a system than the system can cope
overgrown adj covered over with plants or with. —n 4 an excessive load.
weeds: they headed up the overgrown and overlook vb 1 to fail to notice (something). 2
winding trail. to disregard or ignore (misbehaviour or a
overhang vb -hanging, -hung 1 to project or fault): I’m prepared to overlook your fail-
hang over beyond (something). ~n 2 an ure, but don’t do it again. 3 to give a view of
overhanging part or object. (something) from above: my flat in Bat-
overhaul vb 1 to examine (a system or an tersea overlooks the river.
idea) carefully for faults. 2 to make repairs overlord n a supreme lord or master,
or adjustments to (a vehicle or machine). 3 overly adv too; excessively.
to overtake (a vehicle or person). ~n 4 a overman vb -manning, -manned to provide
thorough examination and repair. with too many staff: the company is not
overhead adj, adv above head height, overmanned overall, but it has too many
overhead projector n a projector that managers and not enough productive work-
throws an enlarged image of a transparency ers. overmanned adj overmanning n
onto a surface above and behind the person overmuch adv, adj too much; very much,
using it. overnight adv 1 during the night. 2 in or as
overheads pl n the general costs of running if in the course of one night; suddenly: we
a business, such as rent, electricity, and sta- are not saying that a change like this would
tionery. happen overnight, —adj 3 done in, occur-
overhear vb -hearing, -heard to hear (a ring in, or lasting the night: the army has
speaker or remark) unintentionally or ordered an overnight curfew. 4 staying for
without the knowledge of the speaker. one night: overnight guests. 5 for use during
overheat vb 1 to make or become too hot. 2 a single night: should I pack an overnight
to cause (an economy) to tend towards in- case? 6 happening very quickly; sudden: he
flation. 3 become overheated (of a person, doesn’t expect the programme to be an
discussion, etc.) to become angry or agitat- overnight success.
ed: the Colonel becomes overheated if he overpaid adj earning more money than one
sees the term “Ms”in the newspaper. deserves.
overindulge vb -dulging, -dulged to do too overpass n same as flyover.
much of something pleasant, such as eating overplay vb 1 to overemphasize (some-
or drinking: nobody ever wants a hangover, thing). 2 overplay one’s hand to over-
but we all overindulge occasionally, over- estimate the worth or strength of one’s po-
indulgence n sition.
overjoyed adj extremely pleased. overpopulated adj (of a town or country)
overkill n any treatment that is greater than having more people living in it than it can
that required: the overkill in negative support.
propaganda resulted in this upsurge. overpopulation n the state of being over-
overlap vb -lapping, -lapped 1 (of two populated.
things) to share part of the same space as or overpower vb 1 to conquer or subdue
lie partly over (each other): slice the meat (someone) by superior force. 2 to have such
and lay it in overlapping slices in a serving a strong effect on (someone) as to make him
dish. 2 to coincide partly in time or subject: or her helpless or ineffective: I was so ap-
their careers have overlapped for the last palled, so overpowered by my guilt and my
ten years. ~n 3 a part that overlaps. 4 the shame that I was unable to speak, over-
amount or length of something overlapping. powering adj
overpriced 574 overthrow
overpriced adj costing more than it is overshoe n a protective shoe worn over an
thought to be worth. ordinary shoe.
overprint vb 1 to print (additional matter or overshoot vb -shooting, -shot to go beyond
another colour) onto (something already (a mark or target): the plane overshot the
printed). ~n 2 additional matter or another main runway.
colour printed onto something already overshot adj (of a water wheel) driven by a
printed. flow of water that passes over the wheel.
overqualified adj having more professional oversight n a mistake caused by not noticing
or academic qualifications than are re- something.
quired for a job. oversimplify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make
overrate vb to have too high an opinion of: something seem simpler than it really is: the
the director’s role was seriously overrated. Nationalist’s analysis oversimplifies the
overreach vb overreach oneself to fail by problems facing the country today.
trying to be too clever or achieve too much: oversized adj much larger than the usual
he built up a successful media empire be- size.
fore he overreached himself and lost much oversleep vb -sleeping, -slept to sleep be-
of his fortune. yond the intended time for getting up.
overreact vb to react more strongly or overspend vb -spending, -spent to spend
forcefully than is necessary: allergies hap- more than one can afford.
pen when the body overreacts to a harmless overspill n the rehousing of people from
substance, overreaction n crowded cities in smaller towns.
override vb -riding, -rode, -ridden 1 to set overstate vb -stating, -stated to state
aside or disregard (a person or a person’s (something) too strongly; overemphasize,
decisions) by having superior authority or overstatement n
power: the managing director can override overstay vb overstay one’s welcome to
any decision he doesn’t like. 2 to be more stay as a guest longer than one’s host or
important than or replace (something): the hostess would like.
day-to-day struggle for survival overrode overstep vb -stepping, -stepped 1 to go be-
all moral considerations, overriding adj yond the limits of what is thought accept-
overripe adj (of a fruit or vegetable) so ripe able: he had overstepped his authority by
that it has started to decay or go soft. acting without consulting his superiors. 2
overrule vb -ruling, -ruled 1 to reverse the overstep the mark to go too far and behave
decision of (a person or organization with in an unacceptable way.
less power): the President overruled the overstretch vb 1 to attempt to do more than
hardliners in the party who wanted to use there is time or capability for: for the first
force. 2 to rule or decide against (an argu- time in her career she may have
ment or decision): the initial judgment was overstretched her talents. 2 to damage
overruled by the Supreme Court. (something) by stretching it further than it
overrun vb -running, -ran, -run 1 to conquer can safely go: he overstretched his Achilles
(territory) rapidly by force of number. 2 to tendon, overstretched adj
spread over (a place) rapidly: dirty overstrung adj too highly strung; tense,
tenements, overrun by lice, rats, and oversubscribe vb -scribing, -scribed to
roaches. 3 to extend or run beyond a set apply for or try to buy more of something
limit: Tuesday’s lunch overran by three- than is available: the company’s new share
quarters of an hour. offer was heavily oversubscribed.
overseas adv 1 across the sea; abroad. overt adj done or shown in an open and ob-
~adj 2 of, to, from, or in a distant country vious way: jurors were now looking at the
or countries. ~n 3 Informal a foreign coun- defendant with overt hostility, overtly adv
try or foreign countries collectively. overtake vb -taking, -took, -taken 1 Chiefly
oversee vb -seeing, -saw, -seen to watch Brit to move past (another vehicle or per-
over and direct (someone or something); son) travelling in the same direction. 2 to do
supervise, overseer n better than (someone) after catching up
oversell vb -selling, -sold to exaggerate the with him or her. 3 to come upon (someone)
merits or abilities of. suddenly or unexpectedly: a mortal tired-
oversew vb -sewing, -sewed; -sewn or ness overtook him.
-sewed to sew (two edges) with stitches overtax vb 1 to impose too great a strain on:
that pass over them both. a singer who had overtaxed her voice. 2 to
oversexed adj more interested in sex than tax (people) too heavily.
is thought decent. over-the-top adj Brit slang excessive; be-
overshadow vb 1 to make (someone or yond the usual or acceptable bounds of be-
something) seem insignificant or less impor- haviour.
tant by comparison. 2 to sadden the atmos- overthrow vb -throwing, -threw, -thrown 1
phere of: news of their team-mate’s injury to defeat and replace (a ruler or govern-
overshadowed the victory celebrations. ment) by force. 2 to replace (standards or
overtime 575 oxidation
values). ~n 3 downfall or destruction: the ovule n 1 Bot the part of a plant that con-
overthrow of the US-backed dictatorship. tains the egg cell and develops into the seed
overtime n 1 work at a regular job done in after fertilization. 2 Zool an immature
addition to regular working hours. 2 pay ovum.
for such work, -adv 3 in addition to one’s ovum (oh-vum) n, pl ova an unfertilized fe-
regular working hours: she had been work- male egg cell.
ing overtime and she fell asleep at the owe vb owing, owed 1 to be under an obli-
wheel. gation to pay an amount of money to
overtone n 1 an additional meaning or hint: (someone): you owe me ten pounds. 2 to feel
1 don’t want to deny that from time to time an obligation to do or give: I think I owe you
there are political overtones. 2 Music, an apology. 3 owe something to to have
acoustics any of the tones, with the excep- something as a result of: many serving of-
tion of the principal or lowest one, that ficers owe their present position to the
make up a musical sound. former president.
overture n 1 Music a a piece of orchestral owing adj 1 not yet paid; due: the bailiffs
music played at the beginning of an opera, seized goods worth far more than the
oratorio, or ballet, musical comedy, or film, amount owing. 2 owing to because of; as a
often containing the main musical themes of result of: the flight was delayed owing to
the work, b a one-movement orchestral fog.
piece, usu. having a descriptive or evoca-
tive title: the 1812 Overture. 2 overtures owl n a bird of prey which has a flat face,
opening moves towards a new relationship large eyes, and a small hooked beak, and
or agreement: the German government which is active at night, owlish adj
made a variety of friendly overtures to- own adj (preceded by a possessive) 1 used to
wards the French. emphasize that something belongs to a par-
overturn vb 1 to turn over or upside down. 2 ticular person: rely on your own instincts,
to overrule or reverse (a legal decision). 3 to -pron (preceded by a possessive) 2 the one
overthrow or destroy (a government). or ones belonging to a particular person: I
overvalue vb -valuing, -valued to regard
had one of my own. 3 the people that some-
(someone or something) as much more im- one feels loyalty to, esp. relations: we all
portant or valuable than is the case: his ap- look after our own around here. 4 come
into one’s own to fulfil one’s potential. 5
proach overvalues hard work and under- hold one’s own to have the necessary abil-
values true skill. overvalued adj ity to deal successfully with a situation: he
overview n a general survey. chose a partner who could hold her own
overweening adj (of opinions or qualities) with the best. 6 on one’s own a without
excessive or immoderate: your modesty is a help: you’ll never manage to lift that on
cover for your overweening conceit. your own. b by oneself; alone: he lives on
overweight adj 1 (of a person) weighing his own in a flat in town, -vb 7 to have
more than is healthy. 2 weighing more than (something) as one’s possession. 8 Also:
is usual or permitted. own up to to confess or admit: I must own
overwhelm vb 1 to overpower the thoughts, to a great horror of war. owner n owner-
emotions, or senses of (someone): we were ship n
overwhelmed with grief. 2 to overcome owner-occupier n someone who owns the
(people) with irresistible force: gang vio- house in which he or she lives.
lence has overwhelmed an ailing police own goal n 1 Soccer a goal scored by a play-
force, overwhelming adj overwhelmingly er accidentally playing the ball into his own
adv team’s net. 2 Informal any action that re-
overwork vb 1 to work too hard or too long. sults in disadvantage to the person who
2 to use (something) too much: anti- took it or to his or her associates: the minis-
communism was already being overworked ter’s admission was the latest in a series of
by others. ~n 3 excessive work. own goals by the government.
overwrought adj tense, nervous, and agitat- ox n, pl oxen a castrated bull used for pull-
ed. ing heavy loads and for meat.
oviduct n Anat the tube through which eggs oxalic acid n a colourless poisonous acid
are conveyed from an ovary. found in many plants.
oviform adj Biol shaped like an egg. oxbow lake n a crescent-shaped lake on the
ovine adj of or like a sheep. flood plain of a river and constituting rem-
oviparous (oh-vip-par-uss) adj Zool produc- nant of a former meander.
ing eggs that hatch outside the body of the Oxbridge n the British universities of Ox-
mother. ford and Cambridge considered together.
ovoid (oh-void) adj egg-shaped. oxen n the plural of ox.
ovulate (ov-yew-late) vb -lating, -lated Biol
to produce or release eggs from an ovary, Oxfam Oxford Committee for Famine Relief,
ovulation n oxidation n the act or process of oxidizing.
oxide 576 ozone layer
oxide n Chem a compound of oxygen with covering a bedridden patient, into which
another element. oxygen is released to aid breathing.
oxidize or -dise vb -dizing, -dized or oxymoron (ox-see-more-on) n a figure of
-dising, -dised to react chemically with speech that combines two apparently contra-
oxygen, as in burning or rusting, oxidiza- dictory terms, for example cruel kindness.
tion or -disation n oyez or oyes interj a cry usually uttered
Oxon Oxfordshire. three times by a public crier or court offi-
Oxon. (in degree titles) of Oxford Univer- cial calling for silence and attention.
sity. oyster n 1 an edible shellfish, some types of
oxtail n the tail of an ox, used in soups and which produce pearls. 2 the world is your
stews. oyster you are in a position where there is
oxyacetylene n a mixture of oxygen and every possible chance of personal ad-
acetylene, used in blowlamps for cutting or vancement and satisfaction, -adj 3
welding metals at high temperatures. greyish-white.
oxygen n Chem a colourless odourless gas- oystercatcher n a wading bird with black-
eous element essential to life processes and and-white plumage and a long stout red bill,
to combustion. Symbol: 0 oz or oz. ounce.
oxygenate vb -ating, -ated to add oxygen ozone n 1 a form of oxygen with a strong
to: to oxygenate blood. odour, formed by an electric discharge in
oxygen mask n a small bowl-shaped object the atmosphere. 2 Informal clean bracing
which is connected via a pipe to an cylinder air, as found at the seaside.
of oxygen and can bc placed over a person’s ozone layer n a layer of ozone in the upper
nose and mouth to help him or her breathe. atmosphere that absorbs harmful ultravio-
oxygen tent n Med a transparent enclosure let rays from the sun.
 p
p or P n, pl p’s, P’s, or Ps 1 the 16th letter of Also called: face pack a cream treatment
the English alphabet. 2 mind one’s p’s and that cleanses and tones the skin. ~vb 10 to
q’s to be careful to behave correctly and use put (articles) in a ease or container for mov-
polite language. ing. 11 to roll (articles) up into a bundle. 12
p (in Britain) penny or pence. to press tightly together; cram: thousands
P 1 Chem phosphorus. 2 (on road signs) of people packed into the city’s main
parking. 3 Chess pawn. square. 13 (foil, by off) to send away hasti-
p. 1 (pl pp.) page. 2 per. ly: their young son came in to say good
night and was packed off to bed. 14 Slang to
pa n Informal father. be able to deliver a specified amount of un-
Pa 1 Chem protactinium. 2 Physics pascal. expected or violent force or power: the
PA 1 Pennsylvania. 2 personal assistant. 3 film’s unexpected ending packs quite a
public-address system. punch. 15 US informal to carry (a gun) ha-
p.a. yearly. bitually. 16 send someone packing Infor-
pace1 n 1 a a single step in walking, b the mal to dismiss someone abruptly. -See
length of a step. 2 speed of walking or run- also pack in, pack up.
ning. 3 speed of doing some other activity: pack2 vb to fill (a committee, jury, or audi-
efforts to accelerate the pace of change are ence) with one’s own supporters.
unlikely to succeed. 4 manner of walking. 5 package n 1 a small parcel. 2 Also: package
keep pace with to advance at the same deal a deal in which separate items are pre-
speed as. 6 put someone through his or sented together as a unit. 3 US & Canad
her paces to test someone’s ability. 7 set same as packet (sense 1). ~vb -aging,
the pace to determine the speed at which a -aged 4 to put (something) into a package,
group advances. ~vb pacing, paced 8 to packaging n
walk with regular steps, often in anxiety or package holiday n a holiday in which
impatience: he paced up and down the foyer everything is arranged by one company for
impatiently. 9 to set the speed for (the com- a fixed price.
petitors) in a race. 10 pace out to measure packet n 1 a container, together with its
by paces. contents: a packet of crisps. 2 a small par-
pace2 prep with due respect to: used to ex- cel. 3 Also: packet boat a boat that trans-
press polite disagreement. ports mail, passengers, or goods on a fixed
pacemaker n 1 an electronic device posi- short route. 4 Slang a large sum of money:
tioned in the body, next to the heart, to the manager was paid a packet to keep his
regulate the heartbeat. 2 a competitor who, mouth shut.
by leading a race, causes it to be run at a packhorse n a horse used to carry goods,
particular speed. pack ice n a large area of floating ice, con-
pachyderm (pak-ec-durm) n a large thick- sisting of pieces that have become massed
skinned mammal, such as an elephant or together.
rhinoceros. pack in vb Informal to stop doing (some-
pacific adj Formal tending to bring peace; thing): I’m going to pack it in and resign.
peaceful. packing n material, such as paper or plastic,
Pacific adj of the Pacific Ocean, the world’s used to protect packed goods.
largest and deepest ocean, lying between packthread n a strong thread for sewing or
Asia and Australia and America, or its is- tying up packages.
lands. pack up vb 1 to put (articles) in a bag or
pacifier n US& Canad a baby’s dummy, ease before leaving. 2 Informal to stop
pacifist n a person who is totally opposed to doing (something). 3 (of a machine) break
violence and refuses to take part in war. down.
pacifism n pact n a formal agreement between two or
pacify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to soothe or more parties.
calm, pacification n pad1 n 1 a thick piece of soft material used
pack1 n 1 a bundle or load carried on the for comfort, shape, protection, or absorp-
back. 2 Chiefly Brit a complete set of play- tion. 2 a number of sheets of paper fastened
ing cards. 3 a group of animals that hunt together along one edge. 3 the fleshy cush-
together: a pack of hounds. 4 Rugby the ioned underpart of an animal’s paw. 4 a
forwards of a team. 5 any collection of peo- level area or flat-topped structure, from
ple or things: a pack of lies. 6 Chiefly US & which rockets are launched or helicopters
Canad same as packet (sense 1). 7 an or- take off. 5 the floating leaf of the water lily.
ganized group of Cub Scouts or Brownie 6 Slang a person’s residence. ~vb padding,
Guides. 8 same as rucksack or backpack. 9 padded 7 to fill (something) out with soft
pad 578 paint
material for comfort, shape, or protection. 8 ligious beliefs, esp. ancient ones, which are
pad out to lengthen (a speech or piece of not part of any of the world’s major reli-
writing) with unnecessary words or pieces gions: this was the site of a pagan temple to
of information. the sun. 2 irreligious. ~n 3 a person who
pad2 vb padding, padded 1 to walk with a does not belong to any of the world’s major
soft or muffled step. 2 to travel (a route) on religions. 4 a person without any religion,
foot: men padding the streets in cheap paganism n
sneakers. page1 n 1 one side of one of the leaves of a
padded cell n a room with padded walls in a book, newspaper, or magazine. 2 one of the
psychiatric hospital, in which patients who leaves of a book, newspaper, or magazine. 3
are likely to injure themselves are placed. Literary a period or event: a new page in
padding n 1 any soft material used to pad the country's political history.
something. 2 unnecessary information put page2 n 1 a small boy who attends a bride at
into a speech or written work to make it her wedding. 2 a youth employed to run
longer. errands for the guests in a hotel or club. 3
paddle1 n 1 a short light oar with a flat Medieval history a boy in training for
blade at one or both ends. 2 a paddle wheel knighthood. ~vb paging, paged 4 to sum-
used to move a boat. 3 a blade of a water mon (a person), by bleeper or loudspeaker,
wheel or paddle wheel. ~vb -dling, -died 4 in order to pass on a message.
to move (a boat) with a paddle. 5 to swim pageant n 1 an outdoor show portraying
with short rapid strokes, like a dog. 6 US & scenes from history. 2 any magnificent dis-
Canad informal to spank. play or procession.
paddle2 vb -dling, -died 1 to walk barefoot pageantry n spectacular display or ceremo-
in shallow water. 2 to dabble (one’s fingers, ny.
hands, or feet) in water. ~n 3 the act of pageboy n 1 a hairstyle in which the hair is
paddling in water. smooth and the same medium length with
paddle steamer n a ship propelled by pad- the ends curled under. 2 same as page2
dle wheels turned by a steam engine. (sense 2).
paddle wheel n a large wheel fitted with pagination n the numbering in sequence of
paddles, turned by an engine to propel a the pages of a book or manuscript, pagi-
ship. nate vb
paddock n 1 a small enclosed field for pagoda n a pyramid-shaped Asian temple or
horses. 2 (in horse racing) the enclosure in tower.
which horses are paraded and mounted be- paid vb 1 past of pay. 2 put paid to to end
fore a race. or destroy: a knee injury put paid to his
paddy1 n, pl -dies 1 Also: paddy field a field promising sporting career.
planted with rice. 2 rice as a growing crop pail n 1 a bucket. 2 Also called: pailful the
or when harvested but not yet milled. amount contained in a pail: a pail of water.
paddy2 n, pl -dies Brit informal a fit of tem- pain n 1 physical hurt or discomfort caused
per. by injury or illness. 2 emotional suffering. 3
padkos (pudd-koss) n S African snacks and on pain of subject to the penalty of: orders
provisions for a journey. which their soldiers were bound to follow
padlock n 1 a detachable lock with a hinged on pain of death. 4 Also called: pain in the
hoop fastened through a ring on the object neck Informal a person or thing that is an-
to be secured. ~vb 2 to fasten (something) noying or irritating. ~vb 5 to cause (a per-
with a padlock. son) physical or mental suffering. 6 Infor-
padre (pah-dray) n Informal a chaplain to mal to annoy; irritate. ~See also pains,
the armed forces. painless adj
paean (pee-an) n Literary an expression of pained adj having or suggesting pain or dis-
praise or joy. tress: a pained look.
paediatrician or US pediatrician n a doctor painful adj 1 causing pain or distress: pain-
who specializes in children’s diseases. ful inflammation of the joints; he began the
paediatrics or US pediatrics n the branch painful task of making funeral arrange-
of medicine concerned with children and ments. 2 affected with pain: the symptoms
their diseases, paediatric or US pediatric include fever and painful joints. 3 tedious
adj or difficult: the hours passed with painful
paedophile or US pedophile n a person who slowness. 4 Informal extremely bad: a pain-
is sexually attracted to children. ful so-called comedy, painfully adv
paedophilia or US pedophilia n the condi- painkiller n a drug that relieves pain.
tion of being sexually attracted to children. pains pl n care or trouble: they are at great
paella (pie-ell-a) n a Spanish dish made pains to appear realistic and responsible.
from rice, shellfish, chicken, and vegeta- painstaking adj extremely careful and thor-
bles. ough. painstakingly adv
pagan adj 1 having, being, or relating to re- paint n 1 a coloured substance, spread on a
paintbrush 579 palette
surface with a brush or a roller, that forms paladin n 1 one of the legendary twelve
a hard coating. 2 a dry film of paint on a peers of Charlemagne’s court. 2 (formerly)
surface. 3 Informal face make-up. ~vb 4 to a knight who did battle for a king or queen.
apply paint to paper or canvas to make (a palaeo- or US paleo- combining form old,
picture) of. 5 to coat (a surface) with paint. ancient, or prehistoric: palaeobotany.
6 to describe vividly in words: the survey Palaeocene or US Paleocene (pal-ee-oh-
paints a dismal picture of growing hunger seen) adj Geol of the epoch of geological
and disease. 7 to apply make-up to (the time about 65 million years ago.
face). 8 to apply (liquid) to (a surface): palaeography or US paleography (pal-ee-
paint the varnish on and leave it dry for at og-ra-fee) n the study of ancient hand-
least four hours. 9 paint the town red In- writing.
formal to celebrate in a lively way.
Palaeolithic or US Paleolithic (pal-ee-oh-
paintbrush n a brush used to apply paint, lith-ik) adj of the period from about 2.5 to 3
painted lady n a butterfly with pale million years ago until about 12 000 bc dur-
brownish-red mottled wings. ing which primitive man emerged and un-
painter1 n 1 an artist who paints pictures. 2 polished chipped stone tools were made.
a person who paints surfaces of buildings palaeontology or US paleontology (pal-ee-
as a trade. on-tol-a-jee) n the study of past geological
painter2 n a rope attached to the bow of a periods and fossils, palaeontologist or US
boat for tying it up. paleontologist n
painting n 1 a picture produced by using Palaeozoic or US Paleozoic (pal-ee-oh-
paint. 2 the art of producing pictures by zoh-ik) adj Geol of the geological era that
applying paints to paper or canvas. 3 the lasted from about 600 million years ago to
act of applying paint to a surface. 230 million years ago.
paintwork n the covering of paint on-parts palanquin (pal-an-keen) n (formerly, in the
of a vehicle, building, etc.: someone had Orient) a covered bed in which someone
damaged the Porsche by scraping a key could be carried on the shoulders of four
along its paintwork. men.
pair n 1 two identical or similar things palatable adj 1 (of food or drink) pleasant to
matched for use together: a pair of shoes. 2 taste. 2 (of an experience or idea) accept-
two people, animals, or things used or able or satisfactory.
grouped together: a pair of tickets. 3 an ob- palate n 1 the roof of the mouth. 2 the sense
ject consisting of two identical or similar of taste: a range of dishes to tempt every
parts joined together: a pair of jeans. 4 a palate.
male and a female animal of the same spe- palatial adj like a palace; magnificent,
cies kept for breeding purposes. 5 Parlia- palatinate n a territory ruled by a palatine
ment two opposed members who both agree prince or noble or a count palatine.
not to vote on a specified motion. 6 two palatine adj possessing royal prerogatives: a
playing cards of the same denomination. 7 count palatine.
one member of a matching pair: I can’t find
the pair to this glove. ~vb 8 to group (peo- palaver (pal-lah-ver) n time-consuming fuss:
ple or things) in twos. 9 pair off to separate all the palaver involved in obtaining a visa.
into groups of two. pale1 adj 1 (of a colour) whitish and not
► Pair is followed by a singular verb if it re- very strong: pale yellow. 2 (of a complex-
fers to a unit: a pair of shoes was on the ion) having a whitish appearance, usually
floor, and by a plural verb if it refers to two because of illness, shock, or fear. 3 lacking
individuals: that pair are good friends. brightness or colour: the pale, chill light of
paisley pattern or paisley n a detailed pat-
an October afternoon. ~vb paling, paled 4
to become pale or paler, paleness n
tern of small curving shapes, used in fabric.
pale2 n 1 a wooden post used in fences. 2 a a
pajamas pin [/Spyjamas. fence made of pales, b a boundary. 3 be-
pakeha (pah-kee-hah) n, pl pakeha or yond the pale outside the limits of social
pakehas NZ a person of European descent, convention: the destruction of forests is be-
as distinct from a Maori. yond the pale.
Paki Brit slang, offensive ~n 1 a Pakistani paleface n an offensive term for a White
or person of Pakistani descent. ~adj 2 Pa- person, said to have been used by North
kistani or of Pakistani descent. American Indians.
Pakistani adj 1 of Pakistan. ~n 2 a person Palestinian adj 1 of Palestine, an area in the
from Pakistan. Middle East between the Jordan River and
pal Informal ~n 1 a close friend. ~vb pal- the Mediterranean. ~n 2 an Arab from this
ling, palled 2 pal up with to become area, esp. one living in Israel or Israeli-
friends with. occupied territory or as a refugee.
palace n 1 the official residence of a king, palette n 1 a flat board used by artists to
queen, president, or archbishop. 2 a large mix paints. 2 the range of colours charac-
and richly furnished building. teristic of a particular artist or school of
palette knife 580 panache
painting: he uses a cool palette with no palmetto n, pl -tos a small palm tree with
strong red. fan-shaped leaves.
palette knife n a spatula with a thin flexible palmistry n fortune-telling by examining the
blade used in painting or cookery. lines and bumps of the hand, palmist n
palindrome n a word or phrase that reads palm off vb 1 to get rid or (someone or some-
the same backwards or forwards, such as thing) by passing it on to another: the risk
a We was I ere I saw Elba. has to be shared with subcontractors, not
paling n 1 a fence made of pales. 2 pales col- simply palmed off on them. 2 to divert
lectively. 3 a single pale. (someone) by a lie or excuse: Mark was
palisade n 1 a fence made of stakes driven palmed off with a series of excuses.
into the ground. 2 one of the stakes used in palm oil n an oil obtained from the fruit of
such a fence. certain palm trees, used as an edible fat and
pall1 n 1 a cloth spread over a coffin. 2 a cof- in soap.
fin at a funeral ceremony. 3 a dark heavy Palm Sunday n the Sunday before Easter,
covering: a pall of smoke and dust hung in palmy adj palmier, palmiest 1 successful,
the air. 4 a depressing atmosphere: a pall prosperous and happy: the palmy days of
hung on them all after his death. youth. 2 covered with palm trees: palmy
pall2 vb to become boring or uninteresting, beaches.
esp. by continuing for too long: any pleas- palomino n, pl -nos a golden or cream horse
ure had palled long before the two-hour with a white mane and tail.
programme was over. palpable adj 1 obvious: palpable nonsense. 2
Palladian adj of a style of architecture char- (of a feeling or an atmosphere) so intense
acterized by symmetry and the revival and that it seems capable of being touched: an
development of ancient Roman styles. air of palpable gloom hung over him. pal-
palladium n Chem a rare silvery-white el- pably adv
ement of the platinum metal group, used in palpate vb -pating, -pated Med to examine
jewellery. Symbol: Pd (an area of the body) by touching, palpa-
pallbearer n a person who helps to carry or tion n
who escorts the coffin at a funeral. palpitate vb -tating, -tated 1 (of the heart)
pallet1 n a straw-filled mattress or bed. to beat rapidly. 2 to flutter or tremble,
pallet2 n 1 a tool with a flat, sometimes flex- palpitation n
ible, blade used for shaping pottery. 2 a palsy (pawl-zee) n Pathol paralysis of a
portable platform for storing and moving specified type: cerebral palsy, palsied adj
goods. paltry adj-trier, -triest insignificant.
palliasse n a straw-filled mattress; pallet.
pampas n the extensive grassy plains of
palliate vb -ating, -ated 1 to lessen the se- South America.
verity of (pain or disease) without curing it.
2 to cause (an offence) to seem less serious. pampas grass n a South American grass
with large feathery silver-coloured flower
palliative adj 1 relieving without curing. ~n branches.
2 something that palliates, such as a seda-
tive drug. 3 something that alleviates or pamper vb to treat (someone) with exces-
lessens a problem: equal pay was a pallia- sive indulgence or care; spoil.
tive for the growing unrest among women. pamphlet n a thin paper-covered booklet,
pallid adj 1 lacking colour, brightness, or often on a subject of current interest.
vigour: a pallid autumn sun. 2 lacking ener- pamphleteer n a person who writes or is-
gy or vitality; insipid: many militants find sues pamphlets.
the party’s socialism too pallid. pan1 n 1 a wide long-handled metal contain-
pallor n paleness of complexion, usually be- er used in cooking. 2 any of various similar
cause of illness, shock, or fear. containers used in industry, etc. 3 either of
pally adj -Her, -liest Informal on friendly the two dishes on a set of scales. 4 Brit the
terms. bowl of a lavatory. 5 a natural or artificial
palm1 n 1 the inner surface of the hand from hollow in the ground: a saltpan. ~vb pan-
the wrist to the base of the fingers. 2 the ning, panned 6 to sift gold from (a river) in
part of a glove that covers the palm. 3 in a shallow pan. 7 Informal to criticize harsh-
the palm of one’s hand at one’s mercy or ly: his first film was panned by the critics.
command: he had the jury in the palm o f his -See also pan out.
hand. ~vb 4 to hide (something) in the pan2 vb panning, panned 1 to move (a film
hand: he palmed the key. -Sec also palm camera) to follow a moving object or to take
off. in a whole scene. ~n 2 the act of panning.
palm2 or palm tree n a tropical or subtropi- pan- combining form including or relating to
cal tree with a straight unbranched trunk all parts or members: Pan-American.
crowned with long pointed leaves. panacea (pan-a-see-a) n a remedy for all
palmate adj shaped like an open hand: pal- diseases or problems.
mate leaves. panache (pan-ash) n a confident and stylish
panama hat 581 panto
manner: the orchestra, played with great with a scaly body and a long snout for feed-
partache. ing on ants and termites. Also called: scaly
panama hat or panama n a straw hat with a anteater
rounded crown and a wide brim. panic n 1 a sudden overwhelming feeling of
Pan-American adj of North, South, and Cen- terror or anxiety, sometimes affecting a
tral America collectively. whole group of people, -adj 2 of or result-
panatella n a long slender cigar. ing from such terror: panic measures, —vb
pancake n 1 a thin flat circle of fried batter. -icking, -icked 3 to feel or cause to feel
2 Also called: pancake landing an aircraft panic, panicky adj
landing made by levelling out a few feet panicle n Bot a loose, irregularly branched
from the ground and then dropping onto it. cluster of flowers, such as in the oat.
Pancake Day n Shrove Tuesday, when peo- panic-stricken adj affected by panic,
ple traditionally eat pancakes. panjandrum n a pompous self-important of-
panchromatic adj Photog (of an emulsion or ficial.
film) sensitive to light of all colours. pannier n 1 one of a pair of bags fixed on
pancreas (pang-kree-ass) n a large gland either side of the back wheel of a bicycle or
behind the stomach, that produces insulin motorcycle. 2 one of a pair of large baskets
and aids digestion, pancreatic adj slung over a beast of burden.
panda n 1 Also called: giant panda a large panoply (pan-a-plee) n a magnificent array:
black-and-white bearlike animal from the ambassadors equipped with the full pano-
bamboo forests of China. 2 Also called: ply of diplomatic bags, codes and cyphers.
lesser or red panda a raccoon-like animal panorama n 1 a wide unbroken view in all
of the mountain forests of S Asia, with a directions: the beautiful panorama of the
reddish-brown coat and ringed tail. Cornish coast. 2 a wide or comprehensive
panda car n Brit a police patrol car. survey of a subject: the panorama of
pandemic adj (of a disease) occurring over a American life. 3 a picture of a scene un-
wide geographical area. rolled before spectators a part at a time so
pandemonium n wild confusion; uproar, as to appear continuous, panoramic adj
pander vb 1 (foil, by to) to indulge (a person pan out vb 1 Informal to work out; result:
or his or her desires): he pandered to popu- Parker’s research did not pan out too well.
lar fears. —n 2 Chiefly archaic a person 2 (of gravel) to yield gold by panning.
who procures a sexual partner for someone. panpipes pl n a musical wind instrument
pandit n Hinduism same as pundit (sense 2). made of tubes of decreasing lengths joined
Pandora’s box n a source of many unfore- together.
seen difficulties. pansy n, pl -sies 1 a garden plant whose
p & p Brit postage and packing. flowers have rounded white, yellow, or
purple velvety petals. 2 Offensive slang an
pane n a sheet of glass in a window or door, effeminate or homosexual man or boy.
panegyric (pan-ee-jirr-rik) n a formal pant vb 1 to breathe with noisy gasps after
speech or piece of writing that praises a exertion. 2 to say (something) while breath-
person or event. ing in this way. 3 (foil, by for) to have a
panel n 1 a distinct section of a larger sur- frantic desire for. ~n 4 the act of panting.
face area, such as that in a door. 2 any dis- pantaloons pl n baggy trousers gathered at
tinct section of something formed from a the ankles.
sheet of material, such as part of a car
body. 3 a piece of material inserted in a pantechnicon n Brit a large van used for
garment. 4 a group of people acting as a furniture removals.
team, such as in a quiz or a discussion be- pantheism n 1 the belief that God is present
fore an audience. 5 Law a a list of jurors, b in everything. 2 readiness to worship all
the people on a jury. 6 short for instrument gods, pantheist n pantheistic adj
panel, -adj 7 of a group acting as a panel: pantheon n 1 (in ancient Greece or Rome) a
a panel game, -vb -elling, -elled or US temple built to honour all the gods. 2 all the
-eling, -eled 8 to cover or decorate with gods of a particular creed: the Celtic pan-
panels. theon of horse gods. 3 a group of very im-
panel beater n a person who repairs dam- portant people: he deserves a place in the
age to car bodies. pantheon of social reformers.
panelling or US paneling n panels collec- panther n a leopard, usually a black one.
tively, such as on a wall or ceiling. panties pl n women’s or children’s under-
panellist or US panelist n a member of a pants.
panel, usually on radio or television. pantihose pin US& Austral women’s tights,
panel van n Austral & NZa small van. pantile n a roofing tile, with an S-shaped
pang n a sudden sharp feeling of pain or cross section.
sadness. panto n, pl -tos Brit informal short for pan-
pangolin n an animal of tropical countries tomime (sense 1).
pantograph 582 parabola
pantograph n 1 an instrument for copying a runner lays a trail of paper for others to
drawings or maps to any scale. 2 a device follow.
on the roof of an electric train to carry the paperclip n a bent wire clip for holding
current from an overhead wire. sheets of paper together.
pantomime n 1 (in Britain) a play based on paperhanger n a person who hangs wall-
a fairy talc and performed at Christmas paper as an occupation.
time. 2 a theatrical entertainment in which paperknife n, pl -knives a knife-shaped ob-
words are replaced by gestures and bodily ject with a blunt blade for opening sealed
actions. 3 Informal, chiefly Brit a confused envelopes.
or farcical situation. paper money n banknotes, rather than
pantry n, pl -tries a small room or large cup- coins.
board in which food is kept. paper over vb to conceal (something un-
pants pl n 1 Brit an undergarment with two pleasant or difficult).
leg holes, covering the body from the waist paperweight n a small heavy object placed
or hips to the thighs. 2 US & Canad trou- on top of loose papers to prevent them from
sers. 3 bore or scare the pants off some- scattering.
one Informal to bore or scare someone very paperwork n clerical work, such as the writ-
much. ing of reports or letters.
pantyhose pl n NZ women’s tights. papier-mache (pap-yay mash-ay) n 1 a
pap1 n 1 a soft food for babies or invalids. 2 hard substance made of layers of paper
worthless or oversimplified entertainment mixed with paste and moulded when moist.
or information. 3 S African maize porridge. ~adj 2 made of papier-mache.
pap2 n Old-fashioned, Scot & N English dia- papilla (pap-pill-a) n, pl -lae (-lee) Biol a
lect a nipple or teat. small projection of tissue at the base of a
papa (pap-pah) n Old-fashioned, informal hair, tooth, or feather, papillary adj
father. papist n, adj Usually offensive same as
papacy (pay-pa-see) n, pl -cies 1 the office Roman Catholic.
or term of office of a pope. 2 the system of papoose n an American Indian baby,
government in the Roman Catholic Church paprika n a mild powdered seasoning made
that has the pope as its head. from red peppers.
papal adj of the pope or the papacy. Pap test or smear n Med same as cervical
paparazzo (pap-a-rat-so) n, pl -razzi smear.
(-rat-see) a freelance photographer who papyrus (pap-ire-uss) n, pl -ri (-rye) or
specializes in taking shots of famous people -ruses 1 a tall water plant of Africa. 2 a
without their knowledge or consent. kind of paper made from the stem of this
papaya (pap-pie-a) n a large green fruit plant, used by the ancient Egyptians,
with a sweet yellow flesh, that grows in the Greeks, and Romans. 3 an ancient document
West Indies. written on this paper.
paper n 1 a flexible material made in sheets par n 1 the usual or average condition: I feel
from wood pulp or other fibres and used for slightly below par most of the time. 2 on a
writing on, decorating walls, or wrapping par with equal or equivalent to: an envi-
parcels. 2 short for newspaper or wall- ronmental disaster on a par with
paper. 3 (pl) documents, such as a pass- Chernobyl. 3 Golf a standard score for a
port, which can identify the bearer. 4 a set hole or course that a good player should
of examination questions. 5 (pl) the collect- make: she was four under par with two
ed diaries or letters of someone’s private or holes to play. 4 Finance the established
public life. 6 a lecture or an essay on a spe- value of the unit of one national currency in
cific subject. 7 on paper in theory, as op- terms of the unit of another. 5 Commerce
posed to fact: countless ideas which look short for par value. 6 par for the course to
good on paper just don't work in practice. be expected: random acts of violence were
~adj 8 made of paper: paper towels; a par for the course in the capital.
paper bag. 9 recorded on paper but not yet par. 1 paragraph. 2 parenthesis.
existing in practice: a paper profit of more para n Informal 1 a paratrooper. 2 a para-
than $50 million. ~vb 10 to cover (walls) graph.
with wallpaper. -See also paper over, para- or before a vowel par- prefix 1 beside
papery adj or near: parameter. 2 beyond: parapsychol-
paperback n 1 a book with covers made of ogy. 3 resembling: paratyphoid fever.
flexible card, -adj 2 of a paperback or parable n a short story that uses familiar
publication of paperbacks: a paperback situations to illustrate a religious or moral
novel. point.
paperboy or papergirl n a boy or girl em- parabola (par-ab-bol-a) n Geom an open
ployed to deliver newspapers to people’s plane curve formed by the intersection of a
homes. cone by a plane parallel to its side, para-
paper chase n a cross-country run in which bolic adj
paracetamol 583 parapet
paracetamol n a mild pain-relieving drug, two things: she attempted to excuse herself
parachute n 1 a large fabric canopy con- by drawing a parallel between her behav-
nected by a harness, that slows the descent iour and ours. 7 Also called: parallel of
of a person or package from an aircraft. latitude any of the imaginary lines around
—vb -chuting, -chuted 2 to land or to drop the earth parallel to the equator, marking
(supplies or troops) by parachute from an degrees of latitude. 8 Printing the character
aircraft, parachutist n II, used as a reference mark, —vb 9 to corre-
parade n 1 an ordered march or procession. spond to: the increase in smoking is paral-
2 a public promenade or street of shops. 3 a leled by a increase in lung cancer.
blatant but sometimes insincere display: a parallel bars pl n Gymnastics a pair of
man who made a parade of liking his own wooden bars on upright posts used for vari-
company best. -vb -rading, -raded 4 to ous exercises.
exhibit or flaunt: he neither paraded nor parallelepiped (par-a-lel-ee-pipe-ed) n
disguised his devout faith. 5 to walk or Geom a solid shape whose six faces are
march, esp. in a procession. parallelograms.
parade ground n a place where soldiers as- parallelism n 1 the state of being parallel. 2
semble regularly for inspection or display. a close likeness.
paradigm (par-a-dime) n a model or exam- parallelogram n Geom a plane figure whose
ple: his experience is a paradigm for the opposite sides are parallel and equal in
young artist. length.
paradise n 1 heaven; where the good go paralyse or US -lyze vb -lysing, -lysed or
after death. 2 the Garden of Eden. 3 any -lyzing, -lyzed 1 Pathol to affect with pa-
place or condition that fulfils a person’s de- ralysis. 2 to make immobile: he was para-
sires. lysed by fear.
paradise duck n a New Zealand duck with paralysis n 1 Pathol inability to move all or
bright feathers. part of the body due to damage to the nerv-
paradox n 1 a statement that seems self- ous system. 2 a state of inactivity: the eco-
contradictory but may be true: it’s a strange nomic chaos and political paralysis into
paradox that a musician must practise im- which the country has sunk.
provising to become a good improviser. 2 a paralytic adj 1 of or relating to paralysis. 2
self-contradictory proposition, such as I Brit informal very drunk, —n 3 a person
always tell lies. 3 a person or thing that is who is paralysed.
made up of contradictory elements, para- paramecium (par-a-mee-see-um) n, pl -cia
doxical adj paradoxically adv
(-see-a) a single-celled animal which lives in
paraffin n 1 a liquid mixture distilled from ponds, puddles, and sewage filters and
petroleum or shale and used as a fuel or swims by means of cilia.
solvent. 2 Chem the former name for al- paramedic n a person, such as a member of
kane.
an ambulance crew, whose work supple-
paraffin wax n a white waxlike substance ments that of the medical profession,
distilled from petroleum and used to make paramedical adj
candles and as a scaling agent. parameter (par-am-it-er) n 1 Maths an arbi-
paragon n a model of perfection: a paragon trary constant that determines the specific
of female integrity and determination. form of a mathematical expression, such as
paragraph n 1 section of a piece of writing, a and b in y = ax2 + b. 2 Informal any lim-
usually devoted to one idea, which begins iting factor: exchange rates are allowed to
on a new line and is often indented. 2 Print- fluctuate only within designated param-
ing the character H, used to indicate the be- eters.
ginning of a new paragraph. -vb 3 to put paramilitary adj denoting a group of people
(a piece of writing) into paragraphs. organized on military lines.
parakeet n a small colourful parrot with a paramount adj of the greatest importance,
long tail.
paramour n Old-fashioned an adulterous
parallax n an apparent change in an object’s lover.
position due to a change in the observer’s
position. paranoia n 1 a mental disorder which causes
delusions of grandeur or of persecution. 2
parallel adj 1 separated by an equal distance Informal intense fear or suspicion, usually
at every point: parallel lines; a path parallel unfounded, paranoid or paranoiac adj, n
to the main road. 2 precisely corresponding:
we decide our salaries by comparison with paranormal adj 1 beyond normal scientific
parallel jobs in other charities. 3 Computers explanation. -n 2 the paranormal para-
operating on several items of information normal happenings or matters generally.
or instructions at the same time. ~n 4 parapet n 1 a low wall or railing along the
Maths one of a set of parallel lines or edge of a balcony or roof. 2 Mil a mound of
planes. 5 something with similar features to sandbags in front of a trench to conceal and
another. 6 a comparison; similarity between protect troops from fire.
paraphernalia 584 park
paraphernalia n various articles or bits of parent company n a company that owns a
equipment. number of smaller companies.
paraphrase n 1 an expression of a statement parenthesis (par-en-thiss-iss) n, pl -ses
or text in other words. -vb -phrasing, (-seez) 1 a word or phrase inserted into a
-phrased 2 to put (a statement or text) into passage, and marked off by brackets or
other words. dashes. 2 Also called: bracket either of a
paraplegia (par-a-pleej-ya) n Pathol pa- pair of characters ( ), used to enclose such a
ralysis of the lower half of the body, para- phrase, parenthetical adj parenthetical-
plegic adj, n ly adv
parapsychology n the study of mental phe- parenting n the activity of bringing up chil-
nomena such as telepathy. dren.
Paraquat n Trademark an extremely poi- parent-teacher association n an organiza-
sonous weedkiller. tion consisting of the parents and teachers
parasite n 1 an animal or plant that lives in of school pupils formed in order to discuss
or on another from which it obtains nour- the children’s progress.
ishment. 2 a person who habitually lives at par excellence adv beyond comparison: this
the expense of others; sponger, parasitic book justifies its claim to be a reference
adj work par excellence.
parasol n an umbrella-like sunshade, parfait (par-fay) n a dessert consisting of
paratrooper n a member of the paratroops, layers of ice cream, fruit, and sauce, topped
with whipped cream, and served in a tall
paratroops pl n troops trained to be
dropped by parachute into a battle area. glass.
paratyphoid fever n a disease resembling pariah (par-rye-a) n a social outcast.
but less severe than typhoid fever. parietal (par-rye-it-al) adj Anat, biol of or
parboil vb to boil (food) until partially forming the walls of a body cavity: the pa-
cooked. rietal bones of the skull.
parcel n 1 something wrapped up; a pack- paring n something that has been cut off
age. 2 a group of people or things sharing something.
something in common: a pareel of fools. 3 a parish n 1 an area that has its own church
distinct portion of land: he was the recipi- and clergyman. 2 the people who live in a
ent of a substantial pareel of land. ~vb parish. 3 (in England and, formerly, Wales)
-celling, -celled or US -celing, -celed 4 the smallest unit of local government.
(often foil, by up) to wrap (something) up parish clerk n a person who assists in vari-
into a parcel. 5 (foil, by out) to divide ous church duties.
(something) into portions: the children were parish council n (in England and, formerly,
parcelled out to relatives. Wales) the administrative body of a parish.
parch vb 1 to deprive (something) of water; See parish (sense 3).
dry up: the summer sun parehed the hills. 2 parishioner n a person who lives in a par-
to make (someone) very thirsty: I’m ticular parish.
parehed. Have we got any lemonade?
parish register n a book in which the births,
parchment n 1 a thick smooth material baptisms, marriages, and deaths in a parish
made from animal skin and used for writing are recorded.
on. 2 a manuscript made of this material. 3
a stiff yellowish paper resembling parch- parity n 1 equality, for example of rank or
ment. pay. 2 close or exact equivalence: the com-
pany maintained parity with the competi-
pardon vb 1 to forgive or excuse: I hope tion. 3 Finanee equivalence between the
you’ll pardon the wait. ~n 2 forgiveness. 3 units of currency of two countries.
official release from punishment for a
crime. ~interj 4 Also: pardon me, I beg park n 1 a large area of open land for recrea-
your pardon a sorry; excuse me. b what did tional use by the public. 2 a piece of open
you say? pardonable adj land for public recreation in a town. 3 a
large area of private land surrounding a
pare vb paring, pared 1 to peel (the outer country house. 4 an area designed to ac-
layer) from (something): thinly pare the commodate a number of related enterprises:
rind from the grapefruit. 2 to trim or cut a seience park. 5 US & Canad a playing field
the edge of. 3 to decrease bit by bit: the or sports stadium. 6 the park Brit informal
government is prepared to pare down the the pitch in soccer. ~vb 7 to stop and leave
armed forees. (a vehicle) temporarily: I parked between
parent n 1 a father or mother. 2 a person the two ears already outside; poliee vans
acting as a father or mother; guardian. 3 a were parked on every street eorner. 8 In-
plant or animal that has produced one or formal to leave or put (someone or some-
more plants or animals, parental adj par- thing) somewhere: she parked herself on
enthood n the sofa and stayed there all evening.
parentage n ancestry or family. parking n
parka 585 part
parka n a long jacket with a quilted lining role conditionally released from prison.
and a fur-trimmed hood. ~vb -roling, -roled 4 to place (a person) on
parkin n Brit a moist spicy ginger cake usu- parole.
ally containing oatmeal. parotid gland n Anat either of a pair of sali-
parking meter n a coin-operated device be- vary glands in front of and below the ears.
side a parking space that indicates how long paroxysm n 1 an uncontrollable outburst of
a vehicle may be left parked. emotion: a paroxysm of grief. 2 Pathol a a
parking ticket n the notice of a fine served sudden attack or recurrence of a disease, b
on a motorist for a parking offence. a fit or convulsion, paroxysmal adj
Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism n a parquet (par-kay) n 1 a floor covering made
progressive disorder of the central nervous of blocks of wood. ~vb 2 to cover (a floor)
system which causes tremor, rigidity, and with parquetry.
impaired muscular coordination. parquetry (par-kit-tree) n pieces of wood
Parkinson’s law n the notion that work arranged in a geometric pattern, used to
expands to fill the time available for its cover floors.
completion. parr n a salmon up to two years of age.
parkland n grassland with scattered trees, parricide n 1 a person who kills one of his or
parky adj parkier, parkiest Brit informal her parents. 2 the act of killing either of
(of the weather) chilly. one’s parents, parricidal adj
parlance n the manner of speaking associat- parrot n 1 a tropical bird with a short
ed with a particular group or subject: he hooked beak, bright plumage, and an ability
had, in Marxist parlance, a “petit bour- to mimic human speech. 2 a person who
geois " men tali ty. repeats or imitates someone else’s words. 3
parley Old-fashioned ~n 1 a discussion be- sick as a parrot Usually facetious extreme-
tween members of opposing sides to decide ly disappointed. ~vb -roting, -roted 4 to
terms of agreement. — vb 2 to have a par- repeat or imitate (someone else’s words)
ley. without understanding them.
parliament n a law-making assembly of a parrot fever n same as psittacosis.
country. parry vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 to ward off (an
Parliament n 1 the highest law-making attack). 2 to avoid answering (questions) in
authority in Britain, consisting of the House a clever way. ~n, pl -ries 3 an instance of
of Commons, the House of Lords, and the parrying. 4 a skilful evasion of a question.
sovereign. 2 the equivalent law-making parse (parz) vb parsing, parsed to analyse
authority in another country. (a sentence or the words in a sentence)
parliamentarian n an expert in parliamenta- grammatically.
ry procedures. parsec n a unit of astronomical distance
parliamentary adj 1 of or from a parliament: equivalent to 3.0857 X 1016 metres or
parliamentary elections. 2 conforming to 3.262 light years.
the procedures of a parliament: parliamen- parsimony n Formal extreme caution in
tary language. spending, parsimonious adj
parlour or US parlor n 1 Old-fashioned a liv- parsley n a herb with curled pleasant-
ing room for receiving visitors. 2 a room or smelling leaves, used for seasoning and
shop equipped as a place of business: an ice- decorating food.
cream parlour. parsnip n a long tapering cream-coloured
parlous adj Archaic or humorous dangerous- root vegetable.
ly bad; dire: the parlous state of the econo- parson n 1 a parish priest in the Church of
my. England. 2 any clergyman.
Parmesan (par-miz-zan) n a hard strong- parsonage n the residence of a parson, pro-
flavoured cheese used grated on pasta vided by the parish.
dishes and soups. parson’s nose n the rump of a fowl when
parochial adj 1 narrow in outlook; provin- cooked.
cial. 2 of or relating to a parish, parochial- part n 1 a piece or portion. 2 one of several
ism n equal divisions: a salad dressing made with
parody n, pl -dies 1 a piece of music or lit- two parts oil to one part vinegar. 3 an ac-
erature that mimics the style of another tor’s role in a play. 4 a person’s duty: his
composer or author in a humorous way. 2 ancestors had done their part nobly and
something done so badly that it seems like well at Bannockburn. 5 an involvement in
an intentional mockery. ~vb -dies, -dying, or contribution to something: he was jailed
-died 3 to make a parody of. parodist n for his part in the fraud. 6 a region or area:
parole n 1 the freeing of a prisoner before he’s well known in these parts; the weather
his or her sentence has run out, on condi- in this part of the country is extreme. 7
tion that he or she behaves well. 2 a prom- Anat an area of the body. 8 a component
ise given by a prisoner to behave well if that can be replaced in a vehicle or ma-
granted liberty or partial liberty. 3 on pa- chine. 9 US & Canad same as parting (sense
partake 586 party
2). 10 Music a melodic line assigned to one an item of information; detail: she refused
or more instrumentalists or singers. 11 for to go into particulars. 7 in particular espe-
my part as far as I am concerned. 12 for cially or exactly: three painters in particu-
the most part generally. 13 in part to some lar were responsible for these develop-
degree; partly. 14 on the part of on behalf ments. particularly adv
of. 15 part and parcel of an essential in- particularity n, pl -ties 1 great attentiveness
gredient of. 16 play a part a to pretend to to detail. 2 the state of being particular as
be what one is not. b (foil, by in) to have opposed to general; individuality.
something to do with: examinations play a particularize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
large part in education and in schools. 17 -ising, -ised to give details about (some-
take part in to participate in. 18 take thing). particularization or -isation n
someone’s part to support someone, for parting n 1 a departure or leave-taking. 2
example in an argument. 19 take some- Brit the line of scalp showing when sections
thing in good part to respond to (teasing or of hair are combed in opposite directions. 3
criticism) with good humour. ~vb 20 to di- the act of dividing (something): the parting
vide or separate from one another: her lips of the Red Sea.
parted in laughter; the cord parted with a
pop. 21 to go away from one another: we partisan n 1 a person who supports a par-
parted with handshakes all round. 22 part ticular cause or party. 2 a member of an
with to give up: check carefully before you armed resistance group within occupied
part with your cash. 23 part from to cause territory. -adj 3 prejudiced or one-sided,
(someone) to give up: I was astonished at partisanship n
the way Henry parted his audience from partition n 1 a large screen or thin wall that
their money. 24 to split: the path parts divides a room. 2 the division of a country
here. 25 to arrange (the hair) in such a way into two or more independent countries.
that a line of scalp is left showing. —adv 26 —vb 3 to separate (a room) into sections:
to some extent; partly: this book is part his- the shower is partitioned off from the rest
tory, part travelogue. -See also parts. of the bathroom. 4 to divide (a country) into
partake vb -taking, -took, -taken 1 partake separate self-governing parts: the subconti-
of to take (food or drink). 2 partake in to nent was partitioned into India and Paki-
take part in. stan.
partitive Grammar ~adj 1 (of a noun) refer-
parterre n 1 a formally patterned flower
garden. 2 the pit of a theatre. ring to part of something. The phrase some
of the butter is a partitive construction. ~n
Parthian shot n a hostile remark or gesture 2 a partitive word, such as some or any.
delivered while departing. partly adv not completely.
partial adj 1 relating to only a part; not com- partner n 1 cither member of a couple in a
plete: partial deafness. 2 biased: religious relationship. 2 a member of a business
programmes can be as partial as they like. 3 partnership. 3 one of a pair of dancers or of
partial to having a particular liking for. players on the same side in a game: her
partiality n partially adv bridge partner. 4 an ally or companion: the
participate vb -pating, -pated participate country’s main European trading partner,
in to become actively involved in. partici- -vb 5 to be the partner of (someone).
pant n participation n participatory adj partnership n 1 a relationship in which two
participle n Grammar a form of a verb that or more people or organizations work to-
is used in compound tenses or as an adjec- gether in a business venture. 2 the condi-
tive. Sec also present participle, past par- tion of being a partner.
ticiple. participial adj part of speech n Grammar a class of words,
particle n 1 an extremely small piece or such as a noun, verb, or adjective, sharing
amount: clean thoroughly to remove all par- important syntactic or semantic features.
ticles of dirt. 2 Grammar an uninflected partook vhthe past tense of partake,
part of speech, such as an interjection or partridge n, pl -tridges or -tridge a game
preposition. 3 Physics a minute piece of bird with an orange-brown head, greyish
matter, such as an electron or proton. neck, and a short rust-coloured tail.
parti-coloured or US particolored adj hav- parts pl n Literary abilities or talents: a man
ing different colours in different parts. of many parts.
particular adj 1 of, belonging to, or being one part song n a song composed in harmonized
person or thing; specific: the particular parts.
type of tuition on offer. 2 exceptional or
special: the report voices particular concern part-time adj 1 for less than the normal full
over the state of the country’s manufactur- working time: a part-time job. -adv part
ing industry. 3 providing specific details or time 2 on a part-time basis: he works part
circumstances: a particular account. 4 diffi- time, part-timer n
cult to please; fussy. ~n 5 a separate dis- parturient adj Formal giving birth,
tinct item as opposed to a generalization: parturition n the process of giving birth,
moving from the general to the particular. 6 party n, pl -ties 1 a social gathering for
party line 587 passing
pleasure. 2 a group of people involved in make a bid or a play in card games. 15 to
the same activity: a search party. 3 a group discharge (urine etc.) from the body. 16 to
of people sharing a common political aim. 4 come to an end or disappear: the madness
the person or people who take part in or are will soon pass. 17 (foil, by for or as) to be
involved in something, esp. a legal action or likely to be mistaken for (someone or some-
dispute: a judge in a wig and gown who will thing else): the few sunny days that pass
decide who the guilty party is. 5 Informal, for summer in this country. 18 Old-
humorous a person: he’s an odd old party. fashioned to take place: what passed at the
~vb -ties, -tying, -tied 6 Informal to cel- meeting? 19 pass away or on Euphemistic
ebrate; have a good time. to die. ~n 20 a successful result in an ex-
party line n 1 the policies of a political amination or test. 21 Sport the transfer of a
party. 2 a telephone line shared by two or ball from one player to another. 22 a route
more subscribers. through a range of mountains where there
party wall n Property law a common wall is a gap between peaks. 23 a permit or li-
separating two properties. cence. 24 Mil a document authorizing leave
of absence. 25 Bridge etc an instance of
par value n the value printed on a share cer- choosing not to answer a question or not to
tificate or bond at the time of its issue. make a bid or a play in card games. 26
parvenu or fem parvenue (par-ven-new) n a make a pass at Informal to try to persuade
person newly risen to a position of power or (someone) to have sex: he made a pass at
wealth who is considered to lack culture or his secretary. 27 a pretty pass a bad state
education. of affairs. -See also pass off, pass out,
pascal n the SI unit of pressure; the pres- etc.
sure exerted on an area of 1 square metre pass, passive.
by a force of 1 newton. passable adj 1 adequate or acceptable:
Pascal n a high-level computer program- passable if hardly faultless German. 2 (of a
ming language developed as a teaching lan- road, path, etc.) capable of being travelled
guage. along: most main roads are passable with
paschal (pask-1) adj 1 of or relating to the care despite the snow, passably adv
Passover. 2 of or relating to Easter. passage n 1 a channel or opening providing
pas de deux (pah de duh) n, pl pas de deux a way through. 2 a hall or corridor. 3 a sec-
Ballet a dance for two people. tion of a written work, speech, or piece of
pasha n (formerly) a high official of the Ot- music. 4 a journey by ship. 5 the act of pass-
toman Empire: placed after a name when ing from one place or condition to another:
used as a title. Ireland faced a tough passage to qualify for
the World Cup finals. 6 the right or freedom
paso doble (pass-so dobe-lay) n 1 a modern to pass: the aid convoys were guaranteed
ballroom dance in fast duple time. 2 music safe passage through rebel-held areas. 7 the
for this dance. establishing of a law by a law-making body,
pas op (pass op) interj S African beware, passageway n corridor or passage.
pasqueflower n a small purple-flowered passbook n 1 a book issued by a bank or
plant of Europe and Asia. building society for recording deposits and
pass vb 1 to go by or past (a person or withdrawals. 2 S African an official iden-
thing). 2 to continue or extend in a particu- tity document.
lar direction: the road to Camerino passes passe (pas-say) adj out-of-date: smoking is
through some fine scenery. 3 to go through a bit passe these days.
or cause (something) to go through (an ob- passenger n 1 a person travelling in a vehi-
stacle or barrier): the bullet passed through cle driven by someone else. 2 Chiefly Brit a
his head. 4 to be successful in (a test or ex- member of a team who does not take an
amination). 5 to spend (time) or (of time) go equal share of the work: you’ll have to pull
by: the time passed surprisingly quickly. 6 your weight - we can't afford passengers.
to hand over or be handed over: she passed passer-by n, pl passers-by a person who is
me her glass. 7 to be inherited by: his moth- walking past someone or something.
er’s small estate had passed to him after her
death. 8 Sport to hit, kick, or throw (the passerine adj 1 belonging to an order of
ball) to another player. 9 (of a law-making perching birds that includes the larks,
body) to agree to (a law or proposal): the finches, and starlings. ~n 2 any bird of this
bill was passed by parliament last week. 10 order.
to pronounce (judgment): the court is ex- passim adv throughout: used to indicate
pected to pass sentence later today. 11 to that what is referred to occurs frequently
move onwards or over: a flicker of amuse- in a particular piece of writing.
ment passed over his face. 12 to exceed: passing adj 1 momentary or short-lived: a
Australia's population has just passed the passing fad. 2 casual or superficial: a pass-
seventeen million mark. 13 to go without ing resemblance. ~n 3 Euphemistic death.
comment: the insult passed unnoticed. 14 to 4 the ending of something: the passing of
choose not to answer a question or not to the old order in Eastern Europe. 5 in pass-
passion 588 pastiche
ing briefly and without going into detail; mission or acceptance: good qualifications
incidentally, this fact is only noted in pass- are no automatic passport to a job.
ing. pass up vb Informal to let (something) go
passion n 1 intense sexual love. 2 any by; disregard: am I passing up my one
strongly felt emotion. 3 a strong enthusiasm chance to be really happy?
for something: a passion for football. 4 the password n a secret word or phrase that
object of an intense desire or enthusiasm: ensures admission by proving identity or
flying is his abiding passion, passionless membership.
adj past adj 1 of the time before the present: the
Passion n the sufferings of Christ from the average temperature has increased in the
Last Supper to his death on the cross. fairly recent past. 2 no longer in existence:
passionate adj 1 showing intense sexual de- past happiness. 3 immediately previous: the
sire. 2 capable of or revealing intense emo- past year. 4 former: a past president. 5
tion: a passionate speech, passionately Grammar indicating a tense of verbs used to
adv describe actions that have been begun or
passionflower n a tropical plant with completed at the time of speaking. ~n 6
brightly coloured showy flowers. the past the period of time before the pres-
passion fruit n the edible egg-shaped fruit of ent: a familiar face from the past. 7 the his-
the passionflower. tory of a person or nation. 8 an earlier dis-
reputable period of someone’s life: a woman
Passion play n a play about the Passion of with a bit of a past. 9 Grammar a the past
Christ. tense, b a verb in the past tense, -adv 10
passive adj 1 not taking an active part. 2 at a time before the present; ago: three
submissive and receptive to outside forces. years past, -prep 11 beyond in time: it’s
3 Grammar denoting a form of verbs used to past midnight. 12 beyond in place: a proces-
indicate that the subject is the recipient of sion of mourners filed past the coffin. 13
the action, as was broken in The glass was beyond the limit of: riches past his wildest
broken by a boy. 4 Chem (of a substance) dreams. 14 not put it past someone to con-
chemically unreactive. ~n 5 Grammar the sider someone capable of (a particular ac-
passive form of a verb, passively adv tion): I wouldn’t put it past him to double-
passivity n cross us. 15 past it Informal unable to do
passive resistance n resistance to a gov- the things one could do when younger.
ernment or the law by nonviolent acts such pasta n a type of food, such as spaghetti,
as fasting, peaceful demonstrations, or re- that is made from a dough of flour and
fusing to cooperate. water and formed into different shapes.
passive smoking n the unwilling inhalation paste n 1 a soft moist mixture, such as
of smoke from other people’s cigarettes by toothpaste. 2 an adhesive made from water
a nonsmoker. and flour or starch, for use with paper. 3 a
passkey n 1 a private key. 2 same as mas- smooth creamy preparation of fish, meat, or
ter key or skeleton key. vegetables for spreading on bread: sausage
pass law n (in South Africa) a law restrict- paste. 4 dough for making pastry. 5 a hard
ing the movement of Black Africans. shiny glass used to make imitation gems.
-vb pasting, pasted 6 to attach by paste:
pass off vb 1 to present (something or one- she bought a scrapbook and carefully
self) under false pretences: women who pasted in it all her clippings. 7 Slang to beat
passed themselves off effectively as men. 2 or defeat (someone).
to come to a gradual end: the effects of the
gas passed off relatively peacefully. 3 to pasteboard n a stiff board made by pasting
take place: the main demonstration passed layers of paper together.
off peacefully. pastel n 1 a a crayon made of ground pig-
pass out vb 1 Informal to become uncon- ment bound with gum. b a picture drawn
scious; faint. 2 Brit (of an officer cadet) to with such crayons. 2 a pale delicate colour,
qualify for a military commission. -adj 3 (of a colour) pale and delicate: pas-
pass over vb 1 to take no notice of; disre-
tel pink.
gard: she claims she had been passed over pastern n the part of a horse’s foot between
for promotion because she is a woman. 2 to the fetlock and the hoof.
ignore or not discuss: this disaster can not paste-up n Printing a sheet of paper or
be passed over lightly. board with artwork and proofs pasted on it,
Passover n an eight-day Jewish festival which is photographed prior to making a
commemorating the sparing of the Israelites plate.
in Egypt. pasteurize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
passport n 1 an official document issued by -ised to destroy bacteria (in beverages or
a government, which identifies the holder solid foods) by a special heating process,
and grants him or her permission to travel pasteurization or -isation n
abroad. 2 an asset that gains a person ad- pastiche (past-eesh) n a work of art that
pastille 589 paternity suit
mixes styles or copies the style of another his head. 3 a small plot of land. 4 Med a pro-
artist. tective covering for an injured eye. 5 a
pastille n a small fruit-flavoured and some- scrap or remnant. 6 the area under some-
times medicated sweet. one’s supervision, such as a policeman or
pastime n an activity which makes time social worker. 7 a bad patch a difficult
pass pleasantly. time. 8 not a patch on not nearly as good
pasting n 1 Slang a thrashing or heavy de- as. -vb 9 to mend (a garment) with a
feat. 2 Informal strong criticism. patch. 10 patch up a to mend (something)
past master n a person with a talent for or
hurriedly or carelessly, b to make up (a
quarrel). 11 patch together to produce
experience in a particular activity: he was a (something) by piecing parts together hur-
past-master at manipulating the media for riedly or carelessly.
his own ends.
patchwork n 1 needlework done by sewing
pastor n a clergyman in charge of a congre-
gation. together pieces of different materials. 2
something made up of various parts.
pastoral adj 1 of or depicting country life or
patchy adj patchier, patchiest 1 of uneven
scenery. 2 (of land) used for pasture. 3 of or quality or intensity: since then her career
relating to a clergyman or his duties. 4 of or has been patchy. 2 having or forming
relating to shepherds or their work. —n 5 a patches.
literary work, picture, or piece of music
portraying country life. 6 a letter from a pate n Old-fashioned or humorous the head
bishop to the clergy or people of his diocese, or the crown of the head.
pastorale (past-or-ahl) n, p/-rales a musical pate (pat-ay) n a spread of finely minced
composition that suggests country life. meat, fish, or vegetables often served as a
starter.
pastoralism n a system of agriculture in dry
grassland regions based on raising stock pate de foie gras (de fwah grah) n a
such as cattle, sheep, or goats, pastoralist smooth rich paste made from the liver of
n specially fattened geese.
past participle n Grammar a form of verb patella (pat-tell-a) n, pl -lae (-lee) Anat
used to form compound past tenses and kneecap, patellar adj
passive forms of the verb and to modify paten (pat-in) n a plate, usually made of sil-
nouns: spoken is the past participle of ver or gold, used for the bread at Commun-
spoke. ion.
pastrami n highly seasoned smoked beef, patent n 1 a an official document granting
pastry n 1 a dough of flour, water, and fat. 2 the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an
(pi -tries) an individual cake or pie. 3 baked invention for a limited period, b the right
foods, such as tarts, made with this dough. granted by such a document. 2 an invention
pasturage n 1 the business of grazing cattle.
protected by a patent, -adj 3 open or
2 same as pasture.
available for inspection: letters patent. 4
obvious: their scorn was patent to every-
pasture n 1 land covered with grass, suit- one. 5 concerning protection of or appoint-
able for grazing by farm animals. 2 the ment by a patent. 6 (of food, drugs, etc.)
grass growing on this land. made or held under a patent, —vb 7 to ob-
pasty1 (pay-stee) adj pastier, pastiest (of tain a patent for (an invention).
the complexion) pale and unhealthy- patent leather n leather processed with lac-
looking. quer to give a hard glossy surface.
pasty2 (past-ee) n, pl pasties a round of patently adv clearly and obviously: a pa-
pastry folded over a filling of meat and tently absurd explanation.
vegetables. patent medicine n a medicine with a patent,
pat1 vb patting, patted 1 to tap (someone or available without a prescription.
something) lightly with the hand. 2 to Patent Office n a government department
shape (something) with a flat instrument or that issues patents.
the palm of the hand. 3 pat someone on
the back Informal to congratulate someone. pater n Brit humorous father.
—n 4 a gentle tap or stroke. 5 a small paternal adj 1 fatherly: paternal authority.
shaped lump of something soft, such as but- 2 related through one’s father: his paternal
ter. 6 pat on the back Informal an indica- grandmother, paternally adv
tion of approval. paternalism n authority exercised in a way
pat2 adv 1 Also: off pat thoroughly learned: that limits individual responsibility, pa-
he had all his answers off pat. 2 stand pat ternalistic adj
Chiefly US & Canad to stick firmly to a be- paternity n 1 the fact or state of being a fa-
lief or decision, -adj 3 quick, ready, or ther. 2 descent or derivation from a father.
glib: a pat generalization. paternity suit n legal proceedings, usually
patch n 1 a piece of material used to cover a brought by an unmarried mother, in order
hole in a garment. 2 a small contrasting sec- to gain legal recognition that a particular
tion: there was a bald patch on the top of man is the father of her child.
Paternoster 590 patterned
Paternoster n RC Church the Lord’s Prayer, (pl -chies) a society governed by such a sys-
path n, pl paths 1 a road or way, often a tem.
narrow trodden track. 2 a surfaced walk, patrician n 1 a member of the nobility of an-
such as through a garden. 3 the course or cient Rome. 2 an aristocrat. 3 a person of
direction in which something moves: his car refined conduct and tastes, -adj 4 (in an-
skidded into the path of an oncoming lorry. cient Rome) of or relating to patricians. 5
4 a course of conduct: the path of recon- aristocratic.
ciliation and forgiveness. patricide n 1 the act of killing one’s father. 2
pathetic adj 1 arousing pity or sympathy. 2 a person who kills his or her father, patri-
distressingly inadequate: his pathetic at- cidal adj
tempt to maintain a stiff upper lip failed. patrimony n, pl -nies an inheritance from
pathetically adv one’s father or other ancestor.
pathetic fallacy n (in literature) the presen- patriot n a person who loves his or her coun-
tation of inanimate objects in nature as pos- try and passionately supports its interests,
sessing human feelings. patriotic adj patriotically adv patriot-
pathogen n any agent, such as a bacterium, ism n
that can cause disease, pathogenic adj
patrol n 1 the action of going round an area
pathological adj 1 of or relating to pathol- or building at regular intervals for purposes
ogy. 2 Informal compulsively motivated: of security or observation. 2 a person or
pa th ological jealousy. group that carries out such an action. 3 a
pathology n the branch of medicine that group of soldiers or ships involved in pa-
studies diseases, pathologist n trolling a particular area. 4 a division of a
pathos n the power, for example in litera- troop of Scouts or Guides, -vb -trolling,
ture, of arousing feelings of pity or sorrow. -trolled 5 to engage in a patrol of (a place).
pathway n a path. patrol car n a police car used for patrolling
patience n 1 the capacity for calmly endur- streets.
ing difficult situations: the endless patience patron n 1 a person who financially sup-
of the nurses. 2 the ability to wait calmly ports artists, writers, musicians, or char-
for something to happen without complain- ities. 2 a regular customer of a shop, hotel,
ing or giving up: he urged the international etc.
community to have patience to allow
sanctions to work. 3 Brit a card game for patronage n 1 the support or custom given
one player only. by a patron. 2 (in politics) the ability or
power to appoint people to jobs. 3 a conde-
patient adj 1 enduring difficult situations scending manner.
with an even temper. 2 persevering or dili-
gent: his years of patient work may finally patronize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
pay off. —n 3 a person who is receiving -ised 1 to treat (someone) in a condescend-
medical care, patiently adv ing way. 2 to be a patron of. patronizing or
patina n 1 a film formed on the surface of a -ising adj patronizingly or -isingly adv
metal. 2 the sheen on the surface of an old patron saint n a saint regarded as the par-
object, caused by age and much handling. ticular guardian of a country or a group of
patio n, pl -tios 1 a paved area adjoining a people.
house. 2 an open inner courtyard in a Span- patronymic n a name derived from one’s fa-
ish or Spanish-American house. ther’s or a male ancestor.
patisserie (pat-eess-er-ee) n 1 a shop where patter1 vb 1 to make repeated light tapping
fancy pastries are sold. 2 such pastries. sound. 2 to walk with quick soft steps, -n
patois (pat-wah) n, pl patois (pat-wahz) 1 a 3 a quick succession of light tapping
regional dialect of a language. 2 the jargon sounds, such as by feet: the steady patter of
of a particular group. rain against the window.
patrial n (in Britain, formerly) a person with patter2 n 1 the glib rapid speech of
a right by statute to live in the United comedians or salesmen. 2 chatter. 3 the jar-
Kingdom, and so not subject to immigration gon of a particular group, —vb 4 to speak
control. glibly and rapidly.
patriarch n 1 the male head of a tribe or pattern n 1 an arrangement of repeated
family. 2 Bible any of the men regarded as parts or decorative designs. 2 a regular rec-
the fathers of the human race or of the He- ognizable way that something is done: I fol-
brew people. 3 a RC Church the pope, b lowed a normal eating pattern. 3 a plan or
Eastern Orthodox Church a highest-ranking diagram used as a guide to making some-
bishop. 4 an old man who is respected, pa- thing: a knitting pattern. 4 a model worthy
triarchal adj of imitation: a pattern of kindness. 5 a rep-
patriarchate n the office, jurisdiction or resentative sample, -vb 6 (foil, by after or
residence of a patriarch. on) to model: an orchestra patterned after
patriarchy n 1 a form of social organization Count Basie's.
in which males hold most of the power. 2 patterned n having a decorative pattern on
patty 591 pay off
it: a selection of plain and patterned fab- Pawnee n, pl Pawnees or Pawnee 1 a mem-
rics. ber of a group of N American Indian peo-
patty n, pl -ties a small round meat pie. ples, formerly living in Nebraska and Kan-
paua (poh-a) n an edible shellfish of New sas, now chiefly in Oklahoma. 2 the lan-
Zealand, which has a pearly shell used for guage of these peoples.
jewellery. pawnshop n the premises of a pawnbroker,
paucity n Formal 1 scarcity. 2 smallness of pawpaw (paw-paw) n same as papaya.
amount or number. pax n 1 Chiefly RC Church the kiss of peace.
paunch n a protruding belly or abdomen, —interj 2 Brit school slang a call signalling
paunchy adj a desire to end hostilities.
pauper n Old-fashioned 1 a person who is pay vb pays, paying, paid 1 to give (money)
extremely poor. 2 (formerly) a person sup- in return for goods or services: Willie paid
ported by public charity. for the drinks; nurses are not very well
pause vb pausing, paused 1 to stop doing paid. 2 to settle (a debt or obligation) by
(something) for a short time. 2 to hesitate: giving or doing something: he has paid his
she answered him without pausing. ~n 3 a debt to society. 3 to suffer: she paid dearly
temporary stop or rest in speech or action. for her mistake. 4 to give (a compliment,
4 Music a continuation of a note or rest be- regards, attention, etc.). 5 to profit or ben-
yond its normal length. 5 give someone efit (someone): it doesn’t always pay to be
pause to cause someone to hesitate: it gave honest. 6 to make (a visit or call). 7 to yield
him pause for reflection. a return of: the account pays 5% interest. 8
pavane (pav-van) n 1 a slow and stately pay one’s way a to contribute one’s share
dance of the 16th and 17th centuries. 2 of expenses, b to remain solvent without
music for this dance. outside help. ~n 9 money given in return
for work or services; a salary or wage. 10 in
pave vb paving, paved 1 to cover (a road or the pay of employed by. ~See also pay
area of ground) with a firm surface to make back, pay for, etc.
it suitable for walking or travelling on. 2
pave the way for to prepare or make easi- payable adj 1 (often foil, by on) due to be
er: the arrests paved the way for the paid: the instalments are payable on the
biggest-ever Mafia trial. third of each month. 2 that is capable of
being paid: pensions are payable to those
pavement n 1 a hard-surfaced path for pe- disabled during the wars.
destrians, alongside and a little higher than
a road. 2 the material used in paving. 3 US pay back vb 1 to repay (a loan). 2 to make
the surface of a road. (someone) suffer for a wrong he or she has
done you: I want to pay him back for all the
pavilion n 1 Brit a building at a sports suffering he’s caused me.
ground, esp. a cricket pitch, in which play-
ers can wash and change. 2 an open build- pay bed n a bed in a hospital used by a pa-
ing or temporary structure used for exhibi- tient who is paying for treatment.
tions. 3 a summerhouse or other decorative PAYE (in Britain and New Zealand) pay as
shelter. 4 a large ornate tent. you earn; a system by which income tax is
paving n 1 a paved surface. 2 material used deducted by employers and paid directly to
for a pavement. the government.
pavlova n a meringue cake topped with payee n the person to whom a cheque or
whipped cream and fruit. money order is made out.
paw n 1 a four-legged mammal’s foot with pay for vb 1 to make payment for. 2 to suf-
claws and pads. 2 Informal a hand, -vb 3 fer or be punished for (a mistake).
to scrape or hit with the paws. 4 Informal paying guest n Euphemistic a lodger,
to touch or caress (someone) in a rough or payload n 1 the amount of passengers,
overfamiliar manner. cargo, or bombs which an aircraft can
pawl n a pivoted lever shaped to engage carry. 2 the part of a cargo which earns
with a ratchet to prevent motion in a par- revenue. 3 the explosive power of a war-
ticular direction. head or bomb carried by a missile or air-
pawn1 vb 1 to deposit (an article) as security craft.
for money borrowed. 2 to stake or risk: I paymaster n an official responsible for the
will pawn my honour on this matter. ~n 3 payment of wages and salaries.
an article deposited as security. 4 the condi- payment n 1 the act of paying. 2 a sum of
tion of being so deposited: in pawn. money paid. 3 something given in return;
pawn2 n 1 a chessman of the lowest value, punishment or reward.
usually able to move only one square for- pay off vb 1 to pay the complete amount of
ward at a time. 2 a person manipulated by (a debt). 2 to pay (someone) all that is due
someone else: our city is just a pawn in the in wages and dismiss him or her from em-
power games of others. ployment. 3 to turn out successfully: her
pawnbroker n a person licensed to lend persistence finally paid off. 4 Informal to
money on goods deposited, pawnbroking n give a bribe to. ~n payoff 5 Informal the
payola 592 peasantry
climax or outcome of events. 6 Informal a single stone. 2 Informal a person or thing
bribe. 7 the final payment of a debt. 8 the that is especially pleasing: a peach of a
final settlement, esp. in retribution: the goal. -adj 3 pale pinkish-orange.
payoff came when the gang besieged the peach melba n a dessert made of halved
squealer’s house. peaches, vanilla ice cream, and raspberries.
payola n Informal a bribe to secure special peachy adj peachier, peachiest of or like a
treatment, esp. to promote a commercial peach, esp. in colour or texture.
product. peacock n, pl -cocks or -cock 1 a large male
pay out vb 1 to spend (money) on a particu- bird of the pheasant family with a crested
lar thing. 2 to release (a rope) gradually, bit head and a very large fanlike tail with blue
by bit. —n payout 3 a sum of money paid and green eyelike spots. 2 a vain strutting
out. person, peahen fem n
payphone n a coin-operated telephone, peafowl n peacock or peahen.
payroll n a list of employees, giving the sala-
ry or wage of each. peak n 1 a pointed tip or projection: the
peak of the roof. 2 a the pointed summit of
payslip n a note given to an employee stat- a mountain, b a mountain with a pointed
ing his or her salary or wage and detailing summit. 3 the point of greatest success or
the deductions. achievement: the peak of his career. 4 a
pay up vb to pay (money) promptly or in projecting piece on the front of some caps.
full. —vb 5 to form or reach a peak, —adj 6 of
Pb Chem lead. or relating to a period of greatest demand:
pc 1 per cent. 2 postcard. hotels are generally dearer in peak season.
PC 1 personal computer. 2 (in Britain) Police peaked adj having a peak.
Constable. 3 Informal short for politically peak load n the maximum load on an elec-
correct. 4 (in Britain) Privy Council or trical power-supply system.
Counsellor. 5 (in Canada) Progressive Con- peaky adj peakier, peakiest pale and sick-
servative.
ly-
pd paid.
peal n 1 a long loud echoing sound, such as
Pd Chem palladium. of bells or thunder, —vb 2 to sound with a
PDSA (in Britain) People’s Dispensary for peal or peals.
Sick Animals. peanut n a plant with edible nutlike seeds
PDT Pacific Daylight Time. which ripen underground. See also pea-
PE 1 physical education. 2 Prince Edward Is- nuts.
land. peanut butter n a brownish oily paste made
pea n 1 an annual climbing plant with green from peanuts.
pods containing green seeds. 2 the seed of peanuts n Slang a trifling amount of money,
this plant, eaten as a vegetable.
pear n a sweet juicy fruit with a narrow top
peace n 1 stillness or silence. 2 absence of and a rounded base.
mental anxiety: peace of mind. 3 absence of
war. 4 harmony between people or groups. pearl n 1 a hard smooth greyish-white
5 a treaty marking the end of a war. 6 law rounded object found inside the shell of a
and order within a state: a breach of the clam or oyster and much valued as a gem. 2
peace. 7 at peace a dead: the old lady is at See mother-of-pearl. 3 a person or thing
peace now. b in a state of harmony or seren- that is like a pearl in beauty or value, -adj
ity. 8 hold or keep one’s peace to keep si- 4 of, made of, or set with pearl or mother-
lent. 9 keep the peace to maintain law and of-pearl. ~vb 5 to set with or as if with
order. pearls. 6 to shape into or assume a pearl-
peaceable adj 1 inclined towards peace. 2 like form or colour. 7 to dive for pearls.
tranquil or calm. pearl barley n barley ground into small
peaceful adj 1 not in a state of war or dis- round grains, used in soups and stews.
agreement. 2 calm or tranquil, peacefully pearly adj pearlier, pearliest 1 resembling
adv a pearl, esp. in lustre. 2 decorated with
peacemaker n a person who brings about pearls or mother-of-pearl.
peace, esp. between others. Pearly Gates pl n Informal the entrance to
peace offering n something given or said in heaven.
order to restore peace: I bought Mum some pearly king or fem pearly queen n the Lon-
flowers as a peace offering. don barrow vendor whose ceremonial
peace pipe n a long decorated pipe smoked clothes display the most lavish collection of
by North American Indians, esp. as a token pearl buttons.
of peace. peasant n 1 a member of a low social class
peacetime n a period without war. employed in agricultural labour. 2 Informal
peach n 1 a soft juicy fruit with a downy an uncouth or uncultured person.
skin, yellowish-orange sweet flesh, and a peasantry n peasants as a class.
pease 593 peek
pease n, pl pease Archaic or dialect same as pecuniary adj 1 of or relating to money. 2
pea. Law (of an offence) involving a monetary
pease pudding n (esp. in Britain) a dish of penalty.
split peas that have been soaked and boiled. pedagogue or US sometimes pedagog n a
peasouper n 1 Informal, chiefly Brit thick teacher, esp. a pedantic one. pedagogic adj
dirty yellowish fog. 2 Canad slang a French pedagogy (ped-a-goj-ee) n the principles,
Canadian. practice, or profession of teaching.
peat n decaying vegetable matter found in pedal1 n 1 a foot-operated lever used to con-
uplands and bogs and used as a fuel (when trol a vehicle or machine, or to modify the
dried) and as a fertilizer. tone of a musical instrument. ~vb -ailing,
pebble n 1 a small smooth rounded stone, -ailed or US -aling, -aled 2 to propel (a bi-
esp. one worn by the action of water. ~vb cycle) by operating the pedals. 3 to operate
-bling, -bled 2 to cover with pebbles, peb- the pedals of an organ or piano.
bly adj pedal2 adj of the foot or feet.
pebble dash n Brit a finish for external pedant n a person who is concerned chiefly
walls consisting of small stones set in plas- with insignificant detail or who relies too
ter. much on academic learning, pedantic adj
pec n Informal a pectoral muscle: a gigolo pedantically adv
with flowing blond locks and rippling pecs. pedantry n, pl -ries the practice of being a
pecan (pee-kan) n a smooth oval nut with a pedant, esp. in the minute observance of
sweet oily kernel that grows on hickory petty rules or details.
trees in the Southern US. peddle vb -dling, -died 1 to sell (goods) from
peccadillo n, pl -los or -loes a trivial mis- place to place. 2 to sell illegal drugs. 3 to
deed. advocate (an idea or information) persis-
peccary n, pl -ries or-ry a piglike animal of tently: the version of events being peddled
American forests. by his opponents.
pederast or paederast n a man who has
peck1 vb 1 to strike or pick up with the
beak. 2 Informal to kiss (a person) quickly homosexual relations with boys, pederas-
ty or paederasty n
and lightly. 3 peck at to eat slowly and re-
luctantly: pecking away at your lunch. ~n pedestal n 1 a base that supports some-
4 a quick light blow from a bird’s beak. 5 a thing, such as a statue. 2 put someone on a
mark made by such a blow. 6 Informal a pedestal to admire someone very much.
quick light kiss. pedestrian n 1 a person who travels on foot.
peck2 n an obsolete unit of liquid measure ~adj 2 dull or commonplace: a pedestrian
equal to one quarter of a bushel or 2 gallons performance,
(9.1 litres). pedestrian crossing n Brit a path across a
pecker n keep one’s pecker up Brit slang to road marked as a crossing for pedestrians.
remain cheerful. pedestrianize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
pecking order n the order of seniority or -ising, -ised to convert (a street or shopping
power in a group: she came from a family area) into an area for pedestrians only.
low in the social pecking order. pedestrian precinct n an area of a town for
peckish adj Informal, chiefly Brit feeling pedestrians only, esp. an area of shops.
slightly hungry. pedicure n medical or cosmetic treatment of
pectin n Biochem a water-soluble carbohy- the feet.
drate that occurs in ripe fruit: used in the pedigree n 1 the line of descent of a pure-
manufacture of jams because of its ability bred animal. 2 a document recording this. 3
to gel. a genealogical table, esp. one indicating
pectoral adj 1 of or relating to the chest, pure ancestry.
breast, or thorax: pectoral fins. 2 worn on pediment n a triangular part over a door, as
the breast or chest: a pectoral cross. ~n 3 a used in classical architecture.
pectoral organ or part, esp. a muscle or fin. pedlar or esp US peddler n a person who
pectoral fin n a fin, just behind the head in peddles.
fishes, that helps to control the direction of pedometer (pid-dom-it-er) n a device that
movement. measures the distance walked by recording
peculate vb -lating, -lated Literary to em- the number of steps taken.
bezzle (public money), peculation n peduncle n 1 Bot a plant stalk bearing a
peculiar adj 1 strange or odd: a peculiar flower cluster or solitary flower. 2 Anat,
idea. 2 distinct or special. 3 (foil, by to) be- pathol any stalklike structure, peduncular
longing exclusively (to): a fish peculiar to adj
these waters. pee Informal ~vb peeing, peed 1 to uri-
peculiarity n, pl -ties 1 a strange or unusual nate. ~n 2 urine. 3 the act of urinating.
habit; eccentricity. 2 a distinguishing trait. peek vb 1 to glance quickly or secretly. ~n
3 the state or quality of being peculiar. 2 such a glance.
peel 594 pellucid
peel vb 1 to remove the skin or rind of (a the play’s subject matter provides a perfect
fruit or vegetable). 2 to come off in flakes. 3 peg for a discussion of issues like morality
(of a person or part of the body) to shed and faith. 7 bring or take (someone) down
skin in flakes as a result of sunburn. ~n 4 a peg to lower the pride of (someone). 8 off
the skin or rind of a fruit, etc. the peg Chiefly Brit (of clothes) ready-to-
peelings pl n strips of skin or rind that have wear, as opposed to tailor-made. ~vb peg-
been peeled off: potato peelings. ging, pegged 9 to insert a peg into. 10 to se-
peel Off vb 1 to remove or be removed by cure with pegs: the balloon was pegged
peeling: this softens the paint, which can down to stop it drifting away. 11 to mark (a
then be peeled off. 2 Slang to take off one’s score) with pegs, as in some card games. 12
clothes or a piece of clothing. 3 to leave a Chiefly Brit to work steadily: he pegged
group of moving people, vehicles etc. by away at his job for years. 13 to fix or main-
taking a course that curves away to one tain something, such as prices, at a particu-
side: a couple of aircraft peeled off to at- lar level or value: a fixed rate mortgage,
tack the enemy bombers. pegged at 9.6 per cent.
peen n the end of a hammer head opposite pegboard n 1 a board with holes into which
the striking face, often rounded or wedge- small pegs can be fitted, used for playing
shaped. certain games or keeping a score. 2 hard-
peep1 vb 1 to look slyly or quickly, such as board with rows of holes from which arti-
through a small opening or from a hidden cles may be hung for display.
place. 2 to appear partially or briefly: the peg leg n Informal 1 an artificial leg. 2 a
sun peeped through the clouds. ~n 3 a person with an artificial leg.
quick or sly look. 4 the first appearance: the peg out vb 1 Informal to collapse or die. 2 to
peep of dawn. mark or secure with pegs: the scientists
peep2 vb 1 (esp. of young birds) to make pegged out a hectare of land in order to
small shrill noises. ~n 2 a peeping sound. study every plant in it.
Peeping Tom n a man who furtively PEI Prince Edward Island.
observes women undressing. peignoir (pay-nwahr) n a woman’s light
peepshow n a box containing a series of pic- dressing gown.
tures that can be seen through a small hole. pejorative (pij-jor-a-tiv) adj 1 (of a word or
peer1 n 1 a member of a nobility. 2 a person expression) having an insulting or critical
who holds any of the five grades of the Brit- sense. ~-n 2 a pejorative word or expres-
ish nobility: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, sion.
and baron. 3 a person of equal social stand- peke n Informal a Pekingese dog.
ing, rank, age, etc.: he is greatly respected Pekingese or Pekinese n 1 (pi -ese) a small
by his peers in the arts world. dog with a long straight coat, curled plumed
peer2 vb 1 to look intently or as if with dif- tail, and short wrinkled muzzle. 2 (pi -ese) a
ficulty: Walter peered anxiously at his fa- person from Peking, in NE China. 3 the dia-
ther’s face. 2 to appear dimly: the sun lect of Mandarin Chinese spoken in Peking.
peered through the fog. ~adj 4 of Peking.
peerage n 1 the whole body of peers; aris- pelargonium n a plant with circular leaves
tocracy. 2 the position, rank, or title of a and red, pink, or white flowers: includes
peer. many cultivated geraniums.
peeress n 1 a woman holding the rank of a pelf n Contemptuous money or wealth,
peer. 2 the wife or widow of a peer. pelican n a large water bird with a pouch
peer group n a social group composed of beneath its long bill for holding fish.
people of similar age and status. pelican crossing n a type of road crossing
peerless adj having no equals; unsurpassed, with a pedestrian-operated traffic-light
peeve Informal ~vb peeving, peeved 1 to system.
irritate or annoy: the way he looked at her pelisse (pel-leess) n a cloak or loose coat
peeved her. ~n 2 something that irritates: which is usually fur-trimmed.
my pet peeve, peeved adj pellagra n Pathol a disease caused by a diet
peevish adj fretful or irritable, peevishly lacking in vitamin B, which results in scal-
adv ing of the skin, diarrhoea and mental disor-
peewit or pewit n same as lapwing. der.
peg n 1 a small pin or bolt used to join two pellet n 1 a small round ball, esp. of com-
parts together, to fasten, or to mark. 2 a pressed matter. 2 a an imitation bullet used
hook or knob for hanging things on. 3 Music in toy guns, b a piece of small shot. 3 a
a pin on a stringed instrument which can be small pill.
turned to tune the string wound around it. 4 pell-mell adv 1 in a confused headlong rush:
Also called: clothes peg a split or hinged the hounds ran pell-mell into the yard. 2 in
pin for fastening wet clothes to a line to a disorderly manner: the things were piled
dry. 5 Brit a small drink of spirits. 6 an op- pell-mell in the room.
portunity or pretext for doing something: pellucid adj Literary 1 transparent or trans-
pelmet 595 penitentiary
lucent. 2 extremely clear in style and mean- given provided they confess their sins to a
ing. priest and perform a penance.
pelmet n a board or piece of fabric used to pence n a plural of penny.
conceal the curtain rail. penchant (pon-shon) n strong inclination or
pelota n a game played by two players who liking: a stylish woman with a penchant for
use a basket strapped to their wrists or a dark glasses.
wooden racket to propel a ball against a pencil n 1 a rod of graphite encased in wood
specially marked wall. which is used for writing or drawing. -vb
pelt1 vb 1 to throw (missiles) at. 2 (foil, by -cilling, -cilled or US -ciling, -ciled 2 to
along, etc.) to hurry. 3 to rain heavily. ~n draw, colour, write, or mark with a pencil. 3
4 a blow. 5 at full pelt very quickly: she pencil in to note, arrange, or include provi-
ran down the street at full pelt. sionally or tentatively.
pelt2 n the skin or fur of an animal, esp. as pendant n a an ornament worn on a chain
material for clothing or rugs: the lucrative round the neck, b an ornament that hangs
international trade in beaver pelts. from a piece of jewellery.
pelvis n 1 the framework of bones at the pendent adj Literary 1 dangling. 2 jutting,
base of the spine, to which the hips are at- pending prep 1 while waiting for. -adj 2
tached. 2 the bones that form this struc- not yet decided or settled. 3 imminent: these
ture. pelvic adj developments have been pending for some
pen1 n 1 an instrument for writing or draw- time.
ing using ink. See also ballpoint, fountain pendulous adj Literary hanging downwards
pen. 2 the pen writing as an occupation. and swinging freely.
—vb penning, penned 3 to write or com- pendulum n 1 a weight suspended so it
pose. swings freely under the influence of grav-
pen2 n 1 an enclosure in which domestic ity. 2 such a device used to regulate a clock
animals are kept. 2 any place of confine- mechanism. 3 a movement from one atti-
ment. -vb penning, penned or pent 3 to tude or belief towards its opposite: the pen-
enclose (animals) in a pen. 4 penned in to dulum has swung back to more punitive
be or feel trapped or confined: she stood measures.
penned in by bodies at the front of the penetrate vb -trating, -trated 1 to find or
crowd. force a way into or through. 2 to diffuse
through; permeate: the smell of cooking
pen3 n US & Canad informal short for peni- penetrated through to the sitting room. 3 to
tentiary (sense 1). see through: the sunlight did not penetrate
pen4 n a female swan. the thick canopy of leaves. 4 (of a man) to
Pen. Peninsula. insert the penis into the vagina of (a
penal (pee-nal) adj 1 of or relating to pun- woman). 5 to grasp the meaning of (a prin-
ishment. 2 used as a place of punishment: a ciple, etc.), penetrable adj penetrative
penal colony, penally adv adj
penal code n the body of laws relating to penetrating adj tending to or able to pen-
crime and punishment. etrate: a penetrating mind; a penetrating
voice.
penalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
penetration n 1 the act or an instance of
-ised 1 to impose a penalty on (someone) for penetrating. 2 the ability or power to pen-
breaking a law or rule. 2 to inflict a disad- etrate. 3 keen insight or perception.
vantage on: why should I be penalized just
because I’m a woman? penalization or pen friend n a person with whom one
-isation n exchanges letters, often a person in another
country whom one has not met.
penalty n, pl -ties 1 a legal punishment for a
crime or offence. 2 loss or suffering as a re- penguin n a flightless black-and-white Ant-
sult of one’s own action: we are now paying arctic sea bird with webbed feet and wings
the penalty for neglecting to keep our modified as flippers for swimming.
equipment up to date. 3 Sport, games, etc a penicillin n an antibiotic used to treat dis-
handicap awarded against a player or team eases caused by bacteria.
for illegal play, such as a free shot at goal peninsula n a narrow strip of land project-
by the opposing team. ing from the mainland into a sea or lake,
penalty box n 1 Also called: penalty area peninsular adj
Soccer a rectangular area in front of the penis n, pl -nises or -nes the organ of copu-
goal, within which a penalty is awarded for lation in higher vertebrates, also used for
a serious foul by the defending team. 2 Ice urinating in many mammals, penile adj
hockey a bench for players serving time penitent adj 1 feeling regret for one’s sins;
penalties. repentant. ~n 2 a person who is penitent,
penance n 1 voluntary self-punishment to penitence n
make amends for a sin. 2 RC Church a sac- penitential adj of, showing, or as a penance,
rament in which repentant sinners are for- penitentiary n, pl -ries 1 (in the US and
penknife 596 people
Canada) a state or federal prison, -adj 2 of son. —vb 2 to grant a pension to. pension-
or for penance. 3 used for punishment and able adj pensioner n
reformation: the penitentiary system. pension2 (pon-syon) n (in France and some
penknife n, pl -knives a small knife with one other countries) a relatively cheap boarding
or more blades that fold into the handle. house.
penmanship n Formal style or technique of pension off vb to cause (someone) to retire
writing by hand. from a job and pay him or her a pension.
pen name n a name used by a writer instead pensive adj deeply thoughtful, often with a
of his or her real name; nom de plume. tinge of sadness, pensively adv
pennant n 1 a long narrow flag, esp. one pent vb a past of pen2.
used by ships as identification or for signal- penta- combining form five: pentagon; pen-
ling. 2 Chiefly US, Canad, & Austral a flag tameter.
indicating the winning of a championship in pentacle n same as pentagram.
certain sports. pentagon n Geom a figure with five sides,
penniless adj very poor. pentagonal adj
pennon n 1 a long flag, often tapering and Pentagon n a five-sided building that
divided at the end, originally a knight’s houses the headquarters of the US Depart-
personal flag. 2 a small tapering or triangu- ment of Defense.
lar flag flown by a ship or boat. pentagram n a star-shaped figure with five
penny n, pl pennies or pence 1 Brit a a points.
monetary unit worth one hundredth of a pentameter (pen-tam-it-er) n a line of poet-
pound, b (before 1971) a bronze or copper ry consisting of five metrical feet.
coin worth one twelfth of a shilling. 2 (pl
pennies) US & Canad a cent. 3 Informal, Pentateuch (pent-a-tyuke) n the first five
chiefly Brit the least amount of money: I books of the Old Testament. Pentateuchal
don’t have a penny. 4 a pretty penny In- adj
formal a considerable sum of money. 5 pentathlon n an athletic contest consisting
spend a penny Brit informal to urinate. 6 of five different events. See also modern
the penny dropped Informal, chiefly Brit pentathlon.
the explanation of something was finally pentatonic scale n Music a scale consisting
understood. of five notes.
Penny Black n the first adhesive postage pentavalent adj Chem having a valency of
stamp, issued in Britain in 1840. five.
penny-dreadful n, pl -fuls Brit informal a Pentecost n a Christian festival occurring
cheap, often lurid book or magazine. on Whit Sunday celebrating the descent of
penny-farthing n Brit an early type of bicy- the Holy Ghost to the apostles.
cle with a large front wheel and a small rear Pentecostal adj relating to any of the Chris-
wheel. tian groups that have a charismatic and
penny-pinching adj 1 excessively careful fundamentalist approach to Christianity.
with money; miserly. ~n 2 miserliness, penthouse n a luxurious flat built on the
penny-pincher n top floor or roof of a building.
pennyroyal n a Eurasian plant with hairy pent-up adj not released; repressed: pent-up
leaves and small mauve flowers, which frustration.
provides an aromatic oil used in medicine. penultimate adj second last.
penny-wise adj penny-wise and pound- penumbra n, pl -brae or-bras 1 the partially
foolish careful or thrifty in small matters shadowed region which surrounds the full
but wasteful in large ventures. shadow in an eclipse. 2 Literary a partial
pennywort n a Eurasian rock plant with shadow, penumbral adj
whitish-green tubular flowers and rounded penurious adj Formal 1 niggardly with
leaves. money. 2 lacking money or means.
pennyworth n 1 the amount that can be penury n Formal 1 extreme poverty. 2 ex-
bought for a penny. 2 a small or insignifi- treme scarcity.
cant amount of something: they’d thrown in peon n a Spanish-American farm labourer
their pennyworth of opinion. or unskilled worker.
penology (pee-nol-a-jee) n the study of the peony n, pl -nies a garden plant with showy
punishment of criminals and of prison man- pink, red, white, or yellow flowers.
agement. people pl n 1 persons collectively or in gen-
pen pal n Informal same as pen friend, eral. 2 a group of persons considered to-
penpusher n a person whose work involves gether: old people suffer from anaemia
a lot of boring paperwork, penpushing adj, more often than younger people do. 3 (pl
n -pies) the persons living in a particular
pension* n 1 a regular payment made by the country: the American people. 4 one’s fami-
state or a former employer to a person who ly or ancestors: her people originally came
has retired or to a widowed or disabled per- from Skye. 5 the people a the mass of ordi-
pep 597 peregrinate
nary persons without rank or privileges, b aware of (something) through the senses. 2
the body of persons in a country who are to understand or grasp, perceivable adj
entitled to vote. -vb -pling, -pled 6 to pro- per cent adv 1 in each hundred. Symbol: %
vide with inhabitants: the centre of the con- ~n also percent 2 a percentage or propor-
tinent is sparsely peopled. tion.
pep n 1 high spirits, energy, or vitality. percentage n 1 proportion or rate per hun-
~vb pepping, pepped 2 pep up to make dred parts. 2 any proportion in relation to
more lively or interesting: the company has the whole: a small percentage of the popu-
spent thousands trying to pep up its image. lation. 3 Informal profit or advantage.
peplum n, pl -lums or -la a flared ruffle at- percentile n one of 99 actual or notional
tached to the waist of a garment. values of a variable dividing its distribution
pepper n 1 a sharp hot condiment obtained into 100 groups with equal frequencies.
from the fruit of an East Indian climbing perceptible adj able to be perceived; recog-
plant. 2 Also called: capsicum a colourful nizable. perceptibly adv
tropical fruit used as a vegetable and a con- perception n 1 the act of perceiving. 2 in-
diment. -vb 3 to season with pepper. 4 to sight or intuition: his acute perception of
sprinkle liberally: his speech is heavily other people’s emotions. 3 the ability to
peppered with Americanisms. 5 to pelt with perceive. 4 way of viewing: advertising af-
small missiles. fects the customer’s perception of a prod-
pepper-and-salt adj 1 (of a fabric) marked uct. perceptual adj
with a fine mixture of black and white. 2 perceptive adj 1 observant. 2 able to per-
(of hair) streaked with grey. ceive. perceptively adv perceptiveness n
peppercorn n the small dried berry of the perch1 n 1 a branch or other resting place
pepper plant. above ground for a bird. 2 any raised rest-
peppercorn rent n a rent that is very low or ing place: from his perch on the bar stool,
nominal. -vb 3 (of birds) to alight or rest on a
pepper mill n a small hand mill used to grind perch: it fluttered to the branch and
peppercorns. perched there for a moment. 4 to place or
peppermint n 1 a mint plant which produces position precariously: he was perched un-
a pungent oil, used as a flavouring. 2 a easily on the edge of his chair.
sweet flavoured with peppermint. perch2 n, pl perch or perches a spiny-finned
peppery adj 1 tasting of pepper. 2 irritable, edible freshwater fish of Europe and North
America.
pep pill n Informal a tablet containing a
stimulant drug. perchance adv Archaic or poetic 1 perhaps.
2 by chance.
pepsin n an enzyme produced in the stom-
ach, which, when activated by acid, breaks percipient adj Formal quick at perceiving;
down proteins. observant, percipience n
pep talk n Informal a talk designed to in- percolate vb -lating, -lated 1 to pass or fil-
crease confidence and enthusiasm. ter through very small holes: the light per-
colating through the stained-glass windows
peptic adj 1 of or relating to digestion. 2 of cast coloured patterns on the floor. 2 to
or caused by pepsin or the action of the di- spread gradually: his theories percolated
gestivejuices: a peptic ulcer. through the academic community. 3 to
peptic ulcer n ulcer in the stomach or duo- make (coffee) or (of coffee) to be made in a
denum. percolator, percolation n
peptide n Chem a compound consisting of percolator n a coffeepot in which boiling
two or more amino acids linked by chemical water is forced up through a tube and
bonding between the amino group of one filters down through the coffee grounds
and the carboxyl group of another. into a container.
per prep 1 for every: three pence per pound; percussion n 1 the striking of one thing
30 pounds per week. 2 by; through. 3 as per against another. 2 Music percussion in-
according to: proceed as per the instruc- struments collectively, percussive adj
tions. 4 as per usual or as per normal In- percussion cap n a detonator which con-
formal as usual. tains material that explodes when struck.
peradventure Archaic -adv 1 by chance; percussion instrument n a musical instru-
perhaps. ~n 2 chance or doubt. ment, such as the drums, that produces a
perambulate vb -lating, -lated Formal to sound when struck directly.
walk about (a place), perambulation n percussionist n Music a person who plays
perambulator n Formal same as pram, percussion instruments.
per annum adv in each year. perdition n 1 Christianity final and unalter-
per capita adj, adv of or for each person: able spiritual ruin; damnation. 2 same as
the average per capita wage has increased. hell.
perceive vb -ceiving, -ceived 1 to become peregrinate vb -nating, -nated Formal to
peregrine falcon 598 periodic law
travel or wander about from place to place, perfume n 1 a liquid cosmetic worn for its
peregrination n pleasant smell. 2 a fragrant smell. —vb
peregrine falcon n a European falcon with -fuming, -fumed 3 to impart a perfume to.
dark plumage on the back and wings and perfumed adj
lighter underparts. perfumer n a person who makes or sells per-
peremptory adj 1 urgent or commanding: a fume. perfumery n
peremptory knock on the door. 2 expecting perfunctory adj Formal done only as a mat-
immediate obedience without any discus- ter of routine: he gave his wife a perfunc-
sion: he gave peremptory instructions to his tory kiss, perfunctorily adv perfunctori-
son. 3 dogmatic, peremptorily adv ness n
perennial adj 1 lasting throughout the year pergola n an arched trellis or framework
or through many years. —n 2 a plant that that supports climbing plants.
continues its growth for at least three perhaps adv 1 possibly; maybe. 2 approxi-
years. mately; roughly: it would have taken per-
perestroika n (in the late 1980s) the policy haps three or four minutes.
of restructuring the Soviet economy and po- perianth n Botthe outer part of a flower,
litical system.
pericardium n, pl -dia the membranous sac
perfect adj 1 having all essential elements. 2 enclosing the heart, pericardial adj
faultless: a perfect circie. 3 correct or pre-
cise: perfect timing. 4 utter or absolute: a pericarp n Bot the part of a fruit enclosing
perfect stranger. 5 excellent in all respects: the seed that develops from the wall of the
a perfect day. 6 Maths exactly divisible into ovary.
equal integral or polynomial roots: 36 is a perigee n Astron the point in its orbit
perfect square. 7 Grammar denoting a tense around the earth when the moon or a satel-
of verbs used to describe a completed ac- lite is nearest the earth.
tion. ~n 8 Grammar the perfect tense. -vb perihelion n, pl -lia Astron the point in its
9 to improve to one’s satisfaction: he is in orbit around the sun when a planet or
Paris to perfect his French. 10 to make fully comet is nearest the sun.
accomplished: he perfected the system. peril n great danger or jeopardy, perilous
perfectly adv adj
perfectible adj capable of becoming or being perimeter (per-rim-it-er) n 1 Maths a the
made perfect, perfectibility n curve or line enclosing a plane area, b the
perfection n the state or quality of being length of this curve or line. 2 any boundary
perfect. around something.
perfectionism n the demand for the highest perinatal adj of or occurring in the period
standard of excellence, perfectionist n, from about three months before to one
adj month after birth.
perfect pitch n same as absolute pitch, perineum (per-rin-nee-um) n, pl -nea
perfidious adj Literary treacherous or de- (-nee-a) Anat the region of the body be-
ceitful. perfidy n tween the anus and the genitals, perineal
perforate vb -rating, -rated 1 to make a hole adj
or holes in. 2 to punch rows of holes be- period n 1 a portion of time: six inches of
tween (stamps) for ease of separation, per- rain fell in a 24-hour period. 2 a portion of
forable adj perforator n time specified in some way: the President’s
perforation n 1 a hole or holes made in first period of office. 3 an occurrence of
something. 2 a series of punched holes, such menstruation. 4 Geol a unit of geological
as that between individual stamps. time during which a system of rocks is
perforce adv Formal of necessity. formed: the Jurassic period. 5 a division of
perform vb 1 to carry out (an action): the time at school, college, or university when a
hospital performs more than a hundred particular subject is taught. 6 Physics,
such operations each year. 2 to present (a maths the time taken to complete one cycle
play or concert): he performed a couple of of a regularly recurring phenomenon. 7
songs from his new album. 3 to fulfil: you Chem one of the horizontal rows of el-
have performed the first of two conditions. ements in the periodic table. 8 Chiefly US &
performable adj performer n Canad same as full stop, -adj 9 dating
from or in the style of an earlier time: a per-
performance n 1 the act or process of per- formance on period instruments.
forming. 2 an artistic or dramatic produc-
tion: the concert includes the first perfor- periodic adj recurring at intervals, periodi-
mance of a new trumpet concerto. 3 manner cally adv periodicity n
or quality of functioning: the car’s overall periodical n 1 a publication issued at regu-
performance is excellent. 4 Informal con- lar intervals, usually monthly or weekly.
duct or behaviour, esp. when distasteful: -adj 2 of or relating to such publications. 3
what did you mean by that performance at periodic or occasional.
the restaurant? periodic law n Chem the principle that the
periodic table 599 pernicious anaemia
chemical properties of the elements are pe- ful. 2 to rise or cause to rise briskly: the
riodic functions of their atomic numbers. dog’s ears perked up suddenly.
periodic table n Chem a table of the el- perky adj perkier, perkiest 1 jaunty or live-
ements, arranged in order of increasing ly. 2 confident or spirited.
atomic number, based on the periodic law. perlemoen (per-la-moon) n S African same
peripatetic (per-rip-a-tet-ik) adj 1 travelling as abalone.
from place to place. 2 Brit employed in two perm1 n 1 a hairstyle with long-lasting
or more educational establishments and waves or curls produced by treating the
travelling from one to another: a peripatetic hair with chemicals. ~vb 2 to give a perm
violin teacher. ~n 3 a peripatetic person. to (hair).
peripheral (per-if-er-al) adj 1 not relating to perm2 n Informal short for permutation
the most important part of something; inci- (sense 4).
dental. 2 of or relating to a periphery. ~n 3
Computers any device, such as a disk drive, permafrost n ground that is permanently
concerned with input/output or storage. frozen.
periphery (per-if-er-ee) n, pl -eries 1 the permanent adj 1 existing or intended to
boundary or edge of an area or group: slums exist forever: a permanent solution. 2 not
sprouted up on the periphery of the city. 2 expected to change: a permanent condition.
fringes of a field of activity: less developed permanence n permanently adv
countries on the periphery of the capitalist permanent wave n same as perm1 (sense 1).
system. permanent way n Chiefly Brit the track of a
periphrasis (per-if-ra-siss) n, pl -rases (-ra- railway, including the sleepers and rails.
seez) a roundabout way of expressing permanganate n a salt of an acid containing
something; circumlocution. manganese, used as a disinfectant.
periscope n an optical instrument used, esp. permeable adj capable of being permeated,
in submarines, to give a view of objects on a esp. by liquids, permeability n
different level. permeate vb -ating, -ated 1 to penetrate or
perish vb 1 to be destroyed or die. 2 to cause spread throughout (something): his mysti-
to suffer: we were perished with cold. 3 to cal philosophy permeates everything he
rot or cause to rot: to prevent your swim- creates. 2 to pass through or cause to pass
suit from perishing, rinse it in clean water through by osmosis or diffusion: the rain
before it dries. permeated her anorak, permeation n
perishable adj 1 liable to rot. —n 2 (often Permian adj Geol of the period of geological
pl) a perishable article, esp. food. time about 280 million years ago.
perishing adj 1 (of weather) Informal ex- permissible adj permitted or allowable,
tremely cold. 2 Slang confounded or blast- permissibility n
ed: get rid of the perishing lot! permission n authorization to do something,
peristalsis (per-riss-tal-siss) n, pl -ses permissive adj tolerant or lenient, esp. in
(-seez) Physiol the wavelike involuntary sexual matters: the so-called permissive so-
muscular contractions of the walls of the ciety. permissiveness n
digestive tract, peristaltic adj
permit vb -mitting, -mitted 1 to allow
peritoneum (per-rit-toe-nee-um) n, pl -nea (something) to be done or to happen: smok-
(-nee-a) or -neums a serous sac that lines ing is not permitted in the office. 2 to allow
the walls of the abdominal cavity and cov- (someone) to do something: her father does
ers the abdominal organs, peritoneal adj not permit her to eat sweets. 3 to allow the
peritonitis (per-rit-tone-ite-iss) n inflamma- possibility (of): they saw each other as
tion of the peritoneum, causing severe ab- often as time and circumstances permitted.
dominal pain. ~n 4 an official document granting permis-
periwig n Historical a wig formerly worn by sion to do something.
men. permutate vb -tating, -tated to alter the se-
periwinkle1 n same as winkle (sense 1). quence or arrangement (of): endlessly
periwinkle2 n a Eurasian evergreen plant permutating three basic designs.
with trailing stems and blue flowers. permutation n 1 Maths an ordered arrange-
perjure vb -juring, -jured perjure oneself ment of the numbers or terms of a set into
Criminal law to deliberately give false evi- specified groups: the permutations of a, b,
dence while under oath, perjurer n and c, taken two at a time, are ab, ba, ac, ca,
perjury (per-jer-ee) n, pl -juries Criminal be, cb. 2 a combination of items made by
law the act of deliberately giving false evi- reordering. 3 a transformation. 4 a fixed
dence while under oath. combination for selections of results on
perk1 n Brit informal an incidental benefit, football pools.
gained from a job, such as a company car. pernicious adj Formal 1 wicked or mali-
perk2 vb Informal short for percolate (sense cious: pernicious lies. 2 causing grave harm;
3). deadly.
perk up vb 1 to make or become more cheer- pernicious anaemia n a severe form of
pernickety 600 personal column
anaemia resulting in a reduction of the red Persian cat n a long-haired variety of do-
blood cells, weakness, and a sore tongue. mestic cat.
pernickety adj Informal 1 excessively fussy Persian lamb n 1 a black loosely curled fur
about details. 2 (of a task) requiring close from the karakul lamb. 2 a karakul lamb.
attention. persiflage (per-sif-flahzh) n Literary light
peroration n Formal the concluding part of a frivolous conversation or writing.
speech which sums up the points made pre- persimmon n a sweet red tropical fruit,
viously.
peroxide n 1 hydrogen peroxide used as a persist vb 1 to continue without interrup-
hair bleach. 2 any of a class of metallic ox- tion: if the symptoms persist, see your doc-
ides, such as sodium peroxide, Na2O2. -adj tor. 2 (often foil, by in or withj to continue
3 bleached with or resembling peroxide: a obstinately despite opposition: she per-
peroxide blonde, -vb -iding, -ided 4 to sisted in using these controversial meth-
bleach (the hair) with peroxide. ods.
perpendicular adj 1 at right angles to a persistent adj 1 unrelenting: persistent rain.
given line or surface. 2 upright; vertical. 3 2 showing persistence: she was a persistent
denoting a style of English Gothic architec- woman, persistence n persistently adv
ture characterized by vertical lines. ~n 4 person n, pl people or persons 1 an indi-
Geom a line or plane perpendicular to an- vidual human being. 2 the body of a human
other. perpendicularity n being: he was found to have a knife con-
perpetrate vb -trating, -trated to perform cealed about his person. 3 Grammar a cat-
or be responsible for (a deception or crime), egory into which pronouns and forms of
perpetration n perpetrator n verbs are subdivided to show whether they
perpetual adj 1 never ending or never refer to the speaker, the person addressed,
changing: Mexico’s colourful scenery and or some other individual or thing. 4 in per-
nearly perpetual sunshine. 2 continually son actually doing something or being
repeated: his mother’s perpetual worries somewhere oneself: I had the chance to
about his health, perpetually adv hear her speak in person.
► Person is generally used in the singular
perpetual motion n motion of a hypotheti- and people is used to indicate more than
cal mechanism that continues indefinitely one. The plural persons is restricted to for-
without any external source of energy. mal.notices.
perpetuate vb -ating, -ated to cause to con- -person n combining form sometimes used
tinue: images that perpetuate stereotypes instead of man and woman or lady, chair-
of Blacks as illiterate, happy-go-lucky en- person.
tertainers. perpetuation n
persona (per-soh-na) n, pl -nae (-nee) the
perpetuity n, pl -ties 1 eternity. 2 the state
of being perpetual. 3 something perpetual, personality that a person adopts and pres-
such as a pension that is payable indefinite- ents to other people.
ly. 4 in perpetuity forever. personable adj pleasant in appearance and
perplex vb 1 to puzzle or bewilder. 2 to personality.
complicate: this merely perplexes the issue. personage n 1 an important or distin-
perplexing adj guished person. 2 any person.
perplexity n, pl -ties 1 the state of being personal adj 1 of the private aspects of a
perplexed. 2 something that perplexes. person’s life: redundancy can put an enor-
perquisite n Formal same as perk1. mous strain on personal relationships. 2 of
perry n, pl -ries an alcoholic drink made a person’s body: personal hygiene. 3 belong-
from fermented pear juice. ing to, or for the sole use of, a particular in-
dividual: he disappeared, leaving his pass-
per se (per say) adv in itself. port, diary and other personal belongings in
persecute vb -cuting, -cuted 1 to oppress or his flat. 4 undertaken by an individual: the
maltreat (someone), because of race or reli- sponsorship deal requires him to make a
gion. 2 to harass (someone) persistently, number of personal appearances for public-
persecution n persecutor n ity purposes. 5 offensive in respect of an
perseverance n continued steady belief or individual’s personality or intimate affairs:
efforts; persistence. he has suffered a lifetime of personal re-
persevere vb -severing, -severed (often marks about his weight. 6 having the at-
foil, by with or in) to continue to make an tributes of an individual conscious being: a
effort despite difficulties. personal God. 7 Grammar of person. 8 Law
Persian adj 1 of ancient Persia or modern of movable property, such as money.
Iran, -n 2 a person from Persia (now Iran). personal assistant n a person who is em-
3 the language of Iran or of Persia. ployed to help someone with his or her
Persian carpet n a hand-made carpet or rug work, esp. the secretarial and administra-
with flowing or geometric designs in rich tive aspects of it.
colours. personal column n a newspaper column
personal computer 601 pervious
containing personal messages and adver- 4 the appearance of objects or buildings
tisements. relative to each other, determined by their
personal computer n a small computer used distance from the viewer.
for word processing or computer games. Perspex n Trademark a clear acrylic resin
personality n, pl -ties 1 Psychol the distinc- used as a substitute for glass.
tive characteristics which make an individ- perspicacious adj Formal acutely percep-
ual unique. 2 the distinctive character of a tive or discerning, perspicacity n
person which makes him or her socially at- perspicuous adj Literary (of speech or writ-
tractive: some people find him lacking in ing) easily understood; lucid, perspicuity n
personality and a bit colourless. 3 a well- perspiration n 1 the salty fluid secreted by
known person in a certain field; celebrity. 4 the sweat glands of the skin; sweat. 2 the
a remarkable person: she is a personality to act of sweating.
be reckoned with. 5 (often pf) an offensive
personal remark: the argument never de- perspire vb -spiring, -spired to sweat,
generated into personalities. persuade vb -suading, -suaded 1 to make
personalize or-ise vb-izing,-ized or-ising, (someone) do something by reason or
-ised 1 to base (an argument or discussion) charm: we tried to persuade him not to
around people’s characters rather than on come up the mountain with us. 2 to cause to
abstract arguments. 2 to mark (stationery believe; convince: persuading people of the
or clothing) with a person’s initials or need for enforced environmental protection
name. 3 same as personify. may be difficult, persuadable adj
personally adv 1 without the help of others: persuasion n 1 the act of persuading. 2 the
she had seen to it personally that permis- power to persuade. 3 a set of beliefs; creed:
sion was granted. 2 in one’s own opinion: the Roman Catholic persuasion; literary in-
personally, I think it’s overrated. 3 as if re- tellectuals of the modernist persuasion.
ferring to oneself: yes, he was rather rude persuasive adj able to persuade: a persua-
but it’s not worth taking it personally. 4 as sive argument, persuasively adv
a person: I don’t like him personally, but pert adj 1 saucy or impudent. 2 attractive in
he’s fine to work with. a neat way: pert buttocks.
personal organizer n 1 a diary for storing pertain vb (often foil, by to) 1 to have refer-
personal records, appointments, etc. 2 a ence or relevance: the notes pertaining to
pocket-sized electronic device that per- the case. 2 to be appropriate. 3 to belong
forms the same functions. (to) or be a part (of).
personal pronoun n a pronoun such as I, pertinacious adj 1 doggedly resolute in pur-
you, he, she, it, we, and they that repre- pose or belief. 2 stubbornly persistent, per-
sents a definite person or thing. tinacity n
personal stereo n a small portable audio pertinent adj relating to the matter at hand;
cassette player used with lightweight relevant, pertinence n
headphones. perturb vb 1 to disturb the composure of. 2
persona non grata (non grah-ta) n, pl per- to throw into disorder.
sonae non gratae (grah-tee) an unaccep- perturbation n Literary anxiety or worry,
table person. peruke n Historical a wig for men worn in
personate vb -ating, -ated Criminal law to the 17th and 18th centuries.
assume the identity of (another person) peruse vb -rasing, -rased 1 to read or exam-
with intent to deceive, personation n ine with care. 2 to browse or read in a lei-
personify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to give surely way. perusal n
human characteristics to (a thing or ab-
straction). 2 to represent (an abstract qual- pervade vb -vading, -vaded to spread
ity) in human or animal form. 3 (of a person through or throughout (something), perva-
or thing) to represent (an abstract quality), sion n pervasive adj
as in art. 4 to be the embodiment of: she can perverse adj 1 deliberately acting in a way
be charm personified, personification n different from what is regarded as normal
personnel n 1 the people employed in an or- or proper. 2 wayward or contrary; obsti-
ganization or for a service. 2 the depart- nate. perversely adv perversity n
ment in an organization that appoints or perversion n 1 any abnormal means of ob-
keeps records of employees. 3 (in the armed taining sexual satisfaction. 2 the act of per-
forces) people, as opposed to machinery or verting.
equipment. pervert vb 1 to use wrongly or badly. 2 to
perspective n 1 a way of regarding situa- interpret wrongly or badly; distort. 3 to
tions or facts and judging their relative im- lead (someone) into abnormal behaviour,
portance: the female perspective on sex and esp. sexually; corrupt. 4 to debase. ~n 5 a
love. 2 objectivity: Kay’s problems helped person who practises sexual perversion,
me put my minor worries into perspective. perverted adj
3 a method of drawing that gives the effect pervious adj 1 able to be penetrated; perme-
of solidity and relative distances and sizes. able: the thin walls were pervious to the
Pesach 602 petticoat
slightest sound. 2 receptive to new ideas; petits bourgeois (pet-ee boor-zhwahz) the
open-minded. lower middle class.
Pesach or Pesah (pay-sahk) n same as petite (pit-eat) adj (of a woman) small and
Passover. dainty.
peseta (pcss-say-ta) n the standard mon- petit four (pet-ee four) n, pl petits fours
etary unit of Spain. (pet-ee fours) a very small fancy cake or
pesky adj peskier, peskiest US & Canad in- biscuit.
formal troublesome. petition n 1 a written document signed by a
peso (pay-so) n, pl -sos the standard mon- large number of people demanding some
etary unit of Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the form of action from a government or other
Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Philip- authority. 2 any formal request to a higher
pines, and Uruguay. authority. 3 Law a formal application in
writing made to a court asking for some
pessary n, pl -ries Med 1 a device worn in specific judicial action: she filed a petition
the vagina, either as a support for the uter- for divorce, -vb 4 to address or present a
us or as a contraceptive. 2 a vaginal sup- petition to (a government or to someone in
pository. authority): he petitioned the Crown for
pessimism n 1 the tendency to expect the mercy. 5 (foil, by for) to seek by petition:
worst in all things. 2 the doctrine of the ul- the firm’s creditors petitioned for liquida-
timate triumph of evil over good, pessi- tion. petitioner n
mist n pessimistic adj pessimistically petit mal (pet-ee mat) n a mild form of epi-
adv lepsy in which there are periods of loss of
pest n 1 an annoying person or thing; nui- consciousness for up to 30 seconds.
sance. 2 any organism that damages crops, petit point (pet-ee point) n 1 a small diago-
or injures or irritates livestock or man. nal needlepoint stitch used for fine detail. 2
pester vbto annoy or nag continually, work done with such stitches.
pesticide n a chemical used to destroy pests, pet name n an affectionate nickname for a
esp. insects. close friend or family member.
pestilence n Literary any deadly epidemic petrel n a sea bird with a hooked bill and
disease, such as the plague. tubular nostrils, such as the albatross,
pestilent adj 1 annoying or irritating. 2 storm petrel, or shearwater.
highly destructive morally or physically. 3 Petri dish (peat-rcc) n a shallow dish used
likely to cause infectious disease, pestilen- in laboratories, esp. for producing cultures
tial adj of bacteria.
pestle n a club-shaped instrument for grind- petrify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to stun or
ing or pounding substances in a mortar. daze with fear: he was petrified of going to
pet1 n 1 a tame animal kept for companion- jail. 2 (of organic material) to turn to stone.
ship or pleasure. 2 a person who is fa- 3 to make or become unable to change or
voured or indulged: teacher’s pet. -adj 3 develop: a society petrified by outmoded
kept as a pet: a pet hamster. 4 of or for pet conventions, petrification n
animals: pet food. 5 strongly felt or particu- petrochemical n a substance, such as ac-
larly cherished: a pet hatred; he would not etone, obtained from petroleum, petro-
stand by and let his pet project be aban- chemistry n
doned. ~vb petting, petted 6 to treat as a petrodollar n money earned by a country by
pct; pamper. 7 to pat or stroke affectionate- exporting petroleum.
ly. 8 Informal (of two people) to carcss each
other in an erotic manner. petrol n a volatile flammable liquid obtained
from petroleum and used as a fuel for
pet2 n a fit of sulkiness. internal-combustion engines.
petal n any of the brightly coloured leaflikc petrolatum (pet-rol-late-um) n a translucent
parts which form the head of a flower, jelly-like substance obtained from petro-
petalled adj leum: used as a lubricant and in medicine as
petard n 1 (formerly) a device containing an ointment base.
explosives used to break through a wall or petrol bomb n a simple grenade consisting
door. 2 hoist with one’s own petard being of a bottle filled with petrol. A piece of
the victim of one’s own schemes. cloth is put in the neck of the bottle and set
peter out vb to come gradually to an end: alight just before the bomb is thrown.
the road petered out into a rutted track. petroleum n a dark-coloured thick flam-
Peter Pan n a youthful or immature man. mable crude oil occurring in sedimentary
pethidine (peth-id-een) n a white crystalline rocks, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons:
water-soluble drug used to relieve pain. the source of petrol and paraffin.
petiole n Bot the stalk which attaches a leaf petroleum jelly n same as petrolatum,
to a plant. petrol station n Brit same as filling station,
petit bourgeois (pet-cc boor-zhwah) n, pl petticoat n a woman’s underskirt.
pettifogging 603 phenomenalism
pettifogging adj excessively concerned with unreal: she regularly took days off for what
unimportant detail, pettifogger n her bosses considered phantom illnesses.
pettish adj peevish or fretful, pettishness Pharaoh (fare-oh) n the title of the ancient
n Egyptian kings.
petty adj -tier, -tiest 1 trivial or unimpor- Pharisee n 1 a member of an ancient Jewish
tant: petty details. 2 small-minded: petty sect teaching strict observance of Jewish
spite. 3 low in importance: petty criminals. traditions. 2 (often not cap) a self-righteous
pettily adv pettiness n or hypocritical person. Pharisaic adj
petty cash n a small cash fund for minor in- pharmaceutical adj of or relating to drugs
cidental expenses. or pharmacy.
petty officer n a noncommissioned officer in pharmaceutics n same as pharmacy (sense
the navy. 1).
petulant adj unreasonably irritable or peev- pharmacist n a person qualified to prepare
ish. petulance n petulantly adv and dispense drugs.
petunia n a tropical American plant with pharmacology n the science or study of
pink, white, or purple funnel-shaped flow- drugs, pharmacological adj pharmacolo-
ers. gist n
pew n 1 (in a church) a a long benchlike seat pharmacopoeia (far-ma-koh-pee-a) n an
with a back, used by the congregation, b an authoritative book containing a list of me-
enclosed compartment reserved for the use dicinal drugs along with their uses, prepa-
of a family or group. 2 take a pew Brit take ration and dosages.
a seat. pharmacy n 1 the preparation and dispen-
pewter n 1 an alloy containing tin, lead, and sing of drugs. 2 (pl -cies) a dispensary.
sometimes copper and antimony. 2 dishes or pharyngitis (far-rin-jite-iss) n inflammation
kitchen utensils made from pewter. of the pharynx, causing a sore throat.
pfennig (fen-ig) n a German monetary unit pharynx (far-rinks) n, pl pharynges (far-
worth one hundredth of a mark. rin-jeez) or pharynxes the part of the ali-
PG indicating a film certified for viewing by mentary canal between the mouth and the
anyone, but which contains scenes that may oesophagus, pharyngeal adj
be unsuitable for children, for whom paren- phase n 1 any distinct or characteristic
tal guidance is necessary. stage in a sequence of events: these two CDs
pH n potential of hydrogen; a measure of the sum up two distinct phases in the singer’s
acidity or alkalinity of a solution. career. 2 Astron one of the recurring shapes
of the portion of the moon, Mercury, or
phaeton (fate-on) n a light four-wheeled Venus illuminated by the sun. 3 Physics a
horse-drawn carriage with or without a top. particular stage in a periodic process or
phagocyte (fag-go-site) n a cell or proto- phenomenon. 4 Physics in or out of phase
zoan that engulfs particles, such as micro- (of two waves or signals) reaching or not
organisms. reaching corresponding phases at the same
phalanger n an Australian marsupial with time. ~vb phasing, phased 5 to do or
dense fur and a long tail. introduce gradually: the redundancies will
phalanx (fal-lanks) n, pl phalanxes or pha- be phased over two years.
langes (fal-lan-jeez) 1 any closely grouped phase in vb to introduce in a gradual or cau-
mass of people: a solid phalanx of reporters tious manner: the scheme was phased in
and photographers. 2 a number of people over seven years.
united for a common purpose. 3 an ancient phase out vb to discontinue gradually: rent
Greek battle formation of infantry in close subsidies are being phased out.
ranks. PhD Doctor of Philosophy.
phallic adj of or resembling a phallus: a pheasant n a long-tailed bird with a brightly
phallic symbol. coloured plumage in the male: native to
phallus (fal-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) or -luses 1 Asia but introduced elsewhere.
same as penis. 2 an image of the penis as a phenobarbitone or phenobarbital n a seda-
symbol of reproductive power. tive used to treat insomnia and epilepsy.
phantasm n 1 a phantom. 2 an unreal vision; phenol n a white crystalline derivative of
illusion, phantasmal adj benzene, used as an antiseptic and disin-
phantasmagoria n a shifting medley of fectant and in the manufacture of resins,
dreamlike figures, phantasmagoric adj explosives, and pharmaceutical substances.
phantasy n, pl -sies Archaic same as fanta- phenomena n a plural of phenomenon,
sy. phenomenal adj 1 extraordinary or out-
phantom n 1 an apparition or spectre. 2 the standing: a phenomenal success. 2 of or re-
visible representation of something ab- lating to a phenomenon, phenomenally
stract, such as in a dream or hallucination: adv
the phantom of liberty. ~adj 3 deceptive or phenomenalism n Philosophy the doctrine
phenomenon 604 phosgene
that all knowledge comes from sense per- philtre or US philter n a drink supposed to
ception. phenomenalist n, adj arouse desire.
phenomenon n, pl -ena or -enons 1 any- phlebitis (fleb-bite-iss) n inflammation of a
thing that can be perceived as an occur- vein, usually in the legs, phlebitic adj
rence or fact. 2 any remarkable occurrence phlegm (flem) n 1 the thick yellowish sub-
or person. stance secreted by the walls of the respira-
► Avoid using phenomena as a singular, tory tract. 2 apathy or stolidity. 3 calmness,
phenotype n the physical form of an organ- phlegmy adj
ism as determined by the interaction of its phlegmatic (fleg-mat-ik) adj having an un-
genetic make-up and its environment. emotional disposition.
phenyl (fee-nile) adj of, containing, or con- phloem (flow-em) n Bot the plant tissue
sisting of the monovalent group C6H5, de- that acts as a path for the distribution of
rived from benzene: a phenyl group. food substances to all parts of the plant.
phew interj an exclamation of relief, sur- phlox n, pl phlox or phloxes a plant with
prise, disbelief, or weariness. clusters of white, red, or purple flowers.
phial n a small bottle for liquid medicine, phobia n Psychiatry an intense and irra-
phil. 1 philharmonic. 2 philosophy, tional fear of a given situation or thing,
philadelphus n a shrub grown for its strong- phobic adj, n
ly scented showy flowers. Phoenician (fon-nish-un) adj 1 of Phoenicia,
philander vb (of a man) to flirt or have an ancient E Mediterranean country. —n 2
many casual love affairs with women, phi- a person from Phoenicia.
landerer n philandering adj, n phoenix n a legendary Arabian bird said to
philanthropy n, pl -pies 1 the practice of set fire to itself and rise anew from the
helping people less well-off than oneself. 2 ashes every 500 years.
love of mankind in general, philanthropic phone n, vb phoning, phoned short for
adj philanthropist n telephone.
philately (fill-lat-a-lee) n the collection and phonecard n a card used instead of coins to
study of postage stamps, philatelist n operate certain public telephones.
philharmonic adj 1 fond of music. —n 2 a phone-in n a radio or television programme
specific choir, orchestra, or musical society: in which telephone questions or comments
the Vienna Philharmonic. from the public are broadcast live as part of
philippic n a bitter verbal attack. a discussion.
Philippine adj, n same as Filipino. phoneme n Linguistics one of the set of
philistine n 1 a person who is hostile to- speech sounds in any given language that
wards culture and the arts, -adj 2 boorish- serve to distinguish one word from another,
ly uncultured, philistinism n phonemic adj
Philistine n a member of the non-Semitic phonemics n the classification and analysis
people who inhabited ancient Palestine. of the phonemes of a language.
philology n (no longer in scholarly use) the phonetic adj 1 of phonetics. 2 denoting any
science of the structure and development of perceptible distinction between one speech
languages, philological adj philologist n sound and another. 3 conforming to pro-
philosopher n 1 a person who studies phi- nunciation: phonetic spelling, phonetically
losophy. 2 a person who remains calm and adv
stoical in the face of difficulties or phonetics n the study of speech processes,
disappointments. including the production, perception, and
philosopher’s stone n a substance thought analysis of speech sounds.
by alchemists to be capable of changing phoney or esp US phony Informal -adj
base metals into gold. -nier, -niest 1 not genuine: a phoney Bel-
philosophical or philosophic adj 1 of or re- gian 50-franc coin. 2 (of a person) insincere
lating to philosophy or philosophers. 2 calm or pretentious, -n, pl -neys or esp US -nies
and stoical in the face of difficulties or 3 an insincere or pretentious person. 4
disappointments, philosophically adv something that is not genuine.
philosophize or -phise vb -phizing, -phized phonograph n 1 an early form of record
or -phising, -phised to discuss in a philo- player capable of recording and reproduc-
sophical manner, philosophizer or -phiser ing sound on wax cylinders. 2 US & Canad a
n record player.
philosophy n, pl -phies 1 the academic phonology n, pl -gies 1 the study of the
study of knowledge, thought, and the mean- sound system in a language. 2 such a sound
ing of life. 2 the particular doctrines of a system, phonological adj
specific individual or school relating to phooey interj Informal an exclamation of
these issues: the philosophy of John Locke. scorn or contempt.
3 any system of beliefs or values. 4 a per- phosgene (foz-jean) n a poisonous gas used
sonal outlook or viewpoint. in warfare.
phosphate 605 phrenology
phosphate n 1 any salt or ester of any able to retain facts or appearances in pre-
phosphoric acid. 2 (often pl) chemical ferti- cise detail, photographically adv
lizer containing phosphorous compounds, photography n 1 the process of recording
phosphatic adj images on sensitized material by the action
phosphor n a substance capable of emitting of light. 2 the practice of taking photo-
light when irradiated with particles of elec- graphs. photographern
tromagnetic radiation. photogravure n a process in which an
phosphoresce vb -rescing, -reseed to ex- etched metal plate for printing is produced
hibit phosphorescence. by photography.
phosphorescence n 1 Physics a fluores- photolithography n a lithographic printing
cence that persists after the bombarding process using photographically made
radiation producing it has stopped. 2 the plates, photolithographer n
light emitted in phosphorescence, phos- photometer (foe-tom-it-er) n an instrument
phorescent adj
used to measure the intensity of light.
phosphoric adj of or containing phosphorus
in the pentavalent state. photometry (foe-tom-it-tree) n the branch
of physics concerned with the measurement
phosphorous adj of or containing phospho- of the intensity of light, photometrist n
rus in the trivalent state.
phosphorus n Chem a toxic flammable photomontage (foe-toe-mon-tahzh) n 1 the
nonmetallic element which appears lumi- combination of several photographs to pro-
nous in the dark. It exists in two forms, duce one picture. 2 a picture produced in
white and red. Symbol: P this way.
photo n, pl -tos short for photograph, photon n Physics a quantum of electromag-
photo- combining form 1 of or produced by
netic radiation energy, such as light, having
both particle and wave behaviour.
light: photosynthesis. 2 indicating a photo-
graphic process: photolithography. photosensitive adj sensitive to electromag-
photocell n a cell which produces a current netic radiation, esp. light.
or voltage when exposed to light or other Photostat n 1 Trademark a type of photo-
electromagnetic radiation. copying machine or process. 2 any copy
photocopier n a machine using light- made by such a machine. ~vb -statting or
sensitive photographic materials to repro- -stating, -statted or -stated 3 to make a
duce written, printed, or graphic work. Photostat copy (of).
photocopy n, pl -copies 1 a photographic photosynthesis n (in plants) the process by
reproduction of written, printed, or graphic which a green plant uses sunlight to build
work. ~vb -copies, -copying, -copied 2 to up carbohydrate reserves, photosynthe-
reproduce on photographic material. size or -sise vb photosynthetic adj
photoelectric adj of or concerned with elec- phototropism (foe-toe-trope-iz-zum) n the
tric or electronic effects caused by light or growth of plants towards a source of light,
other electromagnetic radiation. photo- phototropic adj
electricity n phrasal verb n a phrase that consists of a
photoengraving n 1 a photomechanical pro- verb plus an adverb or preposition, esp. one
cess for producing letterpress printing whose meaning cannot be deduced from its
plates. 2 a print made from such a plate, parts, such as take in meaning deceive.
photoengrave vb phrase n 1 a group of words forming a unit
photo finish n a finish of a race in which of meaning in a sentence. 2 an idiomatic or
contestants are so close that a photograph original expression. 3 Music a small group
is needed to decide the result. of notes forming a coherent unit of melody.
Photofit n Trademark a picture of someone ~vb phrasing, phrased 4 to express orally
wanted by the police which has been made or in a phrase. 5 Music to divide (a melodic
by combining photographs of'different fa- line or part) into musical phrases, esp. in
cial features resembling those of the want- performance, phrasal adj
ed person. phrase book n a book containing frequently
photoflash n same as flashbulb. used expressions and their equivalent in a
photoflood n a highly incandescent electric foreign language.
lamp used for indoor photography and tele- phraseology n, pl -gies the manner in which
vision. words or phrases are used.
photogenic adj 1 (esp. of a person) always phrasing n 1 the exact words used to say or
looking attractive in photographs. 2 Biol write something. 2 the way in which some-
producing or emitting light. one who is performing a piece of music or
photograph n 1 a picture made by the reading aloud divides up the work being
chemical action of light on sensitive film. • performed by pausing slightly in appropri-
~vb 2 to take a photograph of. ate places.
photographic adj 1 of or like photography phrenology n (formerly) the study of the
or a photograph. 2 (of a person’s memory) shape and size of the skull as a means of
phut 606 pick
finding out a person’s character and mental the three membranes that cover the brain
ability, phrenological adj phrenologist n and spinal cord.
phut Informal ~n 1 a representation of a pianissimo adj, adv Music to be performed
muffled explosive sound, -adv 2 go phut very quietly.
to break down or collapse. pianist n a person who plays the piano.
phylactery n, pl -teries Judaism either of piano1 n, pl -anos a musical instrument
the pair of square cases containing biblical played by depressing keys that cause ham-
passages, worn by Jewish men on the left mers to strike strings and produce audible
arm and head during weekday morning vibrations.
prayers. piano2 adj, adv Music to be performed soft-
phylum n, pl -la Biol one of the major groups ly.
into which the animal and plant kingdoms piano accordion n an accordion in which
are divided, containing one or more classes. the right hand plays a piano-like keyboard,
physical adj 1 of the body, as distinguished piano accordionist n
from the mind or spirit. 2 of material things pianoforte (pee-ann-oh-for-tee) n the full
or nature: the physical world. 3 of or con- name for piano1.
cerned with matter and energy. 4 of or re-
lating to physics, physically adv Pianola (pee-an-oh-la) n Trademark a type
of mechanical piano, the music for which is
physical education n training and practice encoded in perforations in a paper roll.
in sports and gymnastics.
piazza n 1 a large open square in an Italian
physical geography n the branch of geog- town. 2 Chiefly Brit a covered passageway
raphy that deals with the natural features or gallery.
of the earth’s surface.
pibroch (pee-brok) n a form of music for
physical jerks pl n Brit informal repetitive Scottish bagpipes, consisting of a theme and
keep-fit exercises. variations.
physical science n any of the sciences con- pic n, pl pics or pix Informal a photograph
cerned with nonliving matter, such as phys- or illustration.
ics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology.
pica (pie-ka) n 1 a size of printer’s type giv-
physician n 1 a medical doctor. 2 Archaic a ing 6 lines to the inch. 2 a size of typewriter
healer. type that has 10 characters to the inch.
physicist n a person versed in or studying picador n Bullfighting a horseman who
physics. wounds the bull with a lance to weaken it.
physics n 1 the branch of science concerned picaresque adj of or relating to a type of
with the properties of matter and energy fiction in which the hero, a rogue, goes
and the relationships between them. 2 through a series of episodic adventures.
physical properties of behaviour: the phys-
ics of the electron. picayune (pick-a-yoon) US & Canad infor-
mal -adj 1 of small value or importance. 2
physio n 1 short for physiotherapy. 2 (pl mean or petty. ~n 3 any coin of little
physios) short for physiotherapist. value, such as a five-cent piece. 4 an unim-
physiognomy (fiz-ec-on-om-ee) n 1 a per- portant person or thing.
son’s face considered as an indication of piccalilli n a pickle of mixed vegetables in a
personality. 2 the outward appearance of mustard sauce.
something: the changed physiognomy of the
forests. piccanin n S African informal a Black Afri-
can child.
physiography n same as physical geogra-
phy. piccaninny or esp US pickaninny n, pl -nies
Offensive a small Black or Aboriginal child.
physiology n 1 the branch of science con-
cerned with the functioning of organisms. 2 piccolo n, pl -los a woodwind instrument an
the processes and functions of all or part of octave higher than the flute.
an organism, physiologist n physiologi- pick1 vb 1 to choose or select. 2 to gather
cal adj (fruit, berries, or crops) from (a tree, bush,
physiotherapy n the treatment of disease or or field). 3 to remove loose particles from:
injury by physical means, such as massage she picked some bits of fluff off her sleeve.
or exercises, rather than by drugs, physio- 4 to pierce or break up (a hard surface)
therapist n with a pick. 5 (foil, by atj to nibble (at)
without appetite. 6 to provoke (an argu-
physique n person’s bodily build and muscu- ment or fight) deliberately. 7 to separate
lar development. (strands or fibres), as in weaving. 8 to steal
pi n, pl pis 1 the 16th letter in the Greek al- from (someone’s pocket). 9 to open (a lock)
phabet (II, 7r). 2 Maths a number that is the with an instrument other than a key. 10 to
ratio of the circumference of a circle to its make (one’s way) carefully on foot: they
diameter; approximate value: 3.141 592... picked their way through the rubble. 11
Symbol: ir pick and choose to select fastidiously or
pia mater (pie-a mate-cr) n the innermost of fussily. ~n 12 choice: take your pick. 13
pick 607 piddle
the best: the pick of the country’s young pose. 10 Informal to arrest. 11 to receive
cricketers. ~See also pick off, pick on, etc. (sounds or signals).
pick2 n 1 a tool with a handle and a long pick-up n 1 a small truck with an open body
curved steel head, used for loosening soil or used for light deliveries. 2 Informal a casual
breaking rocks. 2 any tool used for picking, acquaintance made for a sexual purpose. 3
such as an ice pick or toothpick. 3 a plec- Informal a a stop to collect passengers or
trum. goods, b the people or things collected. 4 a
pickaback n, adv same as piggyback, device which converts vibrations into elec-
pickaxe or ITS pickax n a large pick, trical signals, such as that to which a record
player stylus is attached.
picket n 1 a person or group standing out-
side a workplace to dissuade strikebreakers picky adj pickier, pickiest Informal fussy;
from entering. 2 a small unit of troops post- finicky.
ed to give early warning of attack. 3 a picnic n 1 an excursion on which people
pointed stake that is driven into the ground bring food to be eaten in the open air. 2 an
to support a fence. ~vb -eting, -eted 4 to informal meal eaten out-of-doors. 3 Infor-
act as pickets outside (a workplace). mal an easy or agreeable task: the press had
picket fence n a fence consisting of pickets a picnic. —vb -nicking, -nicked 4 to eat or
driven into the ground. take part in a picnic, picnicker n
picket line n a line of people acting as pick- pico- combining form denoting 10"12:
ets. picofarad.
pickings pl n money or profits acquired easi- picot (peek-oh) n any of a pattern of small
ly- loops, for example on lace.
pickle n 1 (often pl) food, esp. vegetables Pict n a member of any of the peoples who
preserved in vinegar or brine. 2 a liquid or lived in N Britain in the first to the fourth
marinade, such as spiced vinegar, for pre- centuries a d . Pictish adj
serving vegetables, meat, or fish. 3 Informal pictograph n 1 a picture or symbol standing
an awkward or difficult situation: to be in a for a word or group of words, as in written
pickle; he got into a bit of a pickle with the Chinese. 2 Also called: pictogram a chart
Inland Revenue. ~vb -ling, -led 4 to pre- on which symbols are used to represent
serve or treat in a pickling liquid. values, pictographic adj
pickled adj 1 (of food) preserved in a pick- pictorial adj 1 relating to or expressed by
ling liquid. 2 Informal drunk. pictures. ~n 2 a periodical containing
pick-me-up n Informal a tonic, esp. a special many pictures.
drink taken as a stimulant. picture n 1 a visual representation produced
pick Off vb to aim at and shoot (people or on a surface, such as in a photograph or
things) one by one. painting. 2 a mental image: neither had any
pick on vb to continually treat someone un- clear picture of whom they were looking
fairly. for. 3 a description or account of a situation
considered as an observable scene: the re-
pick out vb 1 to select for use or special con- ports do not provide an accurate picture of
sideration: she picked out a wide gold wed- the spread of AIDS. 4 a person or thing re-
ding ring. 2 to distinguish (an object from sembling another: he is the picture of a per-
its surroundings), such as in painting: the fect host. 5 a person or scene typifying a
wall panels are light brown, with their particular state: his face was a picture of
edges picked out in gold. 3 to recognize (a dejection. 6 the image on a television
person or thing): the culprit was picked out screen. 7 a cinema film. 8 the pictures
at a police identification parade. 4 to play Chiefly Brit a cinema or film show. 9 in the
(a tune) tentatively, as by ear. picture informed about a situation. -vb
pickpocket n a person who steals from the -turing, -tured 10 to visualize or imagine.
pockets of others in public places. 11 to describe or depict vividly: a documen-
pick up vb 1 to lift or raise: he picked up his tary that had pictured the police as good-
glass. 2 to obtain or purchase: a couple of natured dolts. 12 to put in a picture or make
pictures she had picked up in a flea market a picture of: the women pictured above are
in Paris. 3 to improve in health or condition: all the same age.
the tourist trade has picked up after the picture rail n the rail near the top of a wall
slump caused by the Gulf War. 4 to learn as from which pictures are hung.
one goes along: she had a good ear and picturesque adj 1 visually pleasing, as in
picked up languages quickly. 5 to raise being striking or quaint: a small picturesque
(oneself) after a fall or setback: she picked harbour. 2 (of language) graphic or vivid.
herself up and got on with her life. 6 to re-
sume; return to. 7 to accept the responsibil- picture window n a large window with a
ity for paying (a bill). 8 to collect or give a single pane of glass, usually facing a view.
lift to (passengers or goods). 9 Informal to piddle vb -dling, -died 1 Informal to urinate.
become acquainted with for a sexual pur- 2 piddle about, around or away to spend
piddling 608 pigment
(one’s time) aimlessly: we have been pid- French pantomime with a whitened face,
dling around for seven months. white costume, and pointed hat.
piddling adj Informal petty or trivial. pietism n exaggerated piety.
pidgin n a language made up of elements of piety n, pl -ties 1 dutiful devotion to God
two or more languages and used between and observance of religious principles. 2 the
the speakers of the languages involved. quality of being pious. 3 a pious action or
pidgin English n a pidgin in which one of the saying.
languages involved is English. piezoelectric effect (pie-eez-oh-ill-ek-trik)
pie n 1 a sweet or savoury filling baked in or piezoelectricity n Physics a the produc-
pastry. 2 pie in the sky illusory hope or tion of electricity by applying a mechanical
promise of some future good. stress to certain crystals, b the converse ef-
piebald adj 1 marked in two colours, esp. fect in which stress is produced in a crystal
black and white. ~n 2 a black-and-white as a result of an applied voltage.
horse. piffle n Informal nonsense,
piece n 1 a separate bit or part. 2 an in- piffling adj Informal worthless; trivial.
stance or occurrence: a piece of luck. 3 an pig n 1 a mammal with a long head, a snout,
example or specimen of a style or type: each and bristle-covered skin, which is kept and
piece of furniture is crafted from native red killed for pork, ham, and bacon. 2 Informal
pine by traditional methods. 4 a literary, a dirty, greedy, or bad-mannered person. 3
musical, or artistic composition. 5 a coin: a Offensive slang a policeman. 4 a mass of
fifty-pence piece. 6 a firearm or cannon. 7 a metal cast into a simple shape. 5 Brit infor-
small object used in playing various games: mal something that is difficult or unpleas-
a chess piece. 8 go to pieces (of a person) ant: the coast is a pig for little boats. 6 a pig
to lose control of oneself; have a break- in a poke something bought or received
down. -vb piecing, pieced 9 (often foil, by without previous sight or knowledge. 7
together) to fit or assemble bit by bit. 10 make a pig of oneself Informal to overeat.
(often foil, by up) to patch or make up (a -vb pigging, pigged 8 (of a sow) to give
garment) by adding pieces. birth. 9 (often foil, by out) Informal to eat
piece de resistance (pyess de ray- greedily or to excess: she had pigged out on
zeest-onss) n the most outstanding item in a pizza before the show.
series. pigeon1 n 1 a bird which has a heavy body,
piece goods pl n goods, esp. fabrics, made small head, and short legs, and is usually
in standard widths and lengths. grey in colour. 2 Slang a victim or dupe.
piecemeal adv 1 bit by bit; gradually, -adj pigeon2 n Brit informal concern or respon-
2 fragmentary or unsystematic: a piecemeal sibility: this is our pigeon - there’s nothing
approach. to keep you.
piece of eight n, pl pieces of eight a former pigeonhole n 1 a small compartment, such
Spanish coin worth eight reals. as in a bureau, for filing papers, -vb
piecework n work paid for according to the -holing, -holed 2 to classify or categorize. 3
quantity produced. to put aside.
pie chart n a circular graph divided into pigeon-toed adj with the toes or feet turned
sectors proportional to the sizes of the inwards.
quantities represented. piggery n, pl -geries a place where pigs are
pied adj having markings of two or more kept.
colours. piggish adj 1 like a pig in appetite or man-
pied-a-terre (pyay-da-tair) n, pl pieds- ners. 2 stubborn, piggishness n
a-terre (pyay-da-tair) a flat or other lodg-
ing for occasional use. piggy n, pl -gies 1 a child’s word for a pig.
~ad/-gier, -giest 2 same as piggish.
pie-eyed adj Slang drunk.
piggyback or pickaback n 1 a ride on the
pier n 1 a structure with a deck that is built back and shoulders of another person.
out over water and used as a landing place —adv, adj 2 on the back and shoulders of
or promenade. 2 a pillar or support that another person.
bears heavy loads. 3 the part of a wall be-
tween two adjacent openings. Piggy bank n a child’s bank shaped like a
pig with a slot for coins.
pierce vb piercing, pierced 1 to make a hole
in (something) with a sharp point. 2 to force pig-headed adj stupidly stubborn.
(a way) through (something). 3 (of light) to pig iron n crude iron produced in a blast
shine through (darkness). 4 (of sounds or furnace and poured into moulds.
cries) to sound sharply through (the si- Pig Islander n NZ informal a New Zealander,
lence). 5 to penetrate: the cold pierced the piglet n a young pig.
air. piercing adj pigment n 1 any substance which gives col-
pier glass n a tall narrow mirror, designed our to paint or dye. 2 a substance which oc-
to hang on the wall between windows. curs in plant or animal tissue and produces
Pierrot (pier-roe) n a male character from a characteristic colour, pigmentary adj
pigmentation 609 pimpernel
pigmentation n colouring in plants, animals, Pilgrim Fathers pl n the English Puritans
or humans, caused by the presence of pig- who founded Plymouth Colony in SE Mas-
ments. sachusetts (1620).
Pigmy n, pl -mies same as Pygmy. pill n 1 a small mass of medicine intended to
pigskin n 1 the skin of the domestic pig. 2 be swallowed whole. 2 the pill Informal an
leather made of this skin. 3 US & Canad in- oral contraceptive taken by a woman. 3
formal a football. something unpleasant that must be en-
pigsty or US & Canad pigpen n, pl -sties 1 a dured: her reinstatement was a bitter pill to
pen for pigs. 2 Brit an untidy place. swallow; the pill was sweetened by a reduc-
tion in interest.
pigswill n waste food or other edible matter
fed to pigs. pillage vb -laging, -laged 1 to steal property
violently, often in war. ~n 2 the act of pil-
pigtail n a plait of hair or one of two plaits laging. 3 something obtained by pillaging;
on either side of the face. booty.
pike1 n, pl pike or pikes a large predatory pillar n 1 an upright support of stone, brick,
freshwater fish with a broad flat snout, or metal; column. 2 something resembling
strong teeth, and a long body covered with this: a pillar of smoke. 3 a prominent sup-
small scales. porter or member: a pillar of society. 4
pike2 n a medieval weapon consisting of a from pillar to post from one place to an-
metal spearhead on a long pole, pikeman n other.
pikestaff n 1 the wooden handle of a pike. 2 pillar box n (in Britain) a red pillar-shaped
plain as a pikestaff very obvious or no- public letter box situated in the street.
ticeable. pillbox n 1 a box for pills. 2 a small enclosed
pilaster n a shallow rectangular column at- fort of reinforced concrete. 3 a small round
tached to the face of a wall, pilastered adj hat.
pilau or pilaf n a Middle Eastern dish, con- pillion n 1 a seat for a passenger behind the
sisting of rice flavoured with spices and rider of a motorcycle or horse, -adv 2 on a
cooked in stock, to which meat, poultry, or pillion: the motorbike on which he was rid-
fish may be added. ing pillion.
pilchard n a small edible sea fish of the her- pillock n Slang a stupid or annoying person,
ring family, with a rounded body covered pillory n, pl -ries 1 Historical a wooden
with large scales. frame in which offenders were locked by
pile1 n 1 a collection of objects laid on top of the neck and wrists and exposed to public
one another. 2 Informal a large amount: abuse and ridicule, -vb -ries, -rying, -ried
boxing has made him a pile of money; I’ve 2 to expose to public ridicule. 3 to punish by
got piles of work to do. 3 same as pyre. 4 a putting in a pillory.
large building or group of buildings. 5 Phys- pillow n 1 a cloth bag stuffed with feathers,
ics a nuclear reactor. ~vb piling, piled 6 polyester fibre, or pieces of foam rubber
(often foil, by up) to collect or be collected used to support the head in bed. ~vb 2 to
into a pile: snow piled up in the drive. 7 rest (one’s head) on or as if on a pillow: he
(foil, by in, into, off, out, etc.) to move in a pillowed his head in her lap.
group, often in a hurried manner: the crew pillowcase or pillowslip n a removable
piled into the van. 8 pile it on Informal to washable cover for a pillow.
exaggerate. -See also pile up. . pilot n 1 a person who is qualified to fly an
pile2 n a long heavy beam driven into the aircraft or spacecraft. 2 a person employed
ground as a foundation for a structure. to steer a ship into or out of a port. 3 a per-
pile3 n the fibres in a fabric that stand up or son who acts as a guide, -adj 4 serving as
out from the weave, such as in carpeting or a test or trial: a pilot scheme. 5 serving as a
velvet. guide: a pilot beacon. ~vb -loting, -loted 6
pile-driver n a machine that drives piles into to act as pilot of. 7 to guide or lead (a proj-
the ground. ect or people): the bill was piloted through
piles pl n swollen veins in the rectum; the Commons by Disraeli.
haemorrhoids. pilot light n a small flame that lights the
pile up vb 1 to gather or be gathered in a main burner of a gas appliance.
pile. ~n pile-up 2 Informal a traffic acci- pilot officer n the most junior commissioned
dent involving several vehicles. rank in certain air forces.
pilfer vb to steal (minor items) in small pimento n, pl -tos same as allspice or pi-
quantities. mien to.
pilgrim n 1 a person who journeys to a holy pimiento (pim-yen-toe) n, pl -tos a Spanish
place. 2 any wayfarer. pepper with a red fruit used as a vegetable.
pilgrimage n 1 a journey to a shrine or other pimp n 1 a man who obtains customers for a
holy place. 2 a journey or long search made prostitute, in return for a share of his or
for sentimental reasons: a sentimental pil- her earnings, -vb 2 to act as a pimp.
grimage to the poet’s birthplace. pimpernel n a plant, such as the scarlet
pimple 610 pinotage
pimpernel, typically having small star- shaped leaves and brown cones. 2 the light-
shaped flowers. coloured wood of this tree.
pimple n a small swollen infected spot on pine2 vb pining, pined 1 (often foil, by for)
the skin, pimpled adj pimply adj to feel great longing (for). 2 (often foil, by
pin n 1 a short stiff straight piece of wire away) to become ill or thin through grief or
with a pointed end and a rounded head: longing.
used mainly for fastening. 2 short for cot- pineal gland or body (pin-ee-al) n a small
ter pin, hairpin, rolling pin or safety pin. cone-shaped gland at the base of the brain.
3 a wooden or metal peg. 4 a pin-shaped pineapple n an large tropical fruit with
brooch. 5 (in various bowling games) a club- juicy flesh and a thick hard skin.
shaped wooden object set up in groups as a pine cone n the woody seed case of a pine
target. 6 a clip that prevents a hand gre- tree.
nade from exploding until it is removed or
released. 7 Golf the flagpole marking the pine marten n a mammal of N European and
hole on a green. 8 Informal a leg. -vb pin- Asian coniferous woods, with dark brown
ning, pinned 9 to fasten with a pin or pins. fur and a creamy-yellow patch on the
10 to seize and hold fast: they pinned his throat.
arms behind his back. 11 pin something on ping n 1 a short high-pitched sound, such as
someone Informal to place the blame for of a bullet striking metal. -vb 2 to make
something on someone: corruption charges such a noise.
are the easiest to pin on former dictators. pinger n a device that makes a pinging
~See also pin down. sound, esp. a timer.
PIN Personal Identity Number: a code num- Ping-Pong n Trademark same as table ten-
ber used in conjunction with a bank card to nis.
enable an account holder to use certain pinhead n 1 the head of a pin. 2 Informal a
computerized systems, such as cash stupid person, pinheaded adj
dispensers. pinhole n a small hole made with or as if
pinafore n 1 Chiefly Brit an apron with a .with a pin.
bib. 2 a dress with a sleeveless bodice or bib pinion1 n 1 Chiefly poetic a bird’s wing. 2
top, worn over a jumper or blouse. the outer part of a bird’s wing including the
pinball n an electrically operated table game flight feathers. -vb 3 to immobilize (some-
in which the player shoots a small ball one) by holding or tying his or her arms. 4
through several hazards. to confine.
pince-nez (panss-nay) n, pl pince-nez glas- pinion2 n a cogwheel that engages with a
ses that are held in place only by means of a larger wheel or rack.
clip over the bridge of the nose. pink1 n 1 a colour between red and white. 2
pincers pl n 1 a gripping tool consisting of anything pink, such as pink paint or pink
two hinged arms and curved jaws. 2 the clothing: packaged in pink. 3 a garden plant
jointed grasping arms of crabs and lobsters, with pink, red, or white fragrant flowers. 4
pinch vb 1 to squeeze (something, esp. flesh) in the pink in good health, -adj 5 of a col-
between a finger and thumb. 2 to squeeze our between red and white. 6 Brit informal
by being too tight: shoes that pinch. 3 to having mild left-wing sympathies, -vb 7
cause stinging pain to: the cold pinched his same as knock (sense 7). pinkish or pinky
face. 4 to make thin or drawn-looking, such adj
as from grief or cold. 5 Informal to steal. 6 pink2 vb to cut with pinking shears.
Informal to arrest. 7 (usually foil, by out or pinkie or pinky n, pl -ies Scot, US, & Canad
back) to remove the tips of (a plant shoot) the little finger.
to correct or encourage growth. ~n 8 a pinking shears pl n scissors with a serrated
squeeze or sustained nip. 9 the quantity edge that give a wavy edge to material cut
that can be taken up between a thumb and and so prevent fraying.
finger: a pinch of ground ginger. 10 extreme
stress or need: most companies are feeling pin money n a small amount of extra money
the pinch of recession. 11 at a pinch if ab- earned to buy small luxuries.
solutely necessary. 12 feel the pinch to be pinna n Anat the external part of the ear.
forced to economize. pinnace n a ship’s boat.
pinchbeck n 1 an alloy of copper and zinc, pinnacle n 1 the highest point of fame or
used as imitation gold. -adj 2 sham or success. 2 a towering peak of a mountain. 3
cheap. a slender spire.
pincushion n a small cushion in which pins pinnate adj Bot (of compound leaves) hav-
are stuck ready for use. ing leaflets growing opposite each other in
pin down vb 1 to force (someone) to make a pairs.
decision or carry out a promise. 2 to define pinny n, pl -nies an informal or child’s name
clearly: the courts have found it difficult to for pinafore (sense 1).
pin down what exactly obscenity is. pinotage (pin-oh-tazh) n S African a red
pine1 n 1 an evergreen tree with long needle- wine blended from the Pinot Noir and Her-
pinpoint 611 pique
mitage grapes that is unique to South Afri- tobacco that fills the bowl of a pipe. 3 put
ca. that in your pipe and smoke it Informal
pinpoint vb 1 to locate or identify exactly. accept that fact if you can. 4 Zool, bot any
we’ve pinpointed the fault, —adj 2 exact: of various hollow organs, such as the re-
pinpoint accuracy. spiratory passage of certain animals. 5 a a
pinprick n a small irritation or annoyance, tubular instrument in which air vibrates
pins and needles n Informal a tingling sen- and produces a musical sound, b any of the
sation in a part of the body. tubular devices on an organ. 6 the pipes
See bagpipes. 7 a boatswain’s whistle, -vb
pinstripe n (in textiles) a very narrow stripe piping, piped 8 to play (music) on a pipe. 9
in fabric or the fabric itself. to summon or lead by a pipe: to pipe in the
pint n 1 Brit a unit of liquid measure equal haggis. 10 a to signal orders to (the crew)
to one eighth of an Imperial gallon (0.568 by a boatswain’s pipe, b to signal the arri-
litre). 2 US a unit of liquid measure equal to val or departure of: he piped his entire
one eighth of a US gallon (0.473 litre). 3 ship’s company on deck. 11 to utter in a
Brit informal a pint of beer. shrill tone. 12 to convey (water, oil, or gas)
pinta n Informal a pint of milk. by pipe. 13 to force cream or icing through
pintail n, pl -tails or -tail a greyish-brown a shaped nozzle to decorate food. ~See also
duck with a pointed tail. pipe down, pipe up.
pintle n a pin or bolt forming the pivot of a pipeclay n a fine white pure clay, used in
hinge. tobacco pipes and pottery and to whiten
pinto US & Canad —adj 1 marked with leather and similar materials.
patches of white; piebald, —n, pl -tos 2 a pipe cleaner n a short length of wire cov-
pinto horse. ered with tiny tufts of yarn: used to clean
pint-size or pint-sized adj Informal very the stem of a tobacco pipe.
small. piped music n light music played as back-
pin tuck n a narrow, ornamental fold used ground music in public places.
on shirt fronts and dress bodices. pipe down vb Informal to stop talking or
pin-up n 1 Informal a picture of a sexually making noise.
attractive person, often partially or totally pipe dream n a fanciful or impossible plan
undressed. 2 Slang a person who has or hope.
appeared in such a picture. 3 a photograph pipeline n 1 a long pipe for transporting oil,
of a famous personality. water, or gas. 2 a means of communication.
pinwheel n same as Catherine wheel. 3 in the pipeline in preparation.
Pinyin n a system of spelling used to repre- pipe organ n same as organ (sense 2a).
sent Chinese in Roman letters. piper n a person who plays a pipe or bag-
pion or pi meson n Physics any of three pipes.
subatomic particles which are classified as pipette n a slender glass tube for transfer-
mesons. ring or measuring out liquids.
pioneer n 1 an explorer or settler of a new pipe up vb to speak up unexpectedly.
land or region. 2 an originator or developer
of something new. —vb 3 to be a pioneer (in pipi n, pl pipi or pipis 1 an Australian mol-
or of). 4 to initiate or develop: the new lusc of sandy beaches widely used as bait. 2
technique was pioneered in Prance. an edible shellfish of New Zealand.
pious adj 1 religious or devout. 2 insincerely piping n 1 a system of pipes. 2 a string of
reverent; sanctimonious, piousness n icing or cream used to decorate cakes and
desserts. 3 a thin strip of covered cord or
Pip1 n the seed of a fleshy fruit, such as an material, used to edge hems or cushions. 4
apple or pear. the sound of a pipe or bagpipes. 5 a shrill
Pip2 n 1 a short high-pitched sound used as a voice or whistling sound: a dove’s cool pip-
time signal on radio. 2 any of the spots on a ing. —adj 6 making a shrill sound, —adv 7
playing card, dice, or domino. 3 Informal piping hot extremely hot.
the emblem worn on the shoulder by junior pipistrelle n a type of small brownish bat
officers in the British Army, indicating found throughout the world.
their rank.
pipit n a small songbird with a brownish
pip3 n 1 a contagious disease of poultry. 2 speckled plumage and a long tail.
Facetious slang a minor human ailment. 3
give someone the pip Brit slang to annoy pippin n a type of eating apple.
someone: it really gives me the pip. pipsqueak n Informal an insignificant or
pip4 vb pipping, pipped pip someone at contemptible person.
the post Brit slang to defeat someone, piquant (pee-kant) adj 1 having a spicy
whose success seems certain. taste. 2 stimulating to the mind: love was a
pipe n 1 a long tube for conveying water, oil, forbidden piquant secret, piquancy n
or gas. 2 a a tube with a small bowl at the pique (peek) n 1 a feeling of resentment or
end for smoking tobacco, b the amount of irritation, such as from hurt pride, —vb
pique 612 pitchfork
piquing, piqued 2 to hurt (someone’s) the area occupied by the orchestra in a
pride. 3 to excite (curiosity or interest). theatre. 9 an enclosure for fighting animals
pique (pee-kay) n a stiff ribbed fabric of or birds. 10 the back of the ground floor of
cotton, silk, or spun rayon. a theatre. 11 same as pitfail (sense 2). ~vb
piquet (pik-ket) n a card game for two peo- pitting, pitted 12 (often foil, by against) to
ple played with a reduced pack. match in opposition, esp. as antagonists:
piracy n, pl -cies 1 Brit robbery on the seas.
sister pitted against sister. 13 to mark with
2 a crime, such as hijacking, committed
small dents or scars. 14 to place or bury in a
aboard a ship or aircraft. 3 the unauthor- pit. 15 pit one’s wits against to compete
against in a test or contest. ~See also pits.
ized use of patented or copyrighted ma-
terial. pit2 Chiefly US & Canad ~n 1 the stone of
piranha n a small fierce freshwater fish of various fruits. ~vb pitting, pitted 2 to
tropical America, with strong jaws and remove the stone from (a fruit).
sharp teeth. pitapat adv 1 with quick light taps. ~n 2
pirate n 1 a person who commits piracy. 2 a such taps.
vessel used by pirates. 3 a person who il- pit bull terrier n a strong muscular terrier
legally sells or publishes someone else’s lit- with a short coat.
erary or artistic work. 4 a person or group pitch1 vb 1 to hurl or throw. 2 to set up (a
of people who broadcast illegally. ~vb tent or camp). 3 to slope or fall forwards or
-rating, -rated 5 to sell or reproduce (artis- downwards: she pitched forwards like a
tic work, ideas, etc.) illegally, piratical adj diver. 4 (of a ship or plane) to dip and raise
pirouette n 1 a body spin performed on the its back and front alternately. 5 to set the
toes or the ball of the foot. ~vb -etting, level or tone of: his ambitions were pitched
-etted 2 to perform a pirouette. too high. 6 to aim to sell (a product) to a
piscatorial adj Formal of or relating to fish, specified market or on a specified basis. 7
fishing, or fishermen. Music to sing or play (a note or interval) ac-
Pisces n Astrol the twelfth sign of the zodi- .curately. ~n 8 Chiefly Brit (in many
ac; the Fishes. sports) the field of play. 9 a level of emo-
pisciculture (piss-ee-cult-cher) n Formal the tion: children can wind their parents up to a
rearing and breeding of fish under con- pitch of anger and guilt. 10 the degree or
trolled conditions. angle of slope. 11 the distance between cor-
responding points or adjacent threads on a
piscine (piss-sign) adj of or resembling a screw thread. 12 Che pitching motion of a
fish. ship or plane. 13 Music the highness or
piss Taboo ~vb 1 to urinate. 2 to discharge lowness of a note in relation to other notes:
as or in one’s urine: to piss blood. ~n 3 an low pitch. 14 the act or manner of pitching
act of urinating. 4 urine. 5 take the piss to a ball. 15 Chiefly Brit the place where a
make fun of or mock someone. street or market trader regularly sells. 16
piss down vb Taboo slang to rain heavily, Slang a persuasive sales talk, esp. one rou-
pissed adj Brit taboo slang drunk. tinely repeated. ~See also pitch in, pitch
piss Off vb Taboo slang 1 to annoy or disap- into.
point. 2 Chiefly Brit to go away: often used pitch2 n 1 a thick sticky substance formed
to dismiss a person. from coal tar and used for paving or
pistachio n, pl -chios a Mediterranean nut waterproofing. 2 any similar substance,
with a hard shell and an edible green ker- such as asphalt, occurring as a natural de-
nel. posit. ~vb 3 to apply pitch to.
piste (peest) n a slope or course for skiing, pitch-black adj extremely dark; unlit: it was
pistil n the seed-bearing part of a flower, a wild night, pitch-black, with howling
pistillate adj Bot(of plants) having pistils, gales.
pistol n a short-barrelled handgun. pitchblende n a blackish mineral which is
pistol-whip vb -whipping, -whipped US to the principal source of uranium and ra-
beat or strike with a pistol barrel. dium.
piston n a cylindrical part that slides to and pitch-dark adj extremely or completely
fro in a hollow cylinder: in an engine it is dark.
attached by a rod to other parts, thus its pitched battle n a fierce fight.
movement causes the other parts to move. pitcher' n a large jug, usually rounded with
pit' n 1 a large deep opening in the ground. 2 a narrow neck.
a coal mine. 3 Anat a a small natural de- pitcher2 n Baseball the player on the fielding
pression on the surface of a body or organ, team who throws the ball to the batter.
b the floor of any natural bodily cavity: the
pit of the stomach. 4 Pathol a pockmark. 5 a pitcher plant n a plant with pitcher-like
concealed danger or difficulty. 6 an area at leaves that attract and trap insects, which
the side of a motor-racing track for servic- are then digested.
ing or refuelling vehicles. 7 the pit hell. 8 pitchfork n 1 a long-handled fork with two
pitch in 613 placebo
or three long curved prongs for tossing hay. pivotal adj 1 of crucial importance. 2 of or
~vb 2 to use a pitchfork on (something). acting as a pivot.
pitch in vbto cooperate or contribute. pix n Informal a plural of pic.
pitch into vb Informal to attack (someone) pixie or pixy n, pl pixies (in folklore) a fairy
physically or verbally. or elf.
pitch pine n a pine tree of North America: a pizza n a dish of Italian origin consisting of a
source of turpentine and pitch. baked disc of dough covered with a wide
pitch pipe n a small pipe that sounds a note variety of savoury toppings.
to establish the correct starting note for pizzazz or pizazz n Informal an attractive
unaccompanied singing. combination of energy and style.
piteous adj arousing or deserving pity: the pizzicato (pit-see-kah-toe) adj, adv Music
piteous mewing of an injured kitten, pit- (in music for the violin family) to be
eousness n plucked with the finger.
pitfail n 1 an unsuspected difficulty or dan- PI. (in street names) Place,
ger. 2 a trap in the form of a concealed pit, plaas n S African a farm.
designed to catch men or wild animals. placard n 1 a notice that is paraded in pub-
pith n 1 the soft white lining inside the rind lic. ~vb 2 to attach placards to.
of fruits such as the orange. 2 the essential placate vb -eating, -cated to calm (someone)
part: religion was formerly the very pith of to stop him or her feeling angry or upset,
Scottish life. 3 the soft spongy tissue in the placatory adj
centre of the stem of certain plants. place n 1 a particular part of a space or of a
pithead n the top of a mine shaft and the surface. 2 a geographical point, such as a
buildings and hoisting gear around it. town or city. 3 a position or rank in a se-
pith helmet n a lightweight hat made of the
quence or order. 4 an open square lined
pith of the sola, an E Indian swamp plant, with houses in a city or town. 5 space or
that is worn for protection from the sun. room. 6 a house or living quarters: he’s buy-
ing his own place. 7 any building or area set
pithy ad/pithier, pithiest 1 terse and full of aside for a specific purpose. 8 the point
meaning. 2 of, resembling, or full of pith, reached in reading or speaking: her finger
pithiness n was pressed to the page as if marking her
pitiable adj arousing or deserving pity or place. 9 right or duty: it’s not my place to do
contempt, pitiableness n their job for them. 10 appointment, posi-
pitiful adj arousing or deserving great pity tion, or job: there is intense competition for
or contempt, pitifully adv pitifulness n places at Britain’s medical schools. 11 posi-
pitiless adj feeling no pity or mercy, piti- tion, condition, or state: Britain’s place in
lessly adv the world. 12 a space or seat, as at a dining
table. 13 Maths the relative position of a
piton (peet-on) n Mountaineering a metal digit in a number. 14 all over the place in
spike that/may be driven into a crack and disorder or disarray. 15 go places Informal
used to secure a rope. to become successful. 16 in or out of place
pits pl n the pits Slang the worst possible in or out of the proper or customary posi-
person, place, or thing. tion. 17 in place of a instead of: leeks can
pitta bread or pitta n a flat rounded slightly be used in place of the broccoli, b in ex-
leavened bread, orig. from the Middle East. change for: he gave her it in place of her
pittance n a very small amount of money, ring. 18 know one’s place to be aware of
one’s inferior position. 19 put someone in
pitter-patter n 1 the sound of light rapid his or her place to humble someone who is
taps or pats, such as of rain drops. ~vb 2 arrogant, conceited, etc. 20 take place to
to make such a sound. happen or occur. 21 take the place of to be
pituitary or pituitary gland n the gland at a substitute for. ~vb placing, placed 22 to
the base of the brain which secretes hor- put in a particular or appropriate place:
mones that affect skeletal growth, devel- Dave placed his glass on the table beside
opment of the sex glands, and other func- him. 23 to find or indicate the place of: I bet
tions of the body. you the media couldn’t have placed Neath
pity n, pl pities 1 sorrow felt for the on the map before the by-election. 24 to
sufferings of others. 2 have or take pity on identify or classify by linking with an ap-
to have sympathy or show mercy for. 3 a propriate context: I felt I should know him,
cause of regret: it’s a great pity he did not but could not quite place him. 25 to make
live longer. ~vb pities, pitying, pitied 4 to (an order or bet). 26 to find a home or job
feel pity for. pitying adj for (someone). 27 (often foil, by with) to
pivot n 1 a central shaft around which some; put under the care (of). 28 Brit (of a race-
thing turns. 2 the central person or thing horse, greyhound, athlete, etc.) to arrive in
necessary for progress or success. ~vb first, second, third, or sometimes fourth
-oting, -oted 3 to turn on or provide with a place.
pivot. placebo (plas-see-bo) n, pl -bos or -boes
place kick plane tree
Med an inactive substance given to a pa- clearly or simply: that’s just plain stupid!
tient usually to compare its effects with plainly adv plainness n
those of a real drug but sometimes for the plainchant n same as plainsong.
psychological benefit gained by the patient plain chocolate n chocolate with a slightly
through believing that he or she is receiving bitter flavour and dark colour.
treatment. plain clothes pl n ordinary clothes, as op-
place kick n Rugby, American football, etc a posed to uniform, worn by a detective on
kick in which the ball is placed in position duty.
before it is kicked. plain flour n flour to which no raising agent
placement n 1 arrangement or position. 2 a has been added.
temporary job which someone is given as plain sailing n 1 Informal smooth or easy
part of a training course: many pupils have progress. 2 Naut sailing in a body of water
been on work placements with local busi- that is unobstructed; clear sailing.
nesses. 3 the act or an instance of finding
someone a job or a home: the main task of plainsong n the style of unaccompanied
the adoption agency is to find the best fami- choral music used in the medieval Church,
ly placement for each child. esp. in Gregorian chant.
placenta (plass-ent-a) n, pl -tas or -tae the plain speaking n saying exactly what one
organ formed in the womb of most mam- thinks, plain-spoken adj
mals during pregnancy, providing oxygen plaint n 1 Archaic a complaint or lamenta-
and nutrients for the fetus, placental adj tion. 2 Law a statement in writing of
place setting n the cutlery, crockery, and grounds of complaint made to a court of
glassware laid for one person at a dining law.
table. plaintiff n a person who sues in a court of
placid adj having a calm appearance or na- law.
ture: placid waters; a placid temperament. plaintive adj sad and mournful, plaintively
placidity or placidness n placidly adv adv
placket n Dressmaking an opening at the plait (platt) n 1 a length of hair that has
waist of a dress or skirt for buttons or zips been plaited. -vb 2 to intertwine (strands
or for access to a pocket. or strips) in a pattern.
plagiarize or -rise (play-jer-ize) vb -rizing, plan n 1 a method thought out for doing or
-rized or -rising, -rised to steal ideas or achieving something. 2 a detailed drawing
passages from (another’s work) and present to scale of a horizontal section through a
them as one’s own. plagiarism n plagia- building. 3 an outline or sketch. -vb plan-
rizer or -riser n ning, planned 4 to form a plan (for). 5 to
plague n 1 any widespread and usually make a plan of (a building). 6 to intend,
highly contagious disease with a high fatal- planner n
ity rate. 2 an infectious disease of rodents planchette n a device that writes messages
transmitted to man by the bite of the rat under supposed spirit guidance.
flea; bubonic plague. 3 something that plane1 n 1 an aeroplane. 2 Maths a flat sur-
afflicts or harasses: a plague of locusts. 4 face in which a straight line joining any two
Informal a nuisance. -vb plaguing, of its points lies entirely on that surface. 3 a
plagued 5 to afflict or harass: a playing ca- level surface: an inclined plane. 4 a level of
reer plagued by injury. 6 Informal to annoy existence or attainment: her ambition was
or pester. set on a higher plane than pulling pints in a
plaice n, pl plaice or plaices an edible pub. -adj 5 level or flat. 6 Maths lying en-
European flatfish with a brown body tirely in one plane, -vb planing, planed 7
marked with red or orange spots. to glide or skim: they planed over the ice.
plaid n 1 a long piece of tartan cloth worn plane2 n 1 a tool with a steel blade for
over the shoulder as part of Highland cos- smoothing timber, -vb planing, planed 2
tume. 2 a crisscross weave or cloth. to smooth (timber) using a plane. 3 (often
Plaid Cymru (plide kumm-ree) n the Welsh foil, by away or off) to remove using a
nationalist party. plane.
plain adj 1 flat or smooth. 2 easily under- planet n any of the nine celestial bodies,
stood: he made it plain what he wanted Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Sat-
from me. 3 honest or blunt: the plain fact is urn, Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto, that re-
that my mother has no time for me. 4 with- volve around the sun in oval-shaped orbits,
out adornment: a plain brown envelope. 5 planetary adj
not good-looking. 6 (of fabric) without pat- planetarium n, pl -iums or -ia 1 an instru-
tern or of simple weave. 7 lowly, esp. in so- ment for projecting images of the sun,
cial rank or education: the plain people of moon, stars, and planets onto a domed ceil-
Ireland. 8 Knitting of or done in plain stitch. ing. 2 a building in which such an instru-
~n 9 a level stretch of country. 10 a simple ment is housed.
stitch in knitting made by passing the wool planetoid (plan-it-oid) n See asteroid.
round the front of the needle. -adv 11 plane tree or plane n a tree with rounded
plangent 615 plate
heads of fruit and leaves with pointed plasm. 4 Physics a hot ionized gas contain-
lobes. ing positive ions and free electrons.
plangent (plan-jent) adj (of sounds) mourn- plaster n 1 a mixture of lime, sand, and
ful and resounding. water that is applied to a wall or ceiling as
plank n 1 a long flat piece of sawn timber. 2 a soft paste and dries as a hard coating. 2
one of the policies in a political party’s pro- Brit an adhesive strip of material for dress-
gramme. 3 walk the plank to be forced by ing a cut or wound. 3 short for mustard
sailors to walk to one’s death off the end of plaster or plaster of Paris. —vb 4 to coat
a plank jutting out from the side of a ship. (a wall or ceiling) with plaster. 5 to apply
like plaster: he plastered his face with
planking n a number of planks. shaving cream. 6 to cause to lie flat or to
plankton n the small drifting plants and adhere: his hair was plastered to his fore-
animals on the surface layer of a sea or head. plasterer n
lake. plasterboard n a thin rigid board, made of
planning permission n formal permission plaster compressed between two layers of
granted by a local authority for the con- fibreboard, used to form or cover interior
struction, alteration, or change of use of a walls.
building. plastered adj Slang drunk.
plant n 1 a living organism that grows in the plaster of Paris n a white powder that sets
ground and lacks the power of movement. 2 to a hard solid when mixed with water,
the land, building, and equipment used in used for making sculptures and casts for
an industry or business. 3 a factory or setting broken limbs.
workshop. 4 mobile mechanical equipment plastic n 1 any of a large number of synthet-
for construction or road-making. 5 Informal ic materials that can be moulded when soft
a thing positioned secretly for discovery by and then set. 2 Informal Also called: plastic
someone else, often in order to incriminate money credit cards etc. as opposed to cash.
an innocent person. -vb 6 to set (seeds or —adj 3 made of plastic. 4 easily influenced.
crops) into the ground to grow: it’s the 5 capable of being moulded or formed. 6 of
wrong time of year for planting roses. 7 to moulding or modelling: the plastic arts. 7
place firmly in position: I planted my chair Slang superficially attractive yet artificial
beside hers. 8 to introduce into someone’s or false: glamorous models with plastic
mind: once Wendy had planted the idea in smiles, plasticity n
the minds of the owners, they quite fancied
selling. 9 Slang to deliver (a blow or kiss). plastic bomb n a bomb consisting of plastic
10 Informal to position or hide (someone) in explosive fitted around a detonator.
order to deceive or observe. 11 Informal to plastic bullet n a solid PVC cylinder fired by
hide or secrete (something), usually for the police in riot control.
some illegal purpose or in order to incrimi- plastic explosive n an adhesive jelly-like
nate someone. explosive substance.
plantain1 n a plant with a rosette of broad Plasticine n Trademark a soft coloured ma-
leaves and a slender spike of small greenish terial used, esp. by children, for modelling.
flowers. plasticize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or
plantain2 n 1 a large tropical fruit like a -cising, -cised to make or become plastic.
green-skinned banana. 2 the tree on which plasticizer or -ciser n a substance added to
this fruit grows. a plastic material to soften it and improve
plantation n 1 an estate, esp. in tropical flexibility.
countries, where cash crops such as rubber plastic surgery n the branch of surgery con-
or coffee are grown on a large scale. 2 a cerned with the repair or reconstruction of
group of cultivated trees or plants. 3 (for- missing, injured, or malformed tissues or
merly) a colony of settlers. parts, plastic surgeon n
planter n 1 the owner or manager of a plan- plate n 1 a shallow dish made of porcelain,
tation. 2 a decorative pot for house plants. earthenware, glass, etc., on which food is
plantigrade adj walking on the entire sole of served. 2 Also called: plateful the contents
the foot, as humans and bears do. of a plate. 3 a shallow dish for receiving a
collection in church. 4 flat metal of even
plaque n 1 a commemorative inscribed stone thickness obtained by rolling. 5 a thin coat-
or metal plate. 2 Also called: dental plaque ing of metal usually on another metal. 6
a filmy deposit on teeth consisting of dishes or cutlery made of gold or silver. 7 a
mucus, bacteria, and food, that causes sheet of metal, plastic, or rubber having a
decay. printing surface produced by a process such
plasma n 1 the clear yellowish fluid portion as stereotyping. 8 a print taken from such a
of blood which contains the corpuscles and sheet or from a woodcut. 9 a thin flat sheet
cells. 2 a sterilized preparation of such of a substance, such as glass. 10 a small
fluid, taken from the blood, for use in piece of metal or plastic with an inscription,
transfusions. 3 a former name for proto- fixed to another surface: a brass name
plateau 616 playbill
plate. 11 Photog a sheet of glass coated platter n a large shallow, usually oval, dish,
with photographic emulsion on which an platypus or duck-billed platypus n, pl
image can be formed by exposure to light. -puses an Australian egg-laying amphibious
12 Informal same as denture. 13 Anat any mammal, with dense fur, webbed feet, and a
flat platelike structure. 14 a cup awarded ducklike bill.
to the winner of a sporting contest, esp. a plaudit n (usually pl) an expression of en-
horse race. 15 any of the rigid layers of the thusiastic approval.
earth’s crust. 16 have a lot on one’s plate
to have many pressing things to deal with. plausible adj 1 apparently reasonable or
17 on a plate acquired without trouble: he true: a plausible excuse. 2 apparently
got the job handed to him on a plate. -vb trustworthy or believable: he is an extraor-
plating, plated 18 to coat (a metal surface) dinarily plausible liar. plausibility n
with a thin layer of another metal. 19 to plausibly adv
cover with metal plates, usually for protec- play vb 1 to occupy oneself in (a sport or
tion. 20 to form (metal) into plate, usually recreation). 2 to compete against (someone)
by rolling. in a sport or game: Scotland play Wales in
plateau (plat-oh) n, pl -eaus or -eaux (-ohs) Cardiff next week. 3 to fulfil (a particular
1 a wide level area of high land. 2 a rela- role) in a team game: he usually plays in
tively long period of stability: the body midfield. 4 (often foil, by about or around)
temperature rises to a plateau that it keeps to behave carelessly: he’s only playing with
until shortly before bedtime. your affections, you know. 5 to act the part
plated adj coated with a layer of metal, (of) in a dramatic piece: he has played Ham-
let to packed Broadway houses. 6 to per-
plate glass n glass produced in thin sheets, form (a dramatic piece). 7 a to perform
used for windows and mirrors. (music) on an instrument, b to be able to
platelayer n Brit a workman who lays and perform on (a musical instrument): she
maintains railway track. plays the bassoon. 8 to send out (water) or
platelet n a minute particle occurring in the cause to send out water: they played a hose
blood of vertebrates and involved in the across the wrecked building. 9 to cause (a
clotting of the blood. radio etc.) to emit sound. 10 to move freely
platen n 1 the roller on a typewriter, against or quickly: the light played across the
which the keys strike. 2 a flat plate in a water. 11 Stock Exchange to speculate for
printing press that presses the paper gain in (a market). 12 Angling to tire (a
against the type. hooked fish) by alternately letting out and
platform n 1 a raised floor. 2 a raised area at reeling in the line.' 13 to put (a card) into
a railway station where passengers get on play. 14 to gamble. 15 play fair or false
or off the trains. 3 See drilling platform. 4 with to act fairly or unfairly with. 16 play
the declared aims of a political party. 5 the for time to gain time to one’s advantage by
thick raised sole of some shoes. the use of delaying tactics. 17 play into the
platform ticket n a ticket for admission to hands of to act unwittingly to the advan-
railway platforms but not for travel. tage of (an opponent). ~n 18 a a dramatic
plating n 1 a coating of metal. 2 a layer or piece written for performance by actors, b
covering of metal plates. the performance of such a piece. 19 games
or other activity undertaken for pleasure.
platinum n a silvery-white metallic element, 20 the playing of a game or the time during
very resistant to heat and chemicals: used which a game is in progress: rain stopped
in jewellery, laboratory apparatus, electri- play. 21 conduct: fair play. 22 gambling. 23
cal contacts, dentistry, electroplating, and activity or operation: radio allows full play
as a catalyst. Symbol: Pt to your imagination. 24 scope for freedom
platinum blonde n a girl or woman with of movement: there was a lot of play in the
silvery-blonde hair. rope. 25 free or rapidly shifting motion: the
platitude n a trite or unoriginal remark: it’s play of light on the water. 26 fun or jest: I
a platitude, but people need people, plati- used to throw cushions at her in play. 27 in
tudinous adj or out of play (of a ball in a game) in or not
platonic adj friendly or affectionate but in a position for continuing play according
without physical desire: platonic love. to the rules. 28 make a play for Informal to
Platonic adj of the philosopher Plato or his make an obvious attempt to gain (some-
teachings. thing). -See also play along, playback,
Platonism (plate-on-iz-zum) n the teachings etc. playable adj
of Plato (?427-?347 bc ), Greek philosopher, play along vb to cooperate (with) tempo-
and his followers. Platonist n rarily: I’ll play along with them for the mo-
platoon n Mil a subunit of a company, usual- ment.
ly comprising three sections of ten to playback n 1 the playing of a recording on
twelve men. magnetic tape, —vb play back 2 to listen to
platteland n the platteland (in South Afri- or watch (something recorded).
ca) the country districts or rural areas. playbill n a poster or bill advertising a play.
playboy 617 pledge
playboy n a rich man who devotes himself PLC or pic Public Limited Company.
to such pleasures as nightclubs and female plea n 1 an emotional appeal. 2 Law a
company. statement by or on behalf of a defendant. 3
play down vb to minimize the importance an excuse: his plea of poverty rings a little
of: she played down the problems of the hollow.
company. plead vb pleading, pleaded, plead or esp
player n 1 a person who takes part in a game Scot & US pled 1 (sometimes foil, by with)
or sport. 2 a person who plays a musical in- to ask with deep feeling. 2 to give as an ex-
strument. 3 Informal a leading participant cuse: whenever she invites him to dinner,
in a particular field or activity: one of the he pleads a prior engagement. 3 Law to de-
key players in Chinese politics. 4 an actor. clare oneself to be (guilty or not guilty) of
player piano n a mechanical piano; Pianola, the charge made against one. 4 Law to pres-
playful adj 1 good-natured and humorous: a ent (a case) in a court of law.
playful remark. 2 full of high spirits and pleadings pl n Law the formal written
fun: a playful child, playfully adv statements presented by the plaintiff and
playgoer n a person who goes often to the defendant in a lawsuit.
theatre. pleasant adj 1 pleasing or enjoyable: what a
playground n 1 an outdoor area for chil- pleasant surprise. 2 having pleasing man-
dren’s play, either with swings and slides, ners or appearance: he was a pleasant boy.
or adjoining a school. 2 a place or activity pleasantly adv
enjoyed by a specified person or group: pleasantry n, pl -ries 1 (often pl) a polite or
they oppose turning the island into a tourist jocular remark: we exchanged pleasantries
playground. about the weather. 2 agreeable jocularity.
playgroup n a regular meeting of infants for please vb pleasing, pleased 1 to give
supervised creative play. pleasure or satisfaction to (a person). 2 to
playhouse n a theatre. regard as suitable or satisfying: he can get
playing field n (sometimes pl) Chiefly Brit a
almost anyone he pleases to work with him.
3 if you please if you wish, sometimes used
field or open space used for sport. in ironic exclamation. 4 pleased with
playlist n a list of records chosen for play- happy because of. 5 please oneself to do as
ing, such as on a radio station. one likes, -adv 6 used in making polite re-
playmate n a companion in play. quests or pleading: please sit down. 7 yes
play off vb 1 to set (two people) against please a polite phrase used to accept an
each other for one’s own ends: she delighted offer or invitation, pleased adj
in playing one parent off against the other. pleasing adj giving pleasure,
2 to take part in a play-off. ~n play-off 3 pleasurable adj enjoyable or agreeable.
Sport an extra contest to decide the winner pleasurably adv
when there is a tie. 4 Chiefly US & Canad a pleasure n 1 a feeling of happiness and con-
contest or series of games to determine a tentment: the pleasure of hearing good
championship. music. 2 something that gives enjoyment:
play on vb to exploit (the feelings or weak- his garden was his only pleasure. 3 the ac-
ness of another): he played on my sympa- tivity of enjoying oneself: business before
thy. pleasure. 4 Euphemistic sexual gratifica-
play on words n same as pun. tion: he took his pleasure of her. 5 a per-
playpen n a small portable enclosure in son’s preference.
which a young child can safely be left to pleat n 1 a fold formed by doubling back
play. fabric and pressing or stitching into place.
playschool n a nursery group for preschool - vb 2 to arrange (material) in pleats.
children. pleb n Brit informal, often offensive a com-
plaything n 1 a toy. 2 a person regarded or mon vulgar person.
treated as a toy. plebeian (pleb-ee-an) adj 1 of the lower so-
playtime n a time for play or recreation, cial classes. 2 unrefined: plebeian tastes,
such as a school break. -n 3 one of the common people, usually of
play up vb 1 to highlight: the temptation is ancient Rome. 4 a coarse or unrefined per-
to play up the sensational aspects of the son.
story. 2 Brit informal to behave in an unru- plebiscite (pleb-iss-ite) n a direct vote by all
ly way. 3 to give (one) trouble or not be the electorate on an issue of national impor-
working properly: my back’s playing me up tance.
again; the photocopier’s started to play up. plectrum n, pl -tra or -trums an implement
4 play up to to try to please by flattery. for plucking the strings of a guitar or simi-
playwright n a person who writes plays, lar instrument.
plaza n 1 an open public square, usually in pled vb US or (esp in legal usage) Scot a past
Spain. 2 Chiefly US & Canad a modern of plead.
shopping complex. pledge n 1 a solemn promise. 2 a something
Pleiocene 618 ploughshare
valuable given as a guarantee that a prom- plimsolls pl n Brit light rubber-soled canvas
ise will be kept or a debt paid, b the condi- sports shoes.
tion of being used as security: in pledge. 3 a plinth n 1 a base on which a statue stands. 2
token: a pledge of good faith. 4 an assur- the slab that forms the base of a column or
ance of support or goodwill, given by drink- pedestal.
ing a toast: we drank a pledge to their suc- Pliocene or Pleiocene (ply-oh-seen) adj
cess. 5 take or sign the pledge to vow not Geol of the epoch of geological time about
to drink alcohol. -vb pledging, pledged 6 10 million years ago.
to promise solemnly. 7 to bind by or as if by PLO Palestine Liberation Organization.
a pledge: I was pledged to secrecy. 8 to give
(one’s word or property) as a guarantee. 9 plod vb plodding, plodded 1 to walk with
to drink a toast to (a person or cause). heavy slow steps. 2 to work slowly and
steadily, —n 3 the act of plodding, plodder
Pleiocene adj, n same as Pliocene. n
Pleistocene (ply-stow-seen) adj Geol of the plonk1 vb 1 to put down heavily and care-
epoch of geological time about 600 000 lessly: he plonked himself down on the sofa.
years ago. ~n 2 the act or sound of plonking.
plenary adj 1 (of an assembly) attended by plonk2 n Informal cheap inferior wine,
all the members. 2 full or complete: plenary
powers. plonker n Slang a stupid person.
plenipotentiary adj 1 (usually of a diplo- plop n 1 the sound made by an object drop-
mat) invested with full authority. ~n, pl ping into water without a splash, -vb
-aries 2 a diplomat or representative who plopping, plopped 2 to drop with such a
has full authority to transact business. sound: a tear rolled down his cheek and
plopped into his soup. 3 to fall or be placed
plenitude n Literary I abundance. 2 fullness heavily or carelessly: we plopped down on
or completeness. the bed and went straight to sleep.
plenteous adj Literary 1 abundant: a plen- plosive Phonetics —adj 1 pronounced with
teous supply. 2 producing abundantly: a a sudden release of breath. ~n 2 a plosive
plenteous harvest. consonant.
plentiful adj existing in large amounts or plot1 n 1 a secret plan for an illegal purpose.
numbers, plentifully adv 2 the story of a play, novel, or film, —vb
plenty n, pl -ties 1 (often foil, by of) a great plotting, plotted 3 to plan secretly; con-
number or amount: plenty' of time. 2 abun- spire. 4 to mark (a course) on a map. 5 to
dance: an age of plenty. ~adj 3 very many: make a plan or map of. 6 a to locate (points)
there’s plenty more fish in the sea. -adv 4 on a graph by means of coordinates, b to
Informal more than adequately: that’s plen- draw (a curve) through these points. 7 to
tyfast enough forme. construct the plot of (a play, novel, or film),
pleonasm n Rhetoric 1 the use of more plotter n
words than necessary, such as a tiny little plot2 n a small piece of land: there was a
child. 2 an unnecessary word or phrase, small vegetable plot at the foot of the gar-
pleonastic adj den.
plethora n an excess. plough or esp US plow n 1 an agricultural
pleura (ploor-a) n, pl pleurae (ploor-ee) tool for cutting or turning over the earth. 2
Anat the thin transparent membrane a similar tool used for clearing snow, -vb 3
enveloping the lungs, pleural adj to turn over (the soil) with a plough. 4 to
pleurisy n inflammation of the pleura, mak- make (furrows or grooves) in (something)
ing breathing painful, pleuritic adj, n with or as if with a plough. 5 (sometimes
plexus n, pl -uses or -us a complex network foil, by through) to move (through some-
of nerves or blood vessels. thing) in the manner of a plough: the ship
ploughed through the water. 6 (foil, by
pliable adj 1 easily bent: pliable branches. 2 through) to work at slowly or persevering-
easily influenced: his easy and pliable na- ly. 7 to invest (money): he ploughed the
ture. pliability n profits back into the business. 8 plough
pliant adj 1 easily bent; supple: pliant young into (of a vehicle, plane, etc.) to run uncon-
willow and hazel twigs. 2 easily influenced: trollably into (something): the aircraft
he was a far more pliant subordinate than ploughed into a motorway embankment.
his predecessor, pliancy n Plough n the Plough the group of the seven
pliers pl n a gripping tool consisting of two brightest stars in the constellation Ursa
hinged arms usually with serrated jaws. Major.
plight1 n a dangerous or difficult situation. ploughman or esp US plowman n, pl -men a
plight2 vb plight one’s troth Old-fashioned man who ploughs.
to make a promise to marry. ploughman’s lunch n a snack lunch consist-
Plimsoll line n a line on the hull of a ship ing of bread and cheese with pickle.
showing the level that the water should ploughshare or esp US plowshare n the
reach if the ship is properly loaded. cutting blade of a plough.
plover 619 plunk
plover n a shore bird with a round head, a water, drainage, or gas system. 2 the
straight bill, and long pointed wings. trade or work of a plumber.
plow n, vb US same as plough. plumb line n a string with a metal weight at
ploy n a manoeuvre designed to gain an ad- one end, used to test the depth of water or
vantage in a situation: a cheap political to test whether something is vertical.
ploy. plume n 1 a large ornamental feather. 2 a
pluck vb 1 to pull or pick off. 2 to pull out group of feathers worn as a badge or orna-
the feathers of (a bird for cooking). 3 (foil, ment on a hat. 3 something like a plume: a
by off, away, etc.) Archaic to pull (some- plume of smoke, -vb pluming, plumed 4
thing) forcibly or violently (from something to adorn with plumes. 5 (of a bird) to preen
or someone). 4 to sound the strings of (a (its feathers). 6 (foil, by on or upon) to be
musical instrument) with the fingers or a proud of oneself or one’s achievements, esp.
plectrum. 5 Slang to swindle. ~n 6 courage. unjustifiably: she was pluming herself on
7 a pull or tug. 8 the heart, liver, and lungs her figure.
of an animal used for food. plummet vb -meting, -meted 1 to plunge
pluck up vb to summon up (courage), downward. ~n 2 the weight on a plumb
line or fishing line.
plucky adj pluckier, pluckiest courageous.
pluckily adv pluckiness n plummy adj-mier, -miest 1 of, full of, or like
plums: a red wine full of ripe plummy fruit.
plug n 1 an object used to block up holes or 2 Brit informal (of a voice) deep, rich, and
waste pipes. 2 a device with one or more usually upper-class in manner: his plu con-
pins which connects an appliance to an descending voice. 3 Brit informal desirable:
electricity supply. 3 Informal a favourable they lived plummy lives in the hills of Tus-
mention of a product etc., for example on cany.
television, to encourage people to buy it. 4 plump1 adj 1 full or rounded: until puberty I
See spark plug. 5 a piece of tobacco for was really quite plump, -vb 2 (often foil,
chewing. -vb plugging, plugged 6 to block by up or out) to make (something) fuller or
or seal (a hole or gap) with a plug. 7 Infor- rounded: she plumped up the cushions on
mal to make frequent favourable mentions the couch, plumpness n
of (a product etc.), for example on televi-
sion. 8 Slang to shoot: he lifted the rifle and plump2 vb 1 (often foil, by down, into, etc.)
plugged the deer. 9 Slang to punch. 10 (foil, to drop or sit suddenly and heavily: he
by along, away, etc.) Informal to work plumped down on the seat. 2 plump for to
steadily. choose one from a selection, —n 3 a heavy
abrupt fall or the sound of this, —adv 4
plug in vb to connect (an electrical appli- suddenly or heavily. 5 directly: the plane
ance) to a power source by pushing a plug landed plump in the middle of the field. 6 in
into a socket. a blunt, direct, or decisive manner.
plum n 1 an dval dark red or yellow fruit plum pudding n Brit a boiled or steamed
with a stone in the middle, that grows on a pudding made with flour, suet, and dried
small tree. 2 a raisin, as used in a cake or fruit.
pudding. 3 Informal something of a superior plumy adj plumier, plumiest 1 like a feath-
or desirable kind. —adj 4 made from plums: er. 2 covered or adorned with feathers.
plum cake. 5 dark reddish-purple. 6 very plunder vb 1 to seize (valuables or goods)
desirable: plum targets for attack. from (a place) by force, usually in wartime;
plumage n the feathers of a bird. loot. ~n 2 anything plundered; booty. 3 the
plumb vb 1 to understand (something ob- act of plundering; pillage.
scure): to plumb a mystery. 2 plumb the plunge vb plunging, plunged 1 (usually
depths to experience the worst extremes foil, by into) to thrust or throw (something
of: to plumb the depths of despair. 3 to test or oneself) forcibly or suddenly: they
the alignment of or make vertical with a plunged into the sea; he plunged the knife
plumb line. 4 (foil, by in or into) to connect in to the hilt. 2 to throw or be thrown into a
(an appliance or fixture) to a water pipe or certain condition: the room was plunged
drainage system: the shower should be into darkness. 3 (usually foil, by into) to in-
plumbed in professionally. ~n 5 a lead volve or become involved deeply (in). 4 to
weight hanging at the end of a string and move swiftly or impetuously. 5 to descend
used to test the depth of water or to test very suddenly or steeply: temperatures
whether something is vertical. 6 out of were plunging. 6 Informal to gamble reck-
plumb not vertical, -adv 7 vertical or per- lessly. ~n 7 a leap or dive. 8 Informal a
pendicular. 8 Informal, chiefly US utterly: swim. 9 a pitching motion. 10 take the
plumb stupid. 9 Informal exactly: plumb in plunge Informal to make a risky decision
the centre. which cannot be reversed later.
plumber n a person who fits and repairs- plunger n 1 a rubber suction cup used to
pipes and fixtures for water, drainage, or clear blocked drains. 2 a device with a
gas systems. plunging motion; piston.
plumbing n 1 the pipes and fixtures used in plunk vb 1 to pluck the strings of (an in-
pluperfect 620 pocket borough
strument) to produce a twanging sound. 2 job or trade). 2 to use (a tool). 3 (usually
(often foil, by down) to drop or be dropped foil, by with) to provide (with) or subject
heavily. ~n 3 the act or sound of plunking. (to) persistently: he plied us with drink; he
pluperfect Grammar -adj 1 denoting a plied me with questions. 4 to work steadily.
tense of verbs used to describe an action 5 (of a ship) to travel regularly along (a
completed before a past time. In English route): to ply the trade routes.
this is a compound tense formed with had piy2 n, pl plies 1 a layer or thickness, such
plus the past participle. ~n 2 the pluper- as of fabric or wood. 2 one of the strands
fect tense. twisted together to make rope or yarn.
plural adj 1 of or consisting of more than Plymouth Brethren pl n a Puritanical reli-
one. 2 Grammar denoting a word indicating gious sect with no organized ministry.
more than one. —n 3 Grammar a the plural plywood n a board made of thin layers of
number, b a plural form. wood glued together under pressure, with
pluralism n 1 the existence and toleration in the grain of one layer at right angles to the
a society of a variety of groups of different grain of the next.
ethnic origins, cultures, or religions. 2 the Pm Chem promethium.
holding of more than one office by a person,
pluralist n, adj pluralistic adj PM 1 Prime Minister. 2 Postmaster. 3 Pay-
master.
plurality n, pl -ties 1 the state of being plu-
ral. 2 Maths a number greater than one. 3 a p.m. 1 after noon. 2 postmortem (examina-
large number. 4 a majority. tion).
pluralize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, PMG 1 Postmaster General. 2 Paymaster
-ised to make or become plural. General.
plus prep 1 increased by the addition of: PMS premenstrual syndrome.
four plus two. 2 with the addition of: a good PMT premenstrual tension.
salary, plus a company car. -adj 3 indicat- pneumatic adj 1 operated by compressed
ing addition: a plus sign. 4 Maths same as air: pneumatic drill. 2 containing com-
positive (sense 7). 5 on the positive part of pressed air: a pneumatic tyre. 3 of or con-
a scale. 6 indicating the positive side of an cerned with air, gases, or wind.
electrical circuit. 7 involving advantage: a pneumatics n the branch of physics con-
plus factor. 8 Informal having a value cerned with the mechanical properties of
above the value stated: it must be worth a air and other gases.
thousand pounds plus. 9 slightly above a
specified standard: he received a B plus for pneumonia n inflalnmation of one or both
his essay. ~n 10 a plus sign ( + ), indicating lungs.
addition. 11 a positive quantity. 12 Infor- po n, pl pos Brit old-fashioned, informal a
mal something positive or an advantage. 13 chamber pot.
a gain, surplus, or advantage. Po Chem polonium.
► Avoid using plus to mean “additionally” PO 1 Also: p.o. postal order. 2 Post Office. 3
except in very informal contexts. petty officer. 4 Pilot Officer.
plus fours pl n men’s baggy knickerbockers poach1 vb 1 to catch (game or fish) illegally
gathered in at the knee, now only worn for on someone else’s land. 2 a to encroach on
hunting or golf. (someone’s rights or duties), b to steal (an
plush n 1 a velvety fabric with a long soft idea, employee, or player), poacher n
pile, used for furniture coverings, —adj 2 poach2 vb to simmer (food) very gently in
Also: plushy Informal luxurious. liquid.
Pluto n 1 Greek myth the god of the under- pock n 1 a pus-filled blister resulting from
world. 2 the second smallest planet and the smallpox. 2 a pockmark.
farthest from the sun.
pocket n 1 a small pouch sewn into clothing
plutocracy n, pl -cies 1 government by the for carrying small articles. 2 any pouchlike
wealthy. 2 a state ruled by the wealthy. 3 a container, esp. for catching balls at the edge
group that exercises power on account of of a snooker table. 3 a small isolated area or
its wealth, plutocratic adj group: a pocket of resistance. 4 a cavity in
plutocrat n a person who is powerful be- the earth, such as one containing ore. 5 in
cause of being very rich. one’s pocket under one’s control. 6 out of
plutonic adj (of igneous rocks) formed from pocket having made a loss, -vb -eting,
molten rock that has cooled and solidified -eted 7 to put into one’s pocket. 8 to take
below the earth’s surface. secretly or dishonestly. 9 Billiards to drive
plutonium n Chem a toxic radioactive metal- (a ball) into a pocket. 10 to conceal or sup-
lic element, used in nuclear reactors and press: he pocketed his pride and asked for
weapons. Symbol: Pu help, -adj ll small: a pocket edition.
pluvial adj Geog, geol of or due to the action pocketbook n Chiefly US a small case for
of rain. money and papers.
piy1 vb plies, plying, plied 1 to work at (a pocket borough n (before the Reform Act
pocketful 621 point-blank
of 1832) an English borough constituency pogrom n an organized persecution and
controlled by one person or family. massacre.
pocketful n, pl -fuls as much as a pocket poi n NZ a ball of woven flax swung rhyth-
will hold. mically by Maori women during poi dances.
pocketknife n, pl -knives a small knife with poi dance n NZ a women’s formation dance
one or more blades that fold into the han- that involves singing and twirling a poi.
dle; penknife.
pocket money n 1 Brit a small weekly sum poignant adj 1 sharply painful to the feel-
of money given to children by parents. 2 ings: a poignant reminder. 2 cutting: poign-
money for small personal expenses. ant wit. 3 pertinent in mental appeal: a
poignant subject, poignancy n
pockmarked adj 1 (of the skin) marked with
pitted scars after the healing of smallpox. 2 poinsettia n a shrub of Mexico and Central
(of a surface) covered in many small America, widely grown for its showy scar-
hollows: the building is pockmarked with let bracts, which resemble petals.
bullet holes, pockmark n point n 1 the essential idea in an argument
pod n 1 a a long narrow seedcase containing or discussion: I agreed with the point he
peas, beans, etc. b the seedcase as distinct made. 2 a reason or aim: what is the point
from the seeds. ~vb podding, podded 2 to of this exercise? 3 a detail or item. 4 a char-
remove the pod from. acteristic: he has his good points. 5 a loca-
podgy adj podgier, podgiest short and fat. tion or position. 6 a dot or tiny mark. 7 a
podginess n dot used as a decimal point or a full stop. 8
podium n, pl -diums or -dia 1 a small raised the sharp tip of anything: the point of the
platform used by conductors or speakers. 2 spear. 9 a headland: the soaring cliffs at
a plinth that supports a colonnade or wall. Dwerja Point in the southwest of the island.
10 Maths a geometric element having a po-
poem n 1 a literary work, often in verse, sition located by coordinates, but no magni-
usually dealing with emotional or descrip- tude. 11 a specific condition or degree:
tive themes in a rhythmic form. 2 a literary freezing point. 12 a moment: at that point
work that is not in verse but deals with he left. 13 (often pl) any of the extremities,
emotional or descriptive themes in a such as the tail, ears, or feet, of a domestic
rhythmic form: a prose poem. 3 anything animal. 14 (often pl) Ballet the tip of the
like a poem in beauty or effect: his painting toes. 15 a single unit for measuring some-
is a poem on creation. thing such as value, or of scoring in a game.
poep (poop) n S African taboo 1 an emission 16 Printing a unit of measurement equal to
of intestinal ga< from the anus. 2 a mean or one twelfth of a pica. 17 Navigation one of
despicable person. the 32 direction marks on the compass. 18
poesy n Archaic poetry. Cricket a fielding position at right angles to
poet n 1 a writer of poetry. 2 a person with the batsman on the off side. 19 either of the
great imagination and creativity. two electrical contacts that make or break
poetaster n a writer of inferior verse, the circuit in the distributor of a motor ve-
poetic or poetical adj 1 like poetry, by being hicle. 20 Brit, Austral, & NZ (often pl) a
expressive or imaginative. 2 of poetry or movable section of railway track used to di-
poets. 3 recounted in verse. rect a train from one line to another. 21 Brit
poetic justice n an appropriate punishment short for power point. 22 Boxing a mark
or reward for previous actions. awarded for a scoring blow or knockdown.
23 at or on the point of about to; on the
poetic licence n freedom from the normal verge of: on the point of leaving. 24 beside
rules of language or truth, as in poetry. the point irrelevant. 25 make a point of a
poet laureate n, pl poets laureate Brit the to make a habit of (something), b to do
poet selected by the British sovereign to (something) because one thinks it impor-
write poems on important occasions. tant. 26 to the point relevant. 27 up to a
poetry n 1 poems in general. 2 the art or point not completely, -vb 28 (usually foil,
craft of writing poems. 3 a poetic quality by at or to) to show the position or direction
that prompts an emotional response: her of something by extending a finger or other
acting was full of poetry. pointed object towards it. 29 (usually foil,
po-faced adj wearing a disapproving stern by at or to) to single out one person or thing
expression. from among several: all the symptoms
pogey or pogy (pohg-ee) n, pl pogeys or pointed to epilepsy. 30 to direct or face in a
pogies Canad slang 1 financial or other re- specific direction: point me in the right di-
lief given to the unemployed by the gov- rection. 31 to finish or repair the joints in
ernment; dole. 2 unemployment insurance. brickwork with mortar or cement. 32 (of
3 the office that gives out relief to the un- gun dogs) to show where game is lying by
employed. standing rigidly with the muzzle turned to-
pogo stick n a pole with steps for the feet wards it. -See also point out.
and a spring at the bottom, so that the user point-blank adj 1 fired at a very close tar-
can bounce up, down, and along on it. get. 2 plain or blunt: a point-blank refusal
point duty 622 pole
to discuss the matter, -adv 3 directly or with an elbow, finger, etc. 2 to make a hole
bluntly, the Minister was asked point-blank by poking. 3 (sometimes foil, by at) to
if he intended to resign. thrust (at): she poked at the food with her
point duty n the control of traffic by a fork. 4 (usually foil, by in, through, etc.) to
policeman at a road junction. thrust forward or out: yellow hair poked
pointed adj 1 having a sharp tip. 2 cutting from beneath his cap. 5 to stir (a fire) by
or incisive: pointed wit. 3 obviously direct- poking. 6 (often foil, by about or around) to
ed at a particular person: a pointed remark. search or pry. 7 poke one’s nose into to
4 emphasized or obvious: pointed igno- meddle in. ~n 8 a jab or prod.
rance. pointedly adv poke2 n 1 Dialect a pocket or bag. 2 a pig in
pointer n 1 something that is a helpful indi- a poke See pig.
cator of how a situation has arisen or may poker1 n a metal rod with a handle for stir-
turn out: a significant pointer to the likely ring a fire.
resumption of talks. 2 an indicator on a poker2 n a card game of bluff and skill in
measuring instrument. 3 a long stick used which players bet on the hands dealt.
by teachers, to point out particular features poker face n Informal an expressionless
on a map, chart, etc. 4 a large smooth- face, such as that of a poker player trying
coated gun dog. to hide the value of his or her cards, poker-
pointillism (pwan-till-iz-zum) n a technique faced adj
used by some impressionist painters, in pokerwork n the art of producing pictures
which dots of colour are placed side by side or designs on wood by burning it with a
so that they merge when seen from a dis- heated metal point.
tance. pointillist n, adj poky adj pokier, pokiest (of a room) small
pointing n the insertion of mortar between and cramped, pokiness n
the joints in brickwork. pol. 1 political. 2 politics.
pointless adj without meaning or purpose, polar adj 1 of or near either of the earth’s
point of no return n a point at which one is poles or the area inside the Arctic or Ant-
committed to continuing with an action. arctic Circles. 2 of or having a pole or polar-
point of order n, pl points of order an ob- ity. 3 directly opposite in tendency or na-
jection in a meeting to the departure from ture: polar opposites.
the proper procedure. polar bear n a white bear of coastal regions
point of view n, pl points of view 1 a men- of the North Pole.
tal viewpoint or attitude: she refuses to see polar circle n the Arctic or Antarctic Circle,
the other person’s point of view. 2 a way of polarity n, pl -ties 1 the state of having two
considering something: a scientific point of directly opposite tendencies or opinions. 2
view. the condition of a body which has opposing
point out vb to draw someone’s attention to. physical properties, usually magnetic poles
point-to-point n Brit a steeplechase organ- or electric charge. 3 the particular state of a
ized by a hunt. part with polarity: an electrode with posi-
poise n 1 dignified manner. 2 physical bal- tive polarity.
ance: the poise of a natural model. 3 mental polarization or -isation n 1 the condition of
balance: he recovered his poise, -vb having or giving polarity. 2 Physics the
poising, poised 4 to be balanced or sus- condition in which waves of light or other
pended. 5 to be held in readiness: the cats radiation are restricted to certain directions
were poised to spring on her. of vibration.
poised adj 1 absolutely ready. 2 behaving polarize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
with or showing poise. -ised 1 to cause people to adopt directly op-
poison n 1 a substance that causes death or posite opinions: political opinion had
injury when swallowed or absorbed. 2 polarized since the restoration of democra-
something that destroys or corrupts: the cy. 2 to have or give polarity or polariza-
poison of Nazism, -vb 3 to give poison to tion.
someone. 4 to add poison to something. 5 to Polaroid n Trademark 1 a type of plastic
have a harmful or evil effect on. 6 (foil, by that polarizes light: used in sunglasses to
against) to turn (a person’s mind) against: eliminate glare. 2 Polaroid camera a cam-
he poisoned her mind against me. poisoner era that produces a finished print by devel-
n oping and processing it inside the camera
poison ivy n a North American climbing within a few seconds.
plant that causes an itching rash if it polder n a stretch of land reclaimed from
touches the skin. the sea.
poisonous adj 1 of or like a poison. 2 mali- pole1 n 1 a long slender rounded piece of
cious. wood, metal, or other material. 2 up the
poison-pen letter n a malicious anonymous pole Brit, Austral, & NZ informal a slightly
letter. mad. b in a predicament.
poke1 vb poking, poked 1 to jab or prod pole2 n 1 either end of the earth’s axis of ro-
Pole 623 polka
tation. See also North Pole, South Pole. 2 polishing. 5 a shine or gloss. 6 elegance or
Physics a either of the opposite forces of a refinement.
magnet, b either of two points at which Polish adj 1 of Poland. ~n 2 the language of
there are opposite electric charges. 3 either Poland.
of two directly opposite tendencies or opin-
ions. 4 poles apart having widely divergent polished adj 1 accomplished: a polished
opinions or tastes. actor. 2 done or performed well or profes-
sionally: a polished performance.
Pole n a person from Poland.
polish off vb Informal 1 to finish complete-
poleaxe or US poleax vb -axing, -axed 1 to ly. 2 to dispose of or kill.
hit or stun with a heavy blow. —n 2 an axe
formerly used in battle or used by a butch- polish up vb 1 to make smooth and shiny by
er. polishing. 2 to improve (a skill or ability) by
polecat n, pl -cats or -cat 1 a dark brown working at it: I’m going to evening classes
mammal like a weasel that gives off a foul to polish up my German.
smell. 2 US a skunk. Politburo n the chief decision-making com-
polemic (pol-em-ik) n 1 a fierce attack on or mittee of a Communist country.
defence of a particular opinion, belief, etc.: polite adj 1 having good manners; courteous.
anti-capitalist polemic, —adj also polemi- 2 cultivated or refined: polite society. 3 so-
cal 2 of or involving dispute or controversy, cially correct but insincere: he smiled a po-
polemicist n lite response and stifled an urge to scream.
polemics n the art of dispute. politely adv politeness n
pole position n 1 (in motor racing) the start- politic adj 1 wise or possibly advantageous:
ing position on the inside of the front row, I didn’t feel it was politic to mention it. 2
generally considered the best one. 2 an ad- artful or shrewd: a politic manager. 3
vantageous starting position. crafty; cunning: a politic old scoundrel. 4
pole star n a guiding principle or rule. Archaic political. See also body politic.
Pole Star n the Pole Star the star closest to political adj 1 of the state, government, or
the N celestial pole. public administration. 2 relating to or inter-
pole vault n 1 the pole vault a field event in ested in politics: she was always a very po-
which competitors try to clear a high bar litical person. 3 of the parties and the parti-
with the aid of a very flexible long pole. san aspects of politics: the government
—vb pole-vault 2* to perform or compete in blames political opponents for fanning the
the pole vault, pole-vaulter n unrest, politically adv
police n 1 (often preceded by the) the organ- politically correct adj displaying liberal at-
ized civil force in a state which keeps law titudes, esp. in using vocabulary which is
and order. 2 the men and women who are intended to avoid any implied prejudice.
members of such a force. 3 an organized political prisoner n a person imprisoned for
body with a similar function: security po- holding particular political beliefs.
lice. —vb -licing, -liced 4 to maintain order political science n the study of the state,
or control by means of a police force or government, and politics, political scien-
similar body. tist n
police dog n a dog trained to help the police, politician n a person actively engaged in
policeman or fem policewoman n, pl -men politics, esp. a member of parliament.
or-women a member of a police force. politicize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or
police state n a state in which a government -cising, -cised 1 to make political or politi-
controls people’s freedom through the po- cally aware. 2 to take part in political dis-
lice. cussion or activity. politicization or
police station n the office of the police force -cisation n
of a district. politics n 1 (functioning as sing) the art and
policy1 n, pl -cies 1 a plan of action adopted science of government. 2 (functioning as pl)
by a person, group, or government. 2 Archa- political opinions or sympathies: his con-
ic wisdom or prudence. servative politics. 3 (functioning as pl) po-
policy2 n, pl -cies a document containing an litical activities or affairs: party politics. 4
insurance contract, policyholder n (functioning as sing) the business or profes-
polio n short for poliomyelitis. sion of politics. 5 (functioning as sing or pl)
poliomyelitis (pole-ee-oh-my-el-lite-iss) n a any activity concerned with the acquisition
viral disease which affects the brain and of power: company politics are often vi-
spinal cord, often causing paralysis. cious.
polish vb 1 to make smooth and shiny by polity n, pl -ties Formal 1 a politically organ-
rubbing. 2 to perfect or complete: media ex-_ ized state, church, or society. 2 a form of
perts he had hired to polish his image. 3 to government of a state, church, or society.
make or become elegant or refined: not hav- polka n 1 a lively 19th-century dance. 2
ing polished his south London accent didn’t music for this dance, -vb -kaing, -kaed 3
help his career. ~n 4 a substance used for to dance a polka.
polka dots 624 polyphony
polka dots pl n a regular pattern of small sible for noises and acts of mischief, such as
bold spots on a fabric. throwing objects about.
poll n 1 Also called: opinion poll the ques- poltroon n Obsolete a complete coward.
tioning of a random sample of people to find poly n, pl polys Informal short for poly-
out the general opinion. 2 the casting, re- technic.
cording, or counting of votes in an election. poly- combining form many or much: poly-
3 the result of such a voting: a marginal hedron; polysyllabic.
poll. 4 the head. —vb 5 to receive (a certain polyandry n the practice of having more
number of votes). 6 to record the votes of: than one husband at the same time, poly-
he polled the whole town. 7 to question (a androus adj
person, etc.) as part of an opinion poll. 8 to
vote in an election. 9 to clip or shear. 10 to polyanthus n, pl -thuses a hybrid garden
remove or cut short the horns of (cattle). primrose with brightly coloured flowers.
pollack or pollock n, pl -lacks, -lack, -locks, polychromatic adj 1 having many colours. 2
or-lock a food fish related to the cod, found (of radiation) containing more than one
in northern seas. wavelength.
polyester n a synthetic material used to
pollard n 1 an animal that has shed its horns make plastics and textile fibres.
or has had them removed. 2 a tree with its
branches cut back to encourage a more polyethylene n same as polythene.
bushy growth. —vb 3 to cut back the top polygamy (pol-ig-a-mee) n the practice of
branches of (a tree) to make it grow bushy, having more than one wife or husband at
pollarded adj the same time, polygamist n polygamous
pollen n a fine powder produced by flowers adj
to fertilize other flowers of the same spe? polyglot adj 1 able to speak many languages.
cies. 2 written in or using many languages. ~n 3
pollen count n a measure of the amount of a person who can speak many languages.
pollen in the air over a 24-hour period, polygon n a geometrical figure with three or
often published as a warning to hay fever more sides and angles, polygonal adj
sufferers. polygraph n an instrument for recording
pollinate vb -nating, -nated to fertilize by pulse rate and perspiration, often used as a
the transfer of pollen, pollination n lie detector.
polling booth n a compartment in which a polygyny n the practice of having more than
voter can mark his or her ballot paper in one wife at the sarne time, polygynous adj
private during an election. polyhedron n, pl -drons or -dra a solid fig-
polling station n a building where voters go ure with four or more sides, polyhedral adj
during an election to cast their votes. polymath n a person of great and varied
pollock n same as pollack. learning.
polymer n a natural or synthetic compound
pollster n a person who conducts opinion
polls. with large molecules made up of simple
molecules of the same kind.
poll tax n any tax levied per head of adult polymeric adj of or being a polymer: poly-
population, esp. the tax which replaced meric materials such as PVC.
domestic rates (in Scotland from 1989 and
England and Wales from 1990, until 1993). polymerization or -isation n the process of
forming a polymer, polymerize or -ise vb
pollutant n a substance that pollutes, usual-
ly the chemical waste of an industrial pro- polymorphous or polymorphic adj having,
cess. or passing through many different forms or
stages.
pollute vb -luting, -luted 1 to contaminate
with poisonous or harmful substances. 2 to Polynesian adj 1 of Polynesia. ~n 2 a per-
corrupt morally, pollution n son from Polynesia. 3 any of the languages
of Polynesia.
polo n 1 a game like hockey played on
polynomial Maths -adj 1 consisting of two
horseback with long-handled mallets and a
wooden ball. 2 short for water polo. or more terms, -n 2 an algebraic expres-
sion consisting of the sum of a number of
polonaise n 1 a stately Polish dance. 2 music terms.
for this dance. polyp n 1 Zool a small sea creature that has
polo neck n a sweater with a high tight a hollow cylindrical body with a ring of
turned-over collar. tentacles around the mouth. 2 Pathol a
polonium n Chem a rare radioactive element small growth on the surface of a mucous
found in trace amounts in uranium ores. membrane.
Symbol: Po polyphonic adj Music consisting of several
polo shirt n a cotton short-sleeved shirt with melodies played together.
a collar and three-button opening at the polyphony (pol-if-on-ee) n, pl -nies poly-
neck. phonic style of composition or a piece of
poltergeist n a spirit believed to be respon- music using it.
polysaccharide 625 poop
polysaccharide n a carbohydrate which poncho n, pl -chos a type of cloak made of a
consists of a number of linked sugar mol- piece of cloth with a hole in the middle for
ecules, such as starch or cellulose. the head.
polystyrene n a synthetic material used esp. pond n a pool of still water.
as white rigid foam for insulating and pack- ponder vb (sometimes foil, by on or over) to
ing. consider thoroughly or deeply, ponderable
polysyllable n a word having more than two adj
syllables, polysyllabic adj ponderous adj 1 serious and dull: much of
polytechnic n 1 Brit (formerly) a college of- the film is ponderous and pretentious. 2
fering advanced courses in many subjects at heavy or huge. 3 (of movement) slow and
and below degree level, -adj 2 of or relat- clumsy.
ing to technical instruction. pondok or pondokkie n (in southern Africa)
polytheism n belief in more than one god. a crudely made house or shack.
polytheistic adj polytheist n pondweed n a plant which grows in ponds
polythene n a light plastic material made and slow streams.
from ethylene, usually made into thin pong Brit informal ~n 1 a strong unpleas-
sheets or bags. ant smell, -vb 2 to give off a strong un-
polyunsaturated adj of a group of fats that pleasant smell, pongy adj
are less likely to contribute to the build-up ponga (pong-a) n a tall New Zealand tree
of cholesterol in the body. fern with large leathery leaves.
polyurethane n a synthetic material used poniard (pon-yerd) n a small slender dagger,
esp. in paints. pontiff n the Pope.
polyvinyl chloride n See PVC. pontifical adj 1 of a pontiff. 2 pompous or
pomace (pumm-iss) n apple pulp left after dogmatic in manner.
pressing for juice. pontificate vb -eating, -cated 1 to speak in a
pomade n a perfumed oil put on the hair to dogmatic manner. 2 to officiate as a pontiff.
make it smooth and shiny, esp. formerly. —n 3 the term of office of a Pope.
pomander n 1 a mixture of sweet-smelling pontoon1 n a floating platform used to sup-
substances in a container, used to perfume port a bridge.
drawers or cupboards. 2 a container for pontoon2 n a card game in which players try
such a mixture. to obtain sets of cards worth less than 21
pomegranate n a round tropical fruit with a points.
tough reddish rind containing many seeds pony n, pl-nies a breed of small horse.
in a juicy red pulp. ponytail n a hairstyle in which the hair is
pomelo (pom-ill-oh) n, pl -los the edible yel- tied in a bunch at the back of the head and
low fruit, like a grapefruit, of a tropical hangs down like a tail.
tree. pony trekking n the pastime of riding ponies
Pomeranian n a toy dog with a long straight cross-country.
silky coat. poodle n a dog with curly hair, which is
pomfret (pum-frit) or pomfret-cake n a sometimes clipped.
small black rounded liquorice sweet. poof n Brit & Austral offensive slang a male
pommel n 1 the raised part on the front of a homosexual.
saddle. 2 a knob at the top of a sword han- pooh interj an exclamation of disdain, scorn,
dle. -vb -melting, -melted or US -meting, or disgust.
-meled 3 same as pummel. pooh-pooh vb to express disdain or scorn
pommy n, pl -mies (sometimes cap) Slang a for.
word used by Australians and New pool1 n 1 a small body of still water. 2 a
Zealanders for a British person. Sometimes small body of spilt liquid: a pool of blood. 3
shortened to: pom See swimming pool. 4 a deep part of a
pomp n 1 stately display or ceremony. 2 os- stream or river.
tentatious display. pool2 n 1 a shared fund of resources or
pompom n 1 a decorative ball of tufted silk workers: a typing pool. 2 a billiard game in
or wool. 2 the small round flower head of which all the balls are potted with the cue
some dahlias and chrysanthemums. ball. 3 the combined stakes of those betting
pom-pom n an automatic rapid-firing gun. in many gambling games. 4 Commerce a
pompous adj 1 foolishly dignified or self- group of producers who agree to maintain
important. 2 foolishly grand in style: a output levels and high prices, -vb 5 to put
pompous speech, pomposity n pompously into a common fund.
adv pools pl n the pools Brit a nationwide main-
ponce Offensive slang, chiefly Brit ~n 1 an ly postal form of gambling which bets on
effeminate man. 2 same as pimp, -vb the results of football matches.
poncing, ponced 3 (often foil, by around or poop n Naut a raised part at the back of a
about) to act stupidly or waste time. sailing ship.
pooped 626 pore
pooped adj US & Canad slang exhausted or poppadom or poppadum n a thin round
tired: if I wasn’t so pooped I’d run over and crisp fried Indian bread.
have a look at it. popper n Brit informal a press stud.
poor adj 1 having little money and few pos- poppet n a term of affection for a small
sessions. 2 less than is necessary or expect- child or sweetheart.
ed: it was a poor reward for all his effort. 3 popping crease n Cricket a line in front of
(sometimes foil, by inj lacking in (some- and parallel with the wicket where the
thing): a food which is rich in energy but batsman stands.
poor in vitamins. 4 inferior: poor quality. 5 poppy n, pl -pies 1 a plant with showy red,
disappointing or disagreeable: a poor play. orange, or white flowers. 2 a drug, such as
6 pitiable; unlucky: poor John is ill. 7 poor opium, obtained from these plants. 3 an ar-
man’s (something) a cheaper substitute for tificial red poppy worn to mark Remem-
(something): pewter, sometimes known as brance Sunday, -adj4 reddish-orange.
poor man’s silver.
poppycock n Informal nonsense.
poorhouse n same as workhouse.
Poppy Day n Informal Remembrance Sun-
poor law n English history a law providing day.
for support of the poor from parish funds.
populace n the common people; masses.
poorly adv 1 badly, -adj 2 Informal rather
ill. popular adj 1 widely liked or admired. 2
(often foil, by withj liked by a particular
poor White n Often offensive a poverty- person or group: the bay is popular with
stricken White person, usually in the south- windsurfers and water-skiers. 3 common
ern US or South Africa. among the general public: the groundswell
pop1 vb popping, popped 1 to make or of popular feeling. 4 designed to appeal to a
cause to make a small explosive sound. 2 mass audience: an attack on him in the
(often foil, by in, out, etc.) Informal to enter popular press, popularity n popularly
or leave briefly or suddenly. 3 to place sud- adv
denly or unexpectedly: Benny popped a popular front n a left-wing group or party
sweet into his mouth. 4 to burst with a opposed to fascism.
small explosive sound. 5 (of the eyes) to
protrude. 6 Informal to pawn. 7 pop the popularize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
question Informal to propose marriage, —n -ised 1 to make popular. 2 to make easily
8 a light sharp explosive sound. 9 Informal understandable, popularization or -isa-
a nonalcoholic fizzy drink, -adv 10 with a tion n
pop. -See also pop off. populate vb -lating, -lated 1 (often passive)
pop2 n 1 music of general appeal, esp. to to live in: a mountainous region populated
young people, that usually has a strong mainly by Armenians. 2 to provide with in-
rhythm and uses electrical amplification. habitants. populated adj
—adj 2 relating to pop music: a pop concert. population n 1 all the inhabitants of a place.
3 Informal short for popular. 2 the number of such inhabitants. 3 all the
pop3 n Informal 1 father. 2 an old man. people of a particular class in a place: the
bulk of the rural population lives in pover-
pop. 1 population. 2 popular(ly). ty. 4 Ecology a group of individuals of the
pop art n a movement in modern art that same species inhabiting a given area: a
uses the methods, styles, and themes of population of grey seals.
popular culture and mass media. populism n a political strategy based on a
popcorn n grains of maize heated until they calculated appeal to the interests or
puff up and burst. prejudices of ordinary people: the Islamic
Pope n the bishop of Rome as head of the radicals preach a heady message of popu-
Roman Catholic Church. lism and religion, populist adj, n
popery (pope-er-ee) n Offensive Roman Ca- populous adj containing many inhabitants,
tholicism. porangi (pore-ang-ee) adj NZ informal
popeyed adj 1 staring in astonishment. 2 crazy; mad.
having bulging eyes. porbeagle n a kind of shark.
popgun n a toy gun that fires a pellet or porcelain n 1 a delicate type of china. 2 an
cork by means of compressed air. object or objects made of this.
popinjay n a conceited or talkative person, porch n a covered approach to the entrance
popish (pope-ish) adj Offensive relating to of a building.
Roman Catholicism. porcine adj of or like a pig.
poplar n a tall slender tree with light soft porcupine n a large rodent covered with
wood, triangular leaves, and catkins. long pointed quills.
poplin n a strong plain-woven fabric, usual- pore1 vb poring, pored pore over to exam-
ly of cotton, with fine ribbing. ine or study intently: a wife who pored over
pop off vb Informal 1 to depart suddenly. 2 account books and ledgers all day.
to die suddenly. pore2 n 1 a small opening in the skin or sur-
poriferan 627 pose
face of an animal or plant. 2 any small hole, worker who transfers patients between
such as a tiny gap in a rock. rooms, porterage n
poriferan (por-riff-er-an) n Biol a sponge, porter2 n Chiefly Brit a doorman or gate-
pork n the flesh of pigs used as food. keeper of a building.
porker n a pig fattened for food, porter3 n Brit a dark sweet ale brewed from
pork pie n a pie with a minced pork filling, black malt.
porky adj porkier, porkiest 1 of or like porterhouse n a thick choice beef steak.
pork. 2 Informal fat or obese. Also called: porterhouse steak
portfolio n, pl -os 1 a flat case for carrying
porn or porno n, adj Informal short for por-
nography or pornographic.
maps, drawings, or papers. 2 selected ex-
amples, such as drawings or photographs,
pornography n writings, pictures, or films that show an artist’s recent work. 3 the
designed to be sexually exciting, pornog- area of responsibility of the head of a gov-
rapher n pornographic adj ernment department: the defence portfolio.
porous adj 1 allowing air and liquids to be 4 Minister without portfolio a cabinet
absorbed. 2 Biol, geol having pores, poros- minister without responsibility for a gov-
ity n ernment department. 5 a list of investments
porphyry (por-fir-ee) n, pl -ries a reddish- held by an investor.
purple rock with large crystals of feldspar porthole n a small round window in a ship
in it. porphyritic adj or aircraft.
porpoise n, pl -poise or -poises a small portico n, pl -coes or-cos a porch or covered
mammal of the whale family with a blunt walkway with columns supporting the roof.
snout. portion n 1 a part of a whole. 2 a part be-
porridge n 1 a dish made of oatmeal or other longing to a person or group. 3 a helping of
cereal, cooked in water or milk. 2 Slang a food served to one person. 4 Law a dowry. 5
term of imprisonment. Literary someone’s fate or destiny: utter
porringer n a small dish, often with a han- disaster was my portion. ~vb 6 to divide
dle, used esp. formerly for soup or porridge. (something) into shares.
port1 n a town with a harbour where ships portion out vb to distribute or share (some-
can load and unload. thing) among a group of people: the British
port2 n 1 the left side of an aircraft or ship portioned out the oil-rich lands to various
when facing the front of it. ~vb 2 to turn sheikhs.
or be turned towards the port. portly adj -lier, -liest stout or rather fat.
port3 n a strong sweet fortified wine, usually portmanteau n, pl -teaus or -teaux Old-
dark red. fashioned a large suitcase made of stiff
leather that opens out into two compart-
port4 n Naut a an opening with a watertight ments.
door in the side of a ship, used for loading,
etc. b See porthole. portmanteau word n a word made by join-
ing together the beginning and end of two
portable adj 1 easily carried. ~n 2 an arti- other words, such as brunch. Also called:
cle designed to be easily carried, such as a blend
television or typewriter, portability n
portrait n 1 a painting, drawing, or photo-
portage n 1 the transporting of boats and graph of a person, often only of the face. 2 a
supplies overland between navigable description, portraitist n
waterways. 2 the route used for such portraiture n 1 the art of making portraits. 2
transport. ~vb -taging, -taged 3 to trans- a description. 3 a a portrait, b portraits col-
port (boats and supplies) in this way. lectively.
portal n Literary a large and impressive portray vb to describe or represent (some-
gateway or doorway. one) by artistic means, such as in writing or
portcullis n an iron grating suspended in a on film, portrayal n
castle gateway, that can be lowered to bar Portuguese adj 1 of Portugal. ~n 2 (pl
the entrance. -guese) a person from Portugal. 3 the lan-
portend vb to be an omen of: the changes in guage of Portugal and Brazil.
the Cabinet do not portend any significant Portuguese man-of-war n a large sea crea-
shift in policy. ture like a jellyfish, with long stinging
portent n 1 a sign of a future event. 2 great tentacles.
or ominous significance: matters of great pose vb posing, posed 1 to take up a par-
portent. 3 a marvel. ticular position to be photographed or
portentous adj 1 of great or ominous sig- drawn. 2 to behave in an affected way in
nificance. 2 self-important or pompous: order to impress others. 3 (often foil, by as)
there was nothing portentous or solemn to pretend to be (someone one is not). 4 to
about him. create or be (a problem, threat, etc.): dress-
porter1 n 1 a man employed to carry luggage ing complicated wounds has always posed a
at a railway station or hotel. 2 a hospital problem for doctors. 5 to put forward or
poser 628 possum
ask: the question you posed earlier. ~n 6 a positron n Physics the antiparticle of the
position taken up for an artist or photogra- electron, having the same mass but an equal
pher. 7 behaviour adopted for effect. and opposite charge.
poser1 n 1 Informal a person who likes to be poss. 1 possible. 2 possession. 3 possessive.
seen in trendy clothes in fashionable places. 4 possibly.
2 a person who poses. posse (poss-ee) n 1 US a selected group of
poser2 n a baffling question. men on whom the sheriff may call for assis-
poseur n a person who behaves in an affect- tance. 2 Informal a group of friends or as-
ed way in order to impress others. sociates: a posse of reporters. 3 (in W Cana-
posh ac(j Informal, chiefly Brit 1 smart or da) a troop of horses and riders who per-
elegant. 2 upper-class. form at rodeos.
posit (pozz-it) vb -iting, -ited to lay down as possess vb 1 to have as one’s property;
a basis for argument: the archetypes own. 2 to have as a quality or attribute: he
posited by modern psychology. possessed an innate elegance, authority,
position n 1 place or location: the hotel is in and wit on screen. 3 to gain control over or
an elevated position above the River Wye. 2 dominate: absolute terror possessed her.
the proper or usual place. 3 the way in possessor n
which a person or thing is placed or ar- possessed adj 1 (foil, by of) owning or hav-
ranged: an upright position. 4 point of view; ing: he is possessed of a calm maturity far
attitude: the Catholic Church’s position on beyond his years. 2 under the influence of a
contraception. 5 social status, esp. high so- powerful force, such as a spirit or strong
cial standing. 6 a job; appointment. 7 Sport emotion: possessed by the devil; she was
a player’s allotted role or place in the play- possessed by a frenzied urge to get out of
ing area. 8 in a position to able to: you Moscow.
were not in a position to repay the money. 9 possession n 1 the state of possessing;
Mil a place occupied for tactical reasons. ownership: how had this compromising pic-
~vb 10 to put in the proper or usual place; ture come into the possession of the press?
locate, positional adj 2 anything that is possessed. 3 possessions
positive adj 1 expressing certainty: a posi- wealth or property. 4 the state of being con-
tive answer. 2 definite or certain: are you trolled by or as if by evil spirits. 5 the occu-
absolutely positive about the date? 3 tend- pancy of land or property: troops had taken
ing to emphasize what is good; constructive: possession of the airport. 6 a territory sub-
positive thinking. 4 tending towards pro- ject to a foreign state. 7 the criminal offence
gress or improvement: investment that of having something illegal on one’s person:
could have a positive impact on the arrested for drug dealing and possession. 8
company’s fortunes. 5 Philosophy construc- Sport control of the ball by a player: County
tive rather than sceptical. 6 Informal com- had most of the possession, but couldn't
plete; downright: a positive delight. 7 Maths score.
having a value greater than zero: a positive possessive adj 1 of possession. 2 desiring
number. 8 Grammar denoting the unmodi- excessively to possess or dominate: a pos-
fied form of an adjective as opposed to its sessive husband. 3 Grammar denoting a
comparative or superlative form. 9 Physics form of a noun or pronoun used to convey
(of an electric charge) having an opposite possession, as my or Harry's: a possessive
charge to that of an electron. 10 Physics pronoun. ~n 4 Grammar a the possessive
short for electropositive. 11 Med (of the case, b a word in the possessive case, pos-
result of an examination or test) indicating sessiveness n
the presence of a suspected condition or or-
ganism. —n 12 something positive. 13 possibility n, pl -ties 1 the state of being
Maths a quantity greater than zero. 14 possible. 2 anything that is possible. 3 a
Photog a print showing an image whose col- competitor or candidate with a chance of
ours and tones correspond to those of the success. 4 a future prospect or potential: all
original subject. 15 Grammar the positive sorts of possibilities began to open up.
degree of an adjective or adverb. 16 a posi- possible adj 1 capable of existing, happen-
tive object, such as a terminal in a cell, ing, or proving true: the earliest possible
positively adv positiveness n moment. 2 capable of being done: I am
positive discrimination n the provision of grateful to the library staff for making this
special opportunities for a disadvantaged work possible. 3 having potential: a pos-
group. sible buyer. 4 feasible but less than prob-
positive vetting n the thorough checking of able: it’s possible that’s what he meant, but
all aspects of a person’s life to ensure his or I doubt it. ~n 5 same as possibility (sense
her suitability for a position that may in- 3).
volve national security. possibly adv 1 perhaps or maybe. 2 by any
positivism n a system of philosophy that means; at all: he can’t possibly come.
accepts only things that can be seen or possum n 1 Informal an opossum. 2 Austral
proved, positivist n, adj & NZ a phalanger. 3 play possum to pre-
post 629 postpositive
tend to be dead, ignorant, or asleep in order posterior n 1 Formal or humorous the but-
to deceive an opponent. tocks. —adj 2 at the back of or behind
post1 n 1 Brit an official system of mail de- something: posterior leg muscles. 3 coming
livery. 2 Chiefly Brit letters or packages after in a series or time.
that are transported and delivered by the posterity n 1 future generations. 2 all of
Post Office; mail. 3 Chiefly Brit a single col- one’s descendants.
lection or delivery of mail. 4 Brit a postbox postern n a small back door or gate,
or post office: take this to the post. ~vb 5 post-free adv, adj 1 Brit with the postage
Chiefly Brit to send by post. 6 Book-keeping prepaid. 2 free of postal charge.
a to enter (an item) in a ledger, b (often foil,
by up) to enter all paper items in (a ledger). postgraduate n 1 a person who is studying
7 keep someone posted to inform someone for a more advanced qualification after ob-
regularly of the latest news. taining a degree, -adj 2 of or for
postgraduates.
post2 n 1 a length of wood, metal, or con-
crete fixed upright to support or mark posthaste adv with great speed,
something. 2 Horse racing a either of two posthumous (poss-tume-uss) adj 1 happen-
upright poles marking the beginning and ing after one’s death. 2 born after the death
end of a racecourse, b the finish of a horse of one’s father. 3 (of a book) published
race. -vb 3 (sometimes foil, by up) to put after the author’s death, posthumously
up (a notice) in a public place. 4 to publish adv
(a name) on a list. postilion or postillion n (esp. formerly) a
post3 n 1 a position to which a person is ap- person who rides one of a pair of horses
pointed; job. 2 a position to which a soldier drawing a coach.
or guard is assigned for duty. 3 a perma- postimpressionism n a movement in paint-
nent military establishment. 4 Brit either of ing in France at the end of the 19th century
two military bugle calls (first post and last which rejected Impressionism but adapted
post) giving notice of the time to retire for its use of pure colour to paint with greater
the night. -vb 5 Chiefly Brit to send subjective emotion, postimpressionist n,
(someone) to a new place to work. 6 to as- adj
sign to or station at a particular place or posting n a job to which someone is assigned
position: guards were posted at the doors. by his or her employer which involves mov-
post- prefix 1 after in time: postgraduate. 2 █ ing to a particular town or country: Bonn
behind: postdated. wasdiis third posting overseas.
postage n the charge for sending a piece of postman or fem postwoman n, pl -men or
mail by post. -women a person who collects and delivers
postage stamp n same as stamp (sense 1). mail.
postal adj of a Post Office or the mail- postmark n 1 an official mark stamped on
delivery service. mail, showing the place and date of posting.
~ vb 2 to put such a mark on (mail).
postal order n a written money order sent
by post and cashed at a post office by the postmaster or fem postmistress n an offi-
person who receives it. cial in charge of a post office.
postbag n 1 Chiefly Brit a mailbag. 2 the postmaster general n, pl postmasters
mail received by a magazine, radio pro- general the executive head of the postal
gramme, or public figure. service.
postbox n same as letter box (sense 2). postmeridian adj occurring after noon,
postcard n a card, often with a picture on postmortem n 1 In full: postmortem ex-
one side, for sending a message by post amination medical examination of a dead
without an envelope. body to discover the cause of death. 2
analysis of a recent event: a postmortem on
post chaise (shaze) n Old-fashioned a four- the party’s recent appalling by-election re-
wheeled horse-drawn coach formerly used sults. -adj 3 occurring after death.
as a rapid means of carrying mail and pas-
sengers. postnatal adj occurring after childbirth:
postnatal depression.
postcode n a system of letters and numbers
used to aid the sorting of mail. post office n a building where stamps are
sold and postal business is conducted.
postdate vb -dating, -dated 1 to write a fu-
ture date on (a cheque or document). 2 to Post Office n a government department re-
occur at a later date than. 3 to assign a date sponsible for postal services.
to (an event or period) that is later than its postoperative adj of or occurring in the pe-
previously assigned date. riod after a surgical operation.
poster n 1 a large notice displayed in a pub- postpaid adv, adj with the postage prepaid,
lic place as an advertisement. 2 a large postpone vb -poning, -poned to put off
printed picture. until a future time, postponement n
poste restante n a post-office department postpositive adj Grammar (of an adjective)
where mail is kept until it is called for. placed after the word it modifies.
postprandial 630 potter
postprandial adj Formal after dinner. poteen or poitin n (in Ireland) illegally
postscript n a message added at the end of a made alcoholic drink.
letter, after the signature. potent adj 1 having great power or influ-
postulant n an applicant for admission to a ence. 2 (of arguments) persuasive or force-
religious order. ful. 3 highly effective: a potent poison. 4 (of
postulate Formal ~vb -lating, -lated 1 to
a male) capable of having sexual inter-
course. potency n
assume to be true as the basis of an argu-
ment or theory. 2 to ask, demand, or claim. potentate n a ruler or monarch.
~n 3 something postulated, postulation n potential adj 1 a possible but not yet actual:
posture n 1 a position or way in which a potential buyers, b capable of being or be-
person stands, walks, etc.: good posture. 2 a coming; latent: potential danger. ~n 2 abil-
mental attitude: a cooperative posture. 3 an ity or talent not yet in full use: she has
affected attitude: an intellectual posture. great potential as a painter. 3 In full: elec-
~vb during, -tured 4 to behave in an ex- tric potential the work required to trans-
aggerated way to attract attention. 5 to as- fer a unit positive electric charge from an
sume an affected attitude, postural adj infinite distance to a given point, poten-
tially adv
postviral fatigue syndrome or postviral
syndrome n same as ME (sense 3). potential difference n the difference in
electric potential between two points in an
postwar adj occurring or existing after a electric field, measured in volts.
war. potential energy n the energy which an ob-
posy n, pl -sies a small bunch of flowers. ject has stored up because of its position,
pot1 n 1 a round deep container, often with a potentiality n, pl -ties latent capacity for
handle and lid, used for cooking. 2 the becoming or developing.
amount that a pot will hold. 3 short for pother (rhymes with bother) n Literary a
flowerpot or teapot. 4 a handmade piece fuss or commotion.
of pottery. 5 Billiards etc a shot by which a
ball is pocketed. 6 a chamber pot. 7 the potherb n a plant whose leaves, flowers, or
money in the pool in gambling games. 8 stems are used in cooking.
(often pl) Informal a large sum of money. 9 pothole n 1 a hole in the surface of a road. 2
Informal a cup or other trophy. 10 See pot- a deep hole in a limestone area.
belly. 11 go to pot to go to ruin. ~vb pot- potholing n Brit the sport of exploring
ting, potted 12 to put (a plant) in soil in a underground caves, potholer n
flowerpot. 13 Billiards etc to pocket (a pothook n 1 an S-shaped hook for
ball). 14 to preserve (food) in a pot. 15 to suspending a pot over a fire. 2 an S-shaped
shoot (game) for food rather than for sport. mark in handwriting.
16 to shoot casually or without careful aim. pothunter n 1 a hunter who disregards the
17 Informal to capture or win. rules of sport. 2 Informal a person who en-
pot2 n Slang cannabis, ters competitions solely to win prizes.
potable (pote-a-bl) adj Formal drinkable, potion n a drink of medicine, poison, or some
potage (po-tahzh) n thick soup. supposedly magic liquid.
potash n 1 potassium carbonate, used as potluck n take potluck Informal to accept
fertilizer. 2 a compound containing potas- whatever happens to be available: we’ll
sium: permanganate of potash. take potluck at whatever restaurant might
still be open.
potassium n Chem a light silvery element of
the alkali metal group. Symbol: K potpourri (po-poor-ec) n, pl -ris 1 a fragrant
mixture of dried flower petals. 2 an assort-
potassium nitrate n a crystalline compound ment or medley.
used in gunpowders, fertilizers, and as a
preservative for foods (E252). pot roast n meat cooked slowly in a covered
pot with very little liquid.
potation n Formal 1 the act of drinking. 2 a potsherd n a broken piece of pottery.
drink, usually alcoholic.
pot shot n 1 a shot taken without careful
potato n, pl -toes 1 a starchy vegetable that aim. 2 a shot fired at an animal within easy
grows underground. 2 the plant from which range.
this vegetable is obtained.
pottage n a thick soup or stew.
potato beetle n same as Colorado beetle,
potted adj 1 grown in a pot: potted plant. 2
potato crisp n same as crisp (sense 7). cooked or preserved in a pot: potted
potbelly n, pl -lies 1 a bulging belly. 2 a per- shrimps. 3 Informal shortened or abridged:
son with such a belly. a potted history.
potboiler n Informal an inferior work of art potter1 n a person who makes pottery.
produced quickly to make money. potter2 or esp US & Canad putter vb 1 pot-
pot-bound adj (of a pot plant) having roots ter about, around or away to be busy in a
too big for its pot, so that it is unable to pleasant but aimless way: he potters away
grow further. doing God knows what all day. 2 to move
Potteries 631 power cut
with little energy or direction: I saw him pout vb 1 to thrust out (the lips) sullenly or
pottering off to see to his canaries. provocatively. 2 to swell out; protrude. ~n
Potteries n the Potteries a region of W cen- 3 a pouting.
tral England, in Staffordshire, where many pouter n a breed of domestic pigeon that can
china industries are situated. puff out its crop.
potter’s wheel n a flat spinning disc on poverty n 1 the state of lacking adequate
which clay is shaped by hand. food or money. 2 lack or scarcity: a poverty
pottery n, pl -teries 1 articles made from of information. 3 inferior quality or inad-
baked clay. 2 a place where such articles equacy: the poverty of political debate in
are made. 3 the craft of making such arti- this country.
cles. poverty-stricken adj extremely poor.
potting shed n a garden hut in which plants poverty trap n the situation of being unable
are put in flowerpots and potting materials to raise one’s living standard because any
are stored. extra income would result in state benefits
potty1 adj -tier, -tiest Brit informal 1 slight- being reduced or withdrawn.
ly crazy. 2 trivial or insignificant. 3 (foil, by pow interj an exclamation to indicate that a
about) very keen (on), pottiness n collision or explosion has taken place.
potty2 n, pl -ties a bowl used as a toilet by a POW prisoner of war.
small child.
powder n 1 a substance in the form of tiny
pouch n 1 a small bag. 2 a baglike pocket in loose particles. 2 a medicine or cosmetic in
various animals, such as the cheek fold in this form. ~vb 3 to cover or sprinkle with
hamsters. ~vb 3 to place in or as if in a powder, powdery adj
pouch. 4 to make or be made into a pouch.
powdered adj 1 sold in the form of a pow-
pouf or pouffe (poof) n a large solid cushion der, esp. one which has been formed by
used as a seat. grinding or drying the original material:
poulterer n a person who sells poultry, powdered milk. 2 covered or made up with
poultice (pole-tiss) n Med a moist dressing, a cosmetic in the form of a powder: liveried
often heated, applied to painful and swollen footmen in powdered wigs.
parts of the body. powder keg n 1 a potential source of vio-
poultry n domestic fowls. lence or disaster: a political powder keg. 2 a
pounce vb pouncing, pounced 1 (often foil, small barrel for holding gunpowder.
by on or upon) to spring upon suddenly to powder puff n a soft pad used to apply cos-
attack or capture. ~n 2 the act of pounc- metic powder to the skin.
ing; a spring or swoop. powder room n a ladies’ cloakroom or toilet,
pound1 n 1 the standard monetary unit of power n 1 ability to do something. 2 (often
the United Kingdom, made up of 100 pence. pl) a specific ability or faculty. 3 political,
Official name: pound sterling 2 the stand- financial, or social force or authority: men’s
ard monetary unit of various other coun- use of power over women in a subordinate
tries, such as Cyprus and Malta. 3 a unit of position in the workforce; economic power
weight made up of 16 ounces and equal to is the bedrock of political power. 4 a posi-
0.454 kilograms. tion of control, esp. over the running of a
pound2 vb 1 (sometimes foil, by on or at) to country: he seized power in a coup in 1966.
hit heavily and repeatedly. 2 to crush to 5 a state with political, industrial, or mili-
pieces or to powder. 3 (foil, by out) to pro- tary strength. 6 a person or group having
duce, by typing heavily. 4 (of the heart) to authority. 7 a prerogative or privilege: the
throb heavily. 5 to run with heavy steps. power of veto. 8 official or legal authority.
pound3 n an enclosure for stray dogs or offi- 9 Maths the value of a number or quantity
cially removed vehicles. raised to some exponent. 10 Physics, engi-
poundage n 1 a charge of so much per neering a measure of the rate of doing work
pound of weight. 2 a charge of so much per expressed as the work done per unit time.
pound sterling. 11 the rate at which electrical energy is fed
-pounder n combining form 1 something into or taken from a device or system,
weighing a specified number of pounds: a measured in watts. 12 mechanical energy as
200-pounder. 2 something worth a specified opposed to manual labour. 13 a particular
number of pounds: a ten-pounder. 3 a gun form of energy: nuclear power. 14 the mag-
that discharges a shell weighing a specified nifying capacity of a lens or optical system.
number of pounds: a two-pounder. 15 Informal a great deal: a power of good.
pour vb 1 to flow or cause to flow out in a 16 the powers that be established author-
stream. 2 to rain heavily. 3 to be given or ity. ~vb 17 to supply with power, -adj 18
obtained in large amounts: foreign aid is producing or using electrical energy: a
pouring into Iran. 4 to move together in * power tool.
large numbers: the fans poured onto the powerboat n a fast powerful motorboat.
pitch. power cut n a temporary interruption in the
pourboire (poor-bwahr) n a tip or gratuity. supply of electricity.
powerful 632 praiseworthy
powerful adj 1 having great power. 2 ex- lesson in which something has to be made
tremely effective: a powerful drug, power- or done, practicality n practically adv
fully adv powerfulness n practical joke n a trick intended to make
powerhouse n 1 Informal a forceful person someone look foolish, practical joker n
or thing. 2 an electrical generating station. practice n 1 something done regularly or re-
powerless adj without control or authority, peatedly. 2 repetition of an activity in order
powerlessness n to gain skill: regular practice is essential if
power of attorney n 1 legal authority to act you want to play an instrument well. 3 the
for another person. 2 the document confer- business or surgery of a doctor or lawyer. 4
ring such authority. the act of doing something: I’m not sure
power point n an electrical socket fitted into how effective these methods will be when
a wall for plugging in electrical appliances. put into practice. 5 in practice a what ac-
power-sharing n a political arrangement in
tually happens as distinct from what is
supposed to happen: many ideas which look
which all the groups in a society take part good on paper just don’t work in practice, b
in the running of the country: one of the skilled in something through having had a
main obstacles to peace has been the ques- lot of regular recent experience at it: I still
tion of power-sharing among the various go shooting, just to keep in practice. 6 out
factions. of practice not having had much regular
power station n an installation for generat- recent experience at an activity: although
ing and distributing electricity. out of practice, I still love playing my vio-
power steering n a type of steering in vehi- lin.
cles in which the turning of the steering ► Note the -ice ending for the noun, with -ise
wheel is assisted by power from the engine. for the verb (practise).
powwow n 1 a talk or meeting. 2 a meeting practise or US practice vb -tising, -tised or
of North American Indians. ~vb 3 to hold a -ticing, -ticed 1 to do repeatedly in order to
powwow. gain skill. 2 to take part in or follow (a reli-
pox n 1 a disease in which pus-filled blisters gion etc.): none of them practise Islam. 3 to
or pjmples form on the skin. 2 the pox In- work at (a profession): he originally intend-
formal syphilis. ed to practise medicine. 4 to do regularly:
pp 1 past participle. 2 (in signing documents they practise meditation.
on behalf of someone else) by delegation to. ► Note the -ise ending for the verb, with -ice
► The original meaning of pp (Latin per for the noun (practice).
procurationem) is “by delegation to", so tra- practised adj expert or skilled because of
ditionally pp is written before the name of long experience in a skill or field: the doctor
the typist to show that she or he has signed answered with a practised smoothness.
the letter on behalf of someone else. Nowa- practising adj taking part in an activity or
days the meaning has been overtaken by career on a regular basis: a practising bar-
the sense of “on behalf of” and pp is often rister.
written before the name of the person who practitioner n a person who practises a pro-
composed the letter. fession.
pp. pages. praetor (pree-tor) n (in ancient Rome) a sen-
PPS 1 parliamentary private secretary. 2 ior magistrate ranking just below the con-
additional postscript. suls. praetorian adj, n
PQ 1 Province of Quebec. 2 (in Canada) Parti pragmatic adj 1 concerned with practical
Quebecois. consequences rather than theory. 2 Phi-
pr pl prs pair. losophy of pragmatism, pragmatically adv
Pr Chem praseodymium. pragmatism n 1 policy dictated by practical
PR 1 proportional representation. 2 public consequences rather than by theory. 2 Phi-
relations. losophy the doctrine that the content of a
pr. 1 price. 2 pronoun. concept consists only in its practical applic-
ability. pragmatist n, adj
practicable adj 1 capable of being done. 2
usable, practicability n prairie n (often pl) a large treeless area of
grassland of the central US and S Canada.
practical adj 1 involving experience or ac-
tual use rather than theory. 2 concerned prairie dog n a rodent that lives in burrows
with everyday matters: the kind of practi- in the N American prairies.
cal and emotional upheaval that divorce praise vb praising, praised 1 to express
can bring. 3 sensible, useful, and effective admiration or approval for. 2 to express
rather than fashionable or attractive: it's a thanks and worship to (one’s God). ~n 3
marvellous design, because it’s comfortable, the expression of admiration or approval. 4
it’s practical, and it actually looks good. 4 sing someone’s praises to praise someone
involving the simple basics: practical skills. highly.
5 being very close to (a state); virtual: it’s a praiseworthy adj deserving praise; com-
practical certainty. ~n 6 an examination or mendable.
praline 633 precipitate
praline (prah-leen) n a sweet made of nuts about 4500 million years ago to 600 million
with caramelized sugar. years ago.
pram n Brit a four-wheeled carriage for a precancerous adj relating to cells that show
baby, pushed by a person on foot. signs that they may develop cancer.
prance vb prancing, pranced 1 to walk precarious adj (of a position or situation)
with exaggerated movements. 2 (of an ani- dangerous or insecure, precariously adv
mal) to move with high springing steps. ~n precaution n an action taken in advance to
3 the act of prancing. prevent an undesirable event, precaution-
prang Old-fashioned slang —n 1 a crash in ary adj
an aircraft or car. —vb 2 to crash or dam- precede vb -ceding, -ceded to go or be be-
age (an aircraft or car). fore (someone or something) in time, place,
prank n a mischievous trick, prankster n or rank.
praseodymium (pray-zee-oh-dim-ee-um) n precedence (press-ee-denss) n formal order
Chem a silvery-white element of the lan- of rank or position.
thanide series of metals. Symbol: Pr precedent n 1 a previous occurrence used to
prat n Offensive an incompetent or ineffec- justify taking the same action in later simi-
tual person. lar situations. 2 Law a judicial decision that
prate vb prating, prated 1 to talk idly and serves as an authority for deciding a later
at length. ~n 2 chatter. case, -adj 3 preceding.
prattle vb -tling, -tied 1 to chatter in a fool- precentor n a person who leads the singing
ish or childish way. —n 2 foolish or child- in church services.
ish talk. precept n 1 a rule of conduct. 2 a rule for
prawn n a small edible shellfish. morals. 3 Law a writ or warrant, precep-
praxis n 1 practice as opposed to the theory. tive adj
2 accepted practice or custom. preceptor n Rare an instructor, precepto-
pray vb 1 to say prayers (to one’s God). 2 to rial adj
ask earnestly; beg. -adv 3 Archaic I beg precession n 1 the act of preceding. 2 the
you; please: pray, leave us alone. motion of a spinning body, in which the axis
prayer1 n 1 a thanksgiving or an appeal spo- of rotation sweeps out a cone. 3 precession
ken to one’s God. 2 a set form of words used of the equinoxes the slightly earlier occur-
in praying: the Lord’s Prayer. 3 an earnest rence of the equinoxes each year.
request. 4 the practice of praying: call the precinct n 1 an area in a town closed to traf-
faithful to prayer. 5 (often pl) a form of de- fic: a shopping precinct. 2 an enclosed area
votion spent mainly praying: morning pray- around a building. 3 US an administrative
ers. 6 something prayed for. area of a city.
prayer2 n a person who prays. precincts pl n the surrounding region,
prayer book n a book of prayers used in preciosity (presh-ee-oss-it-ee) n, pl -ties af-
church or at home. fectation.
prayer mat or prayer rug n the small carpet
on which a Muslim performs his or her precious adj 1 very costly or valuable. 2
daily prayers. loved and treasured. 3 very affected in
speech, manners, or behaviour. 4 Informal
prayer wheel n Buddhism (in Tibet) a cylin- worthless: nothing is too good for his pre-
der inscribed with prayers, each turning of cious dog. —adv 5 Informal very: there’s
which is counted as an uttered prayer. precious little to do in this town.
praying mantis n same as mantis. precious metal n gold, silver, or platinum,
pre- prefix before in time or position: pre- precious stone n a rare mineral, such as
date; pre-eminent. diamond, ruby, or opal, that is highly val-
preach vb 1 to talk on a religious theme as ued as a gem.
part of a church service. 2 to speak in sup- precipice n the very steep face of a cliff,
port of (something) in a moralizing way.
precipitant adj 1 hasty or rash. 2 rushing or
preacher n a person who preaches,
falling rapidly. ~n 3 something which
preamble n an introduction that comes be- helps bring about an event or condition:
fore something spoken or written. stressful events are often the precipitant
prearranged adj arranged beforehand, for a manic attack.
prearrangement n precipitate vb -tating, -tated 1 to cause to
prebend n 1 the allowance paid by a ca- happen earlier than expected: the scandal
thedral or collegiate church to a canon or could bring the government down, precipi-
member of the chapter. 2 the land or tithe tating a general election. 2 to condense or
from which this is paid, prebendal adj cause to condense and fall as snow or rain.
prebendary n, p/-daries a clergyman who is 3 Chem to cause to be deposited in solid
a member of the chapter of a cathedral. form from a solution. 4 to throw from a
Precambrian or Pre-Cambrian adj Geol of height: the encircled soldiers chose to pre-
the earliest geological era, lasting from cipitate themselves into the ocean, -adj 5
precipitation 634 preen
done rashly or hastily. 6 rushing ahead. ~n predetermine vb -mining, -mined 1 to de-
7 Chem a precipitated solid. termine beforehand. 2 to influence or bias,
precipitation n 1 the formation of a chemi- predetermined adj
cal precipitate. 2 Meteorol a rain, hail, predicable adj capable of being predicated,
snow, or sleet formed by condensation of predicament n an embarrassing or difficult
water vapour in the atmosphere, b the fall- situation.
ing of these. 3 rash haste: they decamped predicant (pred-ik-ant) adj 1 of preaching.
with the utmost precipitation. ~n 2 a member of a religious order founded
precipitous adj 1 very steep: precipitous for preaching, usually a Dominican.
cliffs. 2 very quick and severe: a precipi- predicate n 1 Grammar the part of a sen-
tous decline. 3 rapid and unplanned; hasty: tence in which something is said about the
European governments urged the Ameri- subject. 2 Logic something that is asserted
cans not to make a precipitous deci- about the subject of a proposition, -vb
sion. -eating, -cated 3 to depend or be based: po-
precis (pray-see) n, pl precis 1 a short litical aims which are predicated upon a
summary of a longer text. -vb 2 to make a feminist view of women’s oppression. 4 to
precis of. declare or assert: it has been predicated
precise adj 1 particular or exact: this pre- that if we continue with our current sexual
cise moment. 2 strictly correct in amount or behaviour every family will have an AIDS
value: precise measurements. 3 working victim. 5 Logic to assert (something) about
with total accuracy: precise instruments. 4 the subject of a proposition, predication n
strict in observing rules or standards, pre- predicative adj
cisely adv predict vb to tell about in advance; proph-
precision n 1 the quality of being precise. esy. predictable adj predictably adv
—adj 2 accurate: precision engineering. predictor n
preclude vb -eluding, -eluded Formal to prediction n 1 the act of forecasting in ad-
make impossible to happen. vance. 2 something that is forecast in ad-
precocious adj having developed or ma- vance.
tured early or too soon, precocity n predikant (pred-ik-ant) n a minister in the
precognition n Psychol the alleged ability to Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa.
foresee future events. predilection n Formal a preference or liking,
preconceived adj (of ideas etc.) formed predispose vb -posing, -posed (often foil.
without real experience or reliable informa- by to) 1 to influence (someone) in favour of
tion. preconception n something: some scientists’ social class
precondition n something that is necessary background predisposes them to view the
before something else can come about. natural world in a certain way. 2 to make
precursor n 1 something that comes before (someone) susceptible to something: a high-
and signals something to follow; a forerun- fat diet appears to predispose men towards
ner. 2 a predecessor. heart disease, predisposition n
pred. predicate. predominant adj being more important or
predacious adj (of animals) habitually noticeable than others: improved living
hunting and killing other animals for food. conditions probably played the predomi-
predate vb -dating, -dated 1 to occur at an nant role in reducing disease in the nine-
earlier date than. 2 to write a date on (a teenth century, predominance n pre-
document) that is earlier than the actual dominantly adv
date. predominate vb -nating, -nated 1 to be the
predator n an animal that kills and eats most important or controlling aspect or
other animals. part: the image of brutal repression that
predatory (pred-a-tree) adj 1 (of animals) has tended to predominate since the
habitually hunting and killing other ani- protests were crushed. 2 to form the great-
mals for food. 2 eager to gain at the expense est part or be most common: women and
of others. children predominate in this gathering.
predecease vb -ceasing, -ceased to die be- pre-eminent adj outstanding. pre-
fore (someone else). eminence n
predecessor n 1 a person who precedes an- pre-empt vb to prevent an action by doing
other in an office or position. 2 an ancestor. something which makes it pointless or im-
3 something that precedes something else: possible: he pre-empted his expulsion from
the library will be more extravagant than the party by resigning.
its predecessors. pre-emption n Law the purchase of or right
predestination n Christian theol the belief to buy property in advance of others.
that future events have already been decid- pre-emptive adj Mil designed to damage or
ed by God. destroy an enemy’s attacking strength be-
predestined adj Christian theol determined fore it can be used: a pre-emptive strike.
in advance by God. preen vb 1 (of birds) to clean or trim (feath-
pref. 635 premier
ers) with the beak. 2 to smarten (oneself) preindustrial adj of a time before the
carefully. 3 (often foil, by on) to be self- mechanization of industry.
satisfied. prejudge vb -judging, -judged to judge be-
pref. 1 preface. 2 prefatory. 3 preference. 4 fore knowing all the facts.
preferred. 5 prefix. prejudice n 1 an unreasonable or unfair dis-
prefab n a prefabricated house, like or preference. 2 intolerance of or dis-
prefabricated adj (of a building) made in like for people because they belong to a
shaped sections for quick assembly. specific race, religion, or group: class
preface (pref-iss) n 1 an introduction to a prejudice. 3 the act or condition of holding
book, usually explaining its intention or such opinions. 4 harm or detriment: conduct
content. 2 anything introductory. ~vb to the prejudice of good order and military
-acing, -aced 3 to say or do something be- discipline. 5 without prejudice Law with-
fore proceeding to the main part. 4 to act as out harm to an existing right or claim. ~vb
a preface to. -dicing, -diced 6 to cause (someone) to have
prefatory adj concerning a preface. a prejudice. 7 to harm: the incident preju-
diced his campaign.
prefect n 1 Brit, Austral, & NZ a senior
prejudicial adj harmful; damaging.
pupil in a school with limited power over
the behaviour of other pupils. 2 (in some prelacy n, pl -cies 1 a the office or status of
countries) the chief administrative officer a prelate, b prelates collectively. 2 Often of-
in a department. fensive government of the Church by
prefecture n the office or area of authority prelates.
of a prefect. prelate (prel-it) n a clergyman of high rank,
prefer vb -ferring, -ferred 1 to like better: such as a bishop.
most people prefer television to reading preliminaries pl n same as prelims.
books. 2 Law to put (charges) before a court preliminary adj 1 occurring before or in
for judgment. 3 (often passive) to promote preparation; introductory. ~n, pl -naries 2
over another or others. an action or event occurring before or in
preferable adj more desirable or suitable, preparation for an activity: the discussions
preferably adv are a preliminary to the main negotiations.
preference n 1 a liking for one thing above 3 a qualifying contest held before a main
the rest. 2 a person or thing preferred. competition.
preference shares pl n Brit shares issued prelims pl n 1 the pages of a book, such as
by a company which give their holders a the title page and contents, which come be-
priority over ordinary shareholders to fore the main text. 2 the first public exami-
payment of dividend. nations in some universities.
preferential adj 1 showing preference: pref- prelude (prel-yewd) n 1 a an introductory
erential treatment. 2 indicating a special movement in music, b a short piece of music
favourable status in business affairs: the for piano or organ. 2 an event introducing
President is to renew China’s preferential or preceding the main event. ~vb -uding,
trading status. 3 indicating a voting system -uded 3 to act as a prelude to (something). 4
which allows voters to rank candidates in to introduce by a prelude.
order of preference: a multi-option referen- premarital adj occurring before marriage:
dum with preferential voting. premarital sex.
preferment n promotion to a higher posi- premature adj 1 happening or done before
tion. the normal or expected time: premature
prefigure vb -uring, -ured 1 to represent or ageing. 2 impulsive or hasty: a premature
suggest in advance. 2 to imagine before- judgment. 3 (of a baby) born weeks before
hand. the date when it was due to be born,
prematurely adv
prefix n 1 Grammar a letter or group of let-
ters put at the beginning of a word to make premedication n Surgery any drugs given to
a new word, such as un- in unhappy. 2 a prepare a patient for a general anaesthetic.
title put before a name, such as Mr. ~vb 3 premeditated adj planned in advance,
Grammar to add (a letter or group of let- premeditation n
ters) as a prefix to the beginning of a word. premenstrual adj occurring or experienced
4 to put before. before a menstrual period.
pregnant adj 1 carrying a fetus or fetuses premenstrual tension or syndrome n
within the womb. 2 full of meaning or sig- symptoms, such as nervous tension, that
nificance: a pregnant pause, pregnancy n may be experienced because of hormonal
prehensile adj capable of curling round ob- changes in the days before a menstrual pe-
jects and grasping them: a prehensile tail. riod starts.
prehistoric adj of man’s development before premier n 1 a prime minister. 2 a head of
the appearance of the written word, pre- government of a Canadian province or Aus-
history n tralian state, -adj 3 first in importance or
premiere 636 Presbyterian
rank: Torbay, Devon’s premier resort. 4 prepare vb -paring, -pared 1 to make or get
first in occurrence, premiership n ready: the army prepared for battle. 2 to
premiere n 1 the first public performance of put together using parts or ingredients: he
a film, play, or opera. —vb -ering, -ered 2 had spent most of the afternoon preparing
to give a premiere of: the play was the meal. 3 to equip or outfit, as for an
premiered last year in Johannesburg. expedition. 4 be prepared to to be willing
premise or premiss n Logic a statement and able to: I’m not prepared to say.
that is assumed to be true and is used as a prepay vb -paying, -paid to pay for in ad-
basis for an argument. vance. prepayment n
premises pl n 1 a piece of land together preponderant adj greater in amount, force,
with its buildings. 2 Law (in a deed) the or influence, preponderance n
matters referred to previously. preponderate vb -ating, -ated (often foil,
premium n 1 an extra sum of money added by over) to be more powerful, important, or
to a standard rate, price, or wage: the su- numerous (than).
perior taste persuades me to pay the pre- preposition n a word used before a noun or
mium for bottled water. 2 the (regular) pronoun to relate it to the other words, for
amount paid for an insurance policy. 3 the example in in he is in the car. preposition-
amount above the usual value at which al adj
something sells: some even pay a premium prepossess vb 1 to make a favourable im-
of up to 15 per cent for the privilege. 4 pression in advance. 2 to preoccupy or en-
great value or regard: we do put a very high gross mentally, prepossession n
premium on common sense. 5 at a premium prepossessing adj making a favourable im-
a in great demand, usually because of scar- pression; attractive.
city. b at a higher price than usual.
preposterous adj utterly absurd.
Premium Savings Bonds pl n (in Britain)
savings certificates issued by the govern- prep school n Informal See preparatory
ment, on which no interest is paid, but there school.
is a monthly draw for cash prizes. Also prepuce (pree-pyewss) n 1 the retractable
called: premium bonds fold of skin covering the tip of the penis;
premolar n a tooth between the canine and foreskin. 2 the retractable fold of skin cov-
first molar in adult humans. ering the tip of the clitoris.
premonition n a feeling that something un- Pre-Raphaelite (pree-raff-a-lite) n 1 a
pleasant is going to happen; foreboding, member of a group of painters in the nine-
premonitory adj teenth century who revived the style con-
prenatal adj before birth; during pregnancy, sidered typical of Italian painting before
Raphael, —adj 2 of or in the manner of Pre-
preoccupy vb -pies, -pying, -pied to fill the Raphaelite painting and painters.
thoughts or mind of (someone) to the exclu-
sion of other things, preoccupation n prerecord vb to record (music or a pro-
gramme) in advance so that it can be played
preordained adj decreed or determined in or broadcast later, prerecorded adj
advance.
prerequisite n 1 something that is required
prep n Informal short for preparation before something else is possible, -adj 2
(sense 4). required before something else is possible.
prep. 1 preparation. 2 preparatory. 3 prepo-
prerogative n a special privilege or right,
sition.
prepacked adj (of goods) sold already pres. 1 present (time). 2 presidential.
wrapped. Pres. President.
prepaid adj paid for in advance. presage (press-ij) vb -aging, -aged 1 to be a
preparation n 1 the act of preparing or warning or sign of something about to hap-
being prepared. 2 (often pl) something done pen: the windless air presaged disaster. ~n
in order to prepare for something else: to 2 an omen. 3 a misgiving.
make preparations for a wedding. 3 some- presbyopia n Med a gradual inability of the
thing that is prepared, such as a medicine. 4 eye to focus on nearby objects.
Old-fashioned a homework, b the period re- presbyter n 1 (in some episcopal Churches)
served for this. an official with administrative and priestly
preparatory (prip-par-a-tree) adj 1 prepar- duties. 2 (in the Presbyterian Church) an
ing for: a preparatory meeting to organize elder, presbyterial adj
the negotiations. 2 introductory. 3 pre- Presbyterian adj 1 of or designating Church
paratory to before: Jack cleared his throat government by lay elders. ~n 2 someone
preparatory to speaking. who supports this type of Church govern-
preparatory school n 1 (in Britain) a pri- ment. presbyterianism n
vate school for children between the ages of Presbyterian adj 1 of any of the Protestant
6 and 13, generally preparing pupils for Churches governed by lay elders. ~n 2 a
public school. 2 (in the U.S.) a private sec- member of a Presbyterian Church. Presby-
ondary school preparing pupils for college. terianism n
presbytery 637 president
presbytery n, pl -teries 1 Presbyterian duced to other people. 2 acceptable: the
Church a local Church court. 2 RC Church team reached a presentable total, present-
the residence of a parish priest. 3 elders col- ability n
lectively. 4 the part of a church east of the presentation n 1 the act of presenting or
choir; a sanctuary. being presented. 2 the manner of present-
preschool adj of or for children below the ing. 3 a formal ceremony in which an award
age of five: a preschool playgroup. is made. 4 a public performance, such as a
prescience (press-ee-enss) n Formal play or a ballet.
knowledge of events before they happen, present-day adj of the modern day; current:
prescient adj even by present-day standards these were
prescribe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 Med to large aircraft.
recommend the use of (a medicine or other presenter n a person who introduces a radio
remedy). 2 to lay down as a rule. or television show and links the items in it.
prescript n something laid down or pre- presentiment (priz-zen-tim-ent) n a sense
scribed. that something unpleasant is about to hap-
prescription n 1 a written instructions from pen; premonition.
a doctor for the preparation and use of a presently adv 1 soon: you will understand
medicine, b the medicine prescribed. 2 writ- presently. 2 Chiefly Scot, US, & Canad at
ten instructions from an optician specifying the moment: these methods are presently
the lenses needed to correct bad eyesight. 3 being developed.
a prescribing. present participle n Grammar a form of
prescriptive adj 1 laying down rules. 2 verb, ending in -ing, which is used to de-
based on tradition. scribe action that is happening at the same
presence n 1 the fact of being in a specified time as that of the main verb.
place: the test detects the presence of sugar present perfect adj, n Grammar same as
in the urine. 2 impressive personal appear- perfect (senses 7, 8).
ance or bearing: a person of dignified and presents pl n Law used in a deed or docu-
commanding presence. 3 the company or ment to refer to itself: know all men by
nearness of a person: she seemed complete- these presents.
ly unaware of my presence. 4 Mil a force
stationed in another country: the American- preservative n 1 a chemical added to foods
led military presence in the Gulf. 5 an invis- to prevent decay, —adj 2 preventing decay.
ible spirit felt to be nearby: I felt a presence preserve vb -serving, -served 1 to keep safe
in the room. from change or extinction; protect: we are
presence of mind n the ability to stay calm interested in preserving world peace. 2 to
and act sensibly in a crisis. protect from decay or damage: the carefully
preserved village of Cregneish. 3 to treat
present1 adj 1 being in a specified place: he (food) in order to prevent it from decaying.
had been present at the birth of his son. 2 4 to maintain; keep up: the 1.2% increase in
existing or happening now. 3 current: the earnings needed to preserve living stand-
present exchange rate. 4 Grammar of a verb ards. —n 5 an area of interest restricted to
tense used when the action described is a particular person or group: working-class
happening now. —n 5 Grammar the present preserves such as pigeon racing. 6 (usually
tense. 6 at present now. 7 for the present pl) fruit preserved by cooking in sugar. 7 an
for now; temporarily. 8 the present the area where game is kept for private hunting
time being; now. —See also presents. or fishing, preservation n
present2 n 1 a gift, -vb 2 to introduce (a preset vb -setting, -set 1 to set the timer on
person) formally to another. 3 to introduce a piece of equipment so that it starts to
to the public: the Museum of Modern Art is work at a specific time, -adj 2 (of equip-
presenting a retrospective of his work. 4 to ment) with the controls set in advance.
introduce and compere (a radio or televi- preshrunk adj (of fabric or a garment) hav-
sion show). 5 to show or exhibit: they took ing been shrunk during manufacture so that
advantage of every tax dodge that present- further shrinkage will not occur when
ed itself. 6 to bring about; the case present-
ed a large number of legal difficulties. 7 to washed.
put forward or submit: they presented a pe- preside vb -siding, -sided 1 to chair a meet-
tition to the Prime Minister. 8 to give or ing. 2 to exercise authority: he presided
offer formally: he was presented with a over the burning of the books.
watch to celebrate his twenty-five years presidency n, pl -cies the office or term of a
with the company. 9 to hand over for action president.
or payment: to present a bill. 10 to portray president n 1 the head of state of a republic,
in a particular way: her lawyer presented esp. of the US. 2 the head of a company, so-
her as a naive woman who had got into bad ciety, or institution. 3 a person who pre-
company. 11 to aim (a weapon). 12 present sides over a meeting. 4 the head of certain
arms to salute with one’s weapon. establishments of higher education, presi-
presentable adj 1 fit to be seen by or intro- dential adj
presidium 638 pretence
presidium n (in Communist countries) a body on the surface of another. 3 urgent
permanent administrative committee. claims or demands: to work under pressure.
press1 vb 1 to apply weight or force to: he 4 a condition that is hard to bear: the pres-
pressed the button on the camera. 2 to sure of grief. 5 Physics the force applied to
squeeze: she pressed his hand. 3 to com- a unit area of a surface. 6 bring pressure
press to alter in shape. 4 to smooth out to bear on to use influence or authority to
creases by applying pressure or heat. 5 to persuade. -vb -suring, -sured 7 to per-
make (objects) from soft material by press- suade forcefully: he was pressured into res-
ing with a mould. 6 to crush to force out ignation.
Guice). 7 to urge (someone) insistently: they pressure cooker n an airtight pot which
pressed for an answer. 8 to force or compel: cooks food quickly by steam under pres-
I was pressed into playing rugby at school. sure. pressure-cook vb
9 to plead or put forward strongly: they in- pressure group n a group that tries to in-
tend to press their claim for damages in the fluence policies or public opinion.
courts. 10 to be urgent: time presses. 11 pressurize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
(sometimes foil, by on or forward) to con- -ised 1 to increase the pressure in (an air-
tinue in a determined way: they pressed on craft cabin, etc.) in order to maintain ap-
with their journey. 12 to crowd; push: proximately atmospheric pressure when
shoppers press along the pavements. 13 the external pressure is low. 2 to make in-
pressed for short of: pressed for time. —n sistent demands of (someone): do not be
14 any machine that exerts pressure to pressurized into making a decision, pres-
form or cut materials or to extract liquids surization or -isation n
or compress solids. 15 See printing press.
16 the art or process of printing. 17 go to Prestel n Trademark (in Britain) the Post
press to go to be printed: when is this book Office public viewdata service.
going to press? 18 the press a news media prestidigitation n Formal same as sleight of
collectively, esp. newspapers, b journalists hand, prestidigitator n
collectively. 19 the opinions and reviews in prestige n 1 high status or respect resulting
the newspapers: the government is not re- from success or achievements: a symbol of
ceiving a good press at the moment. 20 the French power and prestige. 2 the power to
act of pressing or state of being pressed: at impress: a humdrum family car with no
the press of a button. 21 a crowd: a press of prestige, prestigious adj
people at the exit. 22 a cupboard for storing presto Music -adv 1 very fast. ~n, pl -tos
clothes or linen. 2 a passage to be played very quickly.
press2 vb 1 to recruit (men) forcibly for prestressed concrete n concrete that con-
military service. 2 to use for a purpose tains stretched steel wires.
other than intended: press into service. presumably adv one supposes or guesses;
press agent n a person employed to obtain probably: he emerged from what was pre-
favourable publicity for an individual or sumably the kitchen carrying a tray.
organization. presume vb -suming, -sumed 1 to take
press box n a room at a sports ground re- (something) for granted: I presume he’s
served for reporters. dead. 2 to dare (to): I would not presume to
press conference n an interview for re- lecture you on medical matters, Dr Jacobs.
porters given by a famous person. 3 (foil, by on or upon) to rely or depend:
press gallery n an area for newspaper re- don’t presume on his agreement. 4 (foil, by
porters, esp. in a parliament. on or upon) to take advantage (of): I’m
press gang n 1 (formerly) a group of men afraid I presumed on Aunt Ginny’s generos-
used to capture men and boys and forced ity. presumedly adv presuming adj
them to join the navy. ~vb press-gang 2 to presumption n 1 the act of presuming. 2 a
force (a person) to join the navy by a press basis on which an assumption is made. 3
gang. 3 to persuade (someone) to do some- bold insolent behaviour. 4 a belief or as-
thing that he or she does not want to do: he sumption based on reasonable evidence,
was press-ganged into joining the family presumptive adj
business. presumptuous adj bold and insolent,
pressing adj 1 demanding immediate atten- presuppose vb -posing, -posed 1 to require
tion. ~n 2 a large number of gramophone as a previous condition in order to be true:
records produced at one time. the idea of integration presupposes a disin-
press stud n a fastener in which one part tegrated state. 2 to take for granted, pre-
with a projecting knob snaps into a hole on supposition n
another part. pretence or US pretense n 1 an action or
press-up n an exercise in which the body is claim that could mislead people into believ-
raised from and lowered to the floor by ing something which is not true: Daniel
straightening and bending the arms. made a pretence of carefully reading it; the
pressure n 1 the state of pressing or being pretence that many of the unemployed are
pressed. 2 the application of force by one on “training schemes". 2 a false display; af-
pretend 639 prickly
fectation: she abandoned all pretence of min C prevented scurvy. 2 (often foil, by
work and watched me. 3 a claim, esp. a from) to keep (someone from doing some-
false one, to a right, title, or distinction. 4 thing): circumstances prevented her from
make-believe. 5 a pretext: they were placed coming, preventable adj prevention n
in a ghetto on the pretence that they would preventive adj 1 intended to prevent or hin-
be safe there. der. 2 Med tending to prevent disease. ~n 3
pretend vb 1 to claim or give the appear- something that serves to prevent. 4 Med
ance of (something untrue): he pretended to any drug or agent that tends to prevent dis-
be asleep. 2 to make believe: one of the ac- ease. Also: preventative
tresses pretended to urinate into a bucket. 3 preview n 1 an opportunity to see a film,
(foil, by to) to present a claim, esp. a doubt- exhibition, or play before it is shown to the
ful one: to pretend to the throne. public. ~vb 2 to view in advance.
pretender n a person who makes a false or previous adj 1 coming or happening before.
disputed claim to a throne or title. 2 Informal happening too soon; premature:
pretension n (often pl) a false claim to merit such criticism is a bit previous because no
or importance. definite decision has yet been taken. 3 pre-
pretentious adj 1 making (unjustified) vious to before, previously adv
claims to special merit or importance: many prewar adj relating to the period before a
critics thought her work and ideas preten- war, esp. before World War I or II.
tious and empty. 2 vulgarly showy; ostenta- prey n 1 an animal hunted and killed for
tious: a family restaurant with no preten- food by another animal. 2 the victim of a
tious furnishing. hostile person, influence, emotion, or ill-
preterite or esp US preterit (pret er it) ness: children are falling prey to the dis-
Grammar ~-n 1 a past tense of verbs, such ease. 3 bird or beast of prey a bird or ani-
as jumped, swam. 2 a verb in this tense. mal that kills and eats other birds or ani-
-adj 3 expressing such a past tense. mals. ~vb (often foil, by on or upon) 4 to
preternatural adj beyond what is natural; hunt and kill for food. 5 to worry or obsess:
supernatural. it preyed on his conscience. 6 to make a vic-
pretext n a false reason given to hide the tim (of others), by profiting at their ex-
real one: delivering the book had been a pense.
good pretext for seeing her again. price n 1 the amount of money for which a
prettify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make pret-
thing is bought or sold. 2 the cost at which
something is obtained: the price of making
ty. the wrong decision. 3 at any price whatev-
pretty adj -tier, -tiest 1 attractive in a deli- er the price or cost. 4 at a price at a high
cate or graceful way. 2 pleasant to look at. price. 5 Gambling odds. 6 what price
3 Informal, often ironical excellent or fine: (something)? what are the chances of
well, this is a pretty state of affairs to have (something) happening now? ~vb pricing,
got into. ~adv 4 Informal fairly: I think he priced 7 to fix the price of. 8 to discover
and Nicholas got on pretty well. 5 sitting the price of.
pretty Informal in a favourable state, price-fixing n the setting of prices by
prettily adv prettiness n agreement among producers and
pretty-pretty adj Informal excessively pret- distributors.
ty- priceless adj 1 extremely valuable. 2 Infor-
pretzel n a brittle salted biscuit in the shape mal extremely amusing.
of a knot. pricey adj pricier, priciest Informal expen-
prevail vb 1 (often foil, by over or against) sive.
to prove superior; gain mastery: moderate prick vb 1 to pierce lightly with a sharp
nationalists have until now prevailed over point. 2 to cause a piercing sensation (in): a
the radicals. 2 to be the most important fea- needle pricked her finger. 3 to cause a
ture: a casual good-natured mood prevailed. sharp emotional pain (in): the film pricked
3 to be generally established: this attitude our consciences about the plight of the
has prevailed in Britain for many years. 4 American Indians. 4 prick up one’s ears a
prevail on or upon to succeed in persuad- (of a dog) to make the ears stand erect, b
ing: she prevailed upon her parents to let (of a person) to listen attentively, —n 5 a
her go to London. sudden sharp pain caused by pricking. 6 a
prevailing adj 1 widespread: the prevailing mark made by a sharp point. 7 a sharp emo-
mood. 2 most usual: the prevailing wind is tional pain: a prick of conscience. 8 Slang
from the west. taboo a penis. 9 Slang offensive a man who
prevalent adj widespread or common, provokes contempt.
prevalence n prickle n 1 Bot a thorn or spike on a plant. 2
prevaricate vb -eating, -cated to avoid giv- a pricking or stinging sensation. ~vb -ling,
ing a direct or truthful answer, prevarica- -led 3 to feel a stinging sensation.
tion n prevaricator n prickly adj -tier, -liest 1 having prickles. 2
prevent vb 1 to keep from happening: vita- tingling or stinging: he had a prickly feeling
prickly heat 640 primitive
down his back. 3 touchy or irritable: ers of a bird’s wing) outer and longest. 8
Canadians are notoriously priekly about being the part of an electric circuit in which
being taken for Americans. a changing current causes a current in a
prickly heat n an itchy rash that occurs in neighbouring circuit: a primary eoil. ~n, pl
very hot moist weather. -ries 9 a person or thing that is first in posi-
prickly pear n 1 a tropical cactus with ed- tion, time, or importance. 10 (in the US) an
ible oval fruit. 2 the fruit of this plant. . election in which the voters of a state
choose a candidate for office. Full name:
pride n 1 a feeling of satisfaction about primary election 11a primary school. 12 a
one’s achievements. 2 an excessively high primary colour. 13 any of the outer and
opinion of oneself. 3 satisfaction in one’s longest flight feathers of a bird’s wing. 14 a
own or another’s success or achievements: primary part of an electric circuit.
his obvious pride in his son’s achievements.
4 a sense of dignity and self-respect: he primary accent or stress n Linguistics the
must swallow his pride and ally himself strongest accent in a word.
with his political enemies. 5 one of the bet- primary colours pl n 1 Physies the colours
ter or most admirable parts of something: red, green, and blue from which all other
the National Health Serviee has long been colours can be obtained by mixing. 2 Art the
the pride of Britain. 6 a group of lions. 7 colours red, yellow, and blue from which all
pride and joy the main source of pride: the other colours can be obtained by mixing.
ear was his pride and joy. 8 pride of place primary school n 1 (in England and Wales) a
the most important position. ~vb priding, school for children between the ages of 5
prided 9 (foil, by on or upon) to take pride and 11. 2 (in Scotland) a school for children
in (oneself) for. between the ages of 5 and 12. 3 (in the US
prie-dieu (pree-dyuh) n an upright frame and Canada) a school equivalent to the first
with a ledge for kneeling upon, for use three or four grades of elementary school.
when praying. primate1 n a mammal with flexible hands
priest n 1 (in the Christian Church) a person and feet and a highly developed brain, such
ordained to administer the sacraments and as a monkey, an ape, or a human being.
preach. 2 a minister of any religion. 3 an of- primate2 n an archbishop.
ficial who performs religious ceremonies, prime adj 1 first in importance: the prime
priestess fem n priesthood n priestly adj aim. 2 of the highest quality: prime beef. 3
prig n a person who is smugly self-righteous typical: a prime example. ~n 4 the time
and narrow-minded, priggish adj prig- when a thing is -at its best. 5 a period of
gishness n power, vigour, and activity: he was in the
prim adj primmer, primmest affectedly prime of life. 6 Maths short for prime num-
proper, or formal, and rather prudish, ber. ~vb priming, primed 7 to give (some-
primly adv one) information in advance to prepare him
prima ballerina n a leading female ballet or her. 8 to prepare (a surface) for painting.
dancer. 9 to prepare (a gun or mine) before detonat-
primacy n, pl -cies 1 the state of being first ing or firing. 10 to fill (a pump) with its
in rank, grade, or order. 2 Christianity the working fluid, to expel air from it before
office of an archbishop. starting. 11 to prepare (something).
prima donna n, pl prima donnas 1 a leading prime meridian n the 0° meridian from
female opera singer. 2 Informal a tempera- which the other meridians are worked out,
mental person. usually taken to pass through Greenwich.
primaeval adj same as primeval. Prime Minister n the leader of a govern-
ment.
prima facie (prime-a fay-shee) adv as it
seems at first. prime mover n a person or thing which was
important in helping create an idea, situa-
primal adj 1 of basic causes or origins. 2 tion, etc.: he was the prime mover behind
chief or most important. the eoup.
primarily adv 1 chiefly or mainly. 2 original- prime number n an integer that cannot be
ly- divided into other integers but is only divi-
primary adj 1 first in importance. 2 first in sible by itself or 1, such as 2, 3, 7, and 11.
position or time, as in a series: he argued primer' n 1 a substance applied to a surface
that the country was only in the primary as a base coat or scaler. 2 a device for deto-
stage of socialism. 3 fundamental or basic: nating the main charge in a gun or mine.
the new poliey will put the emphasis on
primary health eare rather than hospital primer2 n an introductory text, such as a
eare. 4 being the first stage; elementary: all school textbook.
new recruits participated in the same pri- primeval (prime-ee-val) adj of the earliest
mary training eourses. 5 relating to the age of the world.
education of children up to the age of 11 or primitive adj 1 of or belonging to the begin-
12. 6 (of an industry) involving the obtain- ning. 2 Biol of an early stage in develop-
ing of raw materials. 7 (of the flight feath- ment: primitive amphibians. 3 characteris-
primogeniture 641 prior
tic of an early simple state, esp. in being forms, from which all other verb forms may
crude or basic: a primitive dwelling. ~n 4 a be deduced.
primitive person or thing. 5 a painter of any principle n 1 a moral rule guiding personal
era whose work appears childlike or un- conduct: he’d stoop to anything - he has no
trained. 6 a work by such an artist. principles. 2 a set of such moral rules: a
primogeniture n 1 Formal the state of being man of principle. 3 a basic or general truth:
the first-born child. 2 Law the right of an the principle of freedom of expression. 4 a
eldest son to inherit all the property of his basic law or rule underlying a particular
parents. theory or philosophy: the government has
primordial adj Formal existing at or from been deceitful and has violated basic prin-
the beginning. ciples of democracy. 5 a general law in sci-
primp vb to tidy (one’s hair or clothes) fussi- ence: the principle of the conservation of
ly- mass. 6 Chem a constituent of a substance
primrose n 1 a wild plant which has pale
that determines its characteristics. 7 in
principle in theory though not always in
yellow flowers in spring. ~adj 2 Also: practice. 8 on principle because of one’s be-
primrose yellow pale yellow. 3 of
primroses. liefs.
► Distinguish the spellings of principle and
primrose path n (often preceded by the) a principal. These are different words but
pleasurable way of life. often confused.
primula n a type of primrose with brightly principled adj (of a person or action) guided
coloured funnel-shaped flowers. by moral rules: principled opposition to the
Primus n Trademark a portable paraffin war.
cooking stove, used esp. by campers. prink vb 1 to dress (oneself) finely. 2 to
prince n 1 a male member of a royal family, preen oneself.
esp. the son of the king or queen. 2 the male print vb 1 to reproduce (a newspaper, book,
ruler of a small country. 3 an outstanding etc.) in large quantities by mechanical or
member of a specified group: Dryden, that electronic means. 2 to reproduce (text or
prince of poets. pictures) by applying ink to paper. 3 to
prince consort n the husband of a queen, write in letters that are not joined up. 4 to
who is himself a prince. stamp (fabric) with a design. 5 to produce
princely adj -lier, -liest 1 of or characteris- (a photograph) from a negative. 6 to fix in
tic of a prince. 2 generous or lavish. the-mind or memory. ~n 7 printed content,
Prince of Wales n the eldest son of the Brit- such as newsprint. 8 a printed publication,
ish sovereign. such as a book. 9 in print a in printed or
princess n 1 a female member of a royal published form, b (of a book) available
family, esp. the daughter of the king or from a publisher. 10 out of print no longer
queen. 2 the wife of a prince. available from a publisher. 11 a picture
printed from an engraved plate or wood
Princess Royal n title sometimes given to block. 12 printed text, with regard to the
the eldest daughter of the British sovereign, typeface: italic print. 13 a photograph pro-
principal adj 1 first in importance, rank, or duced from a negative. 14 a fabric with a
value: salt is the principal source of sodium printed design. 15 a mark made by pressing
in our diets; the Republic’s two principal something onto a surface. 16 See finger-
parties. ~n 2 the head of a school or other print. ~See also print out.
educational institution. 3 a person who printed circuit n an electronic circuit in
holds one of the most important positions in which the wiring is a metallic coating print-
an organization: she became a principal in ed on a thin insulating board.
the home finance department. 4 the leading
actor in a play. 5 Law a a person who en- printer n 1 a person or business engaged in
gages another to act as his or her agent, b a printing. 2 a machine that prints. 3 Com-
person who takes an active part in a crime, puters a machine that prints out results on
c the person held responsible for fulfilling paper.
an obligation. 6 Finance a capital or proper- printing n 1 the process of producing printed
ty, as contrasted with income, b the original matter. 2 printed text. 3 all the copies of a
amount of a debt on which interest is calcu- book printed at one time. 4 a form of writ-
lated. principally adv ing in which the letters are not joined to-
► Distinguish the spellings of principal and gether.
principle. These are different words but printing press n a machine used for print-
often confused. ing.
principal boy n the leading male role in a print out vb 1 Computers to produce (print-
pantomime, traditionally played by a ed information). ~n print-out or printout
woman. 2 printed information from a computer.
principality n, pl -ties a territory ruled by a prior1 adj 1 previous: prior knowledge. 2
prince. prior to before.
principal parts pl n Grammar the main verb prior2 n 1 the head monk in a priory. 2 the
priority 642 prize
abbot’s deputy in a monastery, prioress privateer n 1 a privately owned armed ves-
fem n sel authorized by the government to take
priority n, pl -ties 1 the most important part in a war. 2 a captain of such a ship.
thing that must be dealt with first. 2 the private eye n Informal a private detective,
right to be or go before others. private income n income from sources other
priory n, pl -ories a religious house where than employment, such as investment.
certain orders of monks or nuns live. private member n a Member of Parliament
prise or prize vb prising, prised or prizing, who is not a government minister.
prized to force open or out by levering. private member’s bill n a law proposed by a
prism n 1 a transparent block, often with Member of Parliament who is not a govern-
triangular ends and rectangular sides, used ment minister.
to disperse light into a spectrum or refract private parts or privates pl n Euphemistic
it in optical instruments. 2 Maths a polyhe- the genitals.
dron with parallel bases and sides that are private school n a school controlled by a
parallelograms. private body, accepting mostly fee-paying
prismatic adj 1 of or shaped like a prism. 2 pupils.
exhibiting bright spectral colours; rainbow- private sector n the part of a country’s
like: prismatic light. economy that consists of privately owned
prison n 1 a public building used to hold enterprises.
convicted criminals and accused people privation n Formal loss or lack of the neces-
awaiting trial. 2 any place of confinement. sities of life.
prisoner n 1 a person kept in prison as a
punishment for a crime, or while awaiting privative (priv-a-tiv) adj 1 causing priva-
tion. 2 Grammar expressing lack or absence,
trial. 2 a person confined by any restraints: for example -less and un-.
he’s a prisoner of his own past. 3 take
(someone) prisoner to capture and hold privatize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
(someone) as a prisoner. -ised to sell (a state-owned company) to in-
prisoner of war n a serviceman captured by dividuals or a private company, pri-
vatization or -isation n
an enemy in wartime.
prissy adj -sier, -siest prim and prudish, privet n a bushy evergreen shrub used for
prissily adv hedges.
pristine adj 1 completely new, clean, and privilege n 1 a benefit or advantage granted
pure: pristine white plates. 2 of or involving only to certain people: a privilege of rank. 2
the original, unchanged, and unspoilt peri- the opportunity to do something which
od or state: the viewing of wild game in its gives you great satisfaction and which most
pristine natural state. people never have the chance to do: I had
the privilege of meeting the Queen when
privacy n 1 the condition of being private. 2 she visited our school. 3 the power and
secrecy. advantages that come with great wealth or
private adj 1 not for general or public use: a high social class: the use of violence to pro-
private bathroom. 2 confidential or secret: a tect class privilege and thwart popular de-
private conversation. 3 involving someone’s mocracy.
domestic and personal life rather than his privileged adj enjoying a special right or
or her work or business: what I do in my immunity.
private life is none of your business. 4
owned or paid for by individuals rather privy adj privier, priviest 1 privy to shar-
than by the government: private enterprise. ing in the knowledge of something secret. 2
5 not publicly known: they had private rea- •- Archaic secret. ~n, pl privies 3 Obsolete a
sons for the decision. 6 having no public of- toilet, esp. an outside one.
fice, rank, or position: the Red Cross re- Privy Council n 1 the private council of the
ceived donations from private citizens. 7 (of British king or queen. 2 (in Canada) a for-
a place) quiet and secluded: the garden is mal body of advisers of the governor gener-
completely private. 8 (of a person) quiet al. Privy Counsellor n
and retiring: she was private - her life was privy purse n an allowance voted by Par-
her own. ~n 9 a soldier of the lowest rank liament for the private expenses of the king
in the army. 10 in private in secret, pri- or queen.
vately adv privy seal n (in Britain) a seal affixed to
private bill n a bill presented to Parliament certain documents of state.
on behalf of a private individual or corpo- prize' n 1 something of value, such as a tro-
ration. phy, given to the winner of a contest or
private company n a limited company that game. 2 something given to the winner of
does not issue shares for public subscrip- any game of chance, lottery, etc. 3 some-
tion. thing striven for. ~adj 4 winning or likely
private detective n a person hired by a cli- to win a prize: a prize bull.
ent to do detective work. prize2 vb prizing, prized to value highly.
prizefight 643 proctor
prizefight n a boxing match for a prize or after stopping. 2 (often foil, by with) to
purse, prizefighter n start or continue doing: he proceeded to
pro1 adv 1 in favour of a motion etc. -prep pour himself a large whisky. 3 Formal to
2 in favour of. ~n, pl pros 3 (usually pl) an walk or go. 4 (often foil, by against) to start
argument or vote in favour of a proposal or a legal action. 5 Formal to arise from: their
motion. ~See also pros and cons. mutual dislike proceeded from differences
pro2 n, pl pros, adj Informal 1 short for pro- of politieal opinion.
fessional. 2 a prostitute. proceeding n 1 an act or course of action. 2
PRO public relations officer. (pl) the events of an occasion: millions
pro-1 prefix 1 in favour of; supporting: pro- watched the proceedings on television. 3
Chinese. 2 acting as a substitute for: pro- (pl) the minutes of the meetings of a soci-
noun. ety. 4 (pl) legal action.
pro-2 prefix before in time or position: pro- proceeds pl n the amount of money ob-
boscis. tained from an event or activity.
probability n, pl -ties 1 the condition of process1 n 1 a series of actions or changes: a
being probable. 2 an event or other thing proeess of genuine national reconciliation. 2
that is likely to happen or be true. 3 Statis- a series of natural developments which re-
tics a measure of the likelihood of an event sult in an overall change: the ageing pro-
happening. eess. 3 a method of doing or producing
probable adj 1 likely to happen or be true. 2 something: an effort to bring advanced
most likely: the probable cause of the acci- technology and new processes into British
dent. —n 3 a person who is likely to be cho- industry. 4 in the process of during or in
sen for a team, event, etc. the course of. 5 a a summons to appear in
court, b an action at law. 6 a natural out-
probably adv in all likelihood or probability: growth or projection of a part or organism.
the wedding’s probably going to be in late —vb 7 to handle or prepare by a special
August. method of manufacture. 8 Computers to
probate n 1 the process of officially proving perform operations on (data) in order to ob-
the validity of a will. 2 the official certifi- tain the required information.
cate stating that a will is genuine. process2 vb to move in an orderly or cer-
probation n 1 a system of dealing with of- emonial group: the eult members processed
fenders, esp. juvenile ones, by placing them through the streets to the music of
under supervision. 2 on probation a under tambourines.
the supervision of a probation officer, b
undergoing a test or trial period, such as at processed adj (of food) treated by adding
the start of a new job. probationary adj colouring, preservatives, etc., to improve its
appearance or the period it will stay edible:
probationer n a person on probation, processed eheesc.
probation officer n an officer of a court who procession n 1 a line of people or vehicles
supervises offenders placed on probation. moving forwards in an orderly or ceremo-
probe vb probing, probed 1 to search into nial manner. 2 the act of proceeding in a
closely. 2 to poke or examine (something) regular formation.
with or as if with a probe: he probed care- processional adj 1 of or suitable for a pro-
fully with his fingertips. ~n 3 Surgery a cession: the processional route, —n 2 Chris-
slender instrument for exploring a wound tianity a hymn sung as the clergy enter
etc. 4 a thorough inquiry, such as one into church.
corrupt practices. 5 See space probe.
processor n 1 Computers same as central
probity n Formal honesty; integrity, processing unit. 2 a person or thing that
problem n 1 something or someone that is carries out a process.
difficult to deal with. 2 a puzzle or question
set for solving. 3 Maths a statement requir- proclaim vb 1 to announce publicly; declare:
ing a solution usually by means of several Greece was proclaimed an independent
operations, —adj 4 of a literary work that kingdom in 1832. 2 to indicate plainly: the
deals with difficult moral questions: a prob- sharp hard glint in the eye proclaimed her
lem play. 5 difficult to deal with or creating determination, proclamation n
difficulties for others: a problem ehild. proclivity n, pl -ties Formal a tendency or
problematic or problematical adj difficult inclination.
to solve or deal with. procrastinate vb -nating, -nated to put off
proboscis (pro-boss-iss) n 1 a long flexible (an action) until later; delay, procrastina-
trunk or snout, such as an elephant’s. 2 the tion n procrastinator n
elongated mouth part of certain insects. procreate vb -ating, -ated Formal to pro-
procedure n 1 a way of doing something, duce (offspring), procreative adj pro-
esp. an established method. 2 the estab- creation n
lished form of conducting the business of a Procrustean adj ruthlessly enforcing uni-
legislature, procedural adj formity.
proceed vb 1 to advance or carry on, esp. proctor n a member of the staff of certain
procurator fiscal 644 profligate
universities having duties including the en- productive capacity. 4 (foil, by of) resulting
forcement of discipline, proctorial adj in: a period highly productive of books and
procurator fiscal n (in Scotland) a legal of- ideas, productivity n
ficer who acts as public prosecutor and proem (pro-em) n Formal an introduction or
coroner. preface.
procure vb -curing, -cured 1 to get or pro- Prof. Professor.
vide: it remained very difficult to procure profane adj 1 showing disrespect for reli-
food and fuel. 2 to obtain (people) to act as gion or something sacred. 2 secular. 3
prostitutes, procurement n coarse or blasphemous: profane language.
procurer n a person who obtains people to ~vb -faning, -faned 4 to treat (something
act as prostitutes. sacred) with irreverence. 5 to put to an un-
prod vb prodding, prodded 1 to poke with a worthy use. profanation n
pointed object. 2 to rouse (someone) to ac- profanity n, pl -ties 1 the quality of being
tion. ~n 3 the act of prodding. 4 a remind- profane. 2 coarse or blasphemous action or
er. speech.
prodigal adj 1 recklessly wasteful or ex- profess vb 1 to claim (something as true),
travagant. 2 prodigal of lavish with: you often falsely: he professes not to want the
are prodigal of both your toil and your tal- job of prime minister. 2 to acknowledge
ent. ~n 3 a person who squanders money, openly: he professed great relief at getting
prodigality n some rest. 3 to have as one’s belief or reli-
prodigious adj 1 very large or immense. 2 gion: most Indonesians profess the Islamic
wonderful or amazing. faith, professed adj
prodigy n, pl -gies 1 a person, esp. a child, profession n 1 a type of work that requires
with marvellous talent. 2 anything that is a special training, such as in law or medicine.
cause of wonder. 2 the people employed in such an occupa-
tion. 3 a declaration of a belief or feeling.
produce vb -ducing, -duced 1 to bring professional adj 1 of a profession. 2 taking
(something) into existence. 2 to present to part in an activity, such as sport or music,
view: he produced his passport. 3 to make: as a means of livelihood. 3 displaying a high
this area produces much of Spain’s best level of competence or skill: a professional
wine. 4 to give birth to. 5 to present on and polished performance. 4 undertaken or
stage, film, or television: the girls and boys performed by people who are paid: profes-
write and produce their own plays. 6 to act sional golf. ~n 5 a professional person,
as producer of. ~n 7 food grown for sale: professionalism n professionally adv
farm produce. 8 something produced, pro-
ducible adj professor n 1 the highest rank of teacher in
a university. 2 Chiefly US & Canad any
producer n 1 a person with the financial and teacher in a university or college. 3 Rare a
administrative responsibility for a film or person who professes his or her opinions or
television programme. 2 Brit a person re- beliefs, professorial adj professorship n
sponsible for the artistic direction of a play.
3 a person who supervises the arrangement, proffer vb Formal to offer for acceptance,
performance, and mixing of a recording. 4 a proficient adj skilled; expert, proficiency n
person or thing that produces. profile n 1 an outline, esp. of the human
product n 1 something produced. 2 a conse- face, as seen from the side. 2 a short bio-
quence: their skill was the product of hours graphical sketch.
of training. 3 Maths the result achieved by profit n 1 (often pl) money gained in busi-
multiplication. ness or trade. 2 a benefit or advantage.
production n 1 the act of producing. 2 any- ~vb -iting, -ited 3 to gain a profit or ad-
thing that is produced. 3 the amount pro- vantage: we do not want to profit from
duced or the rate at which it is produced. 4 someone else’s problems.
Econ the creation or manufacture of goods profitable adj making profit, profitability
and services. 5 any work created as a result n profitably adv
of literary or artistic effort. 6 the presenta- profit and loss n Book-keeping an account
tion of a play, opera, etc. 7 Brit the artistic showing the year’s income and expense
direction of a play. 8 the overall sound of a items and indicating gross and net profit or
recording. loss.
production line n a system in a factory in profiteer n 1 a person who makes excessive
which an item being manufactured is moved profits at the expense of the public. ~ vb 2
from machine to machine by conveyor belt, to make excessive profits, profiteering n
and each machine carries out one step in profit-sharing n a system in which a portion
the manufacture of the item. of the net profit of a business is shared
productive adj 1 producing or having the among its employees.
power to produce. 2 yielding favourable re- profligate adj 1 recklessly extravagant. 2
sults. 3 Econ producing goods and services shamelessly immoral. ~n 3 a profligate
that have exchange value: the country’s person, profligacy n
pro forma 645 prolific
pro forma adj 1 laying down a set form. ~n 4 a person who favours political or so-
-adv 2 performed in a set manner. cial reform, progressively adv
profound adj 1 showing or needing great prohibit vb-iting, -ited 1 to forbid by law or
knowledge: a profound knowledge of Greek other authority. 2 to hinder or prevent: the
literature. 2 strongly felt; intense: profound paucity of information prohibits us from
relief. 3 extensive: profound changes. 4 drawing reliable conclusions, prohibitor n
situated at or having a great depth, pro- ► The idiom is prohibit someone from doing
foundly adv profundity n something.
profuse adj 1 plentiful or abundant: he prohibition n 1 the act of forbidding. 2 a
broke out in a profuse sweat. 2 (often foil, legal ban on the sale or drinking of alcohol.
by in) generous in the giving (of): he was 3 an order or decree that forbids, prohibi-
profuse in his apologies, profusely adv tionist n
profusion n Prohibition n the period (1920-33) when
progenitor (pro-jen-it-er) n 1 a direct ances- making, selling, and transporting alcohol
tor. 2 an originator or founder. was banned in the US. Prohibitionist n
progeny (proj-in-ee) n, pl -nies 1 offspring; prohibitive adj 1 (esp. of prices) too high to
descendants. 2 an outcome. be affordable. 2 prohibiting or tending to
progesterone n a hormone, produced in the prohibit: a prohibitive distance.
ovary, that prepares the womb for preg- project n 1 a proposal or plan. 2 a detailed
nancy and prevents further ovulation. study of a particular subject, -vb 3 to
make a prediction based on known data and
prognathous adj having a projecting lower observations. 4 to cause (an image) to ap-
jaw. pear on a surface. 5 to communicate (an im-
prognosis n, pl -noses 1 Med a forecast pression): he wants to project an image of a
about the course or outcome of an illness. 2 deep-thinking articulate gentleman. 6 to jut
any forecast. out. 7 to cause (one’s voice) to be heard
prognosticate vb -eating, -cated 1 to fore- clearly at a distance. 8 to transport in the
tell (future events). 2 to indicate or suggest imagination: it’s hard to project oneself into
beforehand, prognostication n prognos- his situation.
ticator n projectile n 1 an object thrown as a weapon
program n 1 a sequence of coded instruc- or fired from a gun. -adj 2 designed to be
tions which enables a computer to perform thrown forwards. 3 projecting forwards.
various tasks, -vb -gramming, -grammed projection n 1 a part that juts out. 2 a fore-
2 to arrange (data) so that it can be pro- cast based on known data. 3 the process of
cessed by a computer. 3 to feed a program showing film on a screen. 4 the representa-
into (a computer), programmer n tion on a flat surface of a three-dimensional
programmable or programable adj capable figure or curved line.
of being programmed for computer proces- projectionist n a person who operates a film
sing. projector.
programme or US program n 1 a planned projector n an apparatus for projecting
series of events. 2 a broadcast on radio or photographic images, film, or slides onto a
television. 3 a printed list of items or per- screen.
formers in an entertainment. —vb prolapse Pathol ~n 1 Also: prolapsus the
-gramming, -grammed or US -graming, slipping down of an internal organ of the
-gramed 4 to schedule (something) as a body from its normal position, —vb
programme, programmatic adj -lapsing, -lapsed 2 (of an internal organ) to
programming language n a language sys- slip from its normal position.
tem by which instructions to a computer prolapsed adj Pathol (of an internal organ)
are coded, that is understood by both user having slipped from its normal position.
and computer. prolate adj Geom having a polar diameter
progress n 1 improvement or development. which is longer than the equatorial diam-
2 movement forward or advance. 3 in pro- eter.
gress taking place, -vb 4 to become more prole n Offensive slang, chiefly Brit a pro-
advanced or skilful. 5 to move forward. letarian.
progression n 1 the act of progressing; ad- proletarian (pro-lit-air-ee-an) adj 1 of the
vancement. 2 the act or an instance of mov- proletariat. ~n 2 a member of the pro-
ing from one thing in a sequence to the next. letariat.
3 Maths a sequence of numbers in which proletariat (pro-lit-air-ec-at) n the working
each term differs from the succeeding term class.
by a fixed ratio. proliferate vb -ating, -ated 1 to increase
progressive adj 1 favouring political or so- rapidly in numbers. 2 to grow or reproduce
cial reform. 2 happening gradually: a pro- (new parts, such as cells) rapidly, prolif-
gressive illness. 3 (of a dance, card game, eration n
etc.) involving a regular change of partners. prolific adj 1 producing a constant creative
prolix 646 proof
output: a prolific author. 2 producing fruit promote a lasting ceasefire have failed. 2 to
or offspring in abundance. 3 (often foil, by raise to a higher rank or position. 3 to en-
in or of) rich or fruitful, prolifically adv courage the sale of (a product) by advertis-
prolix adj (of a speech or piece of writing) ing. 4 to work for: he actively promoted re-
overlong and boring, prolixity n form. promotion n promotional adj
prologue or US often prolog n 1 an intro- promoter n 1 a person who helps to organize
duction to a play or book. 2 an event that and finance an event, esp. a sports one. 2 a
comes before another: this success was a person or thing that encourages the pro-
happy prologue to their transatlantic tour. gress or success of: a promoter of terrorism.
prolong vb to make (something) last longer, prompt vb 1 to cause (an action); bring
prolongation n about: the killings prompted an anti-Mafia
prom n 1 Brit short for promenade (sense crackdown. 2 to motivate or cause someone
1) or promenade concert. 2 US & Canad to do something: I still don’t know what
informal a formal dance held at a high prompted me to go. 3 to remind (an actor)
school or college. of lines forgotten during a performance. 4
PROM n Computers Programmable Read to refresh the memory of. -adj 5 done
Only Memory. without delay. 6 quick to act. -adv 7 In-
formal punctually: the concert starts at 8
promenade n 1 Chiefly Brit a paved walk- o’clock prompt. ~n 8 anything that serves
way along the seafront at a holiday resort. to remind, promptly adv promptness n
2 Old-fashioned a leisurely walk for pleas-
ure or display. -vb -nading, -naded 3 Old- prompter n a person offstage who reminds
fashioned to take a leisurely walk. the actors of forgotten lines.
promenade concert n a concert at which promulgate vb -gating, -gated 1 to put (a
some of the audience stand rather than sit. law or decree) into effect by announcing it
officially. 2 to make widely known, prom-
promethium (pro-meeth-ee-um) n Chem an ulgation n promulgator n
artificial radioactive element of the lantha-
nide series. Symbol: Pm pron. 1 pronoun. 2 pronunciation.
prominent adj 1 standing out from the sur- prone adj 1 having a tendency to be affected
roundings; noticeable. 2 widely known; fa- by or do something: I am prone to indiges-
mous. 3 jutting or projecting outwards: tion. 2 lying face downwards; prostrate.
prominent eyes, prominence n promi- prong n a long pointed projection from an
nently adv instrument or tool such as a fork.
promiscuous adj 1 taking part in many cas- pronominal adj Grammar relating to or play-
ual sexual relationships. 2 Formal consist- ing the part of a pronoun.
ing of different elements mingled indis- pronoun n a word, such as she or it, that
criminately. promiscuity n replaces a noun or noun phrase that has al-
promise vb -ising, -ised 1 to say that one ready been or is about to be mentioned.
will definitely do or not do something: I pronounce vb -nouncing, -nounced 1 to
promise I’ll have it finished by the end of speak (a sound or sounds), esp. clearly or in
the week. 2 to undertake to give (something a certain way. 2 to announce or declare of-
to someone): he promised me a car for my ficially: I now pronounce you man and wife.
birthday. 3 to show signs of; seem likely: 3 to declare as one’s judgment: he pro-
she promises to be a fine singer. 4 to assure nounced the wine drinkable, pronounce-
(someone) of the certainty of something: able adj
everything’s fine, I promise you. —n 5 an ► Note the difference in spelling between
undertaking to do or not do something. 6 pronounce and pronunciation. The pronun-
indication of future success: a young player ciation also changes from “nown” to “nun”.
who shows great promise. pronounced adj very noticeable: a pro-
Promised Land n 1 Bible the land of Ca- nounced London accent.
naan. 2 any longed-for place where one ex- pronouncement n a formal announcement,
pects to find greater happiness. pronto adv Informal at once.
promising adj likely to succeed or turn out pronunciation n 1 the recognized way. to
well. pronounce sounds in a given language. 2 the
promissory note n Commerce chiefly US a way in which someone pronounces words.
written promise to pay a stated sum of ► Note the difference in spelling between
money to a particular person on a certain pronounce and pronunciation. The pronun-
date or on demand. ciation also changes from “nown” to “nun”.
promo n, pl -mos Informal an item produced proof n 1 any evidence that confirms that
to promote a product, esp. a video used to something is true or exists. 2 Law the total
promote a pop record. evidence upon which a court bases its ver-
promontory n, pl -ries a point of high land dict. 3 Maths, logic a sequence of steps or
that juts out into the sea. statements that establishes the truth of a
promote vb -moting, -moted 1 to encourage proposition. 4 the act of testing the truth of
the progress or success of: all attempts to something. 5 an early copy of printed mat-
proofread 647 proportional
ter for checking before final production. 6 Brit informal complete: you made him look
Photog a trial print from a negative. 7 (esp. a proper fool, properly adv
formerly) a defined level of alcoholic con- proper fraction n a fraction in which the
tent used as a standard measure for com- numerator has a lower absolute value than
paring the alcoholic strength of other liq- the denominator, for example Vi.
uids: Moldavian ruby port, seventeen de- proper noun or name n the name of a per-
grees proof, -adj 8 (foil, by against) able son or place, for example Iceland or Patrick.
to withstand: proof against tears. 9 (esp.
formerly) having a level of alcoholic con- property n, pl -ties 1 something owned. 2
tent used as a standard measure for com- Law the right to possess, use, and dispose
paring the alcoholic strength of other liq- of anything. 3 possessions collectively. 4
uids. ~vb 10 to take a proof from (type land or buildings owned by someone. 5 a
matter). 11 to render (something) proof, quality or attribute: the oils have healing
esp. to waterproof. properties. 6 same as prop2.
proofread vb -reading, -read to read and prophecy n, pl -cies 1 a prediction. 2 a a
correct (printer’s proofs), proofreader n message revealing God’s will, b the act of
uttering such a message. 3 the function or
proof spirit n (in Britain) an alcoholic bev- activity of a prophet.
erage that contains a standard percentage ► Note the difference in spelling between
of alcohol. the noun {prophecy) and the verb {proph-
prop1 vb propping, propped (often foil, by esy).
up) 1 to support (something or someone) in prophesy vb -sies, -sying, -sied to foretell.
an upright position: she was propped up by
pillows. 2 to sustain or support: the type of prophet n 1 a person supposedly chosen by
measures necessary to prop up the sagging God to pass on His message. 2 a person who
US economy. 3 (often foil, by against) to predicts the future: a prophet of doom. 3 a
place or lean. ~n 4 something that gives spokesman for, or advocate of, some cause:
rigid support, such as a pole. 5 a person or a prophet of revolution, prophetess fem n
thing giving moral support. Prophet n the the main name used of Mo-
hammed, the founder of Islam.
prop2 n a movable object used on the set of a
film or play. prophetic adj 1 foretelling what will hap-
pen. 2 of the nature of a prophecy, pro-
prop3 n Informal a propeller. phetically adv
prop. 1 proper(ly). 2 property. 3 proposi- prophylactic adj 1 preventing disease. ~n 2
tion. 4 proprietor. a drug or device that prevents disease. 3
propaganda n 1 the organized promotion of Chiefly US a condom.
information to assist or damage the cause propinquity n Formal nearness in time,
of a government or movement. 2 such in- place, or relationship.
formation. propagandist n, adj
propitiate vb -ating, -ated to appease
propagate vb -gating, -gated 1 to spread (someone, esp. a god or spirit); make well
(information or ideas). 2 Biol to reproduce disposed, propitiable adj propitiation n
or breed. 3 Horticulture to produce (plants). propitiator n propitiatory adj
4 Physics to transmit, esp. in the form of a
wave: the electrical signal is propagated propitious adj 1 favourable or auspicious: a
through a specialized group of conducting propitious moment. 2 likely to prove fa-
fibres, propagation n propagator n vourable; advantageous: his origins were
not propitious for a literary career.
propane n a flammable gas found in petro- proponent n a person who argues in favour
leum and used as a fuel. of something.
propel vb -pelling, -pelled to cause to move proportion n 1 relative size or extent: a large
forwards, propellant n, adj proportion of our revenue comes from ad-
propeller n a revolving shaft with blades to vertisements. 2 correct relationship be-
drive a ship or aircraft. tween parts. 3 a part considered with re-
propensity n, pl -ties Formal a natural ten- spect to the whole: the proportion of
dency: his problem had always been a pro- women in the total workforce. 4 propor-
pensity to live beyond his means. tions dimensions or size: a building of vast
proper adj 1 real or genuine: a proper home. proportions. 5 Maths a relationship be-
2 appropriate or usual: good wine must tween four numbers in which the ratio of
have the proper balance of sugar and acid. the first pair equals the ratio of the second
3 suited to a particular purpose: they set pair. 6 in proportion a comparable in size,
out without any proper climbing gear. 4 rate of increase, etc. b without exaggerat-
correct in behaviour: in many societies it is ing. ~vb 7 to adjust in relative amount or
not considered proper for a woman to show-. size: the size of the crops are very rarely
her legs. 5 excessively moral: she was very proportioned to the wants of the inhabit-
strait-laced and proper. 6 being or forming ants. 8 to cause to be harmonious in rela-
the main or central part of something: a tionship of parts.
suburb some miles west of the city proper. 7 proportional adj 1 being in proportion. ~n 2
proportional representation 648 prostrate
Maths an unknown term in a proportion, for for translation into a foreign language. 3
example in a/b = c/x, x is the fourth pro- commonplace or dull talk, -vb prosing,
portional. proportionally adv prosed 4 to speak or write in a tedious
proportional representation n the repre- style.
sentation of political parties in parliament prosecute vb -cuting, -cuted 1 to bring a
in proportion to the votes they win. criminal charge against (someone). 2 to con-
proportionate adj being in proper propor- tinue to do (something): the business of
tion. proportionately adv prosecuting a cold war through propagan-
proposal n 1 the act of proposing. 2 a sug- da. 3 a to seek redress by legal proceedings,
gestion put forward for consideration. 3 an b to institute or conduct a prosecution,
offer of marriage. prosecutor n
propose vb -posing, -posed 1 to put for- prosecution n 1 the bringing of criminal
ward (a plan) for consideration. 2 to nomi- charges against (someone). 2 the institution
nate (someone) for a position. 3 to intend and conduct of legal proceedings against a
(to do something): I don’t propose to waste person. 3 the lawyers acting for the Crown
any more time discussing it. 4 to ask people to put the case against a person. 4 the car-
to drink a toast. 5 (often foil, by to) to make rying out of something begun.
an offer of marriage. proselyte (pross-ill-ite) n a recent convert,
proposition n 1 a proposal or offer. 2 Logic a proselytism n
statement that affirms or denies something proselytize or -ise (pross-ill-it-ize) vb
and is capable of being true or false. 3 -izing, -ized or -ising, -ised to attempt to
Maths a statement or theorem, usually con- convert (someone).
taining its proof. 4 Informal a person or prosody (pross-a-dee) n 1 the study of poet-
matter to be dealt with: even among experi- ic metre and techniques. 2 the vocal pat-
enced climbers the mountain is considered a terns in a language, prosodic adj proso-
tough proposition. 5 Informal an invitation dist n
to engage in sexual intercourse. -vb 6 to prospect n 1 (usually pl) a probability of fu-
invite (someone) to engage in sexual inter- ture success: a job with impossible
course. workloads and poor career prospects. 2 ex-
propound vb to put forward for considera- pectation, or something anticipated: she
tion. was terrified at the prospect of bringing up
proprietary adj 1 denoting a product manu- two babies on her own. 3 Old-fashioned a
factured and distributed under a trade view or scene: a prospect of spires, domes,
name. 2 possessive: she watched them with and tower, -vb 4 (sometimes foil, by for)
a proprietary eye. 3 privately owned and to search for gold or other valuable miner-
controlled. als.
proprietor n an owner of a business estab- prospective adj 1 future: prospective cus-
lishment. proprietress fem n pro- tomers. 2 expected or likely: the prospec-
prietorial adj tive loss, prospectively adv
propriety n, pl -ties 1 the quality or state of prospector n a person who searches for
being appropriate or fitting. 2 correct con- gold or other valuable minerals.
duct. 3 the proprieties the standards of prospectus n, pl -tuses a booklet produced
behaviour considered correct by polite soci- by a university, company, etc., giving de-
ety. tails about it and its activities.
propulsion n 1 a force that moves (some- prosper vb to be successful,
thing) forward. 2 the act of propelling or prosperity n success and wealth,
the state of being propelled, propulsive adj prosperous adj wealthy and successful,
pro rata adv, adj in proportion. prostate n a gland in male mammals that
prorogue vb -roguing, -rogued to suspend surrounds the neck of the bladder. Also
(parliament) without dissolving it. proro- called: prostate gland
gation n
prosthesis (pross-theess-iss) n, pl -ses
prosaic (pro-zay-ik) adj 1 lacking imagina- (-seez) Surgery a the replacement of a mis-
tion; dull. 2 having the characteristics of sing body part with an artificial substitute,
prose, prosaically adv b an artificial body part such as a limb, eye,
pros and cons pl n the advantages and or tooth, prosthetic adj
disadvantages of a situation. prostitute n 1 a person who offers sexual
proscenium n, pl -nia or-niums the arch in intercourse in return for payment, —vb
a theatre separating the stage from the -tuting, -tuted 2 to offer (oneself or anoth-
auditorium. er) in sexual intercourse for money. 3 to
proscribe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 to con- offer (oneself or one’s talent) for unworthy
demn or prohibit (something). 2 to outlaw purposes, prostitution n
or banish, proscription n proscriptive adj prostrate adj 1 lying face downwards. 2
prose n 1 ordinary spoken or written lan- physically or emotionally exhausted, —vb
guage in contrast to poetry. 2 a passage set -trating, -trated 3 to lie face downwards. 4
prosy 649 proven
to exhaust physically or emotionally, pros- and then the noun. In American English it
tration n can be directly followed by a noun.
prosy adj prosier, prosiest dull and long- Protestant n 1 a follower of any of the
winded. prosily adv Christian Churches that separated from the
Prot. 1 Protectorate. 2 Protestant, Roman Catholic Church in the sixteenth
protactinium n Chem a toxic radioactive me- century. ~adj 2 of or relating to any of
tallic element. Symbol: Pa these Churches or their followers. Protes-
protagonist n 1 a supporter of a cause: one tantism n
of the most active protagonists of British protestation n Formal a strong declaration,
membership of the EC. 2 the leading char- protium n the most common isotope of
acter in a play or story. hydrogen, with a mass number of 1.
protea (pro-tee-a) n an African shrub with proto- or sometimes before a vowel prot-
showy heads of flowers. combining form 1 first: protomartyr. 2
protean (pro-tee-an) adj capable of con- original: prototype.
stantly changing shape or form: he is a pro- protocol n 1 the rules of behaviour for for-
tean stylist who can move from blues to mal occasions. 2 a record of an agreement in
ballads with consummate ease. international negotiations.
protect vb 1 to defend from trouble, harm, proton n a positively charged elementary
or loss. 2 Econ to assist (domestic indus- particle, found in the nucleus of an atom.
tries) by taxing imports. protoplasm n Biol a complex colourless sub-
protection n 1 the act of protecting or the stance forming the living contents of a cell,
condition of being protected. 2 something protoplasmic adj
that keeps (one) safe. 3 a the charging of prototype n 1 an early model of a product,
taxes on imports, to protect domestic indus- which is tested so that the design can be
tries. b Also called: protectionism the poli- changed if necessary. 2 a person or thing
cy of such taxation. 4 Informal Also called: that serves as an example of a type.
protection money money paid to gangsters
to avoid attack or damage, protectionism protozoan (pro-toe-zoe-an) n, pl -zoa a very
n protectionist n, adj tiny single-celled invertebrate, such as an
amoeba. Also: protozoon
protective adj 1 giving protection: protec-
tive clothing. 2 tending or wishing to pro- protract vb to lengthen or extend (a situa-
tect someone, protectively adv protec- tion etc.), protracted adj protraction n
tiveness n protractor n an instrument for measuring
protector n 1 a person or thing that pro- angles, usually a flat semicircular piece of
tects. 2 History a person who acts for the plastic.
king or queen during his or her childhood, protrude vb -trading, -traded to stick out or
absence, or incapacity, protectress fem n project, protrusion n protrusive adj
protectorate n 1 a territory largely con- protuberant adj swelling out; bulging, pro-
trolled by a stronger state. 2 the office or tuberance n
term of office of a protector. proud adj 1 feeling pleasure or satisfaction:
protege or fem protegee (pro-tizh-ay) n a she was proud of her daughter’s success. 2
person who is protected and helped by an- feeling honoured. 3 haughty or arrogant. 4
other. causing pride: the city’s proud history. 5
protein n any of a large group of nitrog- dignified: too proud to accept charity. 6 (of
enous compounds that are essential for life. a surface or edge) projecting or protruding.
pro tempore adv, adj for the time being.
—adv 7 do someone proud to entertain
someone on a grand scale: Mum did us all
Often shortened to: pro tern proud last Christmas, proudly adv
protest n 1 public, often organized, demon- proud flesh n a mass of tissue formed
stration of objection. 2 a strong objection. 3
a formal statement declaring that a debtor around a healing wound.
has dishonoured a bill. 4 the act of protest- prove vb proving, proved; proved or prov-
ing. -vb 5 to take part in a public demon- en 1 to establish the validity of: such a
stration to express one’s support for or dis- claim is difficult to prove scientifically. 2 to
approval of an action, proposal, etc.: the demonstrate or test: the autopsy proved
workers marched through the city to pro- that she had drowned. 3 Law to establish
test against the closure of their factory. 6 to the genuineness of (a will). 4 to show (one-
disagree or object: “I’m OK, ” she protested. self) to be: he proved equal to the task. 5 to
7 to assert in a formal or solemn manner: all be found to be: it proved to be a trap. 6 (of
three repeatedly protested their innocence. dough) to rise in a warm place before bak-
8 Chiefly US to object forcefully to: stu- ing. provable adj
dents and teachers have protested the bud- proven vb 1 a past participle of prove. 2 See
get reductions, protestant adj, n protest- not proven, -adj 3 known from experi-
er n ence to work: a proven ability to make
► The verb protest is followed by against money.
provenance 650 prurient
provenance (prov-in-anss) n a place of ori- provisional adj temporary or conditional: a
gin. provisional diagnosis, provisionally adv
ProvenQal (prov-on-sahl) adj 1 of Provence, Provisional n a member of the Provisional
in SE France. ~n 2 a language of Provence. IRA or Sinn Fein.
3 a person from Provence. proviso (pro-vize-oh) n, pl -sos or -soes a
provender n Old-fashioned fodder for live- condition or stipulation, provisory adj
stock. provocation n 1 the act of provoking or in-
proverb n a short memorable saying that citing. 2 something that causes indignation
expresses a truth or gives a warning, for or anger.
example is half a loaf is better than no provocative adj provoking or inciting, esp.
bread. to anger or sexual desire: a provocative re-
proverbial adj 1 well-known because com- mark. provocatively adv
monly or traditionally referred to. 2 of a provoke vb -voking, -voked 1 to deliberate-
proverb, proverbially adv ly act in a way intended to anger someone:
provide vb -viding, -vided 1 to make avail- waving a red cape, Delgado provoked the
able. 2 to afford; yield: social activities animal into charging. 2 to incite or stimu-
providing the opportunity to meet new late: the army seems to have provoked this
people. 3 (often foil, by for or against) to latest confrontation. 3 (often foil, by into)
take careful precautions: we provide for the to cause a person to react in a particular,
possibility of illness in the examination often angry, way: keeping your true mo-
regulations. 4 (foil, by for) to support fi- tives hidden may provoke others into being
nancially: both parents should be expected just as two-faced with you. 4 to bring about:
to provide for their children. 5 Formal pro- the case has provoked furious public de-
vide for (of a law, treaty, etc.) to make pos- bate. provoking adj
sible: a bill providing for stiffer penalties provost n 1 the head of certain university
for racial discrimination, provider n colleges or schools. 2 the chief councillor of
providence n 1 God or nature seen as a pro- a Scottish town.
tective force that oversees people’s lives. 2 provost marshal n the officer in charge of
the foresight shown by a person in the military police in a camp or city.
management of his or her affairs. prow n the bow of a vessel.
Providence n Christianity God, esp. as prowess n 1 superior skill or ability. 2 brav-
showing foreseeing care of his creatures. ery or fearlessness.
provident adj 1 thrifty. 2 showing foresight, prowl vb 1 (sometimes foil, by around or
providential adj fortunate, as if through di- about) to move stealthily around (a place)
vine involvement. as if in search of prey or plunder, —n 2 the
act of prowling. 3 on the prowl moving
provident society n same as friendly soci- around stealthily, prowler n
ety.
prox. proximo (next month).
providing or provided conj on condition
(that): the deal is on, providing he passes proximate adj 1 next or nearest in space or
his medical. time. 2 very near. 3 immediately coming be-
► The usage is either providing on its own or fore or following in a series. 4 approximate.
provided that (not providing that). proximity n 1 nearness in space or time. 2
nearness or closeness in a series.
province n 1 a territory governed as a unit
of a country or empire. 2 an area of learn- proxy n, pl proxies 1 a person authorized to
ing, activity, etc. 3 the provinces those act on behalf of someone else: the firm’s
parts of a country lying outside the capital. creditors can vote either in person or by
proxy. 2 the authority to act on behalf of
provincewide Canad -adj 1 relating to the someone else.
whole of a province: a provincewide refer-
endum. -adv 2 throughout a province: an prude n a person who is excessively modest
advertising campaign to go provincewide. or prim, esp. regarding sex. prudery n
prudish adj
provincial adj 1 of a province. 2 unsophisti-
cated or narrow-minded. 3 NZ denoting a prudent adj 1 sensible and careful. 2 dis-
football team representing a province. ~n creet or cautious. 3 exercising good judg-
4 an unsophisticated person. 5 a person ment. prudence n prudently adv
from a province or the provinces, provin- prudential adj Old-fashioned showing pru-
cialism n dence: prudential reasons, prudentially
adv
provision n 1 the act of supplying some-
thing. 2 something supplied. 3 (pl) food and prune1 n a purplish-black partially dried
other necessities. 4 a condition incorporat- plum.
ed in a document. 5 make provision for to prune2 vb pruning, pruned 1 to cut off dead
make arrangements for beforehand: many or surplus branches of (a tree or shrub). 2
restaurants still make no provision for non- to shorten or reduce.
smokers. -vbG to supply with provisions. prurient adj 1 excessively interested in sex-
Prussian 651 Ptolemaic
ual matters. 2 exciting lustfulness, pruri- or mental processes: psychology; psycho-
ence n somatic.
Prussian adj 1 of Prussia, a former German psychoanalyse or esp US -lyze vb -lysing,
state. ~n 2 a person from Prussia. -lysed or -lyzing, -lyzed to examine or treat
prussic acid n the extremely poisonous so- (a person) by psychoanalysis.
lution of hydrogen cyanide. psychoanalysis n a method of treating men-
pry vb pries, prying, pried (often foil, by tal and emotional disorders by discussion
into) to make an impertinent or uninvited and analysis of the patient’s thoughts and
inquiry (about a private matter). feelings, psychoanalyst n psychoanalyti-
PS 1 Also: ps postscript. 2 private secretary, cal or psychoanalytic adj
psalm n (often cap) any of the sacred songs psychogenic adj Psychol (esp. of disorders
that make up a book (Psalms) of the Old or symptoms) of mental, rather than organ-
Testament. ic, origin.
psalmist n a writer of psalms. psychological adj 1 relating to the mind or
psalmody n, pl -dies the singing of sacred mental activity. 2 relating to psychology. 3
music. having its origin in the mind: his backaches
are purely psychological, psychologically
Psalter n 1 the Book of Psalms. 2 a book con- adv
taining a version of Psalms.
psychological moment n the best time for
psaltery n, pl -teries an ancient musical in- achieving the desired response or effect.
strument played by plucking strings.
psychological warfare n the military appli-
PSBR (in Britain) public sector borrowing cation of psychology, esp. to influence mo-
requirement: the money needed by the pub- rale in time of war.
lic sector of the economy for items not paid
for by income. psychology n, pl -gies 1 the scientific study
of all forms of human and animal behav-
psephology (sef-fol-a-jee) n the statistical iour. 2 Informal the mental make-up of a
and sociological study of elections, pse- person, psychologist n
phologist n
psychopath n a person afflicted with a per-
pseud n Informal a pretentious person, sonality disorder which causes him or her
pseudo adj Informal not genuine. to'commit antisocial and sometimes violent
pseudo- or sometimes before a vowel acts, psychopathic adj
pseud- combining form false, pretending, psychopathology n the scientific study of
or unauthentic: pseudo-intellectual. mental disorders.
pseudonym n a fictitious name adopted, psychopathy (sike-op-ath-ee) n any mental
esp. by an author, pseudonymity n pseu- disorder or disease.
donymous adj psychosis (sike-oh-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) a
psittacosis n a viral disease of parrots that severe mental disorder in which the
can be passed on to humans. sufferer’s contact with reality becomes
psoriasis (so-rye-a-siss) n a skin disease highly distorted, psychotic adj
with reddish spots and patches covered psychosomatic adj (of a physical disorder)
with silvery scales. thought to have psychological causes, such
psst interj a sound made to attract some- as stress.
one’s attention, esp. without others notic- psychotherapy n the treatment of nervous
ing. disorders by psychological methods,
PST Pacific Standard Time. psychotherapeutic adj psychotherapist n
PSV public service vehicle. psych up vb to prepare (oneself or another)
psyche n the human mind or soul. mentally for a contest or task.
psychedelic adj 1 denoting a drug that pt 1 part. 2 past tense. 3 point. 4 port. 5 pro
causes hallucinations. 2 Informal having tempore.
vivid colours and complex patterns similar Pt Chem platinum.
to those experienced during hallucinations. PT Old-fashioned physical training.
psychiatry n the branch of medicine con- pt. pint.
cerned with the study and treatment of
mental disorders, psychiatric adj psy- PTA Parent-Teacher Association.
chiatrist n ptarmigan (tar-mig-an) n a bird of the
psychic adj 1 having mental powers which grouse family that turns white in winter.
cannot be explained by natural laws. 2 re- Pte. AW private.
lating to the mind. ~n 3 a person who has pterodactyl (terr-roe-dak-til) n an extinct
psychic powers, psychical adj flying reptile with batlike wings.
psycho Informal ~n, pl -chos 1 same as PTO or pto please turn over.
psychopath, -adj 2 same as psychopath- Ptolemaic (tol-lim-may-ik) adj relating to
ic. Ptolemy, the 2nd-century a d Greek as-
psycho- or sometimes before a vowel tronomer, or to his belief that the earth was
psych- combining form indicating the mind in the centre of the universe.
ptomaine 652 puerperal fever
ptomaine or ptomain (toe-main) n any of a to arouse public attention. 2 the public in-
group of poisonous alkaloids found in de- terest so aroused.
caying matter. publicize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or
Pu Chem plutonium. -cising, -cised to bring to public attention.
pub n 1 Chiefly Brit a building with a li- public lending right n the right of authors to
censed bar where alcoholic drinks may be receive payment when their books are bor-
bought and drunk. 2 Austral & NZ a hotel. rowed from public libraries.
pub. 1 public. 2 publication. 3 published. 4 public prosecutor n Law an official in char-
publisher. 5 publishing. ge of prosecuting important cases.
pub-crawl n Informal, chiefly Brit a drink- public relations n the practice of gaining the
ing tour of a number of pubs. public’s goodwill and approval for an or-
puberty (pew-ber-tee) n the beginning of ganization.
sexual maturity, pubertal adj public school n 1 (in England and Wales) a
pubes (pew-beez) n, pl pubes 1 the region private independent fee-paying secondary
above the genitals. 2 pubic hair. 3 the plural school. 2 (in certain Canadian provinces) a
of pubis. public elementary school as distinguished
pubescent adj 1 arriving or arrived at pu-
from a separate school. 3 any school that is
berty. 2 covered with down, as some plants part of a free local educational system.
and animals, pubescence n public sector n the part of a country’s
economy that consists of state-owned in-
pubic (pew-bik) adj of or relating to the dustries and services.
pubes or pubis: pubic hair.
public servant n 1 an elected or appointed
pubis n, pl -bes one of the three sections of holder of a public office. 2 Austral & NZ a
the hipbone that forms part of the pelvis. civil servant.
public adj 1 relating to the people as a public service n Austral & NZ the civil ser-
whole. 2 open to all: public gardens. 3 well- vice.
known: a public figure. 4 performed or
made openly: public proclamation. 5 main- public-spirited adj having or showing an ac-
tained by and for the community: a public tive interest in the good of the community.
library. 6 open, acknowledged, or notorious: public utility n an organization that supplies
a public scandal. 7 go public a (of a private water, gas, or electricity to the public.
company) to offer shares for sale to the publish vb 1 to produce and issue (printed
public: few German firms have gone public matter) for sale. 2 to have one’s written
in recent years, b to make information, work issued for publication. 3 to announce
plans, etc., known: the group would not formally or in public, publishing n
have gone public with its suspicions unless publisher n 1 a company or person that pub-
it was fully convinced of them. ~n 8 the lishes books, periodicals, music, etc. 2 US &
community or people in general. 9 a particu- Canad the proprietor of a newspaper.
lar section of the community: the racing puce adj dark brownish-purple: his face
public, publicly adv suddenly puce with futile rage.
public-address system n a system of puck1 n a small disc of hard rubber used in
microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers ice hockey.
for increasing the sound level of speech or puck2 n a mischievous or evil spirit, puck-
music at public gatherings. ish adj
publican n (in Britain) a person who owns or pucker vb 1 to gather into wrinkles. ~n 2 a
runs a public house. wrinkle or crease.
publication n 1 the publishing of a printed pudding n 1 a dessert, esp. a cooked one
work. 2 any printed work offered for sale. 3 served hot. 2 a savoury dish with pastry or
the act of making information known to the batter: steak-and-kidney pudding. 3 a
public. sausage-like mass of meat: black pudding.
public bar n a bar in a hotel or pub which is puddle n 1 a small pool of water, esp. of
cheaper and more basically furnished than rain. 2 a worked mixture of wet clay and
the lounge or saloon bar. sand that is impervious to water. ~vb
public company or public limited company -dling, -died 3 to make (clay etc.) into pud-
n a limited company whose shares may be dle. 4 to subject (iron) to puddling, puddly
purchased by the public. adj
public convenience n a public toilet. pudenda pl n the human genitals, esp. of a
public enemy n a notorious person who is female.
considered a danger to the public. pudgy adj pudgier, pudgiest Chiefly US
public house n 1 Brit a pub. 2 US & Canad podgy, pudginess n
an inn or small hotel. puerile adj silly and childish, puerility n
publicist n a person, such as a press agent or puerperal (pew-er-per-al) adj concerning
journalist, who publicizes something. the period following childbirth.
publicity n 1 the process or information used puerperal fever n a serious, formerly wide-
puerperium 653 pulp
spread, form of blood poisoning caused by Cricket to hit (a ball) to the leg side. 11 to
infection during childbirth. row (a boat) or take a stroke of (an oar) in
puerperium (pure-peer-ee-um) n the period rowing. 12 pull a face to make a grimace.
after childbirth. 13 pull a fast one Slang to play a sly trick.
puff n 1 a short quick blast of breath, wind, 14 pull apart or to pieces to criticize
or smoke. 2 the amount of wind or smoke harshly. 15 pull (one’s) punches to limit
released in a puff. 3 the sound made by a the force of one’s criticisms or blows. ~n
puff. 4 out of puff out of breath: by the 16 the act of pulling. 17 the force used in
third flight of stairs she was out of puff. 5 pulling: the pull of the moon affects the
an act of inhaling and expelling cigarette tides. 18 the act of taking in drink or smoke.
smoke. 6 a light pastry usually filled with 19 Printing a proof taken from type. 20
cream and jam. -vb 7 to blow or breathe in something used for pulling, such as a han-
short quick blasts. 8 (often foil, by out) to dle. 21 Informal power or influence: his
cause to be out of breath. 9 to take draws at uncle is chairman of the company, so he has
(a cigarette). 10 to move with or by the quite a lot of pull. 22 Informal the power to
emission of puffs: the steam train puffed up attract attention or support. 23 a single
the incline. 11 (often foil, by up or out) to stroke of an oar in rowing. 24 the act of
swell, puffy adj pulling the ball in golf, cricket, etc. -See
puff adder n a large venomous African viper also pull down, pull in, etc.
whose body swells when alarmed. pull down vb to destroy or demolish: the old
puffball n a ball-shaped fungus that sends houses were pulled down.
out a cloud of brown spores when mature. pullet n a hen less than one year old.
puffin n a black-and-white sea bird with a pulley n a wheel with a grooved rim in
brightly coloured beak. which a belt, chain, or piece of rope runs in
puff pastry or US puff paste n a light flaky order to lift weights by a downward pull.
pastry. pull in vb 1 Also: pull over (of a motor vehi-
pug n a small dog with a smooth coat, lightly cle) to draw in to the side of the road. 2
curled tail, and a short wrinkled nose. (often foil, by to) to reach a destination: the
pugilist (pew-jil-ist) n a boxer, pugilism n train pulled in to the station. 3 to attract:
pugilistic adj his appearance will pull in the crowds. 4
pugnacious adj ready and eager to fight,
Brit slang to arrest. 5 to earn (money): he
pugnacity n
pulls in at least thirty thousand a year.
pug nose n a short stubby upturned nose, Pullman n, pl -mans a luxurious railway
pug-nosed adj coach.
puissance n a showjumping competition pull off vb Informal to succeed in accom-
that tests a horse’s ability to jump large ob- plishing (something difficult): to pull off a
stacles. million-pound deal.
puissant (pew-iss-sant) adj Archaic or poet- pull out vb 1 (of a motor vehicle) a to draw
ic powerful. away from the side of the road, b to move
puke Slang ~vb puking, puked 1 to vomit.
out from behind another vehicle to over-
~n 2 the act of vomiting. 3 the matter vom- take. 2 to depart: the train pulled out of the
station. 3 to withdraw: several companies
ited. have pulled out of the student market. 4 to
pukeko (puck-a-koh) n, pl -kos a brightly remove by pulling. 5 to abandon a situation.
coloured New Zealand wading bird.
pullover n a sweater that is pulled on over
pukka adj Anglo-Indian 1 properly done, the head.
constructed, etc. 2 genuine or real.
pull through vb to survive or recover, esp.
pulchritude n Formal or literary physical after a serious illness.
beauty, pulchritudinous adj
pull together vb 1 to cooperate or work in
pule vb puling, puled Literary to whine or • harmony. 2 pull oneself together Informal
whimper. to regain one’s self-control.
pull vb 1 to exert force on (an object) to
draw it towards the source of the force. 2 to pull up vb 1 (of a motor vehicle) to stop. 2 to
strain or stretch. 3 to remove or extract: he remove by the roots. 3 to rebuke.
pulled a crumpled tenner from his pocket. 4 pulmonary adj 1 of or affecting the lungs. 2
Informal to draw out (a weapon) for use: he having lungs or lunglike organs.
pulled a knife on his attacker. 5 Informal to pulp n 1 a soft wet substance made from
attract: the game is expected to pull a large matter which has been crushed or beaten:
crowd. 6 (usually foil, by on or at) to drink mash the strawberries to a pulp. 2 the soft
or inhale deeply: he pulled on his pipe. 7 to fleshy part of a fruit or vegetable: halve the
possess or exercise the power to move: this - tomatoes then scoop the seeds and pulp into
car doesn’t pull well on hills. 8 Printing to a bowl. 3 printed or recorded material with
take (a proof) from type. 9 Golf, baseball, little depth or designed to shock: pulp fic-
etc to hit (a ball) away from the direction in tion; a tape player churned out disco pulp,
which the player intended to hit it. 10 -vb 4 to reduce a material to pulp: he
pulpit 654 pundit
began to pulp the orange in his fingers. punch1 vb 1 to strike at with a clenched fist.
pulpy adj —n 2 a blow with the fist. 3 Informal point
pulpit n 1 a raised platform in churches used or vigour: the jokes are mildly amusing but
for preaching. 2 (usually preceded by the) lack any real punch.
preaching or the clergy. punch2 n 1 a tool or machine for shaping,
pulpwood n pine, spruce, or any other soft piercing, or engraving. 2 Computers a de-
wood used to make paper. vice for making holes in a card or paper
pulsar n a very small star which emits regu- tape, -vb 3 to pierce, cut, stamp, shape, or
lar pulses of radio waves. drive with a punch.
pulsate vb -sating, -sated 1 to expand and punch3 n a mixed drink containing fruit
contract rhythmically, like a heartbeat. 2 to juice and, usually, alcoholic liquor, general-
quiver or vibrate: the images pulsate with ly hot and spiced.
energy and light. 3 Physics to vary in inten- Punch n the main character in the children’s
sity or magnitude, pulsation n puppet show, Punch and Judy.
pulse1 n 1 Physiol a the regular beating of punchbag n a stuffed or inflated bag sus-
blood through the arteries at each heart- pended by a flexible rod, that is punched
beat. b a single such beat. 2 Physics, elec- for exercise, esp. boxing training.
tronics a sudden change in a quantity, such punchball n a stuffed or inflated ball sup-
as a voltage, that is normally constant in a ported by a flexible rod, that is punched for
system. 3 a regular beat or vibration. 4 bus- exercise, esp. boxing training.
tle or excitement: the lively pulse of a city. punchbowl n a large bowl for serving
5 the feelings or thoughts of a group as they punch.
can be measured: the political pulse of the punch-drunk adj dazed and confused
capital, -vb pulsing, pulsed 6 to beat, through suffering repeated blows to the
throb, or vibrate. head.
pulse2 n the edible seeds of pod-bearing punched card or esp US punch card n
plants, such as peas, beans, and lentils. Computers a card on which data can be
pulverize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, coded in the form of punched holes.
-ised 1 to reduce to fine particles by crush- Punchinello n, pl -los or -loes a clown from
ing or grinding. 2 to destroy completely, Italian puppet shows, the origin of Punch.
pulverization or -isation n punch line n the last line of a joke or funny
puma n a large American wild cat with a story that gives it its point.
plain greyish-brown coat and a long tail. punch-up n Brit infprmal a fight or brawl,
pumice (pumm-iss) n a light porous stone punchy adj punchier, punchiest Informal
used for scouring and for removing hard effective or forceful: learn to compose short
skin. Also called: pumice stone concise punchy letters.
pummel vb -melling, -melled or US -meling, punctilious adj Formal 1 paying careful at-
-meled to strike repeatedly with the fists. tention to correct social behaviour. 2 atten-
pump1 n 1 a device to force a gas or liquid to tive to detail, punctiliously adv
move in a particular direction, -vb 2 punctual adj 1 arriving or taking place at an
(sometimes foil, by from, out, etc.) to raise arranged time. 2 (of a person) always keep-
or drive (air, liquid, etc.) with a pump, esp. ing exactly to arranged times, punctuality
into or from something. 3 (usually foil, by n punctually adv
in or into) to supply in large amounts: punctuate vb -ating, -ated 1 to insert punc-
pumping money into the economy. 4 to op- tuation marks into (a written text). 2 to in-
erate (a handle etc.) in the manner of a terrupt at frequent intervals: the meeting
pump: he was warmly applauded, and his was punctuated by heckling. 3 to empha-
hand was pumped by well-wishers. 5 to ob- size: he punctuated the question by press-
tain information from (someone) by persis- ing the muzzle into the pilot’s neck.
tent questioning. 6 pump iron Slang to ex- punctuation n 1 the use of symbols, such as
ercise with weights; do body-building exer- commas, to indicate speech patterns and
cises. meaning not otherwise shown by the writ-
pump2 n 1 a shoe with a rubber sole, used in ten language. 2 the symbols used for this
games such as tennis; plimsoll. 2 a low-cut purpose.
low-heeled shoe, worn for dancing. punctuation mark n any of the signs used in
pumpernickel n a slightly sour black bread punctuation, such as a comma.
made o'f coarse rye flour. puncture n 1 a small hole made by a sharp
pumpkin n 1 a large round fruit with a thick object. 2 a tear and loss of pressure in a
orange rind, pulpy flesh, and many seeds. 2 tyre. 3 the act of puncturing or perforating.
the creeping plant that bears this fruit. -vb -turing, -tured 4 to pierce a hole in
pun n 1 the use of words to exploit double (something) with a sharp object. 5 to cause
meanings for humorous effect, for example (a tyre etc.) to lose pressure by piercing.
my dog’s a champion boxer, -vb punning, pundit n 1 an expert on a subject who often
punned 2 to make puns. speaks or writes about it for a non-
pungent 655 purge
specialist audience: Spain’s leading sports pupa (pew-pa) n, pl -pae (-pee) or -pas an
pundit, who hosts two TV programmes. 2 a insect at the stage of development between
Hindu scholar learned in Sanskrit, religion, larva and adult, pupal adj
philosophy, or law. pupil1 n a student who is taught by a teach-
pungent adj 1 having a strong sharp bitter er.
smell or taste. 2 (of speech or writing) bit- pupil2 n the dark circular opening at the cen-
ing; critical, pungency n tre of the iris of the eye.
punish vb 1 to force (someone) to undergo a puppet n 1 a small doll or figure moved by
penalty for some crime or misbehaviour. 2 strings attached to its limbs or by the hand
to inflict punishment for (some crime or inserted in its cloth body. 2 a person or
misbehaviour). 3 to treat harshly, esp. by state that appears independent but is con-
overexertion: he continued to punish him- trolled by another: the former cabinet min-
self in the gym. punishable adj punishing isters have denied that they are puppets of
adj a foreign government.
punishment n 1 a penalty for a crime or of- puppeteer n a person who operates pup-
fence. 2 the act of punishing or state of pets.
being punished. 3 Informal rough physical puppy n, pl -pies 1 a young dog. 2 Informal,
treatment: the boxer's face could not with- contemptuous a brash or conceited young
stand further punishment. man. puppyish adj
punitive (pew-nit-tiv) adj relating to pun- puppy fat n fatty tissue that develops in
ishment: punitive measures. childhood or adolescence and usually
punk n 1 a worthless person. 2 a youth disappears with maturity.
movement of the late 1970s, characterized purblind adj 1 partly or nearly blind. 2 lack-
by anti-Establishment slogans, short spiky ing in understanding.
hair, and the wearing of worthless articles
such as safety pins for decoration. 3 short purchase vb -chasing, -chased 1 to obtain
for punk rock. 4 a follower of the punk (goods) by payment. 2 to obtain by effort or
movement or of punk rock, -adj 5 relating sacrifice: he had purchased his freedom at
to the punk youth movement of the late the expense of his principles. ~n 3 some-
1970s: a punk band. 6 worthless or insig- thing that is bought. 4 the act of buying. 5
nificant. the mechanical advantage achieved by a
lever. 6 a firm leverage or grip, purchaser
punkah or punka n (in India) a ceiling fan n
made of a cloth stretched over a rectangu-
lar frame. purdah n the custom in some Muslim and
Hindu communities of keeping women in se-
punk rock n rock music of the punk youth clusion, with clothing that conceals them
movement of the late 1970s, characterized completely when they go out.
by energy and aggressive lyrics and per-
formance. punk rocker n pure adj 1 not mixed with any other materi-
als or elements: pure wool. 2 free from
punnet n Chiefly Brit a small basket for tainting or polluting matter: pure water. 3
fruit. innocent: pure love. 4 complete: Pamela’s
punster n a person who is fond of making presence on that particular flight was pure
puns. chance. 5 (of a subject) studied in its theo-
punt1 n 1 an open flat-bottomed boat, pro- retical aspects rather than for its practical
pelled by a pole, -vb 2 to propel (a punt) applications: pure mathematics. 6 of un-
by pushing with a pole on the bottom of a mixed descent, purely adv pureness n
river. purebred adj denoting a pure strain ob-
punt2 n 1 a kick in certain sports, such as tained through many generations of con-
rugby, in which the ball is dropped and trolled breeding.
kicked before it hits the ground, -vb 2 to puree (pure-ray) n 1 a smooth thick pulp of
kick (a ball) using a punt. sieved fruit, vegetables, meat, or fish, -vb
punt3 Chiefly Brit -vb 1 to gamble or bet. -reeing, -reed 2 to make (foods) into a
-n 2 a gamble or bet, esp. against the bank, puree.
such as in roulette. purgative Med -n 1 a medicine for empty-
punt4 n the standard monetary unit of the ing the bowels, -adj 2 causing emptying of
Republic of Ireland. the bowels.
punter n 1 a person who places a bet. 2 In- purgatory n 1 Chiefly RC Church a place in
formal any member of the public, esp. when which the souls of those who have died
a customer: the punters are flocking into undergo limited suffering for their sins on
the sales. earth before they go to heaven. 2 a situa-
puny adj -nier, -niest small and weakly. tion of temporary suffering or torment: it
pup n 1 a a young dog; puppy, b the young was purgatory living in the same house as
of various other animals, such as the seal. him. purgatorial adj
—vb pupping, pupped 2 (of dogs, seals, purge vb purging, purged 1 to rid (some-
etc.) to give birth to pups. thing) of undesirable qualities. 2 to rid (an
purify 656 purview
organization etc.) of undesirable people. 3 a speech or writing) to signify or imply. ~n 3
to empty (the bowels), b to cause (a person) meaning or significance.
to empty his or her bowels. 4 a Law to clear purpose n 1 the reason for which anything
(a person) of a charge, b to free (oneself) of is done, created, or exists. 2 a fixed design
guilt by showing repentance. 5 to be puri- or idea that is the object of an action. 3 de-
fied. ~n 6 the act or process of purging. 7 termination: his easy manner only lightly
the removal of undesirables from a state, coneeals a elear sense of purpose. 4 practi-
organization, or political party. 8 a medi- cal advantage or use: we debated senseless
cine that empties the bowels. points of dogma for hours to no fruitful
purify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to free (some- purpose. 5 on purpose intentionally, -vb
thing) of harmful or inferior matter. 2 to -posing, -posed 6 to intend or determine to
free (a person) from sin or guilt. 3 to make do (something).
clean, for example in a religious ceremony, purpose-built adj made to serve a specific
purification n purpose.
purism n strict insistence on the correct purposeful adj with a fixed and definite
usage or style, such as in grammar or art. purpose; determined, purposefully adv
purist adj, n puristic adj purposely adv on purpose.
puritan n 1 a person who follows strict purposive adj Formal 1 having or showing a
moral or religious principles. -adj 2 of or definite intention: the establishment of the
like a puritan: he maintained a streak of eamps laeks a purposive trend towards a
puritan self-denial, puritanism n solution. 2 useful.
Puritan History ~n 1 a member of the ex- purr vb 1 (esp. of cats) to make a low vibrant
treme English Protestants who wished to sound, usually considered as expressing
strip the Church of England of most of its pleasure. 2 to express (pleasure) by this
rituals, -adj 2 of or relating to the sound or by a sound suggestive of purring.
Puritans. Puritanism n —n 3 a purring sound.
puritanical adj 1 Usually disparaging strict purse n 1 a small pouch for carrying money.
in moral or religious outlook. 2 (sometimes 2 US & Canad a woman’s handbag. 3 wealth
cap) of or relating to a puritan or the or resources: the public purse appeared bot-
Puritans, puritanically adv tomless. 4 a sum of money that is offered as
purity n the state or quality of being pure. a prize, -vb pursing, pursed 5 to pull (the
purl1 n 1 a knitting stitch made by doing a lips) into a small rounded shape.
plain stitch backwards. 2 a decorative bor- purser n an officer aboard a ship who keeps
der, such as of lace, -vb 3 to knit in purl the accounts.
stitch. purse strings pl n hold the purse strings to
purl2 vb Literary (of a stream) to flow with a control the spending of a particular family,
gentle movement and a murmuring sound. group, etc.
purlieu (per-lyoo) n 1 English history land pursuance n Formal the carrying out of an
on the edge of a royal forest. 2 (usually pl) action or plan: the pursuance of duty had
Literary a neighbouring area; outskirts. 3 taken him abroad.
(often pl) Literary a place one frequents: pursue vb -suing, -sued 1 to follow (a per-
the eommittee was the purlieu of eivil serv- son, vehicle, or animal) in order to capture
ants. or overtake. 2 to try hard to achieve (some
purlin or purline n a horizontal beam that desire or aim). 3 to follow the guidelines of
supports the rafters of a roof. (a plan or policy). 4 to apply oneself to
purloin vb Formal to steal. (studies or interests). 5 to follow persistent-
purple n 1 a colour between red and blue. 2 ly or seek to become acquainted with: was
cloth of this colour, often used to symbolize his desire to pursue and marry Carol based
royalty or nobility. 3 the official robe of a purely on her looks?6 to continue to discuss
cardinal. 4 anything purple, such as purple or argue (a point or subject), pursuer n
paint or purple clothing: a large lady, un- pursuit n 1 the act of pursuing. 2 an occupa-
wisely dressed in purple, -adj 5 of a colour tion or pastime.
between red and blue. 6 (of writing) exces- pursuivant (purse-iv-ant) n the lowest rank
sively elaborate: purple prose, purplish adj of heraldic officer.
purple heart n Informal, ehiefly Brit a purulent (pure-yew-lent) adj of, relating to,
heart-shaped purple tablet consisting main- or containing pus. purulence n
ly of amphetamine. purvey vb 1 to sell or provide (foodstuffs). 2
Purple Heart n a decoration awarded to to provide or make available: the foreign
members of the US Armed Forces wounded ministry used him to purvey sensitive items
in action. of diplomatic news, purveyor n
purport vb 1 to claim to be or do something, purview n 1 scope of operation: eaeh desig-
esp. falsely: painkillers may actually eause nation falls under the purview of a differ-
the headaehes they purport to cure. 2 (of ent ministry. 2 breadth or range of outlook:
pus 657 put down
lie hopes that the purview of science will be pussy2 adj -sier, -siest containing or full of
widened. pus.
pus n the yellowish fluid that comes from pussyfoot vb Informal 1 to move about
inflamed or infected tissue. stealthily. 2 to avoid committing oneself:
push vb 1 (sometimes foil, by off, away, don’t let’s pussyfoot about naming the hit
etc.) to apply steady force to in order to man.
move. 2 to thrust (one’s way) through pussy willow n a willow tree with silvery
something, such as a crowd. 3 (sometimes silky catkins.
foil, by for) to be an advocate or promoter pustulate vb -lating, -lated to form into
(of): there are many groups you can join to pustules.
push for change. 4 to spur or drive (oneself pustule n a small inflamed raised area of
or another person) in order to achieve more skin containing pus. pustular adj
effort or better results: you must be careful put vb putting, put 1 to cause to be (in a po-
not to push your children too hard. 5 In- sition or place): he put the book on the
formal to sell (narcotic drugs) illegally. ~n tabic. 2 to cause to be (in a state or condi-
6 the act of pushing; thrust. 7 Informal tion): what can be done to put things right?
drive or determination: everything depends 3 to lay (blame, emphasis, etc.) on a person
on him having the push to obtain the or thing: don't try to put the blame on
money. 8 Informal a special effort to someone else! 4 to set or commit (to an ac-
achieve something: when this push spent it- tion, task, or duty), esp. by force: she put
self it was obvious the bid had failed. 9 the him to work weeding the garden. 5 to esti-
push Informal, chiefly Brit dismissal from mate or judge: I wouldn’t put him in the
employment. —See also push about, push same class as Verdi as a composer. 6 (foil,
off, etc. by to) to utilize: he put his culinary skills to
push about or around vb Informal to bully: good use when he opened a restaurant. 7 to
don’t let them push you around. express: he didn’t put it quite as crudely as
push-bike n Brit informal a bicycle. that. 8 to make (an end or limit): opponents
push button n 1 an electrical switch operat- claim the scheme will put an end to much of
ed by pressing a button, -adj push-button the sailing and boating in the area. 9 to
2 operated by a push button: a push-button present for consideration; propose: he put
radio. the question to the committee. 10 to invest
(money) in or expend (time or energy) on:
pushchair n Brit a small folding chair on he put five thousand pounds into the proj-
wheels in which a small child can be ect. 11 to throw or cast: put the shot. ~n 12
wheeled around: escalators are difficult a throw, esp. in putting the shot. -See also
with pushchairs. put about, put across, etc.
pushed adj (often foil, by for) Informal put about vb 1 to make widely known: a
short of: pushed for time. rumour was put about that he had been
pusher n Informal a person who sells illegal drunk. 2 Naut to change course.
drugs. put across vb to communicate successfully:
pushing prep 1 almost or nearly (a certain he’s not very good at putting his ideas
age, speed, etc.): pushing fifty, -adj 2 ag- across.
gressively ambitious. put aside vb 1 to save: try to put some
push off vb Informal to go away; leave, money aside in case of emergencies. 2 to
pushover n Informal 1 something that is disregard: put aside adolescent fantasies of
easily achieved. 2 a person, team, etc., that romance.
is easily taken advantage of or defeated. putative (pew-tat-iv) adj Formal 1 common-
push-start vb 1 to start (a motor vehicle) by ly regarded as being: the desire of the puta-
pushing it, thus turning the engine. ~n 2 tive father to establish his possible pater-
this process. nity. 2 considered to exist or have existed;
inferred: a putative earlier form.
push through vb to force to accept: the
President needs their votes to push through put away vb 1 to save: it takes a lot of disci-
his economic package. pline to put away for your old age. 2 Infor-
mal to lock up in a prison, mental institu-
pushy adj pushier, pushiest Informal of- tion, etc.: we have enough evidence to put
fensively assertive or ambitious. him away for life. 3 Informal to eat or drink
pusillanimous adj Formal timid and coward- in large amounts: he put away three beers
ly: the authorities have been too pusillani- and three huge shots of brandy.
mous in condemning the violence, pusilla- put back vb 1 to return to its former place. 2
nimity n to move to a later time: the UK release of
puss n 1 Informal a cat. 2 Slang a girl or her new album has been put back until
woman. January.
pussy1 n, pl pussies 1 Also called: pussycat put down vb 1 to make a written record of. 2
Informal a cat. 2 Taboo slang the female to repress: the rising was put down with
genitals. revolting cruelty. 3 to consider: I’d put him
put forward 658 pyramid
down as a complete fool. 4 to attribute: the I’m sorry, you’ve been put through to the
government’s defeat in the election can be wrong extension. 2 to carry out to a conclu-
put down to a general desire for change. 5 sion: he put through his plan.
to put (an animal) to death. 6 Slang to belit- putting green n (on a golf course) the area
tle or humiliate. ~n put-down 7 Informal a of closely mown grass around the hole.
cruelly crushing remark. putty n, pl -ties 1 a stiff paste used to fix
put forward vb 1 to propose or suggest. 2 to glass into frames and fill cracks in wood-
offer the name of; nominate. work. ~vb -ties, -tying, -tied 2 to fix or fill
put in vb 1 to devote (time or effort): the with putty.
competitors who did best were the ones put up vb 1 to build or erect: I want to put
who had put in some praetiee. 2 (often foil, up some shelves in the living room. 2 to ac-
by for) to apply (for a job). 3 to submit: commodate or be accommodated at: can you
they have put in an official eomplaint. 4 put me up for tonight? 3 to increase
Naut to bring a vessel into port. (prices). 4 to submit (a plan, case, etc.). 5 to
put off vb 1 to postpone: ministers have put offer: the factory is being put up for sale. 6
off making a final decision until next to give: they put up a good fight. 7 to pro-
month. 2 to evade (a person) by delay: they vide (money) for: they put up 35 per cent of
tried to put him off, but he came anyway. 3 the film’s budget. 8 to nominate or be nomi-
to cause extreme dislike in: he was put off nated as a candidate: the party have yet to
by her appearance. 4 to cause to lose inter- decide whether to put up a candidate. 9 put
est in: the accident put him off driving. up to to incite to: I wonder who put them
put on vb 1 to dress oneself in. 2 to adopt up to it? 10 put up with Informal to endure
(an attitude or feeling) insincerely: I don’t or tolerate. ~adj put-up 11 Informal dis-
see why you have to put on that fake honestly or craftily prearranged: a put-up
American aceent. 3 to present (a play or job.
show). 4 to add: I’ve put on nearly a stone put upon vb to take advantage of (someone):
since September. 5 to cause (an electrical he’s always being put upon.
device) to function: she put on the light. 6 puzzle vb -zling, -zled 1 to baffle or bewil-
to bet (money) on a horse race or game. 7 to der. 2 puzzle out to solve (a problem) by
impose: the government has put a tax on mental effort. 3 puzzle over to think deeply
gas and eleetrieity. about in an attempt to understand: he puz-
put out vb 1 a to annoy or anger, b to dis- zled over the squiggles and eurves on the
turb or confuse. 2 to extinguish (a fire, paper. ~n 4 a problem that cannot be easi-
light, etc.). 3 to inconvenience (someone): I ly solved. 5 a toy, game, or question pre-
hope I’m not putting you out. 4 to select or senting a problem that requires skill or in-
lay out for use: she put out two clean cloths genuity for its solution. puzzlement n
in the kitchen. 5 to publish or broadcast: puzzled adj puzzler n puzzling adj
she put out a statement denying the ru- PVC polyvinyl chloride.
mours. 6 to dislocate: he put his back out PW policewoman.
digging the garden. PWR pressurized-water reactor,
put over vb Informal to communicate (facts pyaemia or pyemia n Med blood poisoning
or information). with pus-forming microorganisms in the
putrefy vb -fies, -fying, -fied Formal (of or- blood.
ganic matter) to rot and produce an offen- pye-dog or pi-dog n a half-wild Asian dog
sive smell, putrefaction n with no owner.
putrescent adj Formal becoming putrid; rot- pygmy n, pl-mies 1 something that is a very
ting. putrescence n small example of its type. 2 an abnormally
putrid adj 1 (of organic matter) rotting: pu- undersized person. 3 a person of little im-
trid meat. 2 sickening or foul: a putrid portance or significance. ~adj 4 very
stench. 3 Informal deficient in quality or small: the pygmy anteater.
value: a penchant for putrid puns. 4 moral- Pygmy n, pl -niies a member of one of the
ly corrupt, putridity n very short peoples of Equatorial Africa.
putsch n a violent and sudden political re- pyjamas or US pajamas pl n a loose-fitting
volt: an attempted putseh against the gen- jacket or top and trousers worn to sleep in.
eral. pylon n a large vertical steel tower-like
putt Golf ~n 1 a stroke on the green with a structure supporting high-tension electrical
putter to roll the ball into or near the hole. cables.
~vb 2 to strike (the ball) in this way. pyorrhoea or esp US pyorrhea (pire-ree-a)
puttee n (usually pl) (esp. as part of a mili- n Med a discharge of pus, esp. in disease of
tary uniform) a strip of cloth worn wound the gums or tooth sockets.
around the leg from the ankle to the knee. pyramid n 1 a huge stone building with a
putter n Golf a club with a short shaft for square base and four sloping triangular
putting. sides meeting in a point, such as the royal
put through vb 1 to connect by telephone: tombs built by the ancient Egyptians. 2
pyramid selling 659 pyx
Maths a solid figure with a polygonal base rite. 2 a disulphide of a metal, esp. of cop-
and triangular sides that meet in a common per and tin.
vertex, pyramidal adj pyromania n Psychiatry the uncontrollable
pyramid selling n the practice of selling impulse and practice of setting things on
distributors batches of goods which they fire, pyromaniac n, adj
then subdivide and sell to other pyrotechnics n 1 the art of making fire-
distributors, this process continuing until works. 2 a firework display. 3 a brilliant
the final distributors are left with a stock display of skill: all those courtroom pyro-
that is unsaleable except at a loss. technics. pyrotechnic adj
pyre n a pile of wood for cremating a corpse,
pyrethrum (pie-reeth-rum) n 1 a Eurasian Pyrrhic victory (pir-ik) n a victory in which
chrysanthemum with white, pink, red, or the victor’s losses are as great as those of
purple flowers. 2 an insecticide prepared the defeated.
from dried pyrethrum flowers. Pythagoras’ theorem (pie-thag-or-ass) n
pyretic (pie-ret-ik) adj Pathol of, relating to, the theorem that in a right-angled triangle
or characterized by fever. the square of the length of the hypotenuse
Pyrex n Trademark a variety of heat- equals the sum of the squares of the other
resistant glassware used in cookery and two sides.
chemical apparatus. python n a large nonpoisonous snake of
pyrite (pie-rite) n a yellow mineral consist- Australia, Africa, and S Asia, which kills its
ing of iron sulphide in cubic crystalline prey by crushing it with its body.
form. Formula: FeS2. pyx n Christianity any receptacle in which
pyrites (pie-rite-eez) n, pl -tes 1 same as py- the bread used in Holy Communion is kept.
 Q
Q 1 Chess queen. 2 question. quadriplegia n paralysis of all four limbs,
q. 1 quart. 2 quarter. 3 question. 4 quire. quadriplegic adj, n
Q. 1 Quebec. 2 Queen. 3 question. quadruped (kwod-roo-ped) n an animal,
QC Queen’s Counsel. esp. a mammal, that has four legs.
QED which was to be shown or proved. quadruple vb -pling, -pled 1 to multiply by
QLD Queensland. four, —adj 2 four times as much or as
many. 3 consisting of four parts. 4 Music
QM Quartermaster. having four beats in each bar. —n 5 a quan-
qr. pl qrs 1 quarter. 2 quire. tity or number four times as great as anoth-
qt pl qt or qts quart. er.
q.t. n on the q.t. Informal secretly. quadruplet n one of four children born at
qua (kwah) prep in the capacity of; by vir- one birth.
tue of being. quadruplicate adj 1 fourfold or quadruple.
quack1 vb 1 (of a duck) to utter a harsh gut- —vb -eating, -cated 2 to multiply or be
tural sound. 2 to make a noise like a duck. multiplied by four.
~n 3 the sound made by a duck. quaff (kwoff) vb Old-fashioned to drink
quack2 n 1 an unqualified person who heartily or in one draught.
claims medical knowledge. 2 Brit, Austral, quagga n, pl -gas or -ga a recently extinct
& NZ informal a doctor, quackery n zebra, striped only on the head and shoul-
quad1 n short for quadrangle (sense 1). ders.
quad2 n Informal a quadruplet. quagmire (kwog-mire) n a soft wet area of
quad3 n 1 quadraphonics, -adj 2 quadra- land that gives way under the feet; bog.
phonic. quail1 n, pl quails or quail a small game bird
quadrangle n 1 a rectangular courtyard of the partridge family.
with buildings on all four sides. 2 Geom a quail2 vhto shrink back with fear; cower,
figure consisting of four points connected quaint adj attractively unusual, esp. in an
by four lines, quadrangular adj old-fashioned style.
quadrant n 1 Geom a a quarter of the cir-
quake vb quaking, quaked 1 to shake or
cumference of a circle, b the area enclosed tremble with or as if with fear. 2 to shudder
by two perpendicular radii of a circle. 2 a because of instability. ~n 3 Informal an
piece of a mechanism in the form of a quar- earthquake.
ter circle. 3 an instrument formerly used in
astronomy and navigation for measuring Quaker n a member of a Christian sect, the
the altitudes of stars. Society of Friends. Quakerism n
quadraphonic adj using four independent qualification n 1 an official record of
channels to reproduce or record sound, achievement awarded on the successful
quadraphonics n completion of a course of training or pass-
quadrate n 1 a cube or square, or a square ing of an examination. 2 an ability, quality,
or cubelike object, —vb -rating, -rated 2 to or attribute, esp. one that fits a person to
make square or rectangular. perform a particular job or task. 3 a condi-
tion that modifies or limits; restriction. 4
quadratic Maths ~n 1 Also called: quadrat- the act of qualifying or being qualified.
ic equation an equation in which the vari-
able is raised to the power of two, but no- qualified adj 1 having successfully complet-
where raised to a higher power: solve the ed a training course or passed the exams
quadratic equation 2x2—3x—6=3. -adj 2 necessary in order to be entitled to work in
of or relating to the second power. a particular profession: a qualified lawyer.
2 having the abilities, qualities, or attrib-
quadrennial adj 1 occurring every four utes necessary to perform a particular job
years. 2 lasting four years. or task. 3 having completed a training or
quadri- or before a vowel quadr- combining degree course and gained the relevant cer-
form four: quadrilateral. tificates. 4 limited or restricted; not whole-
quadrilateral adj 1 having four sides. ~n 2 hearted: the mission was only a qualified
a polygon with four sides. success.
quadrille n 1 a square dance for four qualify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to have the
couples. 2 music for this dance. abilities or attributes required in order to
quadrillion n, pl -lions or -lion 1 (in Britain, do or have something, such as a job: he
France, and Germany) the number repre- qualified as a teacher; she did not qualify
sented as one followed by 24 zeros (1024). 2 for a State pension at that time. 2 to moder-
(in the US and Canada) the number repre- ate or restrict (a statement one has made). 3
sented as one followed by 15 zeros (101B). to describe or be described as having a par-
qualitative 661 quartermaster
ticular quality: it was neither witty nor ry particle supposed to be a fundamental
subtle enough to qualify as a spoof. 4 to be unit of all baryons and mesons.
successful in one stage of a competition and quarrel n 1 an angry disagreement; argu-
as a result progress to the next stage: Lewis ment. 2 a cause of dispute; grievance, -vb
failed to qualify for the 100 metres. 5 -relling, -relied or US -reling, -reled (often
Grammar to modify the sense of (a word), foil, by with) 3 to engage in a disagreement
qualifier n ox dispute; argue. 4 to find fault; complain.
qualitative adj involving or relating to dis- quarrelsome adj inclined to quarrel or dis-
tinctions based on quality. agree.
qualitative analysis n Chem analysis of a quarry1 n, pl -ries 1 a place where stone is
substance to determine its constituents. dug from the surface of the earth, -vb
quality n, pl -ties 1 degree or standard of ex- -ries, -rying, -ried 2 to extract (stone) from
cellence. 2 a distinguishing characteristic or a quarry.
attribute. 3 the basic character or nature of quarry2 n, pl -ries 1 an animal that is being
something. 4 a feature of personality. 5 hunted; prey. 2 anything pursued.
(formerly) high social status, -adj 6 excel- quarry tile n an unglazed floor tile.
lent or superior: a quality product.
quart n a unit of liquid measure equal to one
quality control n checking of the relative quarter of a gallon or two pints (1.136 li-
quality of a manufactured product, usually tres).
by testing samples.
quarter n 1 one of four equal parts of some-
qualm (kwahm) n 1 a pang of conscience; thing such as an object or quantity. 2 the
scruple. 2 a sudden sensation of misgiving. fraction equal to one divided by four (14). 3
3 a sudden feeling of sickness or nausea. a fourth part of a year; three months. 4 In-
quandary n, pl -ries a situation in which it is formal a unit of weight equal to four ounces
difficult to decide what to do; predicament; (113.4 grams). 5 a region or district of a
dilemma. town or city: the French quarter of New Or-
quango n, pl -gos a semipublic government- leans. 6 a region, direction, or point of the
financed administrative body whose mem- compass. 7 US & Canad a coin worth 25
bers are appointed by the government. cents. 8 short for quarter-hour. 9 Astron a
quantify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to discover or one fourth of the moon’s period of revolu-
express the quantity of. quantifiable adj tion around the earth, b either of two
quantification n phases of the moon when half of the lighted
quantitative adj 1 involving considerations surface is visible. 10 (sometimes pl) an un-
of amount or size. 2 capable of being meas- specified person or group of people: it met
ured. stiff opposition in some quarters. 11 mercy
quantitative analysis n Chem analysis of a or pity shown to a defeated opponent: no
substance to determine the proportions of quarter was asked or given. 12 any of the
its constituents. four limbs of a quadruped, -vb 13 to di-
vide into four equal parts. 14 (formerly) to
quantity n, pl -ties 1 a specified or definite dismember (a human body). 15 to billet or
amount or number. 2 the aspect of anything be billeted in lodgings. 16 Heraldry to di-
that can be measured, weighed, or counted. vide (a shield) into four separate bearings.
3 a large amount. 4 Maths an entity having -adj 17 being or consisting of one of four
a magnitude that may be denoted by a nu- equal parts. -See also quarters.
merical expression. quarterback n a player in American football
quantity surveyor n a person who estimates who directs attacking play.
the cost of the materials and labour neces- quarter day n any of four days in the year
sary for a construction job.
when certain payments become due.
quantum n, pl -ta 1 an amount or quantity,
quarterdeck n Naut the rear part of the
esp. a specific amount. 2 Physics the small- upper deck of a ship, traditionally for offi-
est quantity of some physical property that
a system can possess, —adj 3 of or desig- cial or ceremonial use.
nating a major breakthrough or sudden ad- quarterfinal n the round before the semifi-
vance: a quantum leap in business comput- nal in a competition.
ing. quarter-hour n 1 a period of 15 minutes. 2
quantum theory n a theory concerning the either of the points of time 15 minutes be-
behaviour of physical systems based on the fore or after the hour.
idea that they can only possess certain quarterlight n Brit a small pivoted window
properties, such as energy and angular mo- in the door of a car.
mentum, in discrete amounts (quanta). quarterly adj 1 occurring, done, due, or is-
quarantine n 1 a period of isolation, esp. of sued at intervals of three months, —n, pl
people or animals arriving from abroad, to -lies 2 a periodical issued every three
prevent the spread of disease, -vb -tining, months, -adv 3 once every three months.
-tined 2 to isolate in or as if in quarantine. quartermaster n 1 a military officer respon-
quark n Physics the hypothetical elementa- sible for accommodation, food, and equip-
quarters 662 queer street
ment. 2 a naval officer responsible for that one is about to vomit; nauseous. 2 feel-
navigation. ing or causing uneasiness, queasily adv
quarters pl n accommodation, esp. as pro- queasiness n
vided for military personnel. queen n 1 a female sovereign who is the of-
quarter sessions n (formerly) a court with ficial ruler or head of state. 2 the wife of a
limited jurisdiction, held four times a year. king. 3 a woman, thing, or place considered
quarterstaff n, pl -staves a stout iron-tipped the best or most important of her or its
wooden staff about 6ft long, formerly used kind: the rose is considered the queen of
as a weapon. garden flowers. 4 Slang an effeminate male
quartet rt 1 a group of four singers or
homosexual. 5 the only fertile female in a
colony of bees, wasps, or ants. 6 a playing
instrumentalists. 2 a piece of music for four card with a picture of a queen on it. 7 a
performers. 3 any group of four. chessman, able to move in a straight line in
quartile n 1 one of three values of a variable any direction. -vb 8 Chess to promote (a
dividing its distribution into four groups pawn) to a queen when it reaches the eighth
with equal frequencies. —adj 2 of a quar- rank. 9 queen it Informal to behave in an
tile. overbearing manner: she is more beautiful
quarto n, pl -tos a book size resulting from than ever and still queening it over every-
folding a sheet of paper into four leaves or body. queenly adj
eight pages. Queen Anne adj 1 of or in an 18th-century
quartz n a hard glossy mineral consisting of style of furniture characterized by the use
crystalline silicon dioxide. of curves. 2 of or in an early 18th-century
quartz clock or watch n a very accurate English architectural style characterized by
clock or watch that is operated by a vibrat- the use of red bricks and classical ornamen-
ing quartz crystal. tation.
quartz crystal rt a thin plate or rod cut from queen consort n the wife of a reigning king,
a piece of quartz and ground so that it queen mother n the widow of a former king
vibrates at a particular frequency. who is also the mother of the reigning sov-
quasar (kway-zar) n any of a class of ex- ereign.
tremely distant starlike objects that are queen post n Building one of a pair of verti-
powerful sources of radio waves and other cal posts that connect the tie beam of a
forms of energy. truss to the principal rafters of a roof.
quash vb 1 to officially reject (something, Queen’s Bench n one of the divisions of the
such as a judgment or decision) as invalid. 2 High Court of Justice.
to defeat or suppress forcefully and com- Queensberry rules pl n 1 the code of rules
pletely. followed in modern boxing. 2 Informal
quasi- (kway-zie) combining form 1 almost gentlemanly conduct, esp. in a dispute.
but not really; seemingly: a quasi-religious Queen’s Counsel n 1 (in Britain) a barrister
cult. 2 resembling but not actually being; so- or advocate appointed Counsel to the
called: a quasi-scholar. Crown. 2 (in Canada) an honorary title be-
quassia (kwosh-a) n 1 a tropical American stowed on lawyers with long experience.
tree with bitter bark and wood. 2 the wood
of this tree or a bitter compound extracted Queen’s English n correctly spoken and
from it, used in insecticides. written British English.
quaternary adj consisting of four parts. queen’s evidence n English law evidence
given for the Crown against former associ-
Quaternary adj Geol of the most recent peri- ates in crime by an accomplice.
od of geological time, which started about
one million years ago. Queen’s Guide or Scout n a Guide or Scout
who has passed the highest tests of profi-
quatrain n a stanza or poem of four lines, ciency.
quatrefoil n 1 a leaf composed of four queen’s highway n 1 (in Britain) any public
leaflets. 2 Archit a carved ornament of four road or right of way. 2 (in Canada) a main
arcs about a common centre. road maintained by the provincial govern-
quattrocento (kwat-roe-chen-toe) n the ment.
15th century, esp. in reference to Renais- queer adj 1 not normal or usual; odd or
sance Italian art. strange. 2 dubious; shady. 3 faint, giddy, or
quaver vb 1 (esp. of the voice) to quiver or queasy. 4 Informal, usually offensive
tremble. 2 to say or sing (something) with a homosexual. 5 Informal eccentric or slightly
trembling voice. ~n 3 Music a note having mad. -n 6 Informal, usually offensive a
the time value of an eighth of a semibreve. homosexual, -vb 7 queer someone’s pitch
4 a tremulous sound or note, quavering adj Informal to spoil or thwart someone’s
quay (kee) n a wharf built parallel to the chances of something.
shoreline. queer Street n in queer street Informal in a
Que. Quebec. difficult financial situation, esp. debt or
queasy adj -sier, -siest 1 having the feeling bankruptcy.
quell 663 quiescent
quell vb 1 to suppress (rebellion or unrest); cation, esp. one used to avoid an issue. 3
subdue. 2 to overcome or allay. Archaic a pun.
quench vb 1 to satisfy (one’s thirst). 2 to quiche (keesh) n a savoury flan with an egg
put out; extinguish. 3 to suppress or sub- custard filling to which cheese, bacon, or
due. 4 Metallurgy to cool (hot metal) by vegetables are added.
plunging it into cold water. quick adj 1 characterized by rapidity of
quern n a stone hand mill for grinding corn, movement or action; fast. 2 lasting or tak-
querulous (kwer-yew-luss) adj complaining; ing a short time. 3 immediate or prompt: her
whining or peevish, querulously adv quick action minimized the damage. 4 eager
or ready to perform (an action): quick to
query n, pl -ries 1 a question, esp. one ex- condemn. 5 responsive to stimulation; alert;
pressing doubt. 2 a question mark. -vb lively: they were impressed by his quick
-ries, -rying, -ried 3 to express uncertainty, mind. 6 easily excited or aroused: he is im-
doubt, or an objection concerning (some- pulsive and has a quick temper. 7 nimble in
thing). 4 to express as a query; ask. one’s movements or actions; deft: she has
quest n 1 a looking for or seeking; search. 2 quick hands. ~n 8 any area of sensitive
the object of a search; a goal or target. —vb flesh, esp. that under a nail. 9 cut someone
3 quest for to go in search of. 4 (of dogs) to to the quick to hurt someone’s feelings
search for game. deeply. 10 the quick Archaic living people.
question n 1 a form of words addressed to a —adv 11 in a rapid manner; swiftly, quick-
person in order to obtain an answer; inter- ly adv quickness n
rogative sentence. 2 a point at issue: they quick-change artist n an actor or entertain-
were silent on the question of social justice. er who undertakes several rapid changes of
3 a difficulty or uncertainty. 4 a an act of costume during a performance.
asking, b an investigation into some prob- quicken vb 1 to make or become faster; ac-
lem. 5 a motion presented for debate. 6 be- celerate. 2 to impart to or receive vigour or
yond (all) question beyond (any) doubt. 7 enthusiasm: science quickens the imagina-
call something into question a to make tion. 3 a (of a fetus) to begin to show signs
something the subject of disagreement, b to of life, b (of a pregnant woman) to reach
cast doubt upon the validity or truth of the stage of pregnancy at which movements
something. 8 in question under discussion: of the fetus can be felt.
the area in question was not contaminated. quick-freeze vb -freezing, -froze, -frozen to
9 out of the question beyond considera- preserve (food) by subjecting it to rapid re-
tion; impossible. -vb 10 to put a question frigeration.
or questions to (a person); interrogate. 11 to quickie Informal —n 1 anything made or
make (something) the subject of dispute. 12 done rapidly. -adj 2 made or done rapidly:
to express uncertainty; doubt. a quickie divorce.
questionable adj 1 (esp. of a person’s moral- quicklime n a white caustic solid, mainly
ity or honesty) doubtful. 2 of disputable composed of calcium oxide, used in the
value or authority, questionably adv manufacture of glass and steel.
questioner n a person who asks a question, quicksand n a deep mass of loose wet sand
questioning adj 1 proceeding from or char- that sucks anything on top of it inextricably
acterized by doubt or uncertainty. 2 intel- into it.
lectually inquisitive: a questioning mind, quickset Chiefly Brit -adj 1 (of plants or
-n 3 interrogation. cuttings) planted so as to form a hedge, -n
question mark n 1 the punctuation mark (?), 2 a hedge composed of such plants.
used at the end of questions. 2 a doubt or quicksilver n the metal mercury.
uncertainty: a question mark still hangs quickstep n 1 a modern ballroom dance in
over their success. rapid quadruple time. 2 music for this
question master n Brit the person chairing dance.
a radio or television quiz or panel game. quick-tempered adj easy to anger,
questionnaire n a set of questions on a quick-witted adj having a keenly alert mind,
form, used to collect statistical information quick-wittedness n
or opinions from people. quid1 n, pl quid Brit slang 1 a pound (ster-
question time n (in parliamentary bodies of ling). 2 be quids in to be in a very favour-
the British type) the time set aside each day able or advantageous position.
for questions to government ministers. quid2 n a piece of tobacco for chewing,
queue Chiefly Brit ~n 1 a line of people or quiddity n, pl -ties 1 the essential nature of
vehicles waiting for something. -vb something. 2 a petty or trifling distinction.
queueing or queuing, queued 2 (often foil, quid pro quo n, pl quid pro quos one thing,
by up) to form or remain in a line while esp. an advantage or object, given in ex-
waiting. change for another.
quibble vb -bling, -bled 1 to make trivial ob- quiescent (kwee-ess-ent) adj Formal quiet,
jections. ~n 2 a trivial objection or equivo- inactive, or dormant, quiescence n
quiet 664 quoin
quiet adj 1 characterized by an absence of instrumentalists. 2 a piece of music for five
noise. 2 calm or tranquil: the sea is quiet performers. 3 any group of five.
today. 3 untroubled: a quiet life. 4 not busy: quintillion n, pl -lions or -lion 1 (in Britain,
business is quiet this morning. 5 private or France, and Germany) the number repre-
secret: I had a quiet word with her. 6 free sented as one followed by 30 zeros (1030). 2
from anger, impatience, or other extreme (in the US and Canada) the number repre-
emotion. 7 not showy: quiet colours; a quiet sented as one followed by 18 zeros (1018).
wedding. 8 modest or reserved: quiet hu- quintuple vb -pling, -pled 1 to multiply by
mour. ~n 9 the state of being silent, peace- five, -adj 2 five times as much or as many.
ful, or untroubled. 10 on the quiet without 3 consisting of five parts. ~n 4 a quantity
other people knowing. ~vb 11 to make or or number five times as great as another.
become calm or silent, quietly adv quiet- quintuplet n one of five children born at one
ness n birth.
quieten vb Chiefly Brit 1 (often foil, by quip n 1 a witty saying. —vb quipping,
down) to make or become calm or silent. 2 quipped 2 to make a quip.
to allay (fear or doubts). quire n a set of 24 or 25 sheets of paper,
quietism n Formal passivity and calmness of quirk n 1 a peculiarity of character; manner-
mind towards external events, quietist n, ism or foible. 2 an unexpected twist or turn:
adj a strange quirk of fate, quirky adj
quietude n Formal quietness, peace, or quisling n a traitor who aids an occupying
tranquillity. enemy force; collaborator.
quietus n, pl -tuses 1 Literary a release quit vb quitting, quit 1 to stop (doing some-
from life; death. 2 the discharge or settle- thing). 2 to resign (from): the Prime Minis-
ment of debts or duties. ter’s decision to quit; he quit his job as a
quiff n Brit a tuft of hair brushed up above salesman. 3 to leave (a place), quitter n
the forehead. quitch or quitch grass n same as couch
quill n 1 Also called: quill pen a feather grass.
made into a pen. 2 a any of the large stiff quite adv 1 (not used with a negative) to a
feathers of the wing or tail of a bird, b the greater than average extent; somewhat: he
hollow stem of a feather. 3 any of the stiff found her quite attractive. 2 absolutely:
hollow spines of a porcupine or hedgehog. you’re quite right. 3 in actuality; truly. 4
quilt n 1 a cover for a bed, consisting of a quite a or an of an exceptional kind: she is
soft filling sewn between two layers of ma- quite a girl. 5 quite something a remark-
terial, usually with crisscross seams. 2 a able thing or person, —interj 6 an expres-
continental quilt; duvet. -vb 3 to stitch to- sion used to indicate agreement.
gether two layers of (fabric) with padding ► Note that because quite can mean “ex-
between them, quilted adj tremely”: quite amazing; or can express a
quin n a quintuplet. reservation: quite friendly, it should be
quince n the acid-tasting pear-shaped fruit used carefully.
of an Asian tree, used in preserves. quits adj Informal 1 on an equal footing. 2
quincunx n a group of five objects arranged call it quits to end a dispute or contest,
in the shape of a rectangle with one at each agreeing that honours are even.
corner and the fifth in the centre. quittance n 1 release from debt or other ob-
ligation. 2 a document certifying this.
quinine n a bitter drug extracted from cin-
chona bark, used as a tonic and formerly in quiver1 vb 1 to shake with a tremulous
malaria therapy. movement; tremble. ~n 2 a shaking or
trembling, quivering adj
quinquennial adj occurring once every five
years or over a period of five years. quiver2 n a case for holding or carrying ar-
rows.
quinquereme n an ancient Roman galley
quixotic (kwik-sot-ik) adj unrealistically
with five banks of oars. optimistic or chivalrous, quixotically adv
quinsy n inflammation of the tonsils and quiz n, pl quizzes 1 an entertainment in
throat, with abscesses. which the knowledge of the players is test-
quint n US & Canad a quintuplet. ed by a series of questions. 2 any set of
quintal n 1 a unit of weight equal to (esp. in quick questions designed to test knowledge.
Britain) 112 pounds (50.85 kg) or (esp. in 3 an investigation by close questioning.
US) 100 pounds (45.36 kg). 2 a unit of -vb quizzing, quizzed 4 to investigate by
weight equal to 100 kilograms. close questioning; interrogate.
quintessence n 1 the most perfect represen- quizzical adj questioning and mocking or
tation of a quality or state. 2 an extract of a supercilious, quizzically adv
substance containing its central nature in quod n Slang, chiefly Brit a jail.
its most concentrated form, quintessential quoin n 1 an external corner of a wall. 2 the
adj stone forming the outer corner of a wall; a
quintet n 1 a group of five singers or cornerstone. 3 a wedge.
quoit 665 qwerty
quoit n a large ring used in the game of used to begin and end a quotation, either “
quoits. and ” or ‘ and ’.
quoits n a game in which quoits are tossed quote vb quoting, quoted 1 to repeat
at a stake in the ground in attempts to en- (words) exactly from (an earlier work,
circle it. speech, or conversation), usually with an
quondam adj Formal of an earlier time; acknowledgment of their source. 2 to state
former: her quondam employers. a price for goods or a job of work. 3 to put
quotation marks round (words). ~n 4 In-
quorate adj having or being a quorum: the formal a quotation. 5 quotes Informal quo-
meeting is now quorate. tation marks. ~interj 6 an expression used
quorum n the minimum number of members to indicate that the words that follow are a
required to be present in a meeting or as- quotation, quotable adj
sembly before any business can be trans- quoth vb Archaic (used before I, he or she)
acted. said.
quota n 1 the share that is due from, due to, quotidian adj 1 daily. 2 Literary common-
or allocated to a person or group. 2 the pre- place. 3 (esp. of fever) recurring daily.
scribed number or quantity allowed, re- quotient n the result of the division of one
quired, or admitted. number or quantity by another.
quotation n 1 a written or spoken passage Quran (koo-rahn) n same as Koran.
repeated exactly in a later work, speech, or q.v. (denoting a cross-reference) which
conversation, usually with an acknowledg- (word, item, etc.) see.
ment of its source. 2 the act of quoting. 3 an qwerty or QWERTY keyboard n the stand-
estimate of costs submitted by a contractor ard English language typewriter or com-
to a prospective client. puter keyboard with the characters q, w, e,
quotation marks pl n the punctuation marks r, t, and y at the top left of the keyboard.
 R
r 1 radius. 2 ratio. 3 right. 4 Cricket run(s). raceme (rass-eem) n Bot a cluster of flow-
R 1 Chem radical. 2 Regina. 3 Registered ers along a central stem, as in the foxglove.
Trademark. 4 Physics, electronics resis- race meeting n a series of horse or grey-
tance. 5 Rex. 6 River. 7 Chess rook. hound races held at the same place.
Ra Chem radium. race relations pl n the relations between
RA 1 rear admiral. 2 Royal Academy. 3 members of two or more races within a sin-
Royal Artillery. gle community.
rabbi (rab-bye) n, pl -bis 1 the spiritual race riot n a riot involving violence between
leader of a Jewish congregation. 2 an expert people of different races.
in or teacher of Jewish Law. rabbinical at// races pl n the races a series of contests of
rabbit n, pl -bits or -bit 1 a common burrow- speed between horses or greyhounds over a
ing mammal with long ears and a short fixed course.
fluffy tail. ~vb -biting, -bited 2 Brit in- racetrack n 1 a circuit used for races be-
formal to talk too much: he keeps rabbiting tween cars, bicycles, or runners. 2 US &
on about interrogation. Canad a racecourse.
rabbiting n go rabbiting to hunt rabbits. racial adj 1 relating to the division of the
human species into races. 2 typically asso-
rabbit punch n a short sharp blow to the ciated with any such group, racially adv
back of the neck.
racism or racialism n 1 hostile or oppressive
rabble n 1 a disorderly crowd of noisy peo- behaviour towards people because they be-
ple. 2 the rabble Contemptuous the com- long to a different race. 2 the belief that
mon people. some races are innately superior to others
rabble-rouser n a person who stirs up the because of hereditary characteristics, rac-
feelings of the mob. rabble-rousing adj, n ist or racialist n, adj
Rabelaisian adj characterized by broad, rack1 n 1 a framework for holding particular
often bawdy humour and sharp satire. articles, such as coats or luggage. 2 a
rabid adj 1 fanatical: a rabid separatist. 2 straight bar with teeth on its edge, to work
having rabies, rabidity n with a cogwheel? 3 the rack History an in-
rabies (ray-beez) n Pathol a fatal infectious strument of torture that stretched the body
viral disease of the nervous system trans- of the victim. ~vb 4 to cause great suffer-
mitted by dogs and certain other animals. ing to: Germany was racked by food riots. 5
rack one’s brains to try very hard to think
RAC Royal Automobile Club. of something.
raccoon or racoon n, pl -coons or -coon a rack2 n go to rack and ruin to be destroyed
small American mammal with a long striped through neglect.
tail.
rack3 vb to clear (wine or beer) by siphoning
race1 n 1 a contest of speed. 2 any competi- it off from the dregs.
tion or rivalry: the arms race. 3 a rapid cur- rack4 n the neck or rib part of a joint of
rent of water. 4 a channel of a stream: a
mill race. 5 Austral & NZ a narrow passage meat.
through which sheep pass individually, as rack-and-pinion n a device for converting
to a sheep dip. ~vb racing, raced 6 to take rotary into linear motion and vice versa, in
part in a contest of speed with (someone). 7 which a gearwheel (the pinion) engages
to enter (an animal or vehicle) in a race: to with a flat toothed bar (the rack).
race greyhounds. 8 to travel as fast as pos- racket1 n 1 a noisy disturbance. 2 an illegal
sible. 9 (of an engine) to run faster than activity done to make money. 3 Slang a
normal. 10 (of the heart) to beat faster than business or occupation: I’ve been in the
normal. —See also races, racer n racing racket since I was sixteen. ~vb -eting,
ad/, n -eted 4 to make a commotion, rackety adj
race2 n 1 a group of people of common an- racket2 or racquet n a bat consisting of an
cestry with distinguishing physical fea- oval frame surrounding a mesh of strings,
tures, such as skin colour or build. 2 the with a handle, used in tennis, badminton,
human race human beings collectively. 3 a and squash. -See also rackets.
group of animals or plants having common racketeer n a person who makes money
characteristics that distinguish them from from illegal activities, racketeering n
other members of the same species. rackets n a game similar to squash, played
racecourse n a long broad track on which by two or four people.
horses are raced. rack-rent n an extortionate rent.
racehorse n a horse specially bred for rac- raconteur (rak-on-tur) n a person skilled in
ing. telling stories.
racoon 667 radiography
racoon n, pl -coons or -coon same as rac- number or quantity, such as 3\/5, Vx- ?
coon. Chem an atom or group of atoms which acts
racquet n same as racket2, as a unit during chemical reactions, radi-
racy adj racier, raciest 1 slightly shocking. calism n radically adv
2 spirited or lively, racily adv raciness n radicalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
rad radian. -ised to make (a person, group, or situation)
RADA (in Britain) Royal Academy of Dra- radical or more radical.
matic Art. radical sign n the symbol y/ placed before a
radar n 1 a method of detecting the position number or quantity to indicate the extrac-
and velocity of a distant object by bouncing tion of a root, esp. a square root. The value
a narrow beam of extremely high-frequency of a higher root is indicated by a raised
radio pulses off it. 2 the equipment used in digit in front of the symbol, as in :1\/.
this. radicchio (rad-deek-ee-oh) n, pl -Chios an
radar trap n a device which uses radar to Italian variety of chicory, with purple
detect motorists who break the speed limit. leaves streaked with white that are eaten
raddled adj (of a person) untidy or run- raw in salads.
down in appearance. radicle n Bot a the part of the embryo of
radial adj 1 spreading out from a common seed-bearing plants that develops into the
central point. 2 of a radius or ray. 3 short main root, b a very small root or rootlike
for radial-ply. —n 4 a radial-ply tyre, ra- part.
dially adv radii n a plural of radius.
radial-ply adj (of a tyre) having the fabric radio n, pl -dios 1 the use of electromagnetic
cords in the outer casing running radially to waves for broadcasting or two-way com-
enable the sidewalls to be flexible. munication without the use of linking
radian n an SI unit of plane angle; the angle wires. 2 an electronic device for converting
between two radii of a circle that cut off on radio signals into sounds. 3 a communica-
the circumference an arc equal in length to tions device for sending and receiving mes-
the radius. sages using radio waves. 4 sound broadcast-
ing. —vb 5 to transmit (a message) by
radiant adj 1 characterized by health and radio, —adj 6 of, relating to, or using radio
happiness: radiant good looks. 2 shining. 3 broadcasting or radio signals: a radio inter-
emitted as radiation: radiant heat. 4 send- view. 7 using or producing electromagnetic
ing out heat by radiation: radiant heaters. waves in the range used for radio signals:
radiance n radiantly adv radio astronomy.
radiant energy n energy that is emitted or radio- combining form denoting: 1 radio. 2
propagated in the form of particles or elec- radioactivity or radiation: radiocarbon.
tromagnetic radiation.
radiate vb -ating, -ated 1 to spread out from radioactive adj showing or using radioactiv-
a central point. 2 to show (an emotion or ity.
quality) to a great degree: she radiated radioactivity n the spontaneous emission of
competence and composure. 3 to emit or be radiation from atomic nuclei. The radiation
emitted as radiation, —adj 4 having rays or can consist of alpha or beta particles, or
a radial structure. gamma rays.
radiation n 1 Physics a the emission of ener- radio astronomy n astronomy using a radio
gy as particles, electromagnetic waves or telescope to analyse signals received from
sound, b the particles or waves emitted. 2 radio sources in space.
the process of radiating. radiocarbon n a radioactive isotope of car-
radiation sickness n illness caused by bon, esp. carbon-14.
overexposure to radioactive material or x- radiocarbon dating n same as carbon dat-
rays. ing.
radiator n 1 a device for heating a room or radiochemistry n the chemistry of radioac-
building, consisting of a series of pipes con- tive substances.
taining hot water. 2 a device for cooling an radio-controlled adj controlled by signals
internal-combustion engine, consisting of sent by radio.
thin-walled tubes containing water. radio frequency n any electromagnetic fre-
radical adj 1 favouring fundamental change quency that lies in the range 10 kilohertz to
in political or social conditions: a radical 300 000 megahertz and can be used for
student movement. 2 of the essential nature broadcasting.
of a person or thing; fundamental: a radical radiogram n Brit an old-fashioned combined
fault. 3 searching or thorough: a radical in- radio and record player.
terpretation. 4 Maths of or containing roots
of numbers or quantities. ~n 5 a person radiograph n an image produced on a spe-
who favours fundamental change in exist- cial photographic film or plate by radiation,
ing institutions or in political, social, or usually by x-rays.
economic conditions. 6 Maths a root of a radiography (ray-dee-og-ra-fee) n the pro-
radioisotope 668 raillery
duction of radiographs for use in medicine events organized to raise money for charity:
or industry, radiographer n a rag week.
radioisotope n a radioactive isotope, rag3 n a piece of ragtime music,
radiology (ray-dee-ol-a-jee) n the use of x- ragamuffin n a ragged dirty child,
rays and radioactive substances in the di- rag-and-bone man n Brit a man who goes
agnosis and treatment of disease, radiolo- from street to street buying old clothes and
gist n furniture.
radioscopy (ray-dee-oss-kop-ee) n examina- ragbag n a confused mixture: the traditional
tion of a person or object by means of a ragbag of art traders.
fluorescent screen and an x-ray source. rage n 1 intense anger or passion. 2 a fash-
radiosonde n an airborne instrument to ion or craze: the dance was the rage of Eu-
send meteorological information back to rope. 3 all the rage Informal very popular.
earth by radio. 4 Austral & NZ informal a dance or party.
radiotelegraphy n telegraphy in which mes- —vb raging, raged 5 to feel or show in-
sages are transmitted by radio waves. tense anger. 6 to proceed violently and
radiotelephone n a telephone which sends
without restraint: the argument was still
raging.
and receives messages using radio waves
rather than wires, radiotelephony n ragged (rag-gid) adj 1 dressed in shabby or
torn clothes. 2 (of clothes) tattered and
radio telescope n an instrument used in torn. 3 having a rough or uneven surface or
radio astronomy to pick up and analyse edge. 4 neglected or untidy: the ragged
radio waves from space. stone-built village.
radiotherapy n the treatment of disease, ragged robin n a plant that has pink or
esp. cancer, by radiation. white flowers with ragged petals.
radish n a small hot-flavoured red root veg- raglan adj 1 (of a sleeve) joined to the gar-
etable eaten raw in salads. ment by diagonal seams from the collar to
radium n Chem a highly radioactive lumi- the underarm. 2 (of a garment) with this
nescent metallic element, found in pitch- style of sleeve.
blende. Symbol: Ra ragout (rag-goo) n a richly seasoned stew of
radius (ray-dee-uss) n, pl -dii (-dee-eye) or meat and vegetables.
-diuses 1 a straight line joining the centre ragtag n ragtag and bobtail the common
of a circle to any point on the circumfer- people.
ence. 2 the length of this line. 3 Anat the ragtime n a style of jazz piano music with a
outer, slightly shorter of the two bones of syncopated melody.
the forearm. 4 a circular area of a specified
size round a central point: within a seven rag trade n Informal the clothing business,
mile radius of the club. ragwort n a plant with ragged leaves and
radon (ray-don) n Chem a colourless radio- yellow flowers.
active element of the noble gas group. Sym- raid n 1 a sudden surprise attack: a bombing
bol: Rn raid. 2 a surprise visit by police searching
RAF Royal Air Force. for people or goods: a drugs raid, -vb 3 to
make a raid on. 4 to sneak into (a place) in
Rafferty or Rafferty’s rules pl n Austral & order to steal, raider n
NZ slang no rules at all. rail1 n 1 a horizontal bar supported by verti-
raffia n a fibre obtained from the leaves of a cal posts, used as a fence or barrier. 2 a
palm tree, used for weaving. horizontal bar on which to hang things: a
raffish adj unconventional or slightly dis- curtain rail. 3 one of a pair of parallel bars
reputable. that serve as a running surface for the
raffle n 1 a lottery, often to raise money for wheels of a train. 4 railway: by car or by
charity, in which the prizes are goods ra- rail. 5 go off the rails to start behaving
ther than money. —vb -fling, -fled 2 to improperly or eccentrically, -vb 6 to fence
offer as a prize in a raffle. (an area) with rails.
raft n a floating platform of logs or planks rail2 vb rail against or at to complain bitter-
tied together. ly or loudly about.
rafter n any of the parallel sloping beams rail3 n a small wading marsh bird.
that form the framework of a roof. railcard n Brit an identity card, which
rag1 n 1 a small piece of cloth. 2 Informal a pensioners or young people can buy, entit-
newspaper. 3 rags old tattered clothing. 4 ling them to cheaper rail travel.
from rags to riches from being extremely railhead n 1 a terminal of a railway. 2 the
poor to being extremely wealthy. farthest point reached by completed track
rag2 vb ragging, ragged 1 to tease. 2 Brit to on an unfinished railway.
play rough practical jokes on. —n 3 Brit a railing n a fence made of rails supported by
boisterous practical jokes, -adj 4 (in Brit- posts.
ish universities and colleges) of various raillery n, pl -leries good-natured teasing.
railroad 669 rally
railroad n 1 US a railway. -vb 2 Informal multiply (a number) by itself a specified
to force (a person) into an action with haste number of times: 8 is 2 raised to the power
or by unfair means. 3. 16 to cause (dough) to rise, as by the ad-
railway n 1 a track composed of a line of dition of yeast. 17 Cards to bet more than
parallel metal rails fixed to sleepers, for the previous player. 18 raise Cain a to cre-
trains to run on. 2 any track for the wheels ate a disturbance, b to protest vehemently.
of a vehicle to run on: a cable railway. 3 the ~n 19 US & Canad an increase in pay.
rolling stock, buildings, and tracks used in raised adj higher than the surrounding area:
such a transport system. 4 the organization a small raised platform.
responsible for operating a railway net- raisin n a dried grape.
work. raison d’etre (ray-zon det-ra) n, pl raisons
raiment n Archaic or poetic clothing. d’etre (ray-zon det-ra) reason or justifica-
rain n 1 a water falling from the sky in drops tion for existence.
formed by the condensation of water va- raita (rye-ta) n an Indian dish of chopped
pour in the atmosphere, b a fall of rain. 2 a cucumber, mint, etc., in yogurt, served with
large quantity of anything falling rapidly: a curry.
rain of stones descended on the police. 3 Raj n the Raj the British government in
(come) rain or (come) shine regardless of India before 1947.
circumstances. 4 right as rain Informal raja or rajah n History an Indian prince or
perfectly all right. -vb 5 to fall as rain: it’s ruler.
raining back home. 6 to fall rapidly and in
large quantities: steel rungs and sawdust rake1 n 1 a farm or garden tool consisting of
raining down. 7 rained off cancelled or a row of teeth set in a headpiece attached to
postponed because of rain. US and Canad. a long shaft and used for gathering leaves
term: -See also rains, rainy adj or straw, or for smoothing loose earth. 2
any of various implements similar in shape
rainbird n S African a common name for or function. — vb raking, raked 3 to scrape
Burchell’s coucal, a bird whose call is be- or gather with a rake. 4 to smooth (a sur-
lieved to be a sign of impending rain. face) with a rake. 5 Also: rake out to clear
rainbow n an arched display in the sky of (ashes) from (a fire). 6 rake together or up
the colours of the spectrum, caused by the to gather (items or people) with difficulty,
refraction and reflection of the sun’s rays as from a limited supply. 7 to search or ex-
through rain. amine carefully: raking over the past is not
rainbow trout n a freshwater trout with always popular. 8 to direct (gunfire) along
black spots and two red stripes. the length of (a target): the machine guns
rain check n take a rain check Informal to raked up and down their line. 9 to scrape or
request or accept the postponement of an graze: he raked the tip of his shoe across
offer. the pavement. -See also rake in, rake-off,
raincoat n a coat made of a waterproof ma- etc.
terial. rake2 n an immoral man.
rainfall n the amount of rain, hail, or snow in rake3 n 1 the degree to which an object
a specified place and time. slopes, -vb raking, raked 2 to slope from
rainforest n dense forest found in tropical the vertical, esp. (of a ship’s mast) towards
areas of heavy rainfall. the stern. 3 to construct with a backward
slope.
rains pl n the rains the season in the tropics
when there is a lot of rain. raked adj (of a surface) sloping so that it is
higher at the back than at the front.
rainstorm n a storm with heavy rain,
rake in vb Informal to acquire (money) in
rainwater n pure water from rain. large amounts.
rainy day n a future time of need, esp. fi- rake-off n Slang a share of profits, esp. an il-
nancial need. legal one.
raise vb raising, raised 1 to lift to a higher rake up vb to bring back memories of (a for-
position or level. 2 to place in an upright gotten unpleasant event): she doesn’t want
position. 3 to increase in amount, quality, or to rake up the past.
intensity: to raise interest rates. 4 to collect rakish1 (ray-kish) adj dashing or jaunty: a
or gather together: to raise additional capi- hat which he wore at a rakish angle.
tal; to raise an army. 5 to cause to be exp-
ressed: to raise a smile. 6 to stir up. 7 to rakish2 adj immoral: a rakish life of drinking
bring up: to raise a family. 8 to grow: to and womanizing, rakishly adv
raise a crop. 9 to put forward for considera- rallentando Music -adj, adv 1 becoming
tion: they raised controversial issues. 10 to slower. ~n 2 a passage in which the music
arouse from sleep or death. 11 to build: to becomes slower.
raise a barn. 12 to bring to an end: to raise a rally1 n, pl-lies 1 a large gathering of people
siege. 13 to establish radio communications for a meeting. 2 a marked recovery of
with: we raised Moscow last night. 14 to strength, as during illness. 3 Stock Ex-
advance in rank; promote. 15 Maths to change a sharp increase in price or trading
rally 670 range
activity after a decline. 4 Tennis, squash, violently. ~n 2 on the rampage behaving
etc an exchange of several shots before one violently or destructively.
player wins the point. 5 a car-driving com- rampant adj 1 growing or spreading uncon-
petition on public roads. -vb -lies, -lying, trollably. 2 Heraldry (of a beast) standing
-lied 6 to bring or come together after being on the hind legs, the right foreleg raised
dispersed. 7 to bring or come together for a above the left: a lion rampant.
common cause. 8 to summon up (one’s rampart n a mound of earth or wall built to
strength or spirits). 9 to recover (sometimes protect a fort or city.
only temporarily) from an illness. 10 Stock rampike n Canad a tall tree that has been
Exchange to increase sharply after a de- burned bare of branches.
cline.
ram raid n Informal a raid on a shop in
rally2 vb -lies, -lying, -lied to mock or tease which a stolen car is driven into the win-
(someone) in a good-natured way. dow. ram raider n
rally round vb to group together to help ramrod n 1 a long thin rod for cleaning the
someone. barrel of a gun or forcing gunpowder into
ram n 1 an uncastrated adult male sheep. 2 a an old-fashioned gun. -adj 2 (of someone’s
hydraulically or pneumatically driven pis- posture) very straight and upright.
ton. 3 the falling weight of a pile driver. 4 ramshackle adj badly made or cared for: a
short for battering ram. -vb ramming, curious ramshackle building.
rammed 5 to strike against with force. 6 to
force or drive: he rammed his sword into ran vb the past tense of run.
the man’s belly. 7 to stuff or cram. 8 ram ranch n 1 a large cattle farm in the Ameri-
something home to make something clear can West. 2 Chiefly US & Canad a large
or obvious: to ram home the message. 9 ram farm for the rearing of a particular kind of
something down someone’s throat to put livestock or crop: he owned a yak ranch in
forward or emphasize an argument or idea Tibet, -vb 3 to run a ranch, rancher n
with excessive force. rancherie n (in British Columbia, Canada) a
RAM Computers random access memory: a settlement of North American Indians.
temporary storage space which loses its rancid adj (of fatty foods) stale and having
contents when the computer is switched an offensive smell, rancidity n
off. rancour or US rancor n deep bitter hate,
Ramadan n 1 the ninth month of the Muslim rancorous adj
year, 30 days long, during which strict fast- rand n the standard monetary unit of the
ing is observed from sunrise to sunset. 2 the Republic of South Africa.
fast itself. R & B rhythm and blues.
ramble vb -bling, -bled 1 to walk for relaxa- R&D research and development.
tion, sometimes with no particular direc- random adj 1 lacking any definite plan or
tion. 2 to speak or write in a confused style. prearranged order: a random sample. ~n 2
3 to grow or develop in a random fashion. at random not following any prearranged
~n 4 a walk, esp. in the countryside. order, randomly adv randomness n
rambler n 1 a person who takes country random access n a method of reading data
walks. 2 a climbing rose. from a computer file without having to read
rambling adj 1 long and irregularly shaped: through the file from the beginning.
a rambling fourteenth-century church. 2 (of randy adj randier, randiest Informal sex-
speech or writing) confused and long- ually aroused, randily adv randiness n
winded. ~n 3 the activity of going for long
walks in the country. ranee n same as rani.
RAMC Royal Army Medical Corps. rang vbthe past tense of ring1.
ramekin (ram-ik-in) n a small container for rangatira (rung-a-teer-a) n NZ a Maori chief
baking and serving one portion of food. of either sex.
ramification n 1 ramifications the conse- range n 1 the limits within which a person
quences or complications resulting from an or thing can function effectively: academic
action. 2 a structure of branching parts. ability range. 2 a the maximum effective
distance of a projectile fired from a weap-
ramify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to become on. b the distance between a target and a
complex. 2 to spread in branches; subdi- weapon. 3 the total distance which a ship,
vide. aircraft, or vehicle can travel without tak-
ramp n 1 a slope that joins two surfaces at ing on fresh fuel. 4 the difference in pitch
different levels. 2 a place where the level of between the highest and lowest note of a
a road surface changes because of road voice or musical instrument. 5 a whole set
works. 3 a movable stairway by which pas- of related things: a range of treatments was
sengers enter and leave an aircraft. 4 a available. 6 the total products of a manu-
small hump on a road to make traffic slow facturer, designer, or stockist: the latest
down. skin-care range. 7 the limits within which
rampage vb-paging, -paged 1 to rush about something can lie: a range of prices. 8 US &
rangefinder 671 rare
Canad an extensive tract of open land on rant vb 1 to talk in a loud and excited way.
which livestock can graze. 9 a chain of ~n 2 loud excited speech, ranting adj, n
mountains. 10 an area set aside for shooting ranunculus n, pl -luses or -li a genus of
practice or rocket testing. 11 a large cook- plants including the buttercup.
ing stove with one or more ovens. 12 Maths RAOC Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
the set of values that a function or variable
can take. ~vb ranging, ranged 13 to vary rap1 vb rapping, rapped 1 to hit with a
between one point and another. 14 to cover sharp quick blow. 2 to knock loudly and
a specified period or specified things: atti- sharply. 3 rap out to utter in sharp rapid
tudes ranged from sympathy to indiffer- speech: he rapped out his address. 4 to per-'
ence. 15 to roam (over). 16 to establish or form a rhythmic monologue with musical
be situated in a line or series. 17 to put into backing. 5 Slang to talk in a relaxed and
a specific category: they ranged themselves friendly way. 6 to rebuke or criticize sharp-
with the opposition. ly. 7 rap over the knuckles to reprimand.
~n 8 a sharp quick blow or the sound pro-
rangefinder n an instrument for finding duced by it. 9 a fast rhythmic monologue
how far away an object is. over a musical backing. 10 a sharp rebuke
ranger n 1 an official in charge of a park or or criticism. 11 Slang a legal charge: a mur-
nature reserve. 2 US an armed trooper em- der rap. 12 take the rap Slang to suffer the
ployed to police a State or district: a Texas punishment for a crime, whether guilty or
ranger. not. rapper n
Ranger or Ranger Guide n Brit a member of rap2 n not care a rap to not care in the least:
the senior branch of the Guides. she didn't care a rap for us.
rangy (rain-jee) adj rangier, rangiest hav- rapacious adj 1 greedy or grasping. 2 (of
ing long slender limbs. animals or birds) living by catching prey,
rapacity n
rani or ranee n the wife or widow of a raja.
rape1 vb raping, raped 1 to force (someone)
rank1 n 1 a position within a social organiza- to submit to sexual intercourse. ~n 2 the
tion: the rank of superintendent. 2 high so- act of raping. 3 any violation or abuse: the
cial or other standing: accusations were rape of the country’s natural resources.
made against people of high rank. 3 a per- rapist n
son’s social class: it was too grand for rape2 n a yellow-flowered plant cultivated
someone of his lowly rank. 4 the position of for its seeds, rapeseed, which yield a use-
an item in any ordering or sequence. 5 a line ful oil, rape oil, and as a fodder plant.
or row of people or things. 6 Brit a place rapid adj 1 (of an action) taking or lasting a
where taxis wait to be hired. 7 a line of short time. 2 acting or moving quickly: a
people, esp. soldiers, positioned one beside rapid advance, rapidly adv rapidity n
the other. 8 any of the eight horizontal rows
of squares on a chessboard. 9 close ranks rapid eye movement n the movement of the
to maintain solidarity. 10 pull rank to get eyeballs while a person is dreaming.
one’s own way by virtue of one’s superior rapids pl n part of a river where the water is
position. 11 rank and file the ordinary very fast and turbulent.
people or members of a group. 12 the ranks rapier (ray-pyer) n a long narrow two-edged
the common soldiers. ~vb 13 to give or sword.
hold a specific position in an organization rapine (rap-pine) n pillage or plundering,
or group. 14 to arrange in rows or lines. 15 rapport (rap-pore) n a sympathetic rela-
to arrange in sequence: it ranks a lowly tionship or understanding.
nineteenth worldwide. 16 to be important: rapprochement (rap-prosh-mong) n a re-
the legendary coronation stone ranks high establishment of friendly relations: the
in the hearts of patriots. policy of rapprochement with Eastern Eu-
rank2 adj 1 complete or absolute: rank in- rope.
competence. 2 smelling offensively strong. rapscallion n Old-fashioned a rascal or
3 growing too quickly: rank weeds. rogue.
rankle vb -kling, -kled to continue to cause rapt adj 1 totally engrossed: rapt attention.
resentment or bitterness. 2 arising from or showing rapture: with a
ransack vb 1 to search through every part rapt look on his face.
of (a place or thing). 2 to plunder or pillage. raptor n any bird of prey, raptorial adj
ransom n 1 the money demanded in return rapture n 1 extreme happiness or delight. 2
for the release of someone who has been raptures ecstatic joy: they will be in rap-
kidnapped. 2 hold to ransom a to keep (a tures over the rugged scenery, rapturous
prisoner) in confinement until payment is adj
received, b to attempt to force (a person) to rare1 adj 1 uncommon or unusual: a rare
do something. ~vb 3 to pay money to ob- plant. 2 not happening or done very often: a
tain the release of (a prisoner). 4 to set free rare appearance in London. 3 of uncommon-
(a prisoner) in return for money, ransomer ly high quality: a rare beauty. 4 (of air at
n high altitudes) having low density; thin.
rare 672 rational
rare2 adj {of meat) very lightly cooked, rate1 n 1 a quantity or amount considered in
rarebit n short for Welsh rarebit. relation to or measured against another
rare earth n Chem 1 any oxide of a lantha- quantity or amount: a rate of 70 miles an
nide. 2 Also called: rare-earth element any hour. 2 a price or charge with reference to a
element of the lanthanide scries. standard or scale: an exchange rate. 3 the
rarefied (rare-if-ide) adj 1 highly special- speed of progress or change: crime is in-
ized: the rarefied world of classical ballet. 2 creasing at an alarming rate. 4 a charge
(of air) thin. 3 exalted in character: the rar- made per unit for a commodity or service. 5
efied heights of academic excellence. See rates. 6 relative quality: a third-rate
power. 7 at any rate in any case. -vb rat-
rarely adv 1 hardly ever. 2 to an unusual de- ing, rated 8 to assign a position on a scale
gree; exceptionally. of relative values: he is rated as one of the
raring adj raring to do something keen and top caterers in the country. 9 to estimate
willing to do something. the value of: we rate your services highly.
rarity n, pl-ties 1 something that is valuable 10 to consider or regard: it could hardly be
because it is unusual. 2 the state of being rated a success. 11 to be worthy of: it bare-
rare. ly rates a mention. 12 Informal to have a
rascal n 1 a scoundrel or rogue. 2 a mischie- high opinion of: the cognoscenti have al-
vous child, rascally adj ways rated his political skills.
rase vb rasing, rased same as raze. rate2 vb rating, rated to scold or criticize
rash1 adj acting or done without proper severely.
thought or consideration; hasty: rash ac- rateable adj 1 able to be rated or evaluated.
tions. rashly adv rashness n 2 Brit (of property) liable to payment of
rash2 n 1 an outbreak of spots or patches on rates.
the skin, caused by illness or allergy. 2 an rateable value n Brit (formerly) a fixed
outbreak of occurrences: a rash of censor- value assigned to a property, used to assess
ship trials. the rates due on it.
rasher n a thin slice of bacon. rate-cap vb -capping, -capped (formerly, in
rasp n 1 a harsh grating noise. 2 a coarse file Britain) to put an upper limit on the rates
with rows of raised teeth. -vb 3 to say or charged by a local council, rate-capping n
speak in a grating voice. 4 to make a harsh ratepayer n Brit (formerly) a person who
grating noise. 5 to scrape or rub (some- pays local rates on a building.
thing) roughly. 6 to irritate (one’s nerves). rates pl n Brit (formerly) a tax on property
raspberry n, pl -ries 1 the red fruit of a levied by a local authority.
prickly shrub of Europe and North Ameri- rather adv 1 fairly: that was a rather nar-
ca. 2 Informal a spluttering noise made with row escape. 2 to a limited extent: I rather
the tongue and lips to express contempt: thought that was the case. 3 more truly or
she blew a loud raspberry. appropriately: they tend to be eat rather
Rastafarian or Rasta n 1 a believer in a reli- than dog people. 4 more willingly: I would
gion of Jamaican origin that regards Ras rather go straight home, —interj 5 an ex-
Tafari, the former emperor of Ethiopia, pression of strong affirmation: Is it worth
Haile Selassie, as God. -adj 2 of seeing? Rather!
Rastafarians. ratify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to give formal
rat n 1 a long-tailed rodent, similar to but approval to. ratification n
larger than a mouse. 2 Informal someone rating n 1 a valuation or assessment. 2 a
who is disloyal or treacherous. 3 smell a classification according to order or grade. 3
rat to detect something suspicious. -vb a noncommissioned sailor. 4 ratings the
ratting, ratted 4 rat on a to betray (some- size of the audience for a TV or radio pro-
one): good friends don’t rat on each other, b gramme.
to go back on (an agreement): his ex-wife ratio n, pl -tios 1 the relationship between
claims he ratted on their divorce settle- two numbers or amounts expressed as a
ment. 5 to hunt and kill rats. proportion: a ratio of one instructor to
ratafia (rat-a-fee-a) n 1 a liqueur made from every five pupils. 2 Maths a quotient of two
fruit. 2 an almond-flavoured biscuit. numbers or quantities.
rat-a-tat or rat-a-tat-tat n a repeated knock- ration n 1 a fixed allowance of something
ing or tapping sound. that is scarce, such as food or petrol in war-
ratatouille (rat-a-twee) n a vegetable casse- time. 2 rations a fixed daily allowance of
role made of stewed tomatoes, aubergines, food, such as that given to a soldier, —vb 3
etc. to restrict the distribution of (something):
ratbag n Slang a despicable person. the government has rationed petrol. 4 to
ratchet n 1 a device in which a toothed rack distribute a fixed amount of something to
or wheel is engaged by a pivoted lever each person in a group, rationing n
which permits motion in one direction only. rational adj 1 reasonable or sensible. 2 using
2 the toothed rack or wheel in such a de- reason or logic in thinking out a problem. 3
vice. capable of reasoning; man is a rational
rationale 673 razoo
being. 4 sane: rational behaviour. 5 Maths dance music, such as techno, that feature
able to be expressed as a ratio of two inte- a fast electronic rhythm.
gers: a rational number, rationality n ra- ravel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 1
tionally adv to tangle or become entangled. 2 (of a fab-
rationale (rash-a-nahl) n the reason for an ric) to fray out in loose ends; unravel.
action or belief. raven n 1 a large bird of the crow family
rationalism n the philosophy that regards with shiny black feathers, —adj 2 (of hair)
reason as the only basis for beliefs or ac- shiny black.
tions. rationalist n rationalistic adj ravening adj (of animals) hungrily search-
rationalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, ing for prey.
-ised 1 to find reasons to justify or explain ravenous adj 1 very hungry. 2 ravening,
(one’s actions). 2 to apply logic or reason to ravenously adv
(something). 3 to get rid of unnecessary raver n Brit slang a person who leads a wild
equipment or staff to make (a business) or uninhibited social life.
more efficient, rationalization or -isation ravine (rav-veen) n a deep narrow steep-
n sided valley worn by a stream.
rational number n any real number that can raving adj 1 delirious. 2 Informal great or
be expressed in the form a/b, where a and b exceptional: a raving beauty, -adv 3 to an
are integers and b is not zero, as 7 or %. excessive degree: raving mad. —n 4
rat race n a continual routine of hectic com- ravings frenzied or wildly extravagant
petitive activity: get out of the rat race for talk.
a while. ravioli pl n small squares of pasta with a sa-
rattan n a climbing palm with tough stems voury filling, such as meat or cheese.
used for wickerwork and canes. ravish vb 1 to enrapture or delight: tourists
ratter n a dog or cat that catches and kills ravished by our brilliant costumes. 2 Liter-
rats. ary to rape, ravishment n
rattle vb -tling, -tied 1 to make a rapid suc- ravishing adj lovely or delightful, ravish-
cession of short sharp sounds, such as when ingly adv
loose pellets are shaken in a container. 2 to raw adj 1 (of food) not cooked. 2 in an unfin-
send, move, or drive with such a sound: rain ished or unrefined state: raw sewage. 3 not
rattled against the window. 3 to shake selected or modified: raw data. 4 (of the
briskly causing sharp sounds. 4 Informal to skin or a wound) painful, with the surface
frighten or confuse. 5 rattle off or out to scraped away. 5 untrained or inexperi-
recite perfunctorily or rapidly. 6 rattle on enced: a raw recruit. 6 (of the weather)
or away to talk quickly and at length about harshly cold and damp. 7 frank or realistic:
something unimportant. 7 rattle through a raw reality. 8 raw deal Informal unfair or
to do (something) very quickly: she rattled dishonest treatment. ~n 9 in the raw a In-
through a translation. ~n 8 a rapid succes- formal naked, b in a natural and uncivilized
sion of short sharp sounds. 9 a baby’s toy state: to see life in the raw. 10 on the raw
filled with small pellets that rattle when Brit informal sensitive to upset: my nerves
shaken, rattly adj are on the raw today.
rattlesnake n a poisonous snake with loose rawboned adj having a lean bony physique,
horny segments on the tail that make a rat- rawhide n 1 untanned hide. 2 a whip or rope
tling sound. made of strips of this.
rattletrap n Informal a broken-down old ve- Rawlplug n Trademark a short fibre or plas-
hicle. tic tube used to provide a fixing in a wall
rattling adv Informal, old-fashioned very: a for a screw.
rattling good yarn. ray1 n 1 a narrow beam of light. 2 any of a
ratty adj -tier, -tiest 1 Brit informal cross set of lines spreading from a central point. 3
and irritable. 2 Informal (of the hair) strag- a slight indication: a ray of hope. 4 Maths a
gly and greasy, rattily adv rattiness n straight line extending from a point. 5 a
raucous adj loud and harsh. thin beam of electromagnetic radiation or
raunchy adj -chier, -chiest Slang sexy or particles. 6 any of the spines that support
earthy. the fin of a fish.
ravage vb -aging, -aged 1 to cause extensive ray2 n a sea fish related to the sharks, with a
damage to. ~n 2 ravages the damaging ef- flattened body and a long whiplike tail.
fects: the ravages of weather and pollution. ray3 n Music (in tonic sol-fa) the second note
rave vb raving, raved 1 to talk in a wild or
of any ascending major scale.
incoherent manner. 2 Informal to write or rayon n a textile fibre or fabric made from
speak (about) with great enthusiasm. ~n 3 cellulose.
Informal an enthusiastically favourable re- raze or rase vb razing, razed or rasing,
view. 4 Slang a professionally organized rased to destroy (buildings or a town) com-
large-scale party with electronic dance pletely.
music. 5 a name given to various types of razoo n, pl -zoos Austral & NZ informal an
razor 674 reading
imaginary coin: we haven’t got a brass sponse to a stimulus. 2 any action resisting
razoo. another. 3 opposition to change. 4 Med any
razor n an implement with a sharp blade, effect produced by a drug or by a substance
used for shaving. (allergen) to which a person is allergic. 5
razorbill n a black-and-white sea bird with a Chem a process that involves changes in the
stout sideways flattened bill. structure and energy content of atoms, mol-
razor shell n 1 a burrowing shellfish with a ecules, or ions. 6 the equal and opposite
long narrow shell. 2 this shell. force that acts on a body whenever it exerts
a force on another body. 7 reactions some-
razor wire n strong wire with pieces of one’s ability to act in response to something
sharp metal set across it at intervals. that happens.
razzle-dazzle or razzmatazz n Slang 1 noisy
reactionary adj 1 opposed to political or so-
or showy fuss or activity. 2 a spree or frol- cial change. ~n, pl -aries 2 a person op-
ic. posed to radical change.
Rb Chem rubidium.
reactivate vb -vating, -vated to make
RC 1 Red Cross. 2 Roman Catholic. (something) active again, reactivation n
Rd road. reactive adj 1 readily taking part in chemi-
re1 prep with reference to. cal reactions: ozone is a highly reactive
► In commercial correspondence the use of form of oxygen gas. 2 of or having a reac-
re is becoming less frequent in favour of tance. 3 responsive to stimulus, reactively
with reference to or about. adv reactivity n
re2 n Music same as ray3. reactor n short for nuclear reactor.
Re Chem rhenium. read vb reading, read 1 to look at and
RE 1 Religious Education. 2 Royal Engineers, understand or take in (written or printed
re- prefix used with many main words to matter). 2 to look at and say aloud. 3 to
mean: 1 repetition of an action: remarry. 2 have a certain wording: the memorandum
return to a previous condition: renew. read as follows. 4 to interpret in a specified
reach vb 1 to arrive at or get to (a place). 2 way: it can be read as satire. 5 to interpret
to make a movement (towards), as if to the significance or meaning of: an astrolo-
grasp or touch: she reached for her bag. 3 to ger who reads Tarot. 6 to register or show:
succeed in touching: I can’t reach that shelf the meter reads 100. 7 to make out the true
unless I stand on a chair. 4 to make contact nature or mood of: she had read his
or communication with: to reach a wider thoughts. 8 to interpret (signs, characters,
audience. 5 to extend as far as (a point or etc.) other than by visual means: to read
place): to reach the ceiling. 6 to come to (a Braille. 9 to have sufficient knowledge of (a
certain condition or situation): to reach a language) to understand the written word.
compromise. 7 to arrive at or amount to (an 10 to undertake a course of study in (a sub-
amount or value): temperatures in Greece ject): to read economics. 11 to gain knowl-
reached 35° yesterday. 8 Informal to give edge by reading: he read about the war. 12
(something to a person) with the out- to hear and understand, esp. when using a
stretched hand. —n 9 the extent or distance two-way radio: we are reading you loud and
of reaching: within easy reach. 10 the range clear. 13 Computers to obtain (data) from a
of influence or power: it symbolized storage device, such as magnetic tape. ~n
America’s global reach. 11 reaches a sec- 14 matter suitable for reading: this book is
tion of river, land, or sky: the quieter a very good read. 15 a spell of reading.
reaches of the upper Thames, reachable -See also read into, read out, etc.
adj readable adj 1 enjoyable to read. 2 (of
reach-me-down adj cheap and ready-made handwriting or print) legible.
or second-hand: a reach-me-down suit. reader n 1 a person who reads. 2 a person
reacquaint vb reacquaint oneself with or who reads aloud in public. 3 a person who
become reacquainted with to get to know reads and judges manuscripts sent to a pub-
(someone) again. lisher. 4 a book of texts for those learning a
react vb 1 (of a person or thing) to act in re- foreign language. 5 Brit a member of staff
sponse to another person, a stimulus, or a below a professor but above a senior lectur-
situation. 2 react against to act in an op- er at a university. 6 a proofreader. 7 short
posing or contrary manner. 3 Chem to for lay reader.
undergo a chemical reaction. 4 Physics to readership n all the readers collectively of a
exert an equal force in the opposite direc- publication or author: a new format would
tion to an acting force. alienate its readership.
reactance n Electricity the resistance to the reading n 1 the act of reading. 2 ability to
flow of an alternating current caused by the read: disputes over methods of teaching
inductance or capacitance of the circuit. reading. 3 material for reading. 4 a public
reactant n a substance that participates in a recital of a literary work. 5 a measurement
chemical reaction. indicated by a gauge or dial. 6 Parliamenta-
reaction n 1 a physical or emotional re- ry procedure one of the three stages in the
read into 675 rear
passage of a bill through a legislative as- real ale n beer that has fermented in the
sembly. 7 the form of a particular word or barrel.
passage in a given text. 8 an interpretation real estate n Chiefly US & Canad immov-
of a situation or something said, -adj 9 of able property, esp. land and houses.
or for reading: reading glasses.
realignment (ree-a-line-ment) n a new ar-
read into vb to discover in a statement rangement or organization: a realignment of
(meanings not intended by the speaker or British politics.
writer): one of the implications we must
read into the work. realism n 1 awareness or acceptance of
readjust vb to adapt to a new situation, re- things as they are, as opposed to the ab-
adjustment n stract or ideal. 2 a style in art or literature
that attempts to show the world as it really
readmit vb -mitting, -mitted to let (a person is. 3 Philosophy the theory that physical
or country) back into a place or organiza- objects continue to exist whether they are
tion. readmission n perceived or not. realist n realistic adj
read out vb 1 to read (something) aloud. 2 to realistically adv
retrieve information from a computer reality n, pl -ties 1 the state of things as
memory. ~n read-out 3 the information they are or appear to be, rather than as one
retrieved from a computer memory. might wish them to be. 2 something that is
read up vb to read intensively about (a sub- real. 3 the state of being real. 4 in reality in
ject) in order to get information: he had fact.
read up on the cases. realize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising, -ised
read-write head n Computers an electro- 1 to be aware of or grasp the significance
magnet that can both read and write infor- of. 2 to achieve (a plan or ambition). 3 to
mation on a magnetic tape or disk. convert (property or goods) into cash. 4 (of
ready adj readier, readiest 1 prepared for goods or property) to sell for (a certain
use or action. 2 prompt or eager: the ready sum): this table realized £800 at auction. 5
use of corporal punishment. 3 quick or in- to produce a complete work of art from an
telligent: a ready wit. 4 ready to on the idea or draft, realizable or -isable adj re-
point of or liable to: ready to pounce. 5 easi- alization or -isation n
ly available: his ready tears, —n 6 Informal really adv 1 truly: really boring. 2 in reality:
same as ready money. 7 at the ready it’s really quite harmless, —interj 3 an ex-
poised for use: with pen at the ready, -vb clamation of dismay, doubt, or surprise.
readies, readying, readied 8 to make realm n 1 a kingdom. 2 a field of interest or
ready; prepare, readily adv readiness n study: the realm of science.
ready-made adj 1 for immediate use by any
number n any rational or irrational
customer. 2 extremely convenient or ideally real number.
suited: fame affords a ready-made soapbox.
ready money n cash for immediate use. real tennis n an ancient form of tennis
Also: the ready, the readies played in a four-walled indoor court.
reaffirm vb to state again, reaffirmation n real-time adj (of a computer system) proces-
sing data as it is received.
reafforest vb to plant new trees in (an area
that was formerly forested), reafforesta- realtor n US& Canad an estate agent,
tion n realty n same as real estate.
reagent (ree-age-ent) n a chemical sub- ream n 1 a number of sheets of paper, now
stance that reacts with another, used to de- equal to 500 or 516 sheets (20 quires). 2
tect the presence of the other. reams Informal a large quantity (of written
real1 adj 1 existing or occurring in the physi- material): reams of verse.
cal world. 2 actual: the real agenda. 3 im- reap vb 1 to cut and gather (a harvest). 2 to
portant or serious: the real challenge. 4. ' receive as the result of a previous activity:
rightly so called: a real friend. 5 genuine: reap the benefits of our efforts.
the council has no real authority. 6 (of food reaper n 1 a person who reaps or a machine
or drink) made in a traditional way to en- for reaping. 2 the grim reaper death.
sure the best flavour. 7 Maths involving or reappear vb to come back into view, re-
containing real numbers alone. 8 relating to
immovable property such as land or build- appearance n
ings: real estate. 9 Econ (of prices or in- reappraise vb -praising, -praised to consid-
comes) considered in terms of purchasing er or review (something) to see if changes
power rather than nominal currency value. are needed, reappraisal n
10 the real thing the genuine article, not a rear1 n 1 the back part. 2 the area or posi-
substitute or imitation. tion that lies at the back. 3 Informal the
► To intensify an adjective, use the adverb buttocks. 4 bring up the rear to come last.
form really, not real: he’s really strong. -adj 5 of or in the rear: the rear carriage.
real2 n a former small Spanish or Spanish- rear2 vb 1 to care for and educate (children)
American silver coin. until maturity. 2 to breed (animals) or grow
rear admiral 676 recede
(plants). 3 (of a horse) to lift the front legs use of violence. 2 nonviolent opposition to a
in the air and stand nearly upright. 4 to government or other authority: a Tory
place or lift (something) upright. backbenchers’ rebellion. 3 rejection of ac-
rear admiral n a high-ranking naval officer, cepted conventions of behaviour.
rearguard n 1 the troops who protect the rebellious adj rebelling or showing a ten-
rear of a military formation. 2 rearguard dency towards rebellion, rebelliously adv
action an effort to prevent or postpone rebirth n a revival or renaissance: the re-
something that is unavoidable. birth of their nation.
rearm vb 1 to arm again. 2 to equip with bet- reboot vb to shut down and then restart (a
ter weapons, rearmament n computer system).
rearmost adj nearest the back. rebore or reboring n the boring of a cylin-
rearrange vb -ranging, -ranged to organize der to restore its true shape.
differently, rearrangement n reborn adj active again after a period of in-
rear-view mirror n a mirror on a motor vehi- activity.
cle enabling the driver to see the traffic be- rebound vb 1 to spring back from a sudden
hind. impact. 2 (of a plan or action) to misfire so
rearward adj 1 in the rear, -adv also rear- as to hurt the person responsible. ~n 3 the
wards 2 towards the rear. act of rebounding. 4 on the rebound Infor-
reason n 1 a cause or motive for a belief or mal while recovering from rejection: she
action: he had two reasons for his dark married him on the rebound.
mood. 2 the ability to think or argue ration- rebuff vb 1 to snub and reject an offer or
ally. 3 an argument in favour of or a justifi- suggestion. —n 2 a blunt refusal; snub.
cation for something: there is every reason rebuild vb -building, -built 1 to build (a
to encourage people to keep fit. 4 sanity. 5 building or town) again, after severe dam-
by reason of because of. 6 within reason age. 2 to develop (something such as a busi-
within moderate or justifiable bounds. 7 it ness or relationship) again after destruction
stands to reason it is logical or obvious. or damage.
-vb 8 to think logically in forming conclu- rebuke vb -buking, -buked 1 to scold stern-
sions. 9 reason with to persuade by logical ly. ~n 2 a stern scolding.
arguments into doing something. 10 reason
out to work out (a problem) by reasoning. rebus (ree-buss) n, pl -buses a puzzle con-
sisting of pictures and symbols represent-
reasonable adj 1 sensible. 2 not making un- ing syllables and v^ords.
fair demands. 3 logical: a reasonable expla-
nation. 4 moderate in price. 5 average: a rebut vb -butting, -butted to prove that (a
reasonable amount of luck, reasonably claim) is untrue, rebuttal n
adv reasonableness n recalcitrant adj wilfully disobedient, recal-
reasoned adj well thought out or well pre- citrance n
sented: a reasoned explanation. recall vb 1 to bring back to mind. 2 to order
reasoning n 1 the process of drawing con- to return. 3 to annul or cancel, —n 4 the
clusions from facts or evidence. 2 the con- ability to remember things. 5 an order to re-
clusions reached in this way. turn.
reassemble vb -bling, -bled to put back to- recant vb to take back (a former belief or
gether again. statement) publicly, recantation n
reassert vb 1 t.o state or declare again. 2 re- recap Informal -vb -capping, -capped 1 to
assert oneself to become significant or no- recapitulate, —n 2 a recapitulation.
ticeable again: reality had reasserted itself. recapitulate vb -lating, -lated to restate the
reassess vb to reconsider the value or im- main points of (an argument or speech).
portance of. reassessment n recapitulation n 1 the act of recapitulating.
reassure vb -assuring, -assured to relieve 2 Music the repeating of earlier themes, esp.
(someone) of anxieties, reassurance n re- in the final section of a movement.
assuring adj recapture vb -turing, -tured 1 to relive viv-
rebate1 n a refund or discount. idly (a former experience or sensation):
rebate2 or rabbet n 1 a groove cut into a recaptured some of those first feelings. 2 to
piece of timber into which another piece capture again. ~n 3 the act of recapturing.
fits, -vb -beting, -beted 2 to cut a rabbet recast vb -casting, -cast 1 to give a new
in. 3 to join (pieces of timber) with a rabbet. form or shape to: he found the organization
rebel vb -belling, -belled 1 to fight against wholly recast. 2 to change the actors or
the ruling power. 2 to reject accepted con- singers in (a play, musical, or opera). 3 to
ventions of behaviour. — n 3 a person who rework (a piece of writing or music): she
rebels. 4 a person who rejects accepted con- has recast most of my book.
ventions of behaviour, -adj 5 rebelling: recce Slang -vb -ceing, -ced or -ceed 1 to
rebel councillors. reconnoitre. ~n 2 reconnaissance.
rebellion n 1 organized opposition to a gov- recede vb -ceding, -ceded 1 to withdraw
ernment or other authority involving the from a point or limit: the tide had receded. 2
receipt 677 recite
to become more distant: the threat of inter- recess n 1 a space, such as an alcove, set
vention had receded. 3 (of a man’s hair) to back in a wall. 2 a holiday between sessions
stop growing at the temples and above the of work. 3 recesses secret hidden places:
forehead. 4 to slope backwards: a receding the recesses of her brain. 4 US & Canad a
chin. break between classes at a school.
receipt n 1 a written acknowledgment that recessed adj hidden or placed in a recess,
money or goods have been received. 2 the recession n 1 a period of economic difficul-
act of receiving. 3 receipts money taken in ty when little is being bought or sold. 2 the
over a particular period by a shop or busi- act of receding.
ness.
recessional n a hymn sung as the clergy and
receive vb -ceiving, -ceived 1 to get (some- choir withdraw after a church service.
thing offered or sent to one). 2 to experi-
ence: he received a knife wound. 3 to greet recessive adj 1 tending to recede. 2 Genetics
(guests). 4 to have (an honour) bestowed: (in a pair of genes) designating a gene that
he received the Order of the Garter. 5 to has a characteristic which will only be
admit (a person) to a society or condition: passed on if the other gene has the same
he was received into the Church. 6 to con- characteristic.
vert (incoming radio or television signals) recharge vb -charging, -charged to cause (a
into sounds or pictures. 7 to be informed of battery) to take in and store electricity
(news). 8 to react to: the article was well again, rechargeable adj
received. 9 to support or sustain (the recherche (rish-air-shay) adj 1 studiedly
weight of something). 10 Tennis etc to play refined or elegant. 2 known only to
at the other end from the server. 11 Brit to connoisseurs.
buy and sell stolen goods. recidivism n habitual relapse into crime,
received adj generally accepted or believed: recidivist n, adj
contrary to received wisdom. recipe n 1 a list of ingredients and direc-
Received Pronunciation n the accent of tions for making a particular dish. 2 a
standard Southern British English. method for achieving something: a recipe
receiver n 1 the detachable part of a tele- for industrial chaos.
phone that is held to the ear. 2 the equip- recipient n a person who receives some-
ment in a telephone, radio, or television thing.
that converts the incoming signals into reciprocal (ris-sip-pro-kl) adj 1 done or felt
sound or pictures. 3 a person appointed by by each of two people or groups to or about
a court to manage property of a bankrupt. 4 the other: a reciprocal agreement. 2 given
a person who receives stolen goods knowing or done in return: a reciprocal invitation. 3
they have been stolen. Grammar (of a pronoun) indicating that ac-
receivership n Law the state of being ad- tion is given and received by each subject,
ministered by a receiver: the company went for example, each other in they started to
into receivership. shout at each other. ~n 4 Also called: in-
recent adj 1 having happened lately. 2 new. verse Maths a number or quantity that
recently adv when multiplied by a given number or
Recent adj same as Holocene. quantity gives a product of one: the recip-
receptacle n 1 an object used to contain rocal of 2 is 0.5. reciprocally adv
something. 2 Bot the enlarged or modified reciprocate vb -eating, -cated 1 to give or
tip of the flower stalk that bears the flower. feel in return: not everyone reciprocated his
reception n 1 an area in an office, hotel, enthusiasm. 2 (of a machine part) to move
etc., where visitors are received or reserva- backwards and forwards, reciprocation n
tions dealt with. 2 a formal party for reciprocity n 1 reciprocal action or relation.
guests, esp. after a wedding. 3 the manner 2 a mutual exchange of commercial or other
in which something is received: an enthusi- privileges.
astic reception. 4 the act of formally wel- recital (ris-site-al) n 1 a musical perfor-
coming. 5 Radio, television the quality of a mance by a soloist or soloists. 2 the act of
received broadcast: the reception was poor. reciting something learned or prepared. 3 a
receptionist n a person employed to receive narration or description: she plagued her
guests or clients and deal with reservations with the recital of constant ailments and
and appointments. illnesses.
reception room n a room in a private house recitation n 1 the act of reciting poetry or
suitable for entertaining guests. prose from memory. 2 something recited.
receptive adj willing to consider and accept recitative (ress-it-a-teev) n a narrative pas-
new ideas or suggestions, receptivity or sage in an opera or oratorio, reflecting the
receptiveness n natural rhythms of speech.
receptor n Physiol a sensory nerve ending recite vb -citing, -cited 1 to repeat (a poem
that changes specific stimuli into nerve im- or passage) aloud from memory before an
pulses. audience. 2 to give a detailed account of.
reckless 678 record
reckless adj having no regard for danger or recompense vb -pensing, -pensed 1 to pay
consequences: reckless driving. or reward for work or help. 2 to compensate
reckon vb 1 Informal to be of the opinion: or make up for loss or injury. ~n 3 com-
she reckoned she could find them. 2 to con- pensation for loss or injury. 4 reward or re-
sider: he reckoned himself a failure. 3 to payment.
calculate or compute. 4 to expect. 5 reckon reconcile vb -ciling, -ciled 1 to make (two
with or without to take into account or fail apparently conflicting things) compatible
to take into account: there is this ancestral or consistent with each other: in many cases
hatred to reckon with. 6 reckon on or upon science and religion are reconciled. 2 to re-
to rely on or expect: they can’t reckon on establish friendly relations with (a person
your automatic support. or people) or between (people). 3 to accept
reckoning n 1 counting or calculating: by his or cause to accept (an unpleasant situa-
reckoning, he owed him nearly £50. 2 retri- tion): we reconciled ourselves to a change.
bution for one’s actions: the moment of reconciliation n
reckoning came. 3 settlement of an account recondite adj Formal 1 requiring special
or bill. knowledge. 2 dealing with abstruse or pro-
reclaim vb 1 to get back possession of: the found subjects.
club is now trying to reclaim the money recondition vb to restore to good condition
from the blockaders. 2 to convert (unusable or working order: a reconditioned engine.
or submerged land) into land suitable for reconditioned adj
farming or building on. 3 to recover (useful reconnaissance (rik-kon-iss-anss) n 1 the
substances) from waste products, recla- process of obtaining information about the
mation n position and movements of an enemy. 2 a
recline vb -dining, -dined to rest in a lean- preliminary inspection.
ing position. reconnoitre or US reconnoiter (rek-a-
reclining adj (of a seat) with a back that can noy-ter) vb to make a reconnaissance of.
be adjusted to slope at various angles. reconsider vb to think about again, with a
recluse n a person who lives alone and view to changing one’s policy or course of
avoids people, reclusive adj action, reconsideration n
recognition n 1 the act of recognizing. 2 ac- reconstitute vb -tuting, -tuted 1 to reorgan-
ceptance or acknowledgment. 3 formal ac- ize in a slightly different form. 2 to restore
knowledgment of a government or of the (dried food) to its former state by adding
independence of a country. 4 in recogni- water, reconstitution n
tion of as a token of thanks for. reconstruct vb 1 to build again. 2 to reor-
recognizance or recognisance (rik-og-nizz- ganize: three works proved useful in
anss) n Law a an undertaking made before reconstructing the training routine. 3 to
a court or magistrate to do something speci- form a picture of (a past event, esp. a
fied, such as to appear in court on a stated crime) by piecing together evidence, re-
day. b a sum of money promised as a guar- construction n
antee of this undertaking. reconvene vb to gather together again after
recognize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or an interval.
-nising, -nised 1 to identify (a person or record n (rek-ord) 1 a document or other
thing) as someone or something already thing that preserves information. 2 records
known. 2 to accept or be aware of (a fact or information or data on a subject collected
problem): to recognize change. 3 to ac- over a long period: dental records. 3 a thin
knowledge formally the status or legality of disc of a plastic material upon which sound
(something or someone): an organization has been recorded in a continuous spiral
recognized by the UN. 4 to show approval groove on each side. 4 the best recorded
or appreciation of (something). 5 to make achievement in some field: her score set a
formal acknowledgment of (a claim or Games record. 5 the known facts about a
duty): I must ask for her to be recognized as person’s achievements. 6 a list of crimes of
a hostile witness, recognizable or -isable which an accused person has previously
ad/ been convicted. 7 anything serving as evi-
recoil vb 1 to jerk or spring back. 2 to draw dence or as a memorial: the First World War
back in fear or horror. 3 (of an action) to go is a record of human folly. 8 Computers a
wrong so as to hurt the person responsible. group of data or piece of information pre-
~n 4 the backward movement of a gun served as a unit in machine-readable form.
when fired. 5 the act of recoiling. 9 for the record for the sake of strict fac-
recollect vb to remember, recollection n tual accuracy. 10 go on record to state
recommend vb 1 to advise as the best one’s views publicly. 11 have a record to
course or choice. 2 to praise or commend: I have previous criminal convictions. 12 off
would wholeheartedly recommend his the record not for publication. 13 on rec-
books. 3 to make attractive or advisable: ord a stated in a public document, b public-
she has everything to recommend her. rec- ly known. ~adj 14 the highest or lowest, or
ommendation n best or worst ever achieved: record losses.
recorded delivery 679 red
~vb (rik-kord) 15 to put in writing to pre- military service. 4 a new member or sup-
serve the true facts: to record the minutes porter. recruitment n
of a meeting. 16 to preserve (sound, TV rectal adj of the rectum.
programmes, etc.) on plastic disc, magnetic rectangle n an oblong shape with four
tape, etc., for reproduction on a playback straight sides and four right angles, rec-
device. 17 to show or register. tangular adj
recorded delivery n a postal service by rectify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to put right;
which an official receipt is obtained for the correct. 2 Chem to separate (a substance)
posting and delivery of a letter or parcel. from a mixture by distillation. 3 Electricity
recorder n 1 a person or machine that rec- to convert (alternating current) into direct
ords, esp. a video, cassette, or tape record- current, rectification n rectifier n
er. 2 Music a wind instrument, blown rectilinear (rek-tee-lin-ee-er) adj Formal 1 in
through the end with finger-holes and a a straight line. 2 bounded by or formed of
reedlike tone. 3 (in England and Wales) a straight lines.
barrister or solicitor appointed to sit as a
part-time judge in the crown court. rectitude n moral or religious correctness: a
model of rectitude.
recording n 1 something that has been re-
corded. 2 the process of storing sounds or recto n, pl -tos 1 the right-hand page of a
visual signals for later use. book. 2 the front of a sheet of printed
paper.
record player n a device for reproducing the
sounds stored on a record. rector n 1 Church of England a clergyman in
charge of a parish. 2 RC Church a cleric in
recount vb to tell the story or details of. charge of a college or congregation. 3 Chief-
re-count vb 1 to count again. ~n 2 a second ly Brit the head of certain academic institu-
or further count, esp. of votes in an elec- tions. 4 (in Scotland) a high-ranking official
tion. in a university, elected by the students,
recoup (rik-koop) vb 1 to regain or make rectorship n
good (a loss). 2 to reimburse or compensate rectory n, pl -ries the house of a rector,
(someone) for a loss, recoupment n rectum n, pl -turns or -ta the lower part of
recourse n 1 have recourse to to turn to a the alimentary canal, ending in the anus.
source of help or course of action. 2 a recumbent adj lying down.
source of help or course of action that is
turned to when in difficulty. recuperate vb -ating, -ated to recover from
illness or exhaustion, recuperation n re-
recover vb 1 (of a person) to regain health, cuperative adj
spirits, or composure. 2 to regain a former
and better condition: real wages have re- recur vb -curring, -curred 1 to happen or
covered from the recession. 3 to find again occur again. 2 (of a thought or feeling) to
or obtain the return of (something lost). 4 to come back to the mind, recurrence n re-
get back or make good (expense or loss). 5 current adj recurring adj
to obtain (useful substances) from waste. 6 recurring decimal n a rational number that
Law to gain (something) by the judgment of contains a pattern of digits repeated indefi-
a court: it should be possible to recover nitely after the decimal point: 1 divid-
damages, recoverable adj ed by 11 gives the recurring decimal
recovery n, pl -eries 1 the act of recovering 0.09090909...
from sickness, a shock, or a setback. 2 res- recusant (rek-yew-zant) n 1 History a
toration to a former and better condition. 3 Roman Catholic who did not attend the
the regaining of something lost. 4 the ex- services of the Church of England. 2 a per-
traction of useful substances from waste. son who refuses to obey authority, recu-
recreant n Archaic a disloyal or cowardly sancy n
person. recycle vb -cling, -cled 1 to reprocess
re-create vb -creating, -created to make (something already used) for further use:
happen or exist again, re-creation n public demand for recycled paper. 2 to pass
(a substance) through a system again for
recreation n an activity done for pleasure or further use. recyclable adj
relaxation, recreational adj
red adj redder, reddest 1 of a colour vary-
recreation ground n an area of publicly ing from crimson to orange; of the colour of
owned land where sports and games may be blood. 2 reddish in colour or having parts or
played. marks that are reddish: red deer. 3 flushed
recrimination n accusations made by two in the face from anger or shame. 4 (of the
people or groups about each other: bitter eyes) bloodshot. 5 (of wine) made from
recrimination, recriminatory adj black grapes and coloured by their skins.
recrudescence n Literary an outbreak of ’ ~n 6 the colour red; the colour of blood. 7
trouble or a disease after a period of quiet. anything red, such as red clothing or red
recruit vb 1 to enlist (people) for military paint: she had dressed in red. 8 in the red
service. 2 to enrol or obtain (members or Informal in debt. 9 see red Informal to be-
support). ~n 3 a newly joined member of a come very angry, redness n reddish adj
Red 680 red pepper
Red Informal ~n 1 a Communist or social- to catch someone in the act of doing some-
ist. ~adj2 Communist or socialist. thing wrong or illegal.
red admiral n a butterfly with black wings red hat n the broad-brimmed crimson hat
with red and white markings. given to cardinals as the symbol of their
red blood cell n same as erythrocyte, rank.
red-blooded adj Informal vigorous or virile, redhead n a person with reddish hair, red-
headed adj
redbreast n a robin.
red herring n something which diverts at-
redbrick adj (of a university) founded in the tention from the main issue.
late 19th or early 20th century.
red-hot adj 1 (of metal) glowing hot. 2 ex-
red card n Soccer a piece of red pasteboard tremely hot. 3 very keen or excited. 4 furi-
raised by a referee to indicate that a player ous: one of those red-hot blazes of temper. 5
has been sent off. very recent or topical: red-hot information.
red carpet n very special treatment given to red-hot poker n a garden plant with spikes
an important guest. of red or yellow flowers.
redcoat n 1 History a British soldier. 2 Red Indian n, adj Offensive American In-
Canad informal a Mountie. dian.
Red Crescent n the name and symbol used redirect vb 1 to send in a new direction or
by the Red Cross in Muslim countries. course. 2 to send (mail) to a different ad-
Red Cross n an international organization dress.
(Red Cross Society) which helps victims of redistribute vb -uting, -uted to share out in
war or natural disaster. a different way: to redistribute the world’s
redcurrant n a very small red edible fruit wealth.
that grows in bunches on a bush. redistribution n 1 the act of redistributing. 2
red deer n a large deer of Europe and Asia, a revision of the number of seats that each
which has a reddish-brown coat and a short province has in the Canadian House of
tail. Commons, made every ten years.
redden vb 1 to make or become red or redd- red lead n a bright-red poisonous insoluble
er. 2 to blush. oxide of lead.
redecorate vb to paint or wallpaper (a red-letter day n a memorably important or
room) again, redecoration n happy occasion.
redeem vb 1 to make up for. 2 to reinstate red light n 1 a traffic signal to stop. 2 a dan-
(oneself) in someone’s good opinion: he ger signal.
missed a penalty but redeemed himself by red-light district n an area where many
setting up the winning goal. 3 Christianity prostitutes work.
(of Christ as Saviour) to free (humanity) red meat n meat, such as beef or lamb, that
from sin by death on the Cross. 4 to buy is dark brown when cooked.
back: she didn’t have the money to redeem redo vb -doing, -did, -done 1 to do over
it. 5 to pay off (a loan or debt). 6 to convert again in order to improve. 2 Informal to re-
(bonds or shares) into cash. 7 to exchange decorate: we should consider redoing some
(coupons) for goods. 8 to fulfil (a promise): of the rooms.
I vowed to abide by the bill and have
redeemed my pledge, redeemable adj re- redolent adj redolent of or with 1 reminis-
deemer n cent or suggestive of: a castle redolent of
historical novels. 2 smelling of: the warm
Redeemer n the Redeemer Christianity heavy air was redolent of sea and flowers.
Jesus Christ. redolence n
redeeming adj making up for faults or defi- redouble vb -bling, -bled 1 to make or be-
ciencies: the soundtrack is the film’s only come much greater: the party will have to
redeeming feature. redouble its efforts. 2 Bridge to double (an
redemption n 1 the act of redeeming. 2 the opponent’s double).
state of being redeemed. 3 Christianity de- redoubt n 1 a small fort defending a hill top
liverance from sin through the incarnation or pass. 2 a stronghold.
and death of Christ, redemptive adj
redoubtable adj to be feared and respected:
redeploy vb to assign (people) to new posi- the redoubtable Mr Brooks, redoubtably
tions or tasks, redeployment n adv
redevelop vb to rebuild or renovate (an redound vb 1 redound to to have an advan-
area or building), redeveloper n redevel- tageous or disadvantageous effect on: indi-
opment n vidual rights redound to the common good.
redfish n, pl -fish or -fishes Canad same as 2 redound on or upon to recoil or rebound.
kokanee. redox n a chemical reaction between two
red flag n 1 a symbol of revolution. 2 a substances, in which one is oxidized and the
warning of danger. other reduced.
red-handed adj catch someone red-handed red pepper n 1 the red ripe fruit of the
redraft 681 refectory
sweet pepper, eaten as a vegetable. 2 same vibrates producing a musical note when the
as cayenne pepper. instrument is blown, b a wind instrument or
redraft vb to write a second copy of (a let- organ pipe that sounds by means of a reed.
ter, proposal, essay, etc.). reedy adj reedier, reediest 1 harsh or thin
red rag n something that infuriates or in tone: his reedy, hesitant voice. 2 (of a
provokes: it’s a red rag to Britain. place) full of reeds, reedily adv reediness
redress vb 1 to make amends for. 2 to adjust n
in order to make fair or equal: to redress reef1 n 1 a ridge of rock, sand, or coral, lying
the balance. ~n 3 compensation or repara- just beneath the surface of the sea. 2 a vein
tion. 4 the setting right of a wrong. of ore.
red salmon n a salmon with reddish flesh, reef2 Naut ~n 1 the part of a sail which can
redshank n a large common European sand- be rolled up to reduce its area. ~vb 2 to re-
piper with red legs. duce the area of (sail) by taking in a reef.
red shift n the appearance of lines in the reefer n 1 Also called: reefer jacket a man’s
spectrum of distant stars nearer the red end short heavy double-breasted woollen jack-
of the spectrum than on earth: used to cal- et. 2 Old-fashioned, slang a hand-rolled
culate the velocity of objects in relation to cigarette containing cannabis.
the earth. reef knot n a knot consisting of two over-
redskin n Informal, offensive an American hand knots turned opposite ways.
Indian. reek vb 1 to give off a strong unpleasant
red squirrel n a reddish-brown squirrel of smell. 2 reek of to give a strong suggestion
Europb and Asia. of: the scene had reeked of insincerity. 3
Dialect to give off smoke or fumes. ~n 4 a
redstart n 1 a European songbird of the strong unpleasant smell. 5 Dialect smoke or
thrush family, the male of which has an steam.
orange-brown tail and breast. 2 a North
American warbler. reel1 n 1 a cylindrical object or frame that
turns on an axis and onto which film, tape,
red tape n time-consuming official rules or wire, or thread is wound. 2 a winding de-
procedure. vice attached to a fishing rod, used for cast-
reduce vb -ducing, -duced 1 to bring down ing and winding in the line. 3 a roll of film
or lower: monitoring could reduce the num- for projection. ~vb 4 reel in to wind or
ber of perinatal deaths. 2 to weaken or less- draw in on a reel.
en: vegetarian diets reduce cancer risk. 3 to reel2 vb 1 to move unsteadily or spin round,
bring by force or necessity to some state or as if about to fall. 2 to be in a state of con-
action: it reduced her to helpless laughter. 4 fusion or stress: my mind was still reeling.
to slim. 5 to set out systematically as an aid
to understanding: reducing the problem to reel3 n 1 a lively Scottish dance. 2 music for
three main issues. 6 Cookery to thicken (a this dance.
sauce) by boiling away some of its liquid. 7 re-elect vb to vote for (someone) to retain
to impoverish: to be in reduced circum- his or her position, for example as a Mem-
stances. 8 Chem a to undergo a chemical re- ber of Parliament, re-election n
action with hydrogen, b to lose oxygen reel off vb to recite or write fluently or
atoms, c to increase the number of elec- quickly.
trons. 9 Maths to simplify the form of (an re-enact vb to act out (a previous event)
expression or equation), esp. by substitu- again, re-enactment n
tion of one term by another, reducible adj re-enter vb 1 to come back into (a place, esp.
reduction n 1 the act of reducing. 2 the a country). 2 (of a spacecraft) to return into
amount by which something is reduced. 3 a (the earth’s atmosphere), re-entry n
reduced form of an original, such as a copy re-equip vb -equipping, -equipped to pro-
of a document on a smaller scale, reductive vide with fresh supplies, components, etc.
adj re-establish vb to create or set up (an or-
redundant adj 1 deprived of one’s job be- ganization, link, etc.) again. re-
cause it is no longer necessary or sufficient- establishment n
ly profitable. 2 surplus to requirements, reeve n 1 English history the local repre-
redundancy n sentative of the king in a shire until the
reduplicate vb -eating, -cated to make dou- early 11th century. 2 (in medieval England)
ble; repeat. a steward who supervised the daily affairs
redwood n a giant Californian conifer with of a manor. 3 Canad government (in some
reddish bark. provinces) a president of a local council.
re-echo vb -oing, -oed to echo over and over re-examine vb -examining, -examined to
again. inspect or investigate again. re-
reed n 1 a tall grass that grows in swamps examination n
and shallow water. 2 a straight hollow stem ref n Informal the referee in a sport,
of this plant. 3 Music a a thin piece of cane refectory n, pl -ries a dining hall in a reli-
or metal in certain wind instruments, which gious or academic institution.
refectory table 682 reformation
refectory table n a long narrow dining table reflation n an increase in the supply of
supported by two trestles. money and credit designed to encourage
refer vb -ferring, -ferred refer to 1 to men- economic activity, reflate vb reflationary
tion or allude to. 2 to be relevant or relate adj
(to): the word cancer refers to many quite reflect vb 1 (of a surface or object) to throw
specific different diseases. 3 to seek infor- back (light, heat, or sound). 2 (of a mirror)
mation (from): he referred to his notes. 4 to to form an image of (something) by reflec-
direct the attention of (someone) for infor- tion. 3 to show: many of her books reflect
mation: the reader is referred to the intro- her obsession with fine art. 4 to consider
duction. 5 to direct (a patient or client) to carefully. 5 reflect on or upon to cause to
another doctor or agency: her GP referred be regarded in a specified way: the incident
her to a specialist. 6 to hand over for con- reflects very badly on me. 6 to bring as a
sideration or decision: to refer a complaint consequence: the programme reflected
to another department, referable or re- great credit on the technicians.
ferrable adj referral n reflecting telescope n a telescope in which
► Refer includes the sense “back” in its the initial image is formed by a concave
meaning. Avoid using refer back unless the mirror.
context involves sending papers back to a reflection n 1 the act of reflecting. 2 the re-
committee for further consideration.
turn of rays of light, heat, or sound. 3 an
referee n 1 the umpire in various sports, image of a an object given back in a mirror.
such as football and boxing. 2 a person who 4 careful or long consideration. 5 on reflec-
is willing to provide a reference for some- tion after careful consideration or recon-
one for a job. 3 a person referred to for a sideration. 6 discredit or blame: it’s a sad
decision or opinion in a dispute. —vb reflection on modern morality. 7 Maths a
-eeing, -eed 4 to act as a referee. transformation of a shape in which right
reference n 1 the act of referring. 2 a men- and left, or top and bottom, are reversed.
tion: this book contains several references reflective adj 1 characterized by quiet
to the Civil War. 3 direction to a passage thought or contemplation. 2 capable of re-
elsewhere in a book or to another book. 4 a flecting: a reflective coating.
book or passage referred to. 5 a written tes-
timonial regarding one’s character or capa- reflector n 1 a polished surface for reflect-
bilities. 6 a person referred to for such a ing light. 2 a reflecting telescope.
testimonial. 7 relation or restriction, esp. to reflex n 1 an immediate involuntary re-
or by membership of a specific group: with- sponse to a given stimulus. 2 a mechanical
out reference to sex or age. 8 with refer- response to a particular situation, involving
ence to concerning, —adj 9 containing in- no conscious decision. 3 an image produced
formation or facts: reference books, refer- by reflection, —adj 4 of or caused by a re-
ential adj flex: a reflex action. 5 reflected. 6 Maths (of
referendum n, pl -dums or -da a direct vote an angle) between 180° and 360°.
of the electorate on a question of impor- reflex camera n a camera which uses a mir-
tance. ror to channel light from a lens to the view-
refill vb 1 to fill (something) again. ~n 2 a finder, so that the image seen is the same as
second or subsequent filling: I held out my the image photographed.
glass for a refill. 3 a replacement supply of reflexive adj 1 Grammar denoting a pronoun
something in a permanent container, re- that refers back to the subject of a sentence
fillable adj or clause. Thus, in that man thinks a great
refine vb -fining, -fined 1 to make free from deal of himself, the pronoun himself is re-
impurities; purify. 2 to improve: surgical flexive. 2 Grammar denoting a verb used
techniques are constantly being refined. 3 with a reflexive pronoun as its direct ob-
to separate (a mixture) into pure constitu- ject, as in to dress oneself. 3 Physiol of or
ents: molasses is a residual syrup obtained relating to a reflex. ~n 4 a reflexive pro-
during sugar refining. noun or verb.
refined adj 1 cultured or polite. 2 freed from reflexology n foot massage as a therapy in
impurities. 3 highly developed and effec- alternative medicine, reflexologist n
tive: refined intelligence tests. reform n 1 correction of abuses or
refinement n 1 an improvement to some- malpractices: a programme of economic re-
thing, such as a piece of equipment. 2 fine- forms. 2 improvement of morals or behav-
ness of taste or manners. 3 a subtle point or iour. —vb 3 to improve (a law or institu-
distinction. 4 the act of refining. tion) by correcting abuses. 4 to give up or
refinery n, pl-eries a factory for purifying a cause to give up a bad habit or way of life,
raw material, such as sugar or oil. reformative adj reformer n
refit vb -fitting, -fitted 1 to make (a ship) reformation (ref-fer-may-shun) n 1 a re-
ready for use again by repairing or re- forming. 2 the Reformation a religious
equipping. ~n 2 a repair or re-equipping movement in 16th-century Europe that
for further use. began as an attempt to reform the Roman
reformatory 683 regency
Catholic Church and resulted in the estab- refurbish vb to renovate and brighten up.
lishment of the Protestant Churches. refurbishment n
reformatory n, pl -ries (formerly) a place refusal n 1 the act of refusing. 2 the oppor-
where young offenders were sent to be re- tunity to reject or accept: he was given first
formed. refusal on all three scripts.
Reformed adj of a Protestant Church, esp. a refuse1 vb -fusing, -fused 1 to be deter-
Calvinist one. mined not (to do something): he refuses to
reformist adj 1 advocating reform rather consider it. 2 to decline to give or allow
than abolition, esp. of a religion or a politi- (something) to (someone): if the judge re-
cal movement. ~n 2 a person advocating fuses bail, he’ll appeal. 3 to decline to ac-
reform. cept (something offered): he refused the
refract vb to cause light, heat, or sound to captaincy. 4 (of a horse) to be unwilling to
undergo refraction, refractive adj refrac- jump a fence.
tor n refuse2 n anything thrown away; rubbish,
refracting telescope n a type of telescope refusenik n 1 (formerly) a Jew in the USSR
in which the image is formed by a set of who was refused permission to emigrate. 2
lenses. Also called: refractor a person who refuses to obey a law or co-
refraction n Physics 1 the change in direc- operate with the government because of
tion of a wave, such as light or sound, in strong beliefs.
passing from one medium to another in refute vb -futing, -futed to prove (a state-
which it has a different velocity. 2 the ment or theory) to be false or incorrect,
amount by which a wave is refracted. refutation n
refractory adj 1 Formal stubborn or rebel- ► Refute is not the same as deny. It means
lious. 2 Med not responding to treatment. 3 “show evidence to disprove something”,
(of a material) able to withstand high tem- while deny means only “say something is
peratures without fusion or decomposition. not true”.
refrain1 vb refrain from to keep oneself regain vb 1 to get back or recover. 2 to reach
from doing. again: to regain the shore.
refrain2 n 1 a frequently repeated part of a regal adj 1 of or fit for a king or queen. 2
song. 2 a much repeated saying or idea. splendid and dignified; magnificent: a luxu-
refrangible adj capable of being refracted, ry cruise liner on her serene and regal way
around the better ports, regality n regally
refresh vb 1 to revive or reinvigorate, for adv
example through rest, drink, or food. 2 to
stimulate (the memory), refresher n regale vb -galing, -galed 1 to give delight or
amusement to: she would regale her friends
refresher course n a course designed to im- with stories. 2 to provide with abundant
prove or update a person’s knowledge of a food or drink.
subject.
regalia n the ceremonial emblems or robes of
refreshing adj 1 having a reviving effect. 2 royalty or high office.
pleasantly different or new: refreshing
candour. regard vb 1 to look upon or think of in a
specified way: angina can therefore be re-
refreshment n 1 the act of refreshing. 2 re- garded as heart cramp. 2 to look closely or
freshments snacks and drinks served as a attentively at (something or someone). 3 to
light meal. take notice of: he has never regarded the
refrigerant n 1 a fluid capable of vaporizing conventions. 4 as regards on the subject of.
at low temperatures, used in refrigerators. —n 5 respect or affection: you haven’t a
-adj 2 causing cooling or freezing. high regard for her opinion. 6 attention: he
refrigerate vb -ating, -ated to chill or freeze eats what he wants with no regard to
in order to preserve, refrigeration n health. 7 a gaze or look. 8 reference or con-
refrigerator n the full name for fridge, nection: with regard to my complaint. 9 re-
refuel vh-elling, -elled or US-eling, -eled to gards an expression of goodwill: give her
supply or be supplied with fresh fuel. my regards.
refuge n 1 shelter or protection from danger regardful adj regardful of paying attention
or hardship. 2 a place, person, or thing that to.
offers protection or help. regarding prep on the subject of; relating to.
refugee n a person who has fled from some regardless adj 1 regardless of taking no
danger, such as war or political persecu- notice of: the illness can affect anyone re-
tion. gardless of their social class, -adv 2 in
refulgent adj Literary shining brightly, re- spite of everything: I carried on regardless.
fulgence n regatta n a series of races of boats or
refund vb 1 to give back (money). 2 to pay yachts.
back (a person). ~n 3 return of money to a regency n, pl -cies 1 government by a re-
purchaser or the amount returned, re- gent. 2 the status of a regent. 3 a period
fundable adj when a regent is in power.
Regency 684 regular
Regency adj of the regency (1811-20) of the ter. 7 to show on a scale or other measuring
Prince of Wales (later George IV) or the instrument. 8 to show in a person’s face or
styles of architecture or furniture produced bearing: his face registered surprise. 9 In-
during it. formal to have an effect or make an impres-
regenerate vb (ri-jen-er-ate) -ating, -ated 1 sion: the news did not register at first. 10 to
to undergo or cause to undergo physical, have a letter or parcel insured against loss
economic, or spiritual renewal. 2 to come or by the Post Office: registered mail, regis-
bring into existence once again. 3 to replace tration n
(lost or damaged tissues or organs) by new register office n Brit a government office
growth. ~adj (ri-jen-er-it) 4 physically, where civil marriages are performed and
economically, or spiritually renewed, re- births, marriages, and deaths are recorded.
generation n regenerative adj registrar n 1 a person who keeps official
regent n 1 the ruler of a country during the records. 2 an official responsible for stu-
childhood, absence, or illness of its mon- dent records and enrolment in a college. 3
arch. 2 US & Canad a member of the govern- Brit & NZ a hospital doctor senior to a
ing board of certain schools and colleges. houseman but junior to a consultant.
-adj 3 acting as a regent: the Prince Re- registration document n Brit a document
gent. giving identification details of a vehicle, in-
reggae n a type of popular music of Jamai- cluding its owner’s name.
can origin with a strong beat. registration number n a sequence of letters
regicide n 1 the killing of a king. 2 a person and numbers given to a motor vehicle when
who kills a king. it is registered, displayed on numberplates
regime (ray-zheem) n 1 a system of gov- at the front and rear.
ernment. 2 a particular administration: the registry n, pl -tries 1 a place where official
corrupt regime. 3 Med a regimen. records are kept. 2 the registration of a
regimen n a prescribed system of diet and ship’s country of origin: a ship of Liberian
exercise. registry.
registry office n Brit same as register of-
regiment n 1 an organized body of troops as fice.
a unit in the army. 2 a large number or
group, regimental adj Regius professor (reej-yuss) n Brit a per-
son appointed by the Crown to a university
regimentals pl n 1 the uniform and insignia chair founded by a royal patron.
of a regiment. 2 military uniform.
regress vb 1 to return to a former and
regimental sergeant major n Mil the senior worse condition. ~n 2 return to a former
warrant officer in a regiment or battalion. and worse condition, regressive adj
regimented adj very strictly controlled: the regression n 1 the act of regressing. 2
regimented confines of the school, regi- Psychol the use by an adult of behaviour
mentation n more appropriate to a child.
Regina n queen: now used chiefly in docu- regret vb -gretting, -gretted 1 to feel sorry
ments and inscriptions. or upset about. 2 to express apology or dis-
region n 1 an administrative division of a tress: we regret any misunderstanding
country. 2 an area considered as a unit for caused. ~n 3 a feeling of repentance, guilt,
geographical or social reasons. 3 a sphere of or sorrow. 4 regrets a polite expression of
activity or interest. 4 a part of the body: the refusal: she had sent her regrets, regretful
lumbar region. 5 in the region of approxi- adj regretfully adv regrettable adj re-
mately: in the region of 100 000 troops. 6 grettably adv
the regions the parts of a country away regroup vb 1 to reorganize (military forces)
from the capital: discord between Moscow after an attack or a defeat. 2 to rearrange
and the regions, regional adj into a new grouping.
regionalism n 1 the division of a country or regular adj 1 normal, customary, or usual. 2
organization into geographical regions each symmetrical or even: regular features. 3 ac-
having some autonomy. 2 loyalty to one’s cording to a uniform principle, arrange-
home region. ment, or order. 4 occurring at fixed or pre-
register n 1 an official list recording names, arranged intervals: we run regular adver-
events, or transactions. 2 the book in which tisements in the press. 5 following a set rule
such a list is written. 3 a device that rec- or normal practice. 6 Grammar following
ords data, totals sums of money, etc.: a cash the usual pattern of formation in a lan-
register. 4 a style of speaking or writing, guage: regular verbs. 7 of or serving in the
such as slang, used in particular circum- permanent military services: the regular
stances or social situations. 5 Music a the armed forces. 8 Maths (of a polygon) having
timbre characteristic of a certain manner of all its sides and angles the same. 9 officially
voice production, b any of the stops on an qualified or recognized: he’s not a regular
organ in respect of its tonal quality: the doctor. 10 Informal not constipated: eating
flute register. ~vb 6 to enter (an event, fresh vegetables helps keep you regular. 11
person’s name, ownership, etc.) in a regis- US & Canad informal likeable: a regular
regulate 685 rejoin
guy. 12 complete or utter: a regular fool. 13 allow a considerable amount of freedom. 3
subject to the rule of an established reli- keep a tight rein on to control carefully:
gious community: canons regular. ~n 14 a we have to keep a tight rein on expenditure,
professional long-term serviceman in a mili- -vb 4 to restrain or halt with reins. 5 to
tary unit. 15 Informal a frequent customer control or limit: public spending was reined
or visitor, regularity n regularize or -ise in. -See also rein in.
vb regularly adv reincarnate vb -nating, -nated to be born
regulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to control by again in a different body: souls may be
means of rules: a code of practice to regu- reincarnated in human forms.
late advertising by schools. 2 to adjust reincarnation n 1 the belief that after death
slightly: he had to take drugs to regulate his the soul is reborn in another body. 2 an in-
heartbeat, regulatory adj stance of rebirth in another body. 3 re-
regulation n 1 a rule that governs procedure appearance in a new form of a principle or
or behaviour. 2 the act of regulating, -adj idea: he was the reincarnation of the old
3 in accordance with rules or conventions: Republican Party isolationist.
dressed in the orchestra’s regulation black reindeer n, pl -deer or -deers a deer with
tie. large branched antlers that lives in the arc-
regulator n 1 a mechanism that automatical- tic regions.
ly controls pressure, temperature, etc. 2 the reinforce vb -inforcing, -inforced 1 to give
mechanism by which the speed of a clock is added emphasis to (an idea or feeling): his
regulated. tired face reinforced his own weariness. 2
regurgitate vb -tating, -tated 1 to vomit. 2 to make physically stronger or harder: the
(of some birds and animals} to bring back plastic panels were reinforced with carbon
(partly digested food) to the mouth to feed fibre. 3 to give added support to (a military
the young. 3 to reproduce (ideas or facts) force) by providing more men or equipment:
without understanding them, regurgita- the army garrison had been reinforced with
tion n helicopters, reinforcement n
rehabilitate vb -tating, -tated 1 to help (a reinforced concrete n concrete with steel
person) to readapt to society after illness or bars or mesh embedded in it to strengthen
imprisonment. 2 to restore to a former posi- it.
tion or rank. 3 to restore the good reputa- rein in vb 1 to stop (a horse) by pulling on
tion of. rehabilitation n the reins. 2 to restrict or stop: either prices
rehash vb 1 to use (old or already used or wage packets had to be reined in.
ideas) in a slightly different form without reinstate vb -stating, -stated 1 to restore to
real improvement. ~n 2 old ideas present- a former rank or status. 2 to cause to exist
ed in a new form. or be important again: reinstate some sem-
rehearse vb -hearsing, -hearsed 1 to prac- blance of order. reinstatement n
tise (a play, concert, etc.) for public per- reinvigorate vb to give renewed energy to;
formance. 2 to repeat aloud: he rehearsed refresh.
his familiar views on the press. 3 to train (a reissue n 1 a book, record, etc., that is pub-
person) for public performance, rehearsal lished or released again after being un-
n rehearser n available for a time, -vb 2 to publish or re-
rehouse vb -housing, -housed to provide lease (a book, record, etc.) again after a pe-
with a new and better home. riod of unavailability.
Reich (rike) n the former German state, esp. reiterate vb -ating, -ated Formal to repeat
the Nazi dictatorship in Germany from again and again, reiteration n
1933-45 (Third Reich). reject vb 1 to refuse to accept, use, or be-
reign n 1 the period during which a monarch lieve. 2 to deny to (a person) the feelings
is the official ruler of a country. 2 a period hoped for: the boy had been rejected by his
during which a person or thing is dominant: mother. 3 to pass over or throw out as use-
a reign of terror, -vb 3 to rule (a country). less. 4 (of an organism) to fail to accept (a
4 to be supreme: a sense of confusion reigns tissue graft or organ transplant). —n 5 a
in the capital. person or thing rejected as not up to stand-
reigning adj currently holding a title or ard. rejection n
championship: the reigning world champi- rejig vb -jigging, -jigged 1 to re-equip (a
on. factory or plant). 2 Informal to rearrange or
reimburse vb -bursing, -bursed to repay manipulate, sometimes in an unscrupulous
(someone) for (expenses or- losses), reim- way: the promoter hastily rejigged the run-
bursement n ning order.
rein n 1 reins a long narrow straps attached rejoice vb -joicing, -joiced to feel or ex-
to a bit to control a horse, b narrow straps press great happiness, rejoicing n
attached to a harness to control a young rejoin1 vb to come together with (someone or
child, c means of control: to take up the something) again.
reins of government. 2 give (a) free rein to rejoin2 vbto reply in a sharp or witty way.
rejoinder 686 relief
rejoinder n a sharp or witty reply, relaxation n 1 rest after work or effort. 2 a
rejuvenate vb -nating, -nated to give back form of recreation: his favoured form of re-
youth or vitality to. rejuvenation n laxation was walking on the local moors. 3
rekindle vb -dling, -died to arouse (former the act of relaxing.
emotions or interests). relay n 1 a fresh set of people or animals re-
relapse vb -lapsing, -lapsed 1 to fall back lieving others. 2 short for relay race. 3 an
into bad habits or illness. ~n 2 the act of automatic device that controls a valve or
relapsing. 3 the return of ill health after an switch, esp. one in which a small change in
apparent or partial recovery. current or voltage controls the switching on
relate vb -lating, -lated 1 to establish a rela- or off of circuits. 4 Radio a combination of a
tion between. 2 to have reference or rela- receiver and transmitter designed to re-
tion to. 3 to have an understanding (of peo- ceive radio signals and retransmit them.
ple or ideas): the inability to relate to oth- ~vb 5 to pass on (a message). 6 to retrans-
ers. 4 to tell (a story) or describe (an event), mit (a signal) by means of a relay. 7 Brit to
broadcast (a performance or event) as it
related adj 1 linked by kinship or marriage. happens.
2 connected or associated: salts and related
relay race n a race between teams in which
compounds.
each contestant covers a specified portion
relation n 1 the connection between things of the distance.
or people. 2 a person who is connected by
blood or marriage. 3 connection by blood or release vb -leasing, -leased 1 to free (a per-
marriage. 4 an account or narrative. 5 in or son or animal) from captivity or imprison-
with relation to with reference to. ment. 2 to free (someone) from obligation or
duty. 3 to free (something) from (one’s
relations pl n 1 social or political dealings grip). 4 to allow news or information to be
between individuals or groups. 2 family or made public or available. 5 to allow (some-
relatives. 3 Euphemistic sexual intercourse. thing) to move freely: she released the
relationship n 1 the dealings and feelings handbrake. 6 to issue (a record, film, or
that exist between people or groups. 2 an book) for sale or public showing. 7 to give
emotional or sexual affair. 3 the connection out heat, energy, radiation, etc.: the explo-
between two things: the relationship be- sion released a cloud of toxic gas. ~n 8 the
tween exercise and mental health. 4 asso- act of freeing or state of being freed. 9 a
ciation by blood or marriage. statement to the press. 10 the act of issuing
relative adj 1 true to a certain degree or ex- for sale or publication. 11 something issued
tent: a zone of relative affluence. 2 having for sale or public- showing: the record was
significance only in relation to something originally released six years ago.
else: time is relative. 3 relative to in pro- relegate vb -gating, -gated 1 to put in a less
portion to: it will benefit from high growth important position. 2 to demote (a sports
in earnings relative to prices. 4 respective: team) to a lower division: four clubs were
the relative qualities of speed and accuracy. relegated from the first division, relega-
5 relevant: the facts relative to the enquiry. tion n
6 Grammar of a clause (relative clause) relent vb 1 to change one’s mind about some
that modifies a noun or pronoun occurring decision. 2 to become milder or less severe:
earlier in the sentence. 7 Grammar of or be- the weather relented.
longing to a class of words, such as who,
which, or that, which function as conjunc- relentless adj 1 never stopping or reducing
tions introducing relative clauses, ~n 8 a in severity: relentless deterioration in
person who is related by blood or marriage, standards. 2 (of a person) determined and
relatively adv pitiless.
relative atomic mass n same as atomic relevant adj to do with the matter in hand,
weight. relevance n
relativity n 1 either of two theories devel- reliable adj able to be trusted, reliability n
oped by Albert Einstein, the special theory reliably adv
of relativity, which requires that the laws reliance n the state of relying on or trusting
of physics shall be the same as seen by any (a person or thing), reliant adj
two different observers in uniform relative relic n 1 an object or custom that has
motion, and the general theory of relativ- survived from the past. 2 something valued
ity, which considers observers with rela- for its past associations. 3 relics remaining
tive acceleration and leads to a theory of parts or traces. 4 RC Church, Eastern
gravitation. 2 the state of being relative. Church a body part or possession of a saint,
relax vb 1 to make or become less tense, venerated as holy.
looser, or less rigid. 2 to ease up from effort relict n Archaic 1 a relic. 2 a widow.
or attention. 3 to make (rules or discipline) relief n 1 a feeling of cheerfulness that fol-
less strict. 4 to become more friendly. 5 to lows the removal of anxiety, pain, or dis-
lessen the intensity of: he relaxed his vigi- tress. 2 a temporary pause in anxiety, pain,
lance in the lulls between terrorist attacks. or distress. 3 money, food, or clothing given
relaxed adj to people in special need: disaster relief. 4
relief map 687 remedy
the act of freeing a besieged town or for- moved to a new place of work, relocation
tress: the relief of Mafeking. 5 a person who n
replaces another at some task or duty. 6 a reluctance n 1 unwillingness to do some-
bus, plane, etc., that carries additional pas- thing. 2 Physics a measure of the resistance
sengers when a scheduled service is full. 7 of a closed magnetic circuit to a magnetic
Also called: relievo Sculpture, archit the flux.
projection of a carved design from the sur- reluctant adj unwilling or disinclined, re-
face. 8 any vivid effect resulting from con- luctantly adv
trast: a welcome relief. 9 the difference be- rely vb -lies, -lying, -lied rely on or upon a
tween the highest and lowest level: study to be dependent on: the organization relies
the map of relief and the rainfall map. 10 on voluntary contributions, b to have trust
on relief US & Canad (of people) in receipt
of government aid because of personal or confidence in: you can rely on his judg-
need. ment.
REM rapid eye movement.
relief map n a map showing the shape and
height of the land surface by contours and remain vb 1 to continue to be: the situation
shading. remains alarming. 2 to stay behind or in the
same place: to remain at home. 3 to be left
relieve vb -lieving, -lieved 1 to lessen (pain, after use or the passage of time. 4 to be left
distress, boredom, etc.). 2 to bring assis- to be done, said, etc.: whether this will be a
tance to (someone in need): a plan to relieve long-term trend remains to be seen.
those facing hunger. 3 to free (someone)
from an obligation: a further attempt to re- remainder n 1 a part or portion that is left
lieve the taxpayers of their burdens. 4 to after use or the passage of time: we ate
take over the duties of (someone): the night some biscuits and the remainder of the jam.
nurse came in to relieve her. 5 to free (a be- 2 Maths a the amount left over when one
sieged town or fort). 6 relieve oneself to quantity cannot be exactly divided by an-
urinate or defecate. 7 to set off by contrast: other: for 10+3, the remainder is 1. b the
painted walls are marginally relieved by amount left over when one quantity is sub-
some abstract prints. 8 Informal to take tracted from another. 3 a number of copies
from: the prince had relieved him of his of a book sold cheaply because it has been
duties, relieved adj impossible to sell them at full price. ~vb 4
to sell (copies of a book) as a remainder.
religion n 1 belief in or worship of a super-
natural power or powers considered to be remains pl n 1 parts left over from some-
divine or to have control of human destiny. thing after use or the passage of time: the
2 any formal expression of such belief: the remains of the old Roman fortress. 2 a
Christian religion. 3 Chiefly RC Church the corpse.
way of life entered upon by monks and remake vb -making, -made 1 to make again
nuns: to enter religion. in a different way. ~n 2 a new version of
religious adj 1 of religion. 2 pious or devout. an old film.
3 scrupulous or conscientious: religious at- remand vb 1 Law to send (a prisoner or ac-
tention to detail. 4 Christianity relating to cused person) back into custody or put on
the way of life of monks and nuns. ~n 5 bail before trial. ~n 2 the sending of a per-
Christianity a monk or nun. religiously son back into custody or putting on bail be-
adv fore trial. 3 on remand in custody or on bail
relinquish vb Formal 1 to give up: that hope awaiting trial.
has to be relinquished. 2 to renounce (a remand centre n (in Britain) a place where
claim or right). 3 to release one’s hold on. accused people are detained while awaiting
relinquishment n trial.
reliquary (rel-lik-wer-ee) n, pl -quaries a remark vb 1 to pass a casual comment
container for relics of saints. (about). 2 to say. 3 to observe or notice. ~n
relish vb 1 to savour or enjoy (an experi- 4 a brief casually expressed thought or
ence) to the full. 2 to anticipate eagerly. ~n opinion.
3 liking or enjoyment: he has an enormous remarkable adj 1 worthy of note or atten-
relish for life. 4 pleasurable anticipation: tion: a remarkable career. 2 striking or
his early relish for a new challenge. 5 an extraordinary: a thing of remarkable beau-
appetizing or spicy food, such as a pickle, ty. remarkably adv
added to a main dish to improve its flavour. remarry vb -ries, -rying, -ried to marry
6 a zestful quality: he tells stories with again following a divorce or the death of
great relish. one’s previous spouse, remarriage n
relive vb -living, -lived to experience (a sen- REME Royal Electrical and Mechanical En-
sation or event) again, esp. in the imagina- gineers.
tion. remedial adj 1 providing or intended as a
reload vb to put fresh ammunition into (a remedy. 2 of special teaching for slow
firearm). learners: remedial classes, remedially adv
relocate vb -eating, -cated to move or be remedy n, pl -edies 1 a drug or treatment
remember 688 Renaissance
for curing pain or disease. 2 a way of solv- trace or vestige: the authorities drafted in
ing a problem: every statesman promised a the military to crush any remnant of pro-
remedy for unemployment. ~vb -edies, test.
-edying, -edied 3 to put right or improve, remodel vb -elling, -elled to give a different
remediable adj shape or form to: a renaissance of boutiques
remember vb 1 to become aware of (some- and remodelled apartments; the country is
thing forgotten) again. 2 to keep (an idea, planning to remodel its armed forces.
intention, etc.) in one’s mind: remember to remonstrance n Formal a strong protest
write. 3 to give money to (someone), as in a about something.
will or in tipping. 4 remember to to men- remonstrate vb -strating, -strated Formal
tion (a person’s name) to another person, by to argue in protest or objection: the player
way of greeting: remember me to her. 5 to remonstrated loudly with the official, re-
commemorate: we are here to remember the monstration n
dead.
remembrance n 1 a memory. 2 a memento remorse n a sense of deep regret and guilt
or keepsake. 3 the act of honouring some for something one did. remorseful adj
past event or person. remorseless adj 1 constantly unkind and
Remembrance Day n 1 (in Britain) Remem- lacking pity: remorseless fate. 2 continually
brance Sunday. 2 (in Canada) a statutory intense: the superintendent's remorseless
holiday observed on November 11 in memo- gaze.
ry of the dead of both World Wars. remote adj 1 far away. 2 far from civiliza-
Remembrance Sunday n (in Britain) the tion. 3 distant in time. 4 not relevant: the is-
Sunday closest to November 11th, on which sues seem remote from the general popula-
the dead of both World Wars are commemo- tion. 5 (of a person’s manner) aloof or ab-
rated. stracted. 6 slight or faint: a remote possibil-
remind vb 1 to cause to remember: remind ity. 7 operated from a distance; remote-
her that she was on duty. 2 to put in mind controlled: a remote manipulator arm. re-
(of someone or something): you remind me motely adv
of Alice in Wonderland. remote control n control of an apparatus
reminder n 1 something that recalls the from a distance by radio or electrical sig-
past. 2 a note to remind a person of some- nals. remote-controlled adj
thing not done. remould vb 1 to change completely: to re-
reminisce vb -niscing, -nisced to talk or mould the country. 2 to bond a new tread
write about old times or past experiences. onto the casing of (a worn pneumatic tyre).
reminiscence n 1 the act of recalling or nar- ~n 3 a tyre made by this process.
rating past experiences. 2 something re- removable adj capable of being removed
membered from the past. 3 reminiscences from a place or released from another ob-
stories about a person’s life, often present- ject: a farmer’s truck with removable
ed in a book. wooden sides.
reminiscent adj 1 reminiscent of reminding removal n 1 the act of removing or state of
or suggestive of. 2 characterized by remi- being removed. 2 the process of moving
niscence. one’s possessions from a previous address
remiss adj Formal careless in attention to to a new one.
duty or responsibility. remove vb -moving, -moved 1 to take away
remission n 1 a reduction in the length of a and place elsewhere. 2 to take (clothing)
prison term. 2 forgiveness for sin. 3 easing off. 3 get rid of. 4 to dismiss (someone) from
of intensity of the symptoms of a disease. 4 office. 5 Formal to change the location of
a release from an obligation. one’s home or place of business. ~n 6 the
remit vb (rim-mitt) -mitting, -mitted 1 to degree of difference: one remove away from
send (money) for goods or services. 2 to complete rebuttal. 7 Brit (in certain
cancel (a punishment or debt). 3 Law to schools) a class or form.
send back (a case) to a lower court for fur- removed adj 1 very different or distant:
ther consideration. 4 to slacken or ease off. madness seemed far removed from the
5 Archaic to forgive (crime or sins). ~n sunny order of things. 2 separated by a de-
(ree-mitt) 6 area of authority: within the gree of descent: the child of a person’s first
review body’s remit. cousin is their first cousin once removed.
remittance n money sent as payment, remunerate vb -ating, -ated Formal to re-
remittent adj (of a disease) periodically less ward or pay for work or service, remu-
severe. neration n remunerative adj
remix vb 1 to change the relative promi- renaissance n a renewal of interest or crea-
nence of each performer’s part of (a record- tivity in an area: the English musical re-
ing). ~n 2 a remixed version of a recording. naissance.
remnant n 1 a part left over. 2 a piece of ma- Renaissance n 1 the Renaissance the great
terial from the end of a roll. 3 a surviving revival of art, literature, and learning in
renal 689 repeater
Europe in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centu- reopen vb to open again after a period of
ries. —adj 2 of or from the Renaissance. being closed or suspended: the Supreme
renal (ree-nal) adj of the kidneys, Court has agreed to reopen the case.
renascent adj Literary becoming active or reorder vb to change the order of; organize
vigorous again: renascent nationalism, re- differently.
nascence n reorganize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
rend vb rending, rent Literary 1 to tear vio- -ised to organize in a new and more effi-
lently. 2 (of a sound) to break (the silence) cient way. reorganization or -isation n
with a shrill or piercing tone. rep1 n Theatre short for repertory compa-
render vb 1 to cause to become: he was ren- ny.
dered unconscious by his wound. 2 to give rep2 n 1 a sales representative. 2 someone
or provide (aid, a service, etc.). 3 Formal to elected to represent a group of people: the
present or submit (a bill). 4 to translate. 5 union rep. 3 NZ informal a rugby player se-
to represent in painting, music, or acting. 6 lected to represent his district.
to yield or give: he rendered up his soul to repair1 vb 1 to restore (something damaged
God. 7 to cover with plaster. 8 to melt down or broken) to good condition or working
(fat), rendering n order. 2 to make up for (a mistake or inju-
rendezvous (ron-day-voo) n, pl -vous ry). 3 to heal (a breach or division) in
(-vooz) 1 an appointment to meet at a speci- (something): he is attempting to repair his
fied time and place. 2 a place where people country’s relations with America. ~n 4 the
meet. ~vb 3 to meet at a specified time or act, task, or process of repairing. 5 a part
place. that has been repaired. 6 state or condition:
rendition n Formal 1 a performance of a many museums may have to close because
piece of music or a dramatic role. 2 a trans- they are in such bad repair, repairable adj
lation. repair2 vb repair to to go to (a place),
renegade n a person who deserts a cause reparable (rep-rab-bl) adj able to be re-
for another. paired or remedied.
renege (rin-nayg) vb -neging, -neged to go reparation n 1 the act of making up for loss
back (on an agreement or promise): the or injury. 2 reparations compensation paid
politicians reneged on every promise. by a defeated nation after a war for the
renew vb 1 to begin again. 2 to take up again damage and injuries it caused.
after a break: they wanted to renew diplo- repartee n 1 conversation consisting of
matic ties. 3 to make valid again: we didn’t witty remarks. 2 a sharp witty remark
renew the lease. 4 to grow again. 5 to re- made as a reply.
store to a new or fresh condition. 6 to re-
place (an old or worn-out part or piece). 7 repast n Literary a meal.
to restate or reaffirm (a promise), renew- repatriate vb -ating, -ated 1 to send back (a
able adj renewal n person) to the country of his or her birth or
rennet n a substance prepared from the citizenship. — n 2 a person who has been
stomachs of calves and used for curdling repatriated, repatriation n
milk to make cheese. repay vb -paying, -paid 1 to refund or reim-
renounce vb -nouncing, -nounced 1 to give burse. 2 to make a return for (something):
up (a belief or habit) voluntarily. 2 to give to repay hospitality, repayable adj re-
up formally (a claim or right): he would re- payment n
nounce his rights to the throne. repeal vb 1 to cancel (a law) officially. ~n 2
renovate vb -vating, -vated to restore to the act of repealing: the repeal of the Corn
good condition, renovation n renovator n Laws, repealable adj
renown n widespread good reputation, repeat vb 1 to say, write, or do again. 2 to
renowned adj famous. tell to another person (the secrets told to
one by someone else). 3 to recite (a poem,
rent1 vb 1 to give or have use of (land, a etc.) from memory. 4 to occur more than
building, a machine, etc.) in return for peri- once: this pattern repeats itself many times.
odic payments. ~n 2 a payment made peri- 5 (of food) to be tasted again after eating as
odically for the use of land, a building, a the result of belching. 6 to say (the words
machine, etc." or sounds) uttered by someone else; echo.
rent2 n 1 a slit made by tearing. ~vb 2 the ~n 7 the act or an instance of repeating. 8
past of rend. a word, action, pattern, etc., that is repeat-
rental n 1 the amount paid or received as ed. 9 Radio, television a broadcast of a pro-
rent. ~adj 2 of or relating to rent. gramme which has been broadcast before.
rent boy n a young male prostitute. 10 Music a passage that is an exact re-
rentier (ron-tee-ay) n a person who lives off- statement of the passage preceding it. re-
unearned income such as rents or interest. peated adj repeatedly adv repeatable
renunciation n 1 the act or an instance of adj
renouncing. 2 a formal declaration re- repeater n 1 a gun capable of firing several
nouncing something. shots without reloading. 2 a clock or watch
repel 690 representative
which strikes the hour or quarter-hour just (into): the commission is to report on global
past, when a spring is pressed. warming. 3 to make a formal report on (a
repel vb -pelling, -pelled 1 to cause (some- subject). 4 to make a formal complaint
one) to feel disgusted. 2 to force or drive about. 5 to present (oneself) at an appoint-
back (someone or something). 3 to be effec- ed place or for a specific purpose: report to
tive in keeping away or controlling: these the manager’s office. 6 report to to be re-
buzzers are claimed to repel female mosqui- sponsible to and under the authority of. 7 to
toes. 4 to fail to mix with or absorb: water act as a reporter. ~n 8 an account prepared
and oil repel each other. 5 to reject or after investigation and published or broad-
spurn: she repelled his advances. cast. 9 an account of the discussions of a
repellent adj 1 disgusting or distasteful. 2 committee or other group of people: I have
resisting water etc. ~n 3 a chemical used to the report of the mining union. 10 a story
keep insects or other creatures away. for which there is no absolute proof: ac-
repent vb to feel regret for (something bad cording to report, he is not dead. 11 Brit a
one has done), repentance n repentant statement on the progress of a school child.
adj 12 a loud bang made by a gun or explosion.
13 comment on a person’s character or ac-
repercussion n 1 repercussions results or tions: he is of good report here, reportedly
consequences of an action or event. 2 an adv
echo or reverberation. reported speech n a report of what some-
repertoire n 1 all the works that a company one said that gives the content of the
or performer can perform. 2 the entire speech without repeating the exact words.
stock of skills or techniques that someone reporter n a person who gathers news for a
or something, such as a computer, is ca- newspaper or broadcasting organization.
pable of.
repertory n, pl -ries 1 same as repertoire repose1 n 1 a state of quiet restfulness. 2
(sense 2). 2 short for repertory company. calmness or composure. 3 sleep. ~vb
-posing, -posed 4 to lie or lay down at rest.
repertory company n a permanent theatre 5 to lie when dead.
company producing a succession of plays.
repose2 vb -posing, -posed to put (trust) in
repetition n 1 the act of repeating. 2 a thing a person or thing.
that is repeated. 3 a replica or copy, rep-
etitious adj repetitive adj reposition vb to place in a different posi-
tion.
rephrase vb -phrasing, -phrased to express
in different words, rephrasing n repository n, pl -ries 1 a place or container
in which things can be stored for safety. 2 a
repine vb -pining, -pined Literary to be person to whom a secret is entrusted.
worried or discontented.
repossess vb (of a lender) to take back
replace vb -placing, -placed 1 to take the (property) from a customer who is behind
place of. 2 to substitute a person or thing with payments, for example mortgage
for (another): we need to replace that chair. repayments, repossession n
3 to put (something) back in its rightful
place. reprehend vbto find fault with,
replacement n 1 the act or process of re- reprehensible adj deserving criticism: Wil-
placing. 2 a person or thing that replaces lie’s reprehensible behaviour.
another. represent vb 1 to act as the authorized del-
replay n 1 a showing again of a sequence of egate for (a person, country, etc.): she rep-
action immediately after it happens. 2 a resented her country at the Olympic Games.
second sports match played because an ear- 2 to act as a substitute (for). 3 to stand as
lier game was drawn. ~vb 3 to play (a re- an equivalent of. 4 to be a means of ex-
cording, match, etc.) again. pressing: the lights are relit to represent
resurrection. 5 to display the characteris-
replenish vb to make full or complete again tics of: romanticism in music is represented
by supplying what has been used up. re- by Liszt. 6 to describe as having a specified
plenishment n character or quality: the magical bird was
replete adj 1 pleasantly full of food and often represented as having two heads. 7 to
drink. 2 well supplied: a world replete with state or explain. 8 to present an image of
true horror, repletion n through a picture or sculpture. 9 to bring
replica n an exact copy. clearly before the mind.
replicate vb -eating, -cated to make or be an representation n 1 the state of being repre-
exact copy of; reproduce, replication n sented. 2 anything that represents, such as
reply vb -plies, -plying, -plied 1 to make an- a pictorial portrait. 3 representations
swer (to) in words or writing or by an ac- formal statements made to an official body
tion. 2 to say (something) in answer: she by a person making a complaint, represen-
replied that she did not believe him. ~n, pl tational adj
-plies 3 an answer or response. representative n 1 a person chosen to act
report vb 1 to give an account (of). 2 to give for or represent a group. 2 a person who
an account of the results of an investigation tries to sell the products or services of a
repress 691 requisition
firm. 3 a typical example. -adj 4 typical of Republican adj 1 belonging to the Republi-
a class or kind. 5 representing. 6 including can Party, the more conservative of the two
examples of all the interests or types in a main political parties in the US. 2 belonging
group. 7 acting as deputy for another. 8 of a to the Irish Republican Army, —n 3 a mem-
political system in which people choose a ber or supporter of the Republican Party in
person to make decisions on their behalf. the US. 4 a member or supporter of the Irish
repress vb 1 to keep (feelings) under con- Republican Army. Republicanism n
trol. 2 to restrict the freedom of: he con- repudiate (rip-pew-dee-ate) vb -ating, -ated
tinued to repress his people. 3 Psychol to 1 to reject the authority or validity of. 2 to
banish (unpleasant thoughts) from one’s disown (a person). 3 to refuse to acknowl-
conscious mind, repression n repressive edge or pay (a debt), repudiation n
adj repugnant adj offensive or disgusting, re-
reprieve vb -prieving, -prieved 1 to post- pugnance n
pone the execution of (a condemned per- repulse vb -pulsing, -pulsed 1 to be disgust-
son). 2 to give temporary relief to. —n 3 a ing to: this act of feminist rage repulsed as
postponement or cancellation of a punish- many as it delighted. 2 to drive (an army)
ment. 4 a warrant granting a postponement back. 3 to reject with coldness or discour-
or cancellation. 5 a temporary relief from tesy: she repulsed his advances, —n 4 a
pain or harm. driving back. 5 a cold discourteous rejection
reprimand vb 1 to blame (someone) official- or refusal.
ly for a fault. ~n 2 an instance of blaming repulsion n 1 a feeling of disgust or aver-
someone officially. sion. 2 Physics a force separating two ob-
reprint vb 1 to print further copies of (a jects, such as the force between two like
book). —n 2 a reprinted copy. electric charges.
reprisal n an act of taking revenge: brutal repulsive adj 1 disgusting or distasteful. 2
reprisals against civilians. Physics of repulsion, repulsively adv
reproach n 1 blame or rebuke. 2 a scolding. reputable (rep-pew-tab-bl) adj trustworthy
3 beyond reproach beyond criticism. -vb or respectable, reputably adv
4 to express disapproval (of someone’s ac- reputation n 1 the opinion generally held of
tions). reproachful adj a person or thing. 2 a high opinion generally
reprobate (rep-roh-bate) n 1 an unprinci- held about a person or thing. 3 notoriety or
pled bad person, —adj 2 morally unprinci- fame, esp. for some specified characteristic,
pled. repute n good reputation: a sculptor of
reprobation n Literary disapproval or international repute.
blame. reputed adj supposed or rumoured: the is-
reproduce vb -ducing, -duced 1 to make a land was reputed to have held a Roman
copy or representation of. 2 Biol to produce temple; the reputed murderess, reputedly
offspring. 3 to re-create, reproducible adj adv
reproduction n 1 Biol a process by which an request vb 1 to ask for or politely demand:
animal or plant produces one or more indi- we requested a formal meeting with the
viduals similar to itself. 2 a copy of a work committee. ~n 2 the act or an instance of
of art. 3 the quality of sound from an audio asking for something. 3 something asked
system. 4 the act or process of reproducing. for. 4 on request if asked for: most compa-
—adj 5 made in imitation of an earlier nies will send samples on request.
style: reproduction furniture, reproduc- request stop n a point on a route at which a
tive adj bus stops only if signalled to do so.
reproof n a severe blaming of someone for a Requiem (rek-wee-em) n 1 RC Church a
fault. Mass celebrated for the dead. 2 a musical
reprove vb -proving, -proved to speak se- setting of this Mass.
verely to (someone) about a fault, reprov- require vb -quiring, -quired 1 to need. 2 to
ingly adv be a necessary condition: the decision
reptile n 1 a cold-blooded animal, such as a requires a logical common-sense approach.
tortoise, snake, or crocodile, that has an 3 to insist upon. 4 to order or command:
outer covering of horny scales or plates and family doctors are required to produce an-
lays eggs. 2 a contemptible grovelling per- nual reports.
son. reptilian adj ► Require suggests a demand imposed by
republic n 1 a form of government in which some regulation. Need is usually something
the people or their elected representatives that comes from a person.
possess the supreme power. 2 a country in requirement n 1 something demanded or
which the head of state is an elected or - imposed as an obligation. 2 a specific need
nominated president. or want.
republican adj 1 of or supporting a republic. requisite (rek-wizz-it) adj 1 absolutely es-
~n2 a person who supports or advocates a sential. —n 2 something essential.
republic, republicanism n requisition vb 1 to demand and take for use,
requite 692 resin
esp. for military or public use. —n 2 a for- reserve price n Brit the minimum price ac-
mal request or demand for the use of some- ceptable to the owner of property being
thing. 3 the act of taking something over, auctioned or sold.
esp. for military or public use. 4 a formal reservist n a member of a nation’s military
written demand. reserve.
requite vb -quiting, -quited to return to reservoir n 1 a natural or artificial lake for
someone (the same treatment or feeling as storing water for community use. 2 a large
received): an Australian who requites her supply of something: a vast reservoir of
love, requital n youthful enthusiasm.
reredos (rear-doss) n a screen or wall deco- resettle vb -tling, -tied to settle to live in a
ration at the back of an altar. different place, resettlement n
reroute vb -routing, -routed to send or di- reshuffle n 1 a reorganization of jobs in a
rect by a different route. government or company. ~vh -fling, -fled
rerun n 1 a film or programme that is broad- 2 to reorganize jobs or duties in a govern-
cast again. 2 a race that is run again. —vb ment or company.
-running, -ran, -run 3 to put on (a film or reside vb -siding, -sided Formal 1 to live
programme) again. 4 to run (a race) again. permanently (in a place): my daughter re-
resale n the selling again of something pur- sides in Europe. 2 to be present (in): de-
chased. sire resides in the unconscious.
reschedule vb -uling, -uled to change the residence n 1 a person’s home or house. 2 a
time, date, or schedule of: the show has large imposing house. 3 the fact of residing
been rescheduled for August. in a place. 4 a period of residing in a place.
rescind vb to annul or repeal, rescission n 5 in residence a living in a particular place:
rescue vb -cuing, -cued 1 to bring (someone the Monarch was not in residence, b (of an
or something) out of danger or trouble. —n artist) working for a set period at a college,
2 the act or an instance of rescuing, rescu- gallery, etc.: composer in residence.
er n resident n 1 a person who lives in a place. 2
reseal vb to close or secure tightly again,
a bird or animal that does not migrate.
-adj 3 living in a place. 4 living at a place
research n 1 systematic investigation to es- in order to carry out a job: a resident custo-
tablish facts or collect information on a sub- dian. 5 employed for one’s specialized abil-
ject. -vb 2 to carry out investigations into ities: the Museum’s resident expert on
(a subject), researcher n seventeenth-century Dutch art. 6 (of birds
resemble vb -bling, -bled to be or look like, and animals) not in the habit of migrating.
resemblance n residential adj 1 (of a part of a town) con-
resent vb to feel bitter or indignant about, sisting mainly of houses. 2 providing living
resentful adj resentment n accommodation: residential clubs for home-
reservation n 1 a doubt: his only reservation less boys.
was, did he have the stamina? 2 an excep- residential school n a government boarding
tion or limitation that prevents one’s school in N Canada for Indian and Inuit
wholehearted acceptance: work I admire students.
without reservation. 3 a seat, room, etc. residual adj 1 of or being a remainder, —n 2
that has been reserved. 4 an area of land set something left over as a residue.
aside for use by a particular group: the residue n 1 what is left over after something
Cherokee reservation. 5 short for central has been removed. 2 Law what is left of an
reservation. estate after the discharge of debts and dis-
reserve vb -serving, -served 1 to keep back tribution of specific gifts.
or set aside for future use. 2 to obtain by residuum n, pl-ua same as residue.
arranging beforehand: I phoned to reserve
two tickets. 3 to keep for oneself: the asso- resign vb 1 to give up office or a job. 2 to ac-
ciation reserves the right to charge a fee. 4 cept (an unpleasant fact): he resigned him-
to delay announcing (a legal judgment). ~n self to the inevitable. 3 to give up (a right or
5 something kept back or set aside for fu- claim).
ture use. 6 the state or condition of being resignation n 1 the act of resigning. 2 a for-
reserved: we’re keeping these two in re- mal document stating one’s intention to re-
serve. 7 Sport a substitute. 8 an area of pub- sign. 3 passive endurance of difficulties:
licly owned land used for sport, etc.: a wild- full of quiet resignation.
life reserve. 9 the hiding of one’s feelings resigned adj content to endure something
and personality. 10 the part of a nation’s unpleasant, resignedly adv
armed services not in active service. 11 re- resilient adj 1 (of a person) recovering easi-
serves Finance money or assets held by a ly and quickly from misfortune or illness. 2
bank or business to meet future expenses. (of an object) capable of regaining its origi-
12 Canad an Indian reservation. nal shape or position after bending or
reserved adj 1 not showing one’s feelings. 2 stretching, resilience n
set aside for use by a particular person. resin (rezz-in) n 1 a solid or semisolid sub-
resist 693 respiration
stance obtained from certain plants: canna- of the mouth. 3 full of resonance: his voice
bis resin. 2 a similar substance produced is a resonant baritone.
synthetically, resinous adj resonate vb -nating, -nated to resound or
resist vb 1 to stand firm against or oppose: cause to resound, resonator n
the party’s old guard continue to resist eco- resort vb 1 resort to to have recourse (to)
nomic reform. 2 to refrain from in spite of for help, use, etc.: some people have
temptation: I couldn’t resist a huge portion resorted to begging for food. 2 to go, esp.
of almond cake. 3 to refuse to comply with: often or habitually: to resort to the beach.
to resist arrest. 4 to be proof against: air- ~n 3 a place to which many people go for
port design should be strengthened to help holidays. 4 the use of something as a means
resist explosion, resistible adj or aid. 5 last resort the last possible course
resistance n 1 the act of resisting. 2 the ca- of action open to a person.
pacity to withstand something, esp. the resound (riz-zownd) vb 1 to ring or echo
body’s natural capacity to withstand dis- with sound. 2 (of sounds) to echo or ring. 3
ease. 3 Electricity the opposition to a flow to be widely known: his fame resounded
of electric current through a circuit, com- throughout India.
ponent, or substance. 4 any force that slows resounding adj 1 echoing. 2 clear and em-
or hampers movement: wind resistance. 5 phatic: he won a resounding victory, re-
line of least resistance the easiest, but not soundingly adv
necessarily the best, course of action, re-
sistant adj, n resource n 1 resources sources of economic
wealth, esp. of a country or business enter-
Resistance n the Resistance an illegal or- prise: mineral resources. 2 resources
ganization fighting for national liberty in a money available for use. 3 something
country under enemy occupation. resorted to for aid or support: he saw the
resistor n an electrical component designed university as a resource for the community.
to introduce a known value of resistance 4 the ability to deal with problems: a man of
into a circuit. resource. 5 a means of doing something: re-
resit vb -sitting, -sat 1 to sit (an examina- sistance was their only resource.
tion) again. ~n 2 an examination which resourceful adj capable and full of initia-
one must sit again. tive. resourcefulness n
resolute adj firm in purpose or belief, reso- respect n 1 consideration: respect for my
lutely adv feelings. 2 an attitude of deference or es-
resolution n 1 firmness or determination. 2 teem. 3 the state of being honoured or es-
a decision to do something. 3 a formal ex- teemed. 4 a detail or characteristic: in vir-
pression of opinion by a meeting. 4 the act tually all respects boys develop more slow-
of resolving. 5 Music the process in harmo- ly than girls. 5 in respect of or with re-
ny whereby a dissonant note or chord is fol- spect to in reference or relation to. 6 re-
lowed by a consonant one. 6 the ability of a spects polite greetings: he paid his respects
television to reproduce fine detail. 7 Phys- to her and left. ~vb 7 to have an attitude
ics Also called: resolving power the ability of esteem towards: she is the person I most
of a telescope or microscope to produce respect and wish to emulate. 8 to pay prop-
separate images of closely placed objects. er attention or consideration to: he called on
resolvable or resoluble adj able to be re- rebel groups to respect a cease-fire, re-
solved or analysed. specter n
resolve vb -solving, -solved 1 to decide or respectable adj 1 worthy of respect. 2 hav-
determine firmly. 2 to express (an opinion) ing good social standing or reputation. 3
formally by a vote. 3 to separate or cause to relatively or fairly good: they obtained re-
separate into (constituent parts). 4 to find spectable results. 4 fit to be seen by other
the answer or solution to. 5 to explain away people, respectability n respectably adv
or dispel: to resolve the controversy. 6 respectful adj full of or showing respect,
Music to follow (a dissonant note or chord) respectfully adv
by one producing a consonance. 7 Physics to respecting prep on the subject of.
distinguish between (separate parts) of (an respective adj relating separately to each of
image) as in a microscope, telescope, or several people or things: the culprits will be
other optical instrument. ~n 8 absolute de- repatriated to their respective countries.
termination: he spoke of his resolve to deal respectively adv (in listing things that refer
with the problem of terrorism. to another list) separately in the order
resolved adj determined. given: Patrese and Mansell were second and
resonance n 1 the condition or quality of third fastest respectively.
being resonant. 2 sound produced by a body - respiration (ress-per-ray-shun) n 1 breath-
vibrating in sympathy with a neighbouring ing. 2 the process in living organisms of tak-
source of sound. ing in oxygen and giving out carbon diox-
resonant adj 1 resounding or re-echoing. 2 ide. 3 the breakdown of complex organic
producing resonance: the resonant cavities substances that takes place in the cells of
respirator 694 restriction
animals and plants, producing energy and to let the matter rest. 19 Law to finish the
carbon dioxide, respiratory adj introduction of evidence in (a case). 20 to
respirator n 1 a device worn over the mouth put pastry in a cool place to allow the glu-
and nose to prevent the breathing in of poi- ten to contract.
sonous fumes. 2 an apparatus for providing rest2 n 1 the rest a something left; remain-
artificial respiration. der. b the others: the rest of the world.
respire vb -spiring, -spired 1 to breathe. 2 ~vb 2 to continue to be (as specified): your
to undergo respiration. conscience can rest easy.
respite n 1 a interval of rest: I allowed my- rest area n Austral & NZ a motorist’s stop-
self a six months respite to enjoy my fami- ping place off a highway, equipped with ta-
ly. 2 a temporary delay. bles and seats.
resplendent adj 1 brilliant or splendid in restart vb to commence (something) or set
appearance. 2 shining, resplendence n (something) in motion again.
respond vb 1 to state or utter (something) in restate vb to state or affirm (something)
reply. 2 to act in reply: the government again or in a different way. restatement n
must respond accordingly to our recom- restaurant n a place where meals are pre-
mendations. 3 to react favourably: most pared and served to customers.
headaches will respond to the use of restaurant car n Brit a railway coach in
relaxants. which meals are served.
respondent n Law a person against whom a restaurateur (rest-er-a-tur) n a person who
petition is brought. owns or runs a restaurant.
response n 1 the act of responding. 2 a rest-cure n a rest taken as part of a course
reply or reaction. 3 a reaction to stimula- of medical treatment.
tion of the nervous system. 4 responses restful adj relaxing or soothing.
Christianity the words recited or sung in restitution n 1 the act of giving back some-
reply to the priest at a church service. thing that has been lost or stolen. 2 Law
responsibility n, pl -ties 1 the state of being compensation for loss or injury.
responsible. 2 a person or thing for which restive adj 1 restless or uneasy. 2 impatient
one is responsible. of control or authority.
responsible adj 1 responsible for having restless adj 1 bored or dissatisfied. 2 unable
control or authority over. 2 being the agent to stay still or quipt. 3 not restful: a restless
or cause (of some action): only a small sleep, restlessly adv restlessness n
number of students were responsible for restoration n 1 the act of restoring to a
the disturbances. 3 responsible to being former or original condition, place, etc. 2
accountable for one’s actions and decisions the giving back of something lost or stolen.
to: management should be made more re- 3 something restored, replaced, or
sponsible to shareholders. 4 rational and reconstructed. 4 a model or representation
accountable for one’s own actions. 5 (of a of a ruin or extinct animal. 5 the Restora-
position or duty) involving decision and ac- tion Brit the re-establishment of the mon-
countability. responsibly adv archy in 1660 or the reign of Charles II
responsive adj reacting quickly or favour- (1660-85).
ably to something, responsiveness n restorative (rist-or-a-tiv) adj 1 giving back
respray n a new coat of paint applied to a health or good spirits. ~n 2 a food or medi-
vehicle. cine that gives back health or good spirits.
rest1 n 1 relaxation from exertion or labour. restore vb -storing, -stored 1 to return
2 a period of inactivity. 3 relief or refresh- (something) to its original or former condi-
ment. 4 calm. 5 death regarded as repose: tion. 2 to bring back to health or good spir-
now he has gone to his eternal rest. 6 at its. 3 to return (something lost or stolen) to
rest a not moving, b calm, c dead, d asleep. its owner. 4 to re-enforce or re-establish: he
7 a pause or interval. 8 a mark in a musical must restore confidence in himself and his
score indicating a pause lasting a specific government; they worked to restore the
time. 9 a thing or place on which to put monarchy. 5 to reconstruct (a ruin, extinct
something for support or to steady it. 10 animal, etc.), restorer n
lay to rest to bury (a dead person). ~vb 11 restrain vb 1 to hold (someone) back from
to become or make refreshed. 12 to position some action. 2 to limit or restrict: restrain
(oneself, etc.) for rest or relaxation. 13 to any tendency to impulse-buy. 3 to deprive
place for support or steadying: he slumped (someone) of liberty.
forward to rest his head on his forearms. 14
to depend or rely: his presidency rested on restrained adj not displaying emotion,
the outcome of the crisis. 15 to direct (one’s restraint n 1 something that restrains. 2 the
eyes) or (of one’s eyes) to be directed: she ability to control one’s impulses or pas-
rested her gaze on the face of the statue. 16 sions. 3 a restraining or being restrained.
to be at ease. 17 to cease or cause to cease restrict vb to confine or keep within certain
from motion or exertion. 18 to remain with- limits, restrictive adj
out further attention or action: she refused restriction n a rule or situation that limits or
restrictive practice 695 retort
controls something or someone: severe fi- be able to hold or contain: with this method
nancial restrictions. the salmon retains its flavour and texture. 3
restrictive practice n Brit 1 a trading Law to engage the services of (a barrister)
agreement against the public interest. 2 a by payment of a preliminary fee. 4 (of a
practice of a union or other group tending person) to be able to remember (something)
to limit the freedom of other workers or without difficulty. 5 to hold in position.
employers. retainer n 1 a fee paid in advance to engage
rest room n US & Canad a toilet in a public someone’s services. 2 a reduced rent paid
building. for a room or flat to reserve it for future
restructure vb -turing, -tured to organize in use. 3 a servant who has been with a family
a different way: to restructure the world for a long time.
economy. retaining wall n a wall constructed to hold
result n 1 the outcome or consequence of an back earth, loose rock, etc.
action, policy, etc. 2 the final score of a retake vb -taking, -took, -taken 1 to recap-
sporting contest. 3 a number or value ob- ture: to retake Jerusalem. 2 to take some-
tained by solving a mathematical problem. thing, such as an examination or vote,
4 a favourable result, esp. a victory or suc- again, —n 3 Films a rephotographed scene.
cess: the best chance of a result is at Chel- retaliate vb -ating, -ated 1 to repay some in-
tenham. 5 results the marks or grades ob- jury or wrong in kind. 2 to cast (accusa-
tained in an examination. —vb 6 result tions) back upon a person, retaliation n
from to be the outcome or consequence of: retaliatory adj
poverty resulting from high unemployment. retard vb to delay or slow down (the pro-
7 result in to end in (a specified way): ne- gress or development), retardant n, adj
gotiations which resulted in the Treaty of retardation n
Paris. retarded adj underdeveloped mentally,
resultant adj 1 arising as a result: the re- retch vb 1 to undergo spasms of the stomach
sultant publicity, —n 2 Maths, physics a as if one is vomiting, —n 2 an involuntary
single vector that is the vector sum of two spasm of the stomach.
or more other vectors, such as a force retention n 1 the act of retaining or state of
which results from two other forces acting being retained. 2 the capacity to remember.
on a single point. 3 Pathol the abnormal holding of something
resume vb -suming, -sumed 1 to begin again within the body, esp. fluid, retentive adj
or go on with (something interrupted). 2 to rethink vb -thinking, -thought 1 to think
occupy again or recover: he will resume his about (something) again with a view to
party posts today. changing one’s tactics. ~n 2 the act or an
resume (rezz-yew-may) n 1 a short descrip- instance of thinking again.
tive summary. 2 US & Canad a curriculum reticent adj not willing to say or tell much,
vitae. reticence n
resumption n the act of resuming or begin- reticulate adj in the form of a network or
ning again. having a network of parts: a reticulate leaf.
resurgence n a rising again to vigour: reticulation n
worldwide religious resurgence, resurgent retina n, pl -nas or -nae the light-sensitive
adj inner lining of the back of the eyeball,
resurrect vb 1 to bring or be brought back to retinal adj
life from death. 2 to bring back into use or retinue n a band of attendants accompany-
activity. ing an important person.
resurrection n 1 a return to life by a dead retire vb -tiring, -tired 1 to give up or to
person. 2 revival or renewal. 3 the Resur- cause (a person) to give up work, esp. on
rection a Christian theol the rising again of reaching pensionable age. 2 to go away into
Christ from the tomb three days after his seclusion. 3 to go to bed. 4 to withdraw
death, b the rising again from the dead of from a sporting contest, esp. because of in-
all people at the Last Judgment. jury. 5 to pull back (troops) from battle or
resuscitate (ris-suss-it-tate) vb -tating, (of troops) to fall back, retired adj re-
-tated to restore to consciousness, resusci- tirement n
tation n retirement pension n a regular payment
retail n 1 the sale of goods individually or in made by the state or a former employee to a
small quantities to the public, —adj 2 of or retired person over a specified age.
engaged in such selling: auctioneers have retiring adj very shy.
been successful in cornering the retail mar- retort1 vb 1 to reply quickly, wittily, or an-
ket. —adv 3 in small amounts or at a retail grily. 2 to use (an argument) against its
price, -vb 4 to sell or be sold in small originator. ~n 3 a sharp, angry, or witty
quantities to the public. 5 to relate (gossip reply. 4 an argument used against its origi-
or scandal) in detail, retailer n nator.
retain vb 1 to keep in one’s possession. 2 to retort2 n 1 a glass vessel with a long taper-
retouch 696 rev
ing neck that is bent down, used for distilla- condition, retrogression n retrogressive
tion. 2 a vessel used for heating ores in the adj
production of metals or heating coal to pro- retrorocket n a small rocket on a larger
duce gas. rocket or a spacecraft, that produces thrust
retouch vb to restore or improve (a painting in the opposite direction to the direction of
or photograph) with new touches. flight in order to slow down.
retrace vb -tracing, -traced 1 to go back retrospect n in retrospect when looking
over (one’s steps or a route). 2 to go over (a back on the past.
story) from the beginning. retrospective adj 1 looking back in time. 2
retract vb 1 to withdraw (a statement, char- applying from a date in the past: retrospec-
ge, etc.) as invalid or unjustified. 2 to go tive legislation. ~n 3 an exhibition of an
back on (a promise or agreement). 3 to draw artist’s life’s work.
in (a part or appendage): the rear wheels retrousse (rit-troo-say) adj (of a nose)
are retracted for tight spaces, retraction n turned upwards.
retractile adj capable of being drawn in: the retsina n a Greek wine flavoured with resin,
retractile claws of a cat. return vb 1 to come back to a former place or
retrain vb to train to do a new or different state. 2 to give, put, or send back. 3 to
job. retraining n repay with something of equivalent value:
retread vb -treading, -treaded 1 to bond a she returned the compliment. 4 Sport to hit,
new tread onto (a worn tyre). ~n 2 a throw, or play (a ball) back. 5 to recur or
remoulded tyre. reappear: as he relaxed his appetite re-
retreat vb 1 Mil to withdraw or retire in the turned. 6 to come back or revert in thought
face of or from action with an enemy. 2 to or speech: let’s return to what he said. 7 to
retire or withdraw to seclusion or shelter. 3 earn or yield (profit or interest). 8 to an-
to alter one’s opinion about something. ~n swer or reply. 9 to vote into office. 10 Law
4 the act of retreating or withdrawing. 5 Mil (of a jury) to deliver (a verdict). ~n 11 the
a a withdrawal or retirement in the face of act or an instance of coming back. 12 the act
the enemy, b a bugle call signifying with- of being returned. 13 replacement or resto-
drawal or retirement. 6 a place to which one ration: the return of law and order. 14
may retire, esp. for religious contemplation. something that is given or sent back. 15
7 a period of seclusion, esp. for religious Sport the act of playing or throwing a ball
contemplation. 8 the act of altering one’s back. 16 a recurrence or reappearance: the
opinion about something. return of tuberculosis. 17 the yield or profit
retrench vb to reduce expenditure, re- from an investment or venture. 18 a state-
trenchment n ment of one’s taxable income (a tax re-
retrial n a second trial of a defendant in a turn). 19 an answer or reply. 20 Brit, Aus-
court of law. tral, & NZ short for return ticket. 21 in re-
turn in exchange. 22 returns statement of
retribution n punishment or vengeance for
the votes counted at an election. 23 by re-
evil deeds, retributive adj turn (of post) Brit by the next post back to
retrieve vb -trieving, -trieved 1 to get or the sender. 24 many happy returns (of the
fetch back again. 2 to bring back to a more day) a conventional birthday greeting.
satisfactory state: his attempt to retrieve ~adj 25 of or being a return: the team is
the situation. 3 to rescue or save. 4 to reco- keen on a return match, returnable adj
ver (stored information) from a computer
system. 5 (of dogs) to find and fetch (shot returned man n Canad a soldier who has
birds and animals). 6 to remember. ~n 7 served abroad. Also (Austral, and NZ): re-
the chance of being retrieved: beyond re- turned soldier
trieve. retrievable adj retrieval n returning officer n an official in charge of
retriever n a dog trained to retrieve shot conducting an election in a constituency.
birds and animals. return ticket n Brit, Austral, & NZ a ticket
retro adj associated with or revived from allowing a passenger to travel to a place
the past: swap sandals for heeled mules to and back.
complete the retro look. reunify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to bring to-
retro- prefix 1 back or backwards: retroac- gether again something previously divided,
tive. 2 located behind: retrochoir. reunification n
retroactive adj effective from a date in the reunion n 1 a gathering of people who have
past: justice through retroactive legislation been apart. 2 the act of coming together
is never justice. again.
retrograde adj 1 tending towards an earlier reunite vb -niting, -nited to bring or come
worse condition. 2 moving or bending together again after a separation.
backwards. 3 (esp. of order) reverse or in- reuse n 1 the act of using something again.
verse. ~vb -grading, -graded 4 to go -vb -using, -used 2 to use again, reusable
backwards or deteriorate. adj
retrogress vb to go back to an earlier worse rev Informal ~n 1 revolution per minute (of
rev. 697 review
an engine). -vb revving, revved 2 to in- Reverend adj a title of respect for a clergy-
crease the speed of revolution of (an en- man.
gine). reverent adj feeling or expressing rever-
rev. 1 revise(d). 2 revision. ence.
Rev. Reverend. reverie n absent-minded daydream.
revalue vb -valuing, -valued to adjust the revers (riv-veer) n, pl -vers the turned-back
exchange value of (a currency) upwards, lining of part of a garment, such as the lapel
revaluation n or cuff.
revamp vb to patch up or renovate. reverse vb -versing, -versed 1 to turn or set
Revd. Reverend. in an opposite direction, order, or position.
reveal vb 1 to disclose or divulge (a secret). 2 to change into something different or con-
2 to expose to view or show (something trary: the cabinet intends to reverse the
concealed). 3 (of God) to disclose (divine trend of recent polls. 3 to move backwards
truths). or in an opposite direction: as he started to
reverse the car, the bomb exploded. 4 to run
revealing adj 1 disclosing information that (machinery) in the opposite direction to
one did not know: she made several reveal- normal. 5 to turn inside out. 6 Law to re-
ing remarks during the interview. 2 (of voke or set aside (a judgment or decree). 7
clothes) showing more of the body than is reverse the charges to make a telephone
usual. call at the recipient’s expense. —n 8 the
reveille (riv-val-ee) n a signal given by a opposite or contrary of something. 9 the
bugle or drum to awaken soldiers or sailors back or rear side of something. 10 a change
in the morning. to an opposite position, state, or direction.
revel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 1 11 a change for the worse. 12 the gear by
revel in to take pleasure or wallow in: he which a motor vehicle can be made to go
would revel in his victory. 2 to take part in backwards. 13 the side of a coin bearing a
noisy festivities. ~n 3 revels noisy secondary design. 14 in reverse in an oppo-
merrymaking, reveller n site or backward direction. 15 the reverse
revelation n 1 the act of making known a of not at all: the result was the reverse of
truth which was previously secret. 2 a fact his expectations, —adj 16 opposite or con-
newly made known. 3 a person or experi- trary in direction, position, etc. 17 denoting
ence that proves to be different from expec- the gear by which a motor vehicle can be
tations: New York State could prove a rev- made to go backwards, reversal n
elation to first-time visitors. 4 Christianity reversible adj 1 capable of being reversed:
God’s disclosure of his own nature and his the effect of the operation may not be re-
purpose for mankind. versible. 2 (of a garment) made so that
Revelation or Revelations n Informal the either side may be used as the outer side.
last book of the New Testament, containing reversing lights pl n a pair of lights on the
visionary descriptions of heaven, and of the rear of a motor vehicle that go on when the
end of the world. vehicle is moving backwards.
revelry n, pl -ries noisy or unrestrained reversion n 1 a return to an earlier condi-
merrymaking. tion, practice, or belief. 2 Biol the return of
revenge n 1 vengeance for wrongs or injury individuals or organs to a more primitive
received. 2 something done as a means of condition or type. 3 the rightful passing of
vengeance. —vb -venging, -venged 3 to in- property to the owner or designated heir.
flict equivalent injury or damage for (injury revert vb 1 to go back to a former state. 2
received). 4 to take vengeance for (oneself Biol (of individuals or organs) to return to a
or another), revengeful adj more primitive, earlier, or simpler condition
revenue n 1 income, esp. that obtained by a or type. 3 to come back to a subject. 4 Prop-
government from taxation. 2 a government erty law (of an estate) to return to its form-
department responsible for collecting taxes. er owner.
reverberate vb -ating, -ated 1 to resound or review n 1 a critical assessment of a book,
re-echo. 2 to reflect or be reflected many film, etc. 2 a publication containing such ar-
times, reverberation n ticles. 3 a general survey or report: the new
revere vb -vering, -vered to be in awe of curriculum is to be set up a year after the
and respect deeply. conclusions of the review are due. 4 a for-
mal or official inspection. 5 the act or an in-
reverence n profound respect, reverential stance of reviewing. 6 a second considera-
adj tion; re-examination. 7 a retrospective sur-
Reverence n Your or His Reverence a title vey. 8 Law a re-examination of a case, —vb
sometimes used for a Roman Catholic 9 to hold or write a review of. 10 to exam-
priest. ine again: the committee will review the ban
reverend adj 1 worthy of reverence. 2 relat- in the summer. 11 to look back upon (a pe-
ing to or designating a clergyman. —n 3 In- riod of time or sequence of events): he
formal a clergyman. reviewed his achievements with pride. 12
reviewer 698 rhea
to inspect formally or officially: when he cally new or different: they have designed
reviewed the troops they cheered him. 13 revolutionary new materials to build power
Law to re-examine (a decision) judicially. stations. ~n, pl -aries 4 a person who ad-
reviewer n a person who writes reviews of vocates or engages in revolution.
books, films, etc. revolutionize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or
revile vb -viling, -viled to be abusively -ising, -ised to bring about a radical change
scornful of: his works were reviled and ad- in.
mired in equal measure. revolve vb -volving, -volved 1 to move or
revise vb -vising, -vised 1 to change or cause to move around a centre. 2 revolve
alter: he grudgingly revised his opinion. 2 to around to be centred or focused upon: the
prepare a new edition of (a previously campaign revolves around one man. 3 to
printed work). 3 to read (something) sever- occur periodically or in cycles. 4 to consider
al times in order to learn it in preparation or be considered, revolvable adj
for an examination. revolver n a pistol with a revolving cylinder
Revised Version n a revision of the Author- that allows several shots to be fired with-
ized Version of the Bible published between out reloading.
1881 and 1885. revolving door n a door with four leaves at
revision n 1 the act or process of revising. 2 right angles to each other, revolving about
a corrected or new version of a book, arti- a vertical axis.
cle, etc. revue n a theatrical entertainment with
revisionism n 1 (in Marxist ideology) any topical sketches and songs.
dangerous departure from the true inter- revulsion n a violent feeling of disgust,
pretation of Marx’s teachings. 2 the advo- reward n 1 something given in return for a
cacy of revision of some political theory, service. 2 a sum of money offered for find-
revisionist n, adj
ing a criminal or missing property. 3 some-
revisory adj of or having the power of revi- thing received in return for good or evil:
sion. sacrifice provided its own reward. ~vb 4
revitalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, to give something to (someone) for a service
-ised to make more lively or active. rendered.
revival n 1 a reviving or being revived. 2 a rewarding adj giving personal satisfaction:
reawakening of religious faith. 3 a new my most professionally rewarding experi-
production of a play that has not been re- ence.
cently performed. 4 a renewed use or inter- rewarewa (ray-wa-ray-wa) n a tall New
est in: there has been an Art Deco revival. Zealand tree with reddish wood.
revivalism n a movement that seeks to re-
vive religious faith, revivalist n, adj rewind vb -winding, -wound to run (a tape
or film) back to an earlier point in order to
revive vb -viving, -vived 1 to make or be- replay.
come lively or active again. 2 to bring or be
brought back to life, consciousness, or rewire vb -wiring, -wired to provide (a
strength: revived by a drop of whisky. 3 house, engine, etc.) with new wiring.
Theatre to put on a new production of (an reword vb to alter the wording of.
old play). rework vb to improve or bring up to date:
revivify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to give new they need to rework the system, reworking
life to. revivification n n
revoke vb -voking, -voked 1 to take back or rewrite vb -writing, -wrote, -written 1 to
cancel (an agreement, will, etc.). 2 Cards to write again in a different way. ~n 2 some-
break a rule by failing to follow suit when thing rewritten.
able to do so. ~n 3 Cards the act of revok- Rex n king: now used chiefly in documents
ing. revocation n and inscriptions.
revolt n 1 a rebellion or uprising against Rf US chem rutherfordium.
authority. 2 in revolt in the state of rebel- RFC Rugby Football Club.
ling. ~vb 3 to rise up in rebellion against
authority. 4 to cause to feel disgust. RGN Registered General Nurse.
revolting adj horrible and disgusting, Rh 1 Chem rhodium. 2 See Rh factor.
revolution n 1 the overthrow of a regime or rhapsodize or -dise vb -dizing, -dized or
political system by the governed. 2 (in -dising, -dised to speak or write with ex-
Marxist theory) the transition from one travagant enthusiasm.
system of production in a society to the rhapsody n, pl -dies 1 Music a freely struc-
next. 3 a far-reaching and drastic change. 4 tured and emotional piece of music. 2 an
a movement in or as if in a circle, b one expression of ecstatic enthusiasm, rhap-
complete turn in a circle: 33 revolutions per sodic adj
minute. rhea (ree-a) n a large fast-running flightless
revolutionary adj 1 of or like a revolution. 2 bird of South America, similar to the os-
advocating or engaged in revolution. 3 radi- trich.
rhenium 699 ribbon
rhenium n Chem a silvery-white metallic el- made by actors to simulate conversation,
ement with a high melting point. Symbol: Re esp. by repeating the word rhubarb.
rheostat n a variable resistor in an electrical rhyme n 1 sameness of the final sounds in
circuit, such as one used to dim lights, lines of verse or in words. 2 a word that is
rheostatic adj identical to another in its final sound:
rhesus factor (ree-suss) n See Rh factor. “while” is a rhyme for “mile”. 3 a piece of
rhesus monkey n a small long-tailed mon- poetry with corresponding sounds at the
key of S Asia. ends of the lines. 4 rhyme or reason sense
rhetoric (ret-a-rik) n 1 the art of using or meaning, -vb rhyming, rhymed 5 (of a
speech or writing to persuade or influence. word) to form a rhyme with another word.
2 artificial or exaggerated language: there’s 6 to compose (verse) in a metrical structure.
been no shortage of soaring rhetoric at this rhymester n a mediocre poet.
summit, rhetorical (rit-tor-ik-kl) adj rhyming slang n slang in which a word is
rhetorical question n a question to which no replaced by another word or phrase that
answer is required, used for dramatic ef- rhymes with it, e.g. apples and pears mean-
fect, for example who knows?. ing stairs.
rheum (room) n a watery discharge from rhythm n 1 any regular movement or beat:
the eyes or nose, rheumy adj the side-effects can cause changes in the
rheumatic adj 1 caused by or affected by rhythm of the heart beat. 2 any regular pat-
rheumatism. —n 2 a person suffering from tern that occurs over a period of time: the
rheumatism, rheumatically adv seasonal rhythm of the agricultural year. 3
a the arrangement of the durations of and
rheumatic fever n a disease with inflamma- stress on the notes of a piece of music, usu-
tion and pain in the joints. ally laid out in regular groups (bars) of
rheumatics n Informal rheumatism, beats, b any specific arrangement of such
rheumatism n any painful disorder of joints, groupings: waltz rhythm. 4 (in poetry) the
muscles, or connective tissue. arrangement of words to form a regular
rheumatoid adj (of symptoms) resembling pattern of stresses, rhythmical or rhyth-
rheumatism. mic adj rhythmically adv
rheumatoid arthritis n a chronic disease rhythm and blues n a kind of popular music
causing painful swelling of the joints. of Black American origin, derived from and
Rh factor n an antigen commonly found in influenced by the blues.
human blood: the terms Rh positive and Rh rhythm method n a method of contraception
negative are used to indicate its presence in which intercourse is avoided at times
or absence. when conception is most likely.
rhinestone n an imitation diamond made of Rl Rhode Island.
glass. rialto n, pl -tos a market or exchange.
rhino n, pl -nos or-no a rhinoceros, rib1 n 1 one of the curved bones forming the
rhinoceros n, pl -oses or -os a large plant- framework of the upper part of the body
eating mammal of SE Asia and Africa with and attached to the spinal column. 2 a cut
one or two horns on the nose and a very of meat including one or more ribs. 3 a
thick skin. curved supporting part, such as in the hull
rhizome n a thick horizontal underground of a boat. 4 one of a series of raised rows in
stem whose buds develop into new plants. knitted fabric, —vb ribbing, ribbed 5 to
rhodium n Chem a hard silvery-white metal- provide or support with ribs. 6 to knit to
lic element, used to harden platinum and form a rib pattern, ribbed adj
palladium. Symbol: Rh rib2 vb ribbing, ribbed Informal to tease or
rhododendron n an evergreen shrub with ridicule, ribbing n
clusters of showy flowers. RIBA Royal Institute of British Architects,
rhombohedron (rom-boh-heed-ron) n, pl ribald adj coarse or obscene in a humorous
-drons or -dra (-dra) a six-sided prism or mocking way. ribaldry n
whose sides are parallelograms. riband or ribband n a ribbon awarded for
rhomboid n 1 a parallelogram with adjacent some achievement.
sides of unequal length. It resembles a rec- ribbing n 1 a pattern of ribs in knitted ma-
tangle but does not have 90° angles, -adj terial. 2 a framework or structure of ribs.
also rhomboidal 2 having such a shape. ribbon n 1 a narrow strip of fine material
rhombus (rom-buss) n, pl -buses or -bi used for trimming, tying, etc. 2 a long nar-
(-bye) a parallelogram with sides of equal row strip of inked cloth or plastic used to
length but no right angles, rhombic adj - produce print in a typewriter. 3 a small
rhubarb n 1 a large-leaved plant with long strip of coloured cloth worn as a badge or
green and red stalks which can be cooked as a symbol of an award. 4 a long thin strip:
and eaten. 2 a related plant of central Asia, a ribbon of white water. 5 ribbons ragged
whose root can be dried and used as a laxa- strips or shreds: his clothes were torn to
tive or astringent, —interj, n 3 the noise ribbons; his credibility was shot to ribbons.
ribbon development 700 ridge
ribbon development n Brit the building of lar vehicle with three wheels, propelled by
houses along a main road. a person pedalling.
ribbonwood n a small evergreen tree of New ricochet (rik-osh-ay) vb -cheting, -cheted
Zealand. or -chetting, -chetted 1 (of a bullet) to re-
ribcage n the bony structure formed by the bound from a surface. ~n 2 the motion or
ribs that encloses the lungs. sound of a rebounding bullet.
riboflavin (rye-boe-flay-vin) n a vitamin of ricotta n a soft white unsalted Italian cheese
the B complex that occurs in green vegeta- made from sheep’s milk.
bles, milk, fish, eggs, liver, and kidney: used rid vb ridding, rid or ridded 1 rid of to re-
as a yellow or orange food colouring lieve (oneself) or make a place free of
(E101). Also called: vitamin B2 (something undesirable). 2 get rid of to re-
ribonucleic acid n the full name of RNA. lieve or free oneself of (something undesir-
rice n 1 the edible grain of an erect grass able).
that grows on wet ground in warm climates. riddance n good riddance relief at getting
~vb ricing, riced 2 US & Canad to sieve rid of someone or something.
(potatoes or other vegetables) to a coarse ridden vb 1 the past participle of ride. ~adj
mashed consistency. 2 afflicted or affected by the thing speci-
rice paper n 1 a thin edible paper made from fied: the police found three bullet-ridden
rice straw. 2 a thin Chinese paper made bodies.
from the rice-paper plant, the pith of which riddle1 n 1 a question, puzzle, or verse
is flattened into sheets. phrased so that ingenuity is required to
rich adj 1 owning a lot of money or property. find the answer or meaning. 2 a puzzling
2 well supplied (with a desirable substance person or thing. ~vb -dling, -died 3 to
or quality): a country rich with cultural in- speak in riddles.
terest. 3 having an abundance of natural re- riddle2 vb -dling, -died 1 to pierce with
sources, minerals, etc.: a land rich in unex- many holes. 2 to put through a sieve. ~n 3
ploited minerals. 4 producing abundantly: a coarse sieve.
the island is a blend of hilly moorland and riddled adj riddled with full of (something
rich farmland. 5 luxuriant or prolific: the undesirable): riddled with mistakes.
meadows rich with corn. 6 (of food) con-
taining much fat or sugar. 7 having a full- ride vb riding, rode, ridden 1 to sit on and
bodied flavour: a gloriously rich Cabernet- control the movements of (a horse or other
dominated wine. 8 (of colour) intense or animal). 2 to sit on and propel (a bicycle or
vivid: her hair had a rich auburn tint. 9 (of motorcycle). 3 to travel on or in a vehicle:
sound or a voice) full or resonant. 10 very he rides around in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-
amusing or ridiculous: a rich joke. 11 (of a Royce. 4 to travel over: they rode the
fuel-air mixture) containing a relatively countryside in search of shelter. 5 to travel
high proportion of fuel, richness n through or be carried across (sea, sky, etc.):
the moon was riding high. 6 US & Canad to
riches pl n valuable possessions or desirable cause to be carried: to ride someone out of
substances: the unexpected riches of Georg- town. 7 (of a vessel) to lie at anchor. 8 to
ian culture. tyrannize over or dominate: politicians
richly adv 1 in a rich or elaborate manner: must stop riding roughshod over voters’
the rooms are richly decorated with a vari- wishes. 9 be riding on to be dependent on
ety of classical motifs. 2 fully and appro- (something) for success: a lot is riding on
priately: he left the field to a richly de- the profits of the film. 10 Informal to con-
served standing ovation. tinue undisturbed: let it ride. 11 riding high
Richter scale n a scale for expressing the in- popular and successful. ~n 12 a journey on
tensity of an earthquake, ranging from 0 to a bicycle, on horseback, or in a vehicle. 13
over 8. transport in a vehicle: most of us have been
rick1 n a large stack of hay or straw. told not to accept rides from strangers. 14
rick2 vb 1 to wrench or sprain (a joint). ~n the type of movement experienced in a ve-
2 a wrench or sprain of a joint. hicle: a bumpy ride. 15 a path for riding on
rickets n a disease of children, caused by a horseback. 16 take for a ride Informal to
deficiency of vitamin D and characterized cheat or deceive.
by softening of developing bone, and hence ride out vb to survive (a period of difficulty
bow legs. or danger) successfully.
rickety adj 1 likely to collapse or break: a rider n 1 a person who rides. 2 an extra
rickety wooden table. 2 resembling or af- clause or condition added to a document.
flicted with rickets, ricketiness n ride up vb (of a garment) to move up from
rickrack or ricrac n a zigzag braid used for the proper position.
trimming. ridge n 1 a long narrow raised land forma-
rickshaw or ricksha n 1 a small two- tion with sloping sides. 2 a long narrow
wheelcd passenger vehicle pulled by one or raised strip on a flat surface. 3 the top of a
two people, used in parts of Asia. 2 a simi- roof where the two sloping sides meet. 4
ridgepole 701 right angle
Meteorol an elongated area of high pres- even right. 2 correct or true: the customer is
sure. ridged adj ridgy adj always right. 3 appropriate, suitable, or
ridgepole n 1 a timber along the ridge of a proper: there were problems involved in
roof, to which the rafters are attached. 2 finding the right candidate. 4 most favour-
the horizontal pole at the apex of a tent. able or convenient: she waited until the
ridicule n 1 language or behaviour intended right moment to broach the subject. 5 in a
to humiliate or mock. -vb -culing, -culed 2 satisfactory condition: things are right
to make fun of or mock. again now. 6 accurate: is that clock right? 7
ridiculous adj worthy of or causing ridicule. correct in opinion or judgment. 8 sound in
riding1 n the art or practice of horseman- mind or body. 9 of or on the side of some-
ship. thing or someone that faces east when the
riding2 n 1 Riding any of the three former front is turned towards the north. 10 con-
administrative divisions of Yorkshire: servative or reactionary: it was alleged he
North Riding, East Riding, and West Riding. was an agent of the right wing. 11 Geom
2 Canad an electoral constituency. formed by or containing a line or plane per-
riding crop n a short whip with a handle at pendicular to another line or plane: a right
one end for opening gates. angle. 12 of or on the side of cloth worn or
riesling n a medium-dry white wine.
facing outwards. 13 in one’s right mind
sane. 14 she’ll be right Austral & NZ in-
rife adj 1 widespread or common. 2 rife with formal that’s all right; not to worry. 15 the
full of: the media is rife with speculation. right side of a in favour with: you’d better
riff n Jazz, rock a short repeated melodic stay on the right side of him. b younger
figure used as an introduction or accompa- than: he's still on the right side of fifty. 16
niment. too right Informal an exclamation of
riffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to flick through (pa- agreement. —adv 17 correctly: if we
pers or pages) quickly: I riffled through the change the structure of local government
rest of the memos. ~n 2 US & Canad a a we must do it right. 18 in the appropriate
rapid in a stream, b a rocky shoal causing a manner: do it right next time! 19 straight or
rapid, c a ripple on water. 3 a riffling. directly: let’s go right to bed. 20 in the di-
riffraff n worthless or disreputable people. rection of the east from the point of view of
rifle1 n 1 a firearm having a long barrel with a person or thing facing north. 21 all the
a spirally grooved interior, which gives the way: he drove right up to the gate. 22 with-
bullet a spinning motion and thus greater out delay: I’ll be right over. 23 exactly or
accuracy over a longer range. 2 Rifles a precisely: right here. 24 fittingly: it serves
unit of soldiers equipped with rifles: the him right. 25 to good or favourable advan-
Burma Rifles. —vb -fling, -fled 3 to cut spi- tage: it all came out right in the end. ~n 26
ral grooves inside the barrel of (a gun), a freedom or power that is morally or legal-
rifled adj ly due to a person: the defendant had an ab-
rifle2 vb -fling, -fled 1 to search (a house or solute right to a fair trial. 27 anything that
safe) and steal from it. 2 to steal and carry accords with the principles of legal or moral
off: he rifled whatever valuables he could justice. 28 in the right the state of being in
lay his hands on. accordance with reason or truth. 29 the
rift n 1 a break in friendly relations between right side, direction, or part: the right of the
people or groups of people. 2 a gap or space army. 30 the Right the supporters or advo-
made by splitting. cates of conservatism or reaction: the rise
rift valley n a long narrow valley resulting of the far Right in France. 31 Boxing a
from the subsidence of land between two punch with the right hand. 32 rights Fi-
faults. nance the privilege of a company’s share-
rig vb rigging, rigged 1 to arrange in a dis- holders to subscribe for new issues of the
honest way, for profit or advantage: he company’s shares on advantageous terms.
claimed that the poll was rigged. 2 to set up 33 by right or rights properly: by rights he
or prepare (something) hastily ready for should have won. 34 in one’s own right
use. 3 Naut to equip (a vessel or mast) with having a claim or title oneself rather than
(sails or rigging). -n 4 an apparatus for through marriage or other connection. 35 to
drilling for oil and gas. 5 Nautthe arrange- rights consistent with justice or orderly ar-
ment of the sails and masts of a vessel. 6 rangement: he put the matter to rights,
apparatus or equipment. 7 Informal an out- —vb 36 to bring or come back to a normal
fit of clothes. 8 US & Canad an articulated or correct state. 37 to bring or come back to
lorry. ~See also rig out, rig up. a vertical position: he slipped and righted
-rigged adj (of a sailing vessel) having a rig himself at once. 38 to compensate for or re-
of a certain kind: a square-rigged ship. dress: there is a wrong to be righted. 39 to
rigging n the ropes and cables supporting a make (something) accord with truth or
ship’s masts and sails. facts, -interj 40 an expression of agree-
right adj 1 morally or legally acceptable or ment or compliance.
correct: his conduct seemed reasonable, right angle n 1 an angle of 90° or jt /2
right-angled triangle 702 ring
radians. 2 at right angles perpendicular or rigor mortis n the stiffness of joints and
perpendicularly, right-angled adj muscles of a dead body.
right-angled triangle n a triangle with one rigorous adj 1 harsh, strict, or severe: rigor-
angle which is a right angle. ous enforcement of the libel laws. 2 severe-
right away adv without delay. ly accurate: rigorous scientific testing.
righteous (rye-chuss) adj 1 moral, just, or rigour or US rigor n 1 a severe or cruel cir-
virtuous: the lieutenant was a righteous cumstance: the rigours of forced labour. 2
cop. 2 morally justifiable or right: her eyes strictness in judgment or conduct. 3 harsh
were blazing with righteous indignation. but just treatment.
righteousness n rig out vb 1 to dress: I was rigged out in my
rightful adj 1 in accordance with what is
usual green shell suit. 2 to equip: his car is
rigged out with gadgets. ~n rigout 3 In-
right. 2 having a legally or morally just formal a person’s clothing or costume.
claim: he is the rightful heir to her fortune.
3 held by virtue of a legal or just claim: rig up vb to set up or build temporarily: they
these moves will restore them to their rigged up a loudspeaker system.
rightful homes, rightfully adv rile vb riling, riled 1 to annoy or anger. 2 US
right-hand adj 1 of, on, or towards the right: & Canad to stir up (a liquid).
in the top right-hand corner. 2 for the right rill n a small stream.
hand. 3 right-hand man a person’s most rim n 1 the raised edge of an object. 2 the
valuable assistant. outer part of a wheel to which the tyre is
right-handed adj 1 more adept with the attached, rimless adj
right hand than with the left. 2 made for or rime1 Literary ~n 1 frost formed by the
by the right hand. 3 turning from left to freezing of water droplets in fog onto solid
right. objects. ~vb riming, rimed 2 to cover with
rightist adj 1 of the political right or its rime or something resembling it. rimy adj
principles. ~n 2 a supporter of the political rime2 n, vb riming, rimed Archaic same as
right, rightism n rhyme.
rightly adv 1 in accordance with the true rind n a hard outer layer on fruits, bacon, or
facts or justice. 2 with good reason: he was cheese.
rightly praised for his constancy. ring1 vb ringing, rang, rung 1 to give out a
right-minded or right-thinking adj holding clear resonant sound, like that of a bell. 2 to
opinions or principles considered accept- cause (a bell) to give out a ringing sound or
able by the speaker. (of a bell) to give out such a sound. 3 Chief-
ly Brit to call (a person) by telephone. 4
right of way n, pl rights of way 1 the right ring for to call by means of a bell: ring for
of one vehicle or ship to go before another. the maid. 5 (of a building or place) to be
2 a the legal right of someone to pass over filled with sound: the church rang with
someone else’s land, b the path used by this singing. 6 (of the ears) to have the sensa-
right. tion of humming or ringing. 7 ring a bell to
Right Reverend adj (in Britain) a title of re- bring something to the mind or memory: the
spect for a bishop. name doesn’t ring a bell. 8 ring down the
rightward adj 1 situated on or directed to- curtain a to lower the curtain at the end of
wards the right. ~adv also rightwards 2 a theatrical performance, b ring down the
on or towards the right. curtain on to put an end to. 9 ring true or
right whale n a large grey or black whale- false to give the impression of being true or
bone whale with a large head. false. ~n 10 the act of or a sound made by
ringing. 11a sound produced by or sound-
right-wing adj 1 conservative or reaction- ing like a bell. 12 Informal, chiefly Brit a
ary: the right-wing bias of much of the Brit- telephone call. 13 an inherent quality: it has
ish press. 2 belonging to the more conserva- the ring of possibility to it. -See also ring
tive part of a political party: a group of in, ring off, etc.
right-wing Labour MPs. ~n right wing 3 ► The simple past is rang: he rang the bell.
(often cap) the more conservative or reac- Avoid the use of the past participle rung for
tionary section, esp. of a political party: the the simple past.
Right Wing of the Conservative Party. 4 ring2 n 1 a circular band of a precious metal
Sports a the right-hand side of the field of worn on the finger. 2 any object or mark
play, b a player positioned in this area in that is circular in shape. 3 a group of people
certain games, right-winger n or things standing or arranged in a circle: a
rigid adj 1 inflexible or strict: the talks will ring of standing stones. 4 a circular path or
be general without a rigid agenda. 2 physi- course: crowds of people walking round in a
cally unyielding or stiff: use only rigid plas- ring. 5 a circular enclosure where circus
tic containers, rigidity n rigidly adv acts perform or livestock is sold at a mar-
rigmarole n 1 a long complicated procedure. ket. 6 a square raised platform, marked off
2 a set of incoherent or pointless state- by ropes, in which contestants box or wres-
ments. tle. 7 a group of people, usually illegal, who
ring binder 703 rip-roaring
control a specified market: a drugs ring. 8 rinse vb rinsing, rinsed 1 to remove soap or
Chem a closed loop of atoms in a molecule. 9 shampoo from (clothes, dishes, or hair) by
one of the systems of circular bands orbit- washing it out with clean water. 2 to wash
ing the planets Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. lightly, esp. without using soap. 3 to cleanse
10 the ring the sport of boxing. 11 throw the mouth by swirling water or mouthwash
one’s hat in the ring to announce one’s in- in it and then spitting the liquid out. 4 to
tention to be a candidate or contestant. 12 give a light tint to (hair). —n 5 the act or an
run rings around Informal to outclass instance of rinsing. 6 Hairdressing a liquid
completely. —vb ringing, ringed 13 to put to tint hair: a blue rinse.
a ring round. 14 to mark (a bird) with a ring riot n 1 a disturbance made by an unruly
or clip for subsequent identification. 15 to mob. 2 an occasion of lively enjoyment. 3 a
kill (a tree) by cutting the bark round the dazzling display: the pansies provided the
trunk. 16 to fit a ring in the nose of (a bull, essential riot of colour. 4 Slang a very
etc.) so that it can be led easily, ringed adj amusing person or thing. 5 read the riot
ring binder n a loose-leaf binder with metal act to reprimand severely. 6 run riot a to
rings that can be opened to insert perforat- behave without restraint, b (of plants) to
ed paper. grow profusely, -vb 7 to take part in a
ringdove n a wood pigeon, riot, rioter n rioting n
ringer n a person or thing that is almost riotous adj 1 unrestrained and excessive: ri-
identical to another. Also called: dead otous decadence. 2 unruly or rebellious. 3
ringer characterized by unrestrained merriment:
ring finger n the third finger, esp. of the left riotous celebration.
hand, on which a wedding ring is worn. riot shield n a large shield used by police
ring in vb to report to someone by telephone, controlling crowds.
ringleader n a person who leads others in il- rip vb ripping, ripped 1 to tear or be torn
legal or mischievous actions. violently or roughly. 2 to remove hastily or
ringlet n a lock of hair hanging down in a roughly. 3 Informal to move violently or
spiral curl, ringleted adj hurriedly. 4 let rip to act or speak without
ring main n a domestic electrical supply in restraint, —n 5 a tear or split. ~See also
which outlet sockets are connected to the rip off.
mains supply through a continuous closed RIP may he, she, or they rest in peace,
circuit (ring circuit).
riparian (rip-pair-ee-an) adj Formal of or on
ringmaster n the master of ceremonies in a the bank of a river.
circus.
ring off vb Chiefly Brit to end a telephone ripcord n a cord pulled to open a parachute
conversation by replacing the receiver. from its pack.
ring out vb to send out a loud resounding ripe adj 1 mature enough to be eaten or used:
noise: I heard those shots ring out. a round ripe apple. 2 fully developed in
ring road n a main road that bypasses a mind or body. 3 suitable: wait until the time
town or town centre. is ripe. 4 ripe for ready or eager to (under-
take or undergo an action): China was ripe
ringside n 1 the row of seats nearest a box- for revolution. 5 ripe old age an elderly but
ing or wrestling ring, —adj 2 providing a healthy age.
close uninterrupted view: a ringside seat
for the election. ripen vb 1 to make or become ripe. 2 to ma-
ture.
ring up vb 1 Chiefly Brit to make a tele-
phone call to. 2 to record on a cash register. rip off Slang -vb 1 to cheat by overcharg-
3 ring up the curtain a to begin a theatrical ing. 2 to steal (something). ~n rip-off 3 a
performance, b ring up the curtain on to grossly overpriced article. 4 the act of steal-
make a start on. ing or cheating.
ringworm n a fungal infection of the skin riposte (rip-posst) n 1 a swift clever reply.
producing itchy patches. 2 Fencing a counterattack made immediate-
rink n 1 a sheet of ice for skating on, usually ly after a successful parry, -vb -posting,
indoors. 2 an area for roller-skating on. 3 a -posted 3 to make a riposte.
building for ice-skating or roller-skating. 4 ripple n 1 a slight wave on the surface of
(in bowls or curling) a a strip of grass or ice water. 2 a slight ruffling of a surface. 3 a
on which a game is played, b the players on sound like water flowing gently in ripples: a
one side in a game. ripple of applause. 4 vanilla ice cream with
rinkhals (rink-hals) n, pl -hals or -halses a stripes of another ice cream through it:
highly venomous snake of Southern Africa raspberry ripple, —vb -pling, -pled 5 to
capable of spitting its venom accurately at - form ripples or flow with a waving motion.
its victim’s eyes. 6 (of sounds) to rise and fall gently, rip-
rink rat n Canad slang a youth who helps pling adj
with odd chores at an ice-hockey rink in re- rip-roaring adj Informal boisterous and ex-
turn for free admission to games. citing.
ripsaw 704 road
ripsaw n a handsaw for cutting along the rite of passage n a ceremony or event that
grain of timber. marks an important change in a person’s
rise vb rising, rose, risen 1 to get up from a life.
lying, sitting, or kneeling position. 2 to get ritual n 1 a religious or other ceremony in-
out of bed, esp. to begin one’s day: she rises volving a series of fixed actions performed
at 5 a.m. every day to look after her horse. in a certain order. 2 these ceremonies col-
3 to move from a lower to a higher position lectively: people need ritual. 3 regular re-
or place. 4 to appear above the horizon: as peated action or behaviour. 4 stereotyped
the sun rises higher the mist disappears. 5 activity or behaviour, -adj 5 of or like
to slope upwards: the road crossed the val- rituals, ritually adv
ley then rose to a low ridge. 6 to increase in ritualism n exaggerated emphasis on the im-
height or level: the tide rose. 7 to swell up: portance of rites and ceremonies, ritualis-
dough rises. 8 to increase in strength or de- tic adj ritualistically adv
gree: frustration is rising amongst sections ritzy adj ritzier, ritziest Slang luxurious or
of the population. 9 to increase in amount elegant.
or value: living costs are rising at an annual
rate of nine per cent. 10 Informal to re- rival n 1 a person or group that competes
spond (to a challenge or remark). 11 to re- with another for the same object or in the
volt: the people rose against their op- same field. 2 a person or thing that is con-
pressors. 12 (of a court or parliament) to sidered the equal of another: she is without
adjourn. 13 to be resurrected. 14 to become rival in the field of physics, —adj 3 in the
erect or rigid: the hairs on his neck rose in position of a rival, —vb -vailing, -vailed or
fear. 15 to originate: that river rises in the US -valing, -valed 4 to be the equal or near
mountains. 16 Angling (of fish) to come to equal of: his inarticulateness was rivalled
the surface of the water. ~n 17 the act or only by that of his brother. 5 to try to equal
an instance of rising. 18 a piece of rising or surpass.
ground. 19 an increase in wages. 20 an in- rivalry n, pl-ries active competition between
crease in amount, cost, or quantity. 21 an people or groups.
increase in height. 22 an increase in status riven adj Old-fashioned 1 split apart: the
or position. 23 an increase in degree or in- party is riven by factions. 2 torn to shreds.
tensity. 24 the vertical height of a step or of river n 1 a large natural stream of fresh
a flight of stairs. 25 get or take a rise out water flowing along a definite course into
of Slang to provoke an angry reaction from. the sea, a lake, or-a larger river. 2 an abun-
26 give rise to to cause the development of. dant stream or flow: rivers of blood.
riser n 1 a person who rises from bed: an rivet (riv-vit) n 1 a short metal pin for fas-
early riser. 2 the vertical part of a step. tening metal plates, with a head at one end,
risible (riz-zib-bl) adj Formal ridiculous, the other end being hammered flat after
rising n 1 a rebellion, —adj 2 increasing in being put through holes in the plates, -vb
rank or maturity. -eting, -eted 2 to join by riveting. 3 to cause
rising damp n seepage of moisture from the a person's attention to be fixed in fascina-
ground into the walls of buildings. tion or horror: their eyes riveted on the
risk n 1 the possibility of bringing about protesters, riveter n
misfortune or loss. 2 a person or thing con- riveting adj very interesting or exciting,
sidered as a potential hazard: in parts of the rivulet n a small stream.
world transfusions carry the risk of infec- RM 1 Royal Mail. 2 Royal Marines. 3 (in
tion. 3 at risk in a dangerous situation. 4 Canada) Rural Municipality.
take or run a risk to act without regard to RMT (National Union of) Rail, Maritime and
the danger involved, -vb 5 to act in spite Transport (Workers).
of the possibility of (injury or loss): if they
clamp down they risk a revolution. 6 to ex- Rn Chem radon.
pose to danger or loss, risky adj RN 1 (in Canada) Registered Nurse. 2 Royal
risotto n, pl -tos a dish of rice cooked in Navy.
stock with vegetables, meat, etc. RNA ii Biochem ribonucleic acid: any of a
risque (risk-ay) adj making slightly rude group of nucleic acids, present in all living
references to sex: risque humour. cells, that play an essential role in the syn-
rissole n a mixture of minced cooked meat thesis of proteins.
coated in egg and breadcrumbs and fried. RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
ritardando adj, adv same as rallentando. roach1 n, pl roaches or roach a European
rite n 1 a formal act which forms part of a freshwater food fish.
religious ceremony: the rite of burial. 2 a roach2 n Chiefly US & Canad a cockroach,
custom that is carried out within a particu- road n 1 a route, usually surfaced, used by
lar group: the barbaric rites of public ex- travellers and vehicles to get from one
ecution. 3 a particular body of such acts, place to another. 2 a street. 3 a way or
esp. of a particular Christian Church: the course: on the road to recovery. 4 Naut
traditional Anglican rite. same as roadstead. 5 one for the road In-
roadblock 705 rock dove
formal a last alcoholic drink before leaving. roasting Informal —adj 1 extremely hot.
6 on the road travelling about. ~n 2 severe criticism or scolding.
roadblock n a barrier set up across a road rob vb robbing, robbed 1 to take something
by the police or military, in order to stop from (a person or place) illegally. 2 to de-
and check vehicles. prive, esp. of something deserved: I can’t
road hog n Informal a selfish or aggressive forgive him for robbing me of an Olympic
driver. gold, robber n
roadholding n the extent to which a vehicle robbery n, pl -beries 1 Criminal law the
is stable and does not skid on bends or wet stealing of property from a person by using
roads. or threatening to use force. 2 the act or an
roadhouse n a pub or restaurant at the side instance of robbing.
of a road. robe n 1 a long loose flowing garment. 2 a
roadie n Informal a person who transports dressing gown or bathrobe, -vb robing,
and sets up equipment for a band. robed 3 to put a robe on.
road metal n crushed rock or broken stone robin n 1 Also called: robin redbreast a
used in building roads. small Old World songbird with a brown
road show n 1 Radio a live broadcast from a back and an orange-red breast and face. 2 a
radio van taking a particular programme on North American thrush similar to but larger
a tour of the country. 2 a group of enter- than the Old World robin.
tainers on tour. robot n 1 a machine programmed to perform
roadside n 1 the edge of a road. -adj 2 by specific tasks in a human manner, esp. one
the edge or side of a road: a roadside cafe. with a human shape. 2 a person of machine-
roadstead n Naut a partly sheltered an- like efficiency. 3 S African a set of traffic
chorage. lights, robotic adj
roadster n Old-fashioned an open car with robotics n the science of designing, building,
only two seats. and using robots.
road tax n a tax paid on vehicles used on the robust adj 1 very strong and healthy. 2
roads. sturdily built: the new generation of robust
road test n 1 a test of something, such as a lasers. 3 requiring or displaying physical
vehicle in actual use. —vb road-test 2 to strength: robust tackles.
test (a vehicle etc.) in actual use. roc n (in Arabian legend) a bird of enormous
roadway n the part of a road that is used by size and power.
vehicles. rock1 n 1 Geol the mass of mineral matter
roadworks pl n repairs to a road or cable that makes up part of the earth’s crust;
under a road, esp. when they block part of stone. 2 a large rugged mass of stone. 3 US,
the road. Canad, & Austral a stone. 4 Brit a hard
roadworthy adj (of a motor vehicle) me- peppermint-flavoured sweet, usually in the
chanically sound, roadworthiness n shape of a long stick. 5 a person or thing on
which one can always depend: your loyalty
roam vb to walk about with no fixed pur- is a rock. 6 Slang a precious jewel. 7 on the
pose or direction. rocks a (of a marriage) about to end. b (of
roan adj 1 (of a horse) having a brown or an alcoholic drink) served with ice.
black coat sprinkled with white hairs. ~n 2 rock2 vb 1 to move from side to side or
a horse with such a coat. backwards and forwards. 2 to shake or
roar vb 1 (of lions and other animals) to move (something) violently. 3 to feel or
make loud growling cries. 2 to shout (some- cause to feel shock: the case had rocked the
thing) with a loud deep cry: “Don’t do that!” British Establishment. 4 to dance to or play
he roared at me. 3 to make a very loud rock music. ~n 5 Also called: rock music a
noise: the engine roared. 4 to laugh in a loud style of pop music with a heavy beat. 6 a
hearty manner. 5 (of a fire) to burn fiercely rocking motion, -adj 7 of or relating to
with a roaring sound. ~n 6 a roaring noise: rock music.
there was a roar as the train came in. 7 a rockabilly n a fast style of White rock music
loud deep cry, uttered by a person or which originated in the mid-1950s in the US
crowd, esp. in anger or triumph: a roar of South.
approval came from the crowd.
rock and roll or rock’n’roll n a type of pop
roaring adj 1 a roaring trade a brisk and music originating in the 1950s as a blend of
profitable business, —adv 2 roaring drunk rhythm and blues and country and western.
noisily or boisterously drunk.
rock bottom n the lowest possible level.
roast vb 1 to cook (food) by dry heat in an
oven or over a fire. 2 to brown or dry (cof- rock cake n a small fruit cake with a rough
fee or nuts) by exposure to heat. 3 to make - surface.
or be extremely hot. 4 Informal to criticize rock crystal n a pure transparent colourless
severely. ~n 5 a roasted joint of meat. quartz.
-adj 6 cooked by roasting: roast beef. rock dove n a common dove from which
roaster n domestic and wild pigeons are descended.
rocker 706 roll
rocker n 1 a rocking chair. 2 either of two roe1 n the ovary and eggs of a female fish,
curved supports on which a rocking chair sometimes eaten as food.
stands. 3 a rock music performer or fan. 4 roe2 or roe deer n a small graceful deer
off one’s rocker Slang crazy. with short antlers.
rockery n, pl -eries a garden built of rocks roentgen (ront-gan) n a unit measuring a
and soil, for growing rock plants. radiation dose.
rocket n 1 a self-propelling device, usually roger interj 1 (used in signalling) message
cylindrical, which produces thrust by ex- received and understood. 2 an expression of
pelling through a nozzle the gases produced agreement.
by burning fuel, such as one used as a fire- rogue n 1 a dishonest or unprincipled per-
work or distress signal. 2 any vehicle pro- son. 2 a mischievous person. 3 any inferior
pelled by a rocket engine, as a weapon or or defective specimen, esp. of a plant. ~adj
carrying a spacecraft. 3 Informal a severe 4 (of a wild animal) having a savage temper
reprimand: my sister gave me a rocket for and living apart from the herd: a rogue el-
writing such dangerous nonsense. ~vb ephant. roguish adj
-eting, -eted 4 to increase rapidly: within roguery n, pl -gueries dishonest or immoral
six years their turnover had rocketed to behaviour.
£450 000. 5 to attack with rockets. rogues’ gallery n a collection of photo-
rocketry n the science and technology of the graphs of known criminals kept by the po-
design and operation of rockets. lice for identification purposes.
rock garden n a garden featuring rocks or roister vb Old-fashioned to enjoy oneself
rockeries. noisily and boisterously, roisterer n
rocking chair n a chair set on curving sup- role n 1 a task or function: their role in
ports so that the sitter may rock backwards international relations. 2 an actor’s part in
and forwards. a production.
rocking horse n a toy horse mounted on a role model n a person regarded by others,
pair of rocking supports on which a child esp. younger people, as a good example to
can rock to and fro. follow.
rock melon n US, Austral, & NZ same as roll vb 1 to move along by turning over and
cantaloupe. over. 2 to move along on wheels or rollers. 3
rock plant n a plant that grows on rocks or to curl or make by curling into a ball or
in rocky ground. tube. 4 to move- along in an undulating
rock pool n a small pool between rocks on movement. 5 to rotate wholly or partially:
the seashore. he would snort in derision, roll his eyes, and
heave a deep sigh. 6 to spread out flat or
rock salmon n Brit a former term for dog- smooth with a roller or rolling pin: roll the
fish when used as a food. pastry out thinly. 7 (of a ship or aircraft) to
rock salt n common salt as a naturally oc- turn from side to side around the longitudi-
curring solid mineral. nal axis. 8 to operate or begin to operate:
rock tripe n Canad any edible lichen that the cameras continued to roll as she pulled
grows on rocks. up to the nightclub. 9 to make a continuous
rocky1 adj rockier, rockiest covered with deep reverberating sound: the thunder
rocks: rocky and sandy shores, rockiness n rolled. 10 to walk in a swaying manner: the
drunks came rolling home. 11 to appear like
rocky2 adj rockier, rockiest shaky or un- a series of waves: mountain ranges rolling
stable: a rocky relationship, rockiness n away in every direction. 12 to pass or
rococo (rok-koe-koe) adj 1 relating to an elapse: watching the time roll away. 13 (of
18th-century style of architecture, decora- animals) to turn onto the back and kick. 14
tion, and music characterized by elaborate to trill or cause to be trilled: she rolled her
ornamentation. 2 excessively elaborate in r’s. 15 to throw (dice). ~n 16 the act or an
style. instance of rolling. 17 anything rolled up
rod n 1 a thin straight pole made of wood or into a tube: a roll of paper towels. 18 a
metal. 2 a cane used to beat people as a pun- small cake of bread for one person. 19 a flat
ishment. 3 short for fishing rod. 4 a type of pastry or cake rolled up with a meat, jam,
cell in the retina, sensitive to dim light, or other filling. 20 an official list or register
rodlike adj of names: the electoral roll. 21 a complete
rode vb the past tense of ride. rotation about its longitudinal axis by an
aircraft. 22 a continuous deep reverberat-
rodent n a small mammal with teeth special- ing sound: the roll of musketry. 23 a sway-
ized for gnawing, such as a rat, mouse, or ing or unsteady movement or gait. 24 a
squirrel, rodent-like adj rounded mass: rolls of fat. 25 a very rapid
rodeo n, pl -deos a display of the skills of beating of the sticks on a drum. 26 strike
cowboys, including bareback riding. off the roll to expel from membership of a
rodomontade n Literary boastful words or professional association. ~See also roll in,
behaviour. roll on, etc.
roll call 707 romantic
roll call n the reading aloud of an official list wooden panel that can be pulled down over
of names, to check who is present. the writing surface when not in use.
rolled gold n a metal, such as brass, coated roll up vb 1 to form into a cylindrical shape:
with a thin layer of gold. roll up a length of black material. 2 Infor-
roller n 1 a rotating cylinder used for mal to arrive, —n roll-up 3 Informal a ciga-
smoothing, supporting a thing to be moved, rette made by the smoker from loose tobac-
spreading paint, etc. 2 a small tube around co and cigarette papers.
which hair may be wound in order to make roly-poly adj 1 plump or chubby. ~n, pl
it curly. 3 a long heavy wave of the sea. 4 a -lies 2 Brit a strip of suet pastry spread
cylinder fitted on pivots, used to enable with jam, rolled up, and baked or steamed.
heavy objects to be easily moved. ROM n Computers read only memory: a
rollerblade n a type of roller skate in which storage device that holds data permanently
the wheels are set in a single straight line and cannot be altered by the programmer.
under the boot. roman adj 1 in or relating to the vertical
roller coaster n (at a funfair) a narrow style of printing type used for most printed
railway with open carriages, sharp curves matter. ~n 2 roman type.
and steep slopes. Roman adj 1 of Rome, a city in Italy, or its
roller skate n 1 a shoe with four small inhabitants in ancient or modern times. 2 of
wheels that enable the wearer to glide Roman Catholicism or the Roman Catholic
swiftly over a floor. -vb roller-skate, Church. ~n 3 a person from ancient or
-skating, -skated 2 to move on roller modern Rome.
skates, roller skater n Roman alphabet n the alphabet evolved by
roller towel n 1 a towel with the two ends the ancient Romans for writing Latin, used
sewn together, hung on a roller. 2 a towel for writing most of the languages of W Eu-
wound inside a roller enabling a clean sec- rope, including English.
tion to be pulled out when needed. Roman candle n a firework that produces a
rollicking adj boisterously carefree: the steady stream of coloured sparks.
fourth volume is a rollicking read. Roman Catholic adj 1 of the Roman Catholic
roll in vb 1 to arrive in large numbers. 2 be Church, —n 2 a member of this Church.
rolling in Slang to have plenty of (money Roman Catholicism n
etc.). Roman Catholic Church n the Christian
rolling adj 1 having gentle rising and falling Church over which the pope presides,
slopes: rolling hills. 2 (of a walk) slow and romance n 1 a love affair. 2 love, esp. ro-
swaying. 3 subject to regular review and mantic love idealized for its purity or beau-
updating: a 10-year rolling programme. 4 ty. 3 a spirit of or inclination for adventure
progressing by stages or in succession: a or mystery. 4 a mysterious or sentimental
rolling campaign. quality. 5 a story or film dealing with love,
rolling mill n 1 a factory where metal ingots usually in an idealized way. 6 a story or
are passed between rollers to produce film dealing with events and characters re-
sheets or bars of the required shape. 2 a mote from ordinary life. 7 an extravagant,
machine with rollers for doing this. absurd, or fantastic account. 8 a medieval
narrative dealing with adventures of chiv-
rolling pin n a cylinder with handles at both alrous heroes, —vb -mancing, -manced 9 to
ends used for rolling pastry. tell extravagant or improbable lies.
rolling stock n the locomotives and coaches Romance adj of the languages derived from
of a railway. Latin, such as French, Spanish, and Italian.
rolling stone n a restless or wandering per- Romanesque adj of or in the style of archi-
son. tecture used in Europe from the 9th to the
rollmop n a herring fillet rolled around 12th century, characterized by rounded
onion slices and pickled. arches and massive walls.
rollneck adj (of a garment) having a high Romanian adj 1 of Romania. ~n 2 a person
neck that is worn rolled over. from Romania. 3 the language of Romania.
roll of honour n a list of those who have Roman nose n a nose with a high prominent
died in war for their country. bridge.
roll on interj 1 Brit used to express the wish Roman numerals pl n the letters used as
that an eagerly anticipated event will come numerals by the Romans, used occasionally
quickly: roll on the next light-hearted romp, today: I (= 1), V (= 5), X (= 10), L (= 50),
-adj roll-on 2 (of a deodorant) applied by C (= 100), D (= 500), and M (= 1000). VI
means of a revolving ball fitted into the = 6(V + I) but IV = 4(V - I).
neck of the container. romantic adj 1 of or dealing with love. 2
roll-on/roll-off adj denoting a ship designed idealistic but impractical: a romantic no-
so that vehicles can be driven straight on tion. 3 evoking or given to thoughts and
and straight off. feelings of love: romantic images. 4 Roman-
roll-top adj (of a desk) having a slatted tic relating to a movement in European art,
romanticism 708 root
music, and literature in the late 18th and ly. ~vb 2 Old-fashioned, slang to cheat or
early 19th centuries, characterized by an swindle.
emphasis on feeling and content rather than rook2 n a chessman that may move any
order and form. ~n 5 a person who is ideal- number of unoccupied squares in a straight
istic or amorous. 6 a person who likes or line, horizontally or vertically; castle.
produces artistic works in the style of Ro- rookery n, pl -eries 1 a group of nesting
manticism. romantically adv rooks. 2 a colony of penguins or seals.
romanticism n 1 idealistic but unrealistic rookie n Informal a newcomer without much
thoughts and feelings. 2 Romanticism the experience.
spirit and style of the Romantic art, music, room n 1 an area within a building enclosed
and literature of the late 18th and early by a floor, a ceiling, and walls. 2 the people
19th centuries, romanticist n present in a room: the whole room was
romanticize or -cise vb -cizing, -cized or laughing. 3 unoccupied or unobstructed
-cising, -cised to describe or regard (some- space: there wasn’t enough room. 4 room
thing or someone) in an unrealistic and for opportunity or scope for: there was no
idealized way. the Victorian legacy of ro- room for acts of heroism. 5 rooms lodgings.
manticizing family life. ~vb 6 US to occupy or share a rented
Romany n 1 (pi -nies) a Gypsy. 2 the lan- room: I roomed with him for five years.
guage of the Gypsies. rooming house n US a house with self-
Romeo n, pl Romeos an ardent male lover, contained furnished rooms or flats for rent-
romp vb 1 to play or run about wildly or ing.
joyfully. 2 romp home or in to win a race or roommate n a person with whom one shares
other competition easily. 3 romp through a room or apartment.
to, do (something) quickly and easily. ~n 4 room service n service in a hotel providing
a noisy or boisterous game or prank. food and drinks in guests’ rooms.
rompers pl n 1 Also called: romper suit a roomy adj roomier, roomiest with plenty of
one-piece baby garment combining trousers space inside: a roomy entrance hall.
and a top. 2 NZ a type of costume worn by roominess n
schoolgirls for games and gymnastics. roost n 1 a place where birds rest or sleep.
rondavel n S African a small circular build- ~vb 2 to rest or sleep on a roost. 3 come
ing with a cone-shaped roof. home to roost to have unfavourable reper-
rondeau (ron-doe) n, pl -deaux (-doe) a cussions. 4 rule the,roost to have authority
poem consisting of 13 or 10 lines with the over people in a particular place.
opening words of the first line used as a re- rooster n Chiefly US & Canad the male of
frain. the domestic fowl; a cock.
rondo n, pl -dos a piece of music with a lead- root1 n 1 the part of a plant that anchors the
ing theme continually returned to: often rest of the plant in the ground and absorbs
forms the last movement of a sonata or con- water and mineral salts from the soil. 2 a
certo. plant with an edible root, such as a carrot. 3
roo n, pl roos Austral informal a kangaroo, Anat the part of a tooth, hair, or nail that is
rood n 1 Christianity the Cross. 2 a crucifix,
below the skin. 4 roots a person’s sense of
belonging in a place, esp. the one in which
rood screen n (in a church) a screen sepa- he or she was brought up. 5 source or ori-
rating the nave from the choir. gin. 6 the essential part or nature of some-
roof n, pl roofs 1 a structure that covers or thing: the root of a problem. 7 Linguistics
forms the top of a building. 2 the top cover- the form of a word from which other words
ing of a vehicle, oven, or other structure. 3 and forms are derived. 8 Maths a quantity
the highest part of the mouth or a cave. 4 that when multiplied by itself a certain
hit or go through the roof Informal to get number of times equals a given quantity:
extremely angry. 5 raise the roof Informal what is the cube root of a thousand? 9 Also
to be very noisy. - vb 6 to put a roof on. called: solution Maths a number that when
roof garden n a garden on a flat roof of a substituted for the variable satisfies a
building. given equation. 10 Austral & NZ slang sex-
roofing n material used to build a roof, ual intercourse. 11 root and branch entire-
roof rack n a rack for carrying luggage at- ly or utterly. ~vb 12 Also: take root to es-
tached to the roof of a car. tablish a root and begin to grow. 13 Also:
take root to become established or embed-
rooftree n same as ridgepole. ded. 14 Austral & NZ slang to have sexual
rooibos (roy-boss) n S African a kind of tea intercourse (with). ~See also root out,
made from the leaves of a South African roots.
wild shrub. Also called: rooibos tea, bush root2 vb 1 to dig up the earth in search of
tea food, using the snout: dogs were rooting in
rooinek (roy-neck) n S African facetious an the rushes for bones. 2 Informal to search
Englishman. vigorously but unsystematically: she was
rook1 n 1 a large black bird of the crow fami- rooting around in her large untidy purse.
root canal 709 rote
root canal n the passage in the root of a rosebay willowherb n a widespread peren-
tooth through which its nerves and blood nial plant that has spikes of deep pink
vessels enter. flowers.
root crop n a crop, such as potato or turnip, rosebud n a rose which has not yet fully
cultivated for its roots. opened.
root for vb Informal to give support to (a rose-coloured adj 1 reddish-pink. 2 see
team or contestant). through rose-coloured or rose-tinted
rootle vb-ling, -led Brit same as root2. glasses or spectacles to view in an unreal-
rootless adj having no sense of belonging: a istically optimistic light.
rootless city dweller. rosehip n the berry-like fruit of a rose plant,
root mean square n the square root of the rosemary n, pl -maries an aromatic Euro-
average of the squares of a set of numbers pean shrub widely cultivated for its grey-
or quantities, for example the root mean green evergreen leaves, which are used in
square of 1, 2, and 4 is y[(l2 + 22 + 42)/3] cookery and perfumes.
= \/7. rosette n a rose-shaped decoration, esp. a
root out vb to get rid of completely: a major circular bunch of ribbons.
drive to root out corruption. rose-water n scented water made by the
roots adj (of popular music) going back to distillation of rose petals.
the origins of a style, esp. in being unpre- rose window n a circular window with
tentious: roots reggae. spokes branching out from the centre to
rootstock n same as rhizome. form a symmetrical roselike pattern.
rope n 1 a fairly thick cord made of inter- rosewood n a fragrant dark wood used to
twined fibres or wire. 2 a row of objects make furniture.
fastened to form a line: a twenty-inch rope rosin (rozz-in) n 1 a translucent brittle sub-
of pearls. 3 know the ropes to have a thor- stance produced from turpentine and used
ough understanding of a particular activity. for treating the bows of stringed instru-
4 the rope a a rope noose used for hanging ments. ~vb 2 to apply rosin to.
someone, b death by hanging. ~vb roping, ROSPA (in Britain) Royal Society for the
roped 5 to tie with a rope. 6 rope off to en- Prevention of Accidents.
close or divide with a rope. roster n 1 a list showing the order in which
rope in vb Brit to persuade to take part in people are to perform a duty. ~vb 2 to
some activity. place on a roster.
ropey or ropy adj ropier, ropiest Informal 1 rostrum n, pl -trums or -tra a platform or
poor or unsatisfactory in quality: a ropey stage.
performance. 2 slightly unwell, ropiness n rosy adj rosier, rosiest 1 of the colour rose
Roquefort n a strong blue-veined cheese or pink: rosy cheeks. 2 hopeful or promis-
made from ewes’ and goats’ milk. ing: the analysis revealed a far from rosy
ro-ro adj (of a ferry) roll-on/roll-off.
picture, rosiness n
rot vb rotting, rotted 1 to decay or cause to
rorqual n a whalebone whale with a fin on decay. 2 to deteriorate slowly, mentally and
the back. physically: I thought he was either dead or
Rorschach test (ror-shahk) n Psychol a rotting in a Chinese jail. ~n 3 the process
personality test consisting of a number of of rotting or the state of being rotten. 4
unstructured inkblots for interpretation. something decomposed. 5 short for dry rot.
rosaceous adj of or belonging to a family of 6 a plant or animal disease which causes
plants typically having five-petalled flow- decay of the tissues. 7 nonsense.
ers, which includes the rose, strawberry, rota n a list of people who take it in turn to
and many fruit trees. do a particular task.
rosary n, pl -saries RC Church 1 a series of rotary adj 1 revolving. 2 operating by rota-
prayers counted on a string of beads. 2 a tion. ~n, pl -ries 3 US & Canad a traffic
string of beads used to count these prayers roundabout.
as they are recited. Rotary Club n a club that is part of Rotary
rose1 n 1 a shrub or climbing plant with International, an international association
prickly stems and fragrant flowers. 2 the of professional and businessmen who raise
flower of any of these plants. 3 a plant simi- money for charity. Rotarian n, adj
lar to this, such as the Christmas rose. 4 a rotate vb -tating, -tated 1 to turn around a
perforated cap fitted to a watering can or centre or pivot. 2 to follow or cause to fol-
hose, causing the water to come out in a low a set sequence. 3 to regularly change
spray. 5 bed of roses a situation of comfort the type of crop grown on a piece of land in
or ease.-adj 6 reddish-pink. order to preserve the fertility of the soil,
rose2 vb the past tense of rise, rotation n rotational adj
rose (roe-zay) n a pink wine. rote adj 1 done by routine repetition: rote
roseate (roe-zee-ate) adj 1 of the colour learning. ~n 2 by rote by repetition: we
rose or pink. 2 excessively optimistic. learned by rote.
rotgut 710 round
rotgut n Facetious slang alcoholic drink of sleep rough to spend the night in the open
inferior quality. without shelter. ~See also rough out,
rotisserie n a rotating spit on which meat rough up. roughly adv
and poultry can be cooked. roughage n the coarse indigestible constitu-
rotor n 1 the rotating part of a machine or ents of food, which help digestion.
device, such as the revolving arm of the dis- rough-and-ready adj 1 hastily prepared but
tributor of an internal-combustion engine. 2 adequate for the purpose. 2 (of a person)
a rotating device with blades projecting without formality or refinement.
from a hub which produces thrust to lift a rough-and-tumble n 1 a playful fight. 2 a
helicopter. disorderly situation.
Rotovator n Trademark a mechanical culti- roughcast n 1 a mixture of plaster and small
vator with rotary blades. stones for outside walls, -vb -casting,
rotten adj 1 decomposing or decaying. 2 -cast 2 to put roughcast on (a wall).
breaking up through age or hard use: the rough diamond n 1 an unpolished diamond.
window frames are rotten. 3 Informal very 2 a kind or trustworthy person whose man-
bad: what rotten luck! 4 morally corrupt: ners are not good.
this country’s politics are rotten and out of
date. 5 Informal miserably unwell: I had roughen vb to make or become rough,
glandular fever and spent that year feeling rough-hewn adj roughly shaped or cut
rotten. 6 Informal distressed and embar- without being properly finished.
rassed: I’m feeling rotten as a matter of roughhouse n Slang rough or noisy behav-
fact, rotten and guilty. iour.
rotter n Old-fashioned slang a despicable roughneck n Slang 1 a violent person. 2 a
person. worker on an oil rig.
Rottweiler (rot-vile-er) n a large sturdy dog rough out vb to prepare (a sketch or report)
with a smooth black-and-tan coat and a in preliminary form: he offered to rough out
docked tail. some designs for the sets.
rotund (roe-tund) adj 1 round and plump. 2 roughshod adv ride roughshod over to act
(of speech) pompous or grand, rotundity n with complete disregard for.
rotundly adv rough up vb Informal to beat up.
rotunda n a circular building or room, esp. roulette n a gambling game in which a ball is
with a dome. dropped onto a revolving wheel with num-
rouble or ruble (roo-bl) n the standard mon- bered slots.
etary unit of the former Soviet republics. round adj 1 having a flat circular shape, like
roue (roo-ay) n a man who leads a sensual a hoop. 2 having the shape of a ball. 3
and immoral life. curved; not angular. 4 involving or using
rouge n 1 a red cosmetic for adding colour to circular motion. 5 complete. 6 Maths a
the cheeks. -vb rouging, rouged 2 to forming or expressed by a whole number,
apply rouge to. with no fraction, b expressed to the nearest
rough adj 1 not smooth; uneven or irregular. ten, hundred, or thousand: in round figures,
2 not using enough care or gentleness. 3 dif- -adv 7 on all or most sides. 8 on or outside
ficult or unpleasant: tomorrow will be a the circumference or perimeter: ponds
rough day. 4 approximate: a rough guess. 5 which are steeply sided all round. 9 in rota-
violent or stormy. 6 troubled by violence or tion or revolution: she swung round on me.
crime: he lived in a rough area. 7 incomplete 10 by a circuitous route: the old shoreline
or basic: a rough draft. 8 lacking refine- from Gravesend round to Rye. 11 to all
ment: a rough shelter. 9 (of ground) covered members of a group: handing cigarettes
with scrub or rubble. 10 harsh or grating to round. 12 to a specific place: the boys invit-
the ear. 11 harsh or sharp: the rough inter- ed him round. 13 all year round through-
rogation of my father. 12 unfair: rough out the year, —prep 14 surrounding or en-
luck. 13 Informal ill: Feeling rough? A good circling: wrap your sash round the wound.
stiff drink will soon fix that! 14 shaggy or 15 on all or most sides of: the man turned in
hairy: the rough wool of her sweater. 15 (of a circle, looking all round him. 16 on or out-
work etc.) requiring physical rather than side the circumference or perimeter of. 17
mental effort: wear gloves for any rough from place to place in: a trip round the is-
work. ~vb 16 to make rough. 17 rough it land in an ancient bus. 18 reached by mak-
Informal to live without the usual comforts ing a partial circuit about: just round the
of life. ~n 18 rough ground. 19 a sketch or corner. 19 revolving about: if you have two
preliminary piece of artwork. 20 Informal a bodies in orbit, they orbit round their com-
violent person. 21 in rough in an unfinished mon centre of gravity, -vb 20 to move
or crude state. 22 the rough Golf the part round: as he rounded the last corner, he
of the course beside the fairways where the raised a fist. ~n 21 a round shape or ob-
grass is untrimmed. 23 the unpleasant side ject. 22 a session: a round of talks. 23 a se-
of something: you have to take the rough ries: the petty round of domestic matters.
with the smooth, -adv 24 roughly. 25 24 a series of calls: a paper round. 25 the
roundabout 711 row
daily round the usual activities of a per- round table n a meeting of people on equal
son’s day. 26 a playing of all the holes on a terms for discussion.
golf course. 27 a stage of a competition: the Round Table n 1 (in Arthurian legend) the
first round of the Portuguese Open. 28 one table of King Arthur, shaped so that his
of a number of periods in a boxing or wres- knights could sit around as equals. 2 one of
tling match. 29 a single turn of play by each an organization of clubs of young business
player in a card game. 30 a number of and professional men who meet in order to
drinks bought at one time for a group of further charitable work.
people. 31 a bullet or shell for a gun. 32 a round-the-clock adj throughout the day and
single discharge by a gun. 33 Music a part night.
song in which the voices follow each other
at equal intervals. 34 circular movement. 35 round trip n a journey to a place and back
a a single slice of bread, b a serving of again.
sandwiches made from two complete slices round up vb 1 to gather together: the police
of bread. 36 a general outburst: a round of had rounded up a circle of drug users. 2 to
applause. 37 in the round a in full detail, b raise (a number) to the nearest whole num-
Theatre with the audience all round the ber or ten, hundred, or thousand above it.
stage. 38 go the rounds (of information or ~n roundup 3 a summary or discussion of
infection) to be passed around from person news and information. 4 the act of gather-
to person. -See also round down, round ing together livestock or people.
off. roundworm n a worm that is a common in-
roundabout n 1 a road junction in which testinal parasite of man.
traffic moves in one direction around a cen- rouse vb rousing, roused 1 to wake up. 2 to
tral island. 2 a revolving circular platform, provoke or excite: his temper was roused
often with seats, on which people ride for and he had a gun. 3 rouse oneself to be-
amusement. -adj 3 not straightforward: come energetic.
the roundabout sea route; she thought of rousing adj lively or vigorous: a rousing
asking about it in a roundabout way. -adv, speech.
prep round about 4 approximately: round roustabout n an unskilled labourer on an oil
about 1900. rig.
round dance n 1 a dance in which the danc- rout1 n 1 an overwhelming defeat. 2 a disor-
ers form a circle. 2 a ballroom dance, such derly retreat. 3 a noisy rabble, -vb 4 to de-
as the waltz, in which couples revolve. feat and put to flight.
round down vb to lower (a number) to the rout2 vb 1 to find by searching. 2 to drive
nearest whole number or ten, hundred, or out: the dissidents had been routed out. 3 to
thousand below it. dig (something) up.
roundel n 1 a circular identifying mark on route n 1 the choice of roads taken to get to
military aircraft. 2 a small circular object. a place. 2 a fixed path followed by buses,
roundelay n a song in which a line or phrase trains, etc. between two places. 3 a chosen
is repeated as a refrain. way or method: the route to prosperity,
rounders n Brit a bat and ball game in which —vb routeing, routed 4 to send by a par-
players run between posts after hitting the ticular route.
ball. routemarch n Mil a long training march,
Roundhead n English history a supporter of routine n 1 a usual or regular method of
Parliament against Charles I during the procedure. 2 the boring repetition of tasks:
Civil War. mindless routine. 3 a set sequence of dance
roundhouse n US & Canad a circular build-
steps. 4 Computers a program or part of a
program performing a specific function: an
ing in which railway locomotives are input routine, —adj 5 relating to or charac-
serviced. teristic of routine.
roundly adv bluntly or thoroughly, the roux (roo) n a cooked mixture of fat and
Church roundly criticized the bill. flour used as a basis for sauces.
round off vb to complete agreeably or suc- rove vb roving, roved 1 to wander about (a
cessfully: our afternoon was rounded off place). 2 (of the eyes) to look around, rover
with coffee and biscuits. n
round on vb to attack or reply to (someone) row1 n 1 an arrangement of people or things
with sudden irritation or anger. in a line: a row of shops. 2 a line of seats in
round robin n 1 a petition with the a cinema or theatre. 3 Brit a street lined
signatures in a circle to disguise the order with identical houses. 4 Maths a horizontal
of signing. 2 a tournament in which each line of numbers. 5 in a row in succession:
player plays against every other player. five championships in a row.
round-shouldered adj denoting poor pos- row2 vb 1 to propel (a boat) by using oars. 2
ture with drooping shoulders and a slight to carry (people or goods) in a rowing boat.
forward bending of the back. 3 to take part in the racing of rowing boats
row 712 rubber tree
as a sport. ~n 4 an act or spell of rowing. 5 RSM regimental sergeant major.
an excursion in a rowing boat, rowing n RSPCA (in Britain) Royal Society for the
row3 Informal ~n 1 a noisy quarrel. 2 a Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
controversy or dispute: the row over Eu- RSVP please reply.
rope. 3 a noisy disturbance: go to the insur- Rt Hon. Right Honourable: a title of respect
ance offices and kick up a row about your for a Privy Councillor, certain peers, and
money. 4 a reprimand. —vb 5 to quarrel the Lord Mayor or Lord Provost of certain
noisily. cities.
rowan n a European tree with white flowers Ru Chem ruthenium.
and red berries; mountain ash. rub vb rubbing, rubbed 1 to apply pressure
rowdy adj -dier, -diest 1 rough, noisy, or and friction to (something) with a circular
disorderly. ~n, pl -dies 2 a person like this, or backwards-and-forwards movement. 2 to
rowdily adv move (something) with pressure along or
rowel (rhymes with towel) n a small spiked against (a surface). 3 to clean, polish, or dry
wheel at the end of a spur. by rubbing. 4 to spread with pressure, esp.
rowing boat n Chiefly Brit a small pleasure so that it can be absorbed: rub beeswax into
boat propelled by oars. Usual US and all polishable surfaces. 5 to chafe or fray
Canad. word: rowboat through rubbing. 6 to mix (fat) into flour
rowlock n a swivelling device attached to with the fingertips, as in making pastry. 7
the top of the side of a boat that holds an rub it in to emphasize an unpleasant fact. 8
oar in place. rub up the wrong way to annoy. ~n 9 the
royal adj 1 of or relating to a king or queen act of rubbing. 10 the rub the obstacle or
or a member of his or her family: the royal difficulty: there’s the rub. -See also rub
yacht. 2 Royal supported by or in the ser- along, rub down, etc.
vice of royalty: the Royal Society of Medi- rub along vb Brit 1 to have a friendly rela-
cine. 3 very grand: royal treatment. ~n 4 tionship. 2 to continue in spite of difficul-
Informal a king or queen or a member of his ties.
or her family, royally adv rubato Music ~n, pl -tos 1 flexibility of
Royal Air Force n the air force of Great tempo in performance: his playing brought
Britain. much beautifully felt but never sentimental
royal-blue adj deep blue. rubato to the music, —adj, adv 2 to be
played with a flexible tempo.
royalist n 1 a supporter of a monarch or
monarchy. -adj 2 of or relating to rubber1 n 1 an elastic material obtained
royalists, royalism n from the latex of certain plants, such as the
rubber tree. 2 a similar substance produced
royal jelly n a substance secreted by worker synthetically. 3 Chiefly Brit a piece of rub-
bees and fed to all larvae when very young ber used for erasing something written. 4
and to larvae destined to become queens US slang a condom. 5 rubbers US rubber-
throughout their growth. coated waterproof overshoes, —adj 6 made
Royal Marines pl n Brit a corps of soldiers of or producing rubber, rubbery adj
specially trained in amphibious warfare. rubber2 n 1 Bridge, whist a match of three
Royal Navy n the navy of Great Britain, games. 2 a series of matches or games in
royalty n, pl -ties 1 royal people. 2 the rank various sports.
or power of a king or queen. 3 a percentage rubber band n a continuous loop of thin
of the revenue from the sale of a book, per- rubber, used to hold papers together.
formance of a work, use of a patented in- rubberize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
vention or of land, paid to the author, in- -ised to coat or treat with rubber.
ventor, or owner.
rubberneck US slang -vb 1 to stare in a
royal warrant n an authorization to a naive or foolish manner. ~n 2 a person
tradesman to supply goods to a royal who stares inquisitively. 3 a sightseer or
household. tourist.
RPI (in Britain) retail price index: a measure rubber plant n 1 a large house plant with
of the changes in the average level of retail glossy leathery leaves. 2 same as rubber
prices of selected goods. tree.
rpm revolutions per minute. rubber Stamp n 1 a device used for imprint-
RR 1 Right Reverend. 2 US & Canad rural ing dates or signatures on forms or invoices.
route. 2 automatic authorization of something. 3 a
RSA 1 Republic of South Africa. 2 (in New person or body that gives official approval
Zealand) Returned Services Association. 3 to decisions taken elsewhere but has no real
Royal Scottish Academy. 4 Royal Society of power, —vb rubber-stamp 4 Informal to
Arts. approve automatically.
RSI repetitive strain injury: pain in the arm rubber tree n a tropical tree cultivated for
caused by repeated awkward movements, its latex, which is the major source of com-
such as in typing. mercial rubber.
rubbing 713 ruin
rubbing n an impression taken of an en- bloody: too ruddy slow; I just went through
graved or raised design by laying paper the ruddy ceiling.
over it and rubbing with wax or charcoal. rude adj 1 insulting or impolite. 2 vulgar or
rubbish n 1 discarded or waste matter. 2 obscene: rude words. 3 unexpected and un-
anything worthless or of poor quality: the pleasant: we received a rude awakening. 4
rubbish on television. 3 foolish words or roughly or crudely made: the rude hovels. 5
speech. -vb 4 Informal to criticize, rub- robust or sturdy: the very picture of rude
bishy adj health. 6 lacking refinement, rudely adv
rubble n 1 debris from ruined buildings. 2 rudeness n
pieces of broken stones or bricks. rudiment n 1 rudiments a the simplest and
rub down vb 1 to prepare (a surface) for most basic stages of a subject, b a partially
painting by rubbing it with sandpaper. 2 to developed version of something: the rudi-
dry or clean (an animal or person) vigorous- ments of a democratic society. 2 Biol an
ly, esp. after exercise. organ or part that is incompletely devel-
rubella (roo-bell-a) n a mild contagious viral oped or no longer functions, rudimentary
disease characterized by cough, sore throat, adj
and skin rash. Also called: German mea- rue1 vb ruing, rued Literary to feel regret
sles for.
Rubicon (roo-bik-on) n cross the Rubicon rue2 n an aromatic shrub with bitter ever-
to commit oneself to a course of action green leaves formerly used in medicine.
which cannot be altered. rueful adj feeling or expressing sorrow or
rubicund (roo-bik-kund) adj Old-fashioned regret: a rueful smile, ruefully adv
of a reddish colour. ruff1 n 1 a circular pleated or fluted cloth
rubidiutn (roo-bid-ee-um) n Chem a soft collar. 2 a natural growth of long or col-
highly reactive radioactive metallic element oured hair or feathers around the necks of
used in electronic valves, photocells, and certain animals or birds. 3 a bird of the
special glass. Symbol: Rb sandpiper family.
ruble n same as rouble. ruff2 n, vb Cards same as trump1 (senses 1,
rub off vb 1 to remove or be removed by 2).
rubbing: rub the skins off the hazelnuts. 2 ruffian n a violent lawless person.
to have an effect through close association: ruffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to disturb the
glamour can rub off on you by association. smoothness of: the wind was ruffling Dad’s
rub out vb 1 to remove or be removed with a hair. 2 to annoy or irritate. 3 (of a bird) to
rubber. 2 US slang to murder. erect its feathers in anger or display. 4 to
flick cards or pages rapidly. ~n 5 a strip of
rubric (roo-brik) n 1 a set of rules of conduct pleated material used as a trim.
or procedure, esp. one for the conduct of
Christian church services. 2 a title or head- rufous adj (of birds or animals) reddish-
ing in a book. brown.
rug n 1 a small carpet. 2 a thick woollen
ruby n, pl -bies 1 a deep red transparent blanket. 3 Slang a wig. 4 pull the rug out
precious gemstone. ~adj 2 deep red. 3 de- from under to betray or leave defenceless.
noting a fortieth anniversary: a ruby wed-
ding. rugby or rugby football n a form of football
played with an oval ball in which the han-
RUC Royal Ulster Constabulary. dling and carrying of the ball is permitted.
ruche n a strip of pleated or frilled lace or rugby league n a form of rugby played be-
ribbon used to decorate clothes. tween teams of 13 players, in which profes-
ruck1 n 1 the ruck ordinary people, often in sionalism is allowed.
a crowd. 2 Rugby a loose scrum that forms rugby union n a form of rugby played only
around the ball when it is on the ground. by amateurs, in teams of 15.
ruck2 n 1 a wrinkle or crease. -vb 2 to rugged (rug-gid) adj 1 rocky or steep: the
wrinkle or crease: his shoe had rucked up rugged mountains of Sicily’s interior. 2 with
one corner of the rug. an uneven or jagged surface. 3 (of the face)
rucksack n a large bag, with two straps, strong-featured. 4 rough, sturdy, or deter-
carried on the back. mined in character. 5 (of equipment or ma-
ruction n Informal 1 an uproar. 2 ructions chines) designed to withstand rough treat-
an unpleasant row. ment or use in rough conditions.
rudder n 1 Naut a vertical hinged piece that rugger n Informal, chiefly Brit rugby.
projects into the water at the stern, used to ruin vb 1 to destroy or spoil completely. 2 to
steer a boat. 2 a vertical control surface at- cause (someone) to lose money: the first
tached to the rear of the fin used to steer an* war ruined him. ~n 3 the state of being de-
aircraft, rudderless adj stroyed or decayed. 4 loss of wealth or posi-
ruddy adj -dier, -diest 1 (of the complexion) tion. 5 a destroyed or decayed building or
having a healthy reddish colour. 2 red or town. 6 something that is severely dam-
pink: a ruddy glow, —adv, adj 3 Informal aged: my heart was an aching ruin.
ruination 714 run
ruination n 1 the act of ruining or the state —adj 2 of ruminants. 3 meditating or con-
of being ruined. 2 something that causes templating in a slow quiet way.
ruin. ruminate vb -nating, -nated 1 (of
ruinous adj 1 causing ruin or destruction. 2 ruminants) to chew (the cud). 2 to meditate
more expensive than can reasonably be or ponder, rumination n ruminative adj
afforded: ruinous rates of exchange, ruin- rummage vb -maging, -maged 1 to search
ously adv untidily. ~n 2 an untidy search through a
rule n 1 a statement of what is allowed, for collection of things.
example in a game or procedure. 2 a cus- rummage sale n US & Canad a jumble sale,
tomary form or procedure: he has his own rummy n a card game based on collecting
rule: be firm, be clear, but never be rude. 3 sets and sequences.
the rule the common order of things: hu- rumour or US rumor n 1 information, often a
manitarian gestures were more the excep- mixture of truth and untruth, told by one
tion than the rule. 4 the exercise of gov- person to another. 2 gossip or common talk.
ernmental authority or control: the rule of ~vb 3 be rumoured to be circulated as a
President Marcos. 5 the period of time in rumour: he is rumoured to have at least 53
which a monarch or government has power: yachts.
four decades of Communist rule. 6 a device
with a straight edge for guiding or measur- rump n 1 a person’s buttocks. 2 the rear part
ing: a slide rule. 7 Printing a long thin line of an animal’s or bird’s body. 3 Also called:
or dash. 8 Christianity a systematic body of rump steak a cut of beef from the rump. 4 a
laws and customs followed by members of a small core of members within a group who
religious order. 9 Law an order by a court remain loyal to it: the rump of the once-
or judge. 10 as a rule usually. ~vb ruling, influential communist party.
ruled 11 to govern (people or a political rumple vb -pling, -pled to make or become
unit). 12 to be pre-eminent or superior. 13 crumpled or dishevelled.
to be customary or prevalent: chaos ruled rumpus n, pl -puses a noisy or confused
as the scene turned into one of total confu- commotion.
sion. 14 to decide authoritatively: the judg- run vb running, ran, run 1 to move on foot
es ruled that men could be prosecuted for at a rapid pace. 2 to pass over (a distance or
rape offences against their wives. 15 to route) in running: being a man isn’t about
mark with straight parallel lines or one running the fastest mile. 3 to take part in (a
straight line. 16 to restrain or control. race): I ran a decent race. 4 to carry out as
rule of thumb n a rough and practical ap- if by running: he is running errands for his
proach, based on experience, rather than big brother. 5 to flee. 6 to travel somewhere
theory. in a vehicle. 7 to give a lift to (someone) in a
rule out vb 1 to dismiss from consideration. vehicle: one wet day I ran her down to the
2 to make impossible. service. 8 to drive or maintain and operate
(a vehicle). 9 to travel regularly between
ruler n 1 a person who rules or commands. 2 aces on a route: trains running through the
a strip of wood, metal, or plastic, with night. 10 to move or pass quickly: he ran his
straight edges, used for measuring and hand across his forehead. 11 to function or
drawing straight lines. cause to function: run the video tape back-
ruling adj 1 controlling or exercising author- wards. 12 to manage: he ran a small hotel.
ity. 2 predominant. ~n 3 a decision of 13 to continue in a particular direction or
someone in authority. for a particular time or distance: a road
rum1 n alcoholic drink made from sugar running alongside the Nile; a performing
cane. arts festival running in the city for six
rum2 adj rummer, rummest Brit slang
weeks. 14 Law to have legal force or effect:
strange or unusual. the club’s lease runs out next May. 15 to be
subjected to or affected by: she ran a high
Rumanian adj, n same as Romanian. risk of losing her hair. 16 to tend or incline:
rumba n 1 a rhythmic and syncopated dance he was of medium height and running to
of Cuban origin. 2 music for this dance. fat. 17 to recur persistently or be inherent:
rumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to make or cause to the capacity for infidelity ran in the genes.
make a deep echoing sound: thunder 18 to flow or cause (liquids) to flow: sweat
rumbled overhead. 2 to move with such a ran down her face. 19 to dissolve and
sound: a slow freight train rumbled past. 3 spread: the soles of the shoes peeled off and
Brit slang to find out about (someone or the colours ran. 20 (of stitches) to unravel.
something): his real identity was rumbled. 21 to spread or circulate: rumours ran
~n 4 a deep resonant sound. 5 US & NZ around quickly. 22 to publish or be pub-
slang a gang fight, rumbling adj, n lished in a newspaper or magazine: Today
ran a jubilant front-page headline. 23 Chief-
rumbustious adj boisterous or unruly, ly US & Canad to stand as a candidate for
ruminant n 1 a mammal that chews the cud, political or other office: he has formally
such as cattle, deer, goats, and camels. announced his decision to run for the office
runabout 715 running head
of President. 24 to get past or through: the running us down and insulting other
oil tanker was hit as it tried to run the Europeans. 2 to reduce in number or size: it
blockade. 25 to smuggle (goods, esp. arms). should be possible to run down the existing
26 (of fish) to migrate upstream from the hospitals almost entirely. 3 (of a device
sea, esp. in order to spawn. 27 Cricket to such as a clock or battery) to lose power
score (a run or number of runs) by hitting gradually and cease to function. 4 to hit and
the ball and running between the wickets. knock to the ground with a moving vehicle.
~n 28 the act or an instance of running: he 5 to pursue and find or capture: while I was
broke into a run. 29 a distance covered by there, Moscow ran me down, convinced I
running or a period of running: many of the was ready to defect, -adj run-down 6 tired
men fell down from the long run of five or ill. 7 shabby or dilapidated. ~n run-
miles. 30 a trip in a vehicle, esp. for pleas- down 8 a reduction in number or size. 9 a
ure: our only treat is a run in the car to brief review or summary.
Dartmoor. 31 free and unrestricted access: rune n 1 any of the characters of the earliest
he had the run of the house. 32 a a period of Germanic alphabet. 2 an obscure piece of
time during which a machine or computer writing using mysterious symbols, runic
operates, b the amount of work performed adj
in such a period. 33 a continuous or sus- rung1 n 1 one of the bars forming the steps
tained period: a run of seven defeats. 34 a of a ladder. 2 a crosspiece between the legs
continuous sequence of performances: “The of a chair.
Rape of the Belt” had a good run at the Pic- rung2 vb the past participle of ring1.
cadilly. 35 Cards a sequence of winning
cards in one suit: a run of spades. 36 type, run in vb 1 to run (an engine) gently, usually
class, or category: he had nothing in com- when it is new. 2 Informal to arrest, —n
mon with the usual run of terrorists. 37 a run-in 3 Informal an argument or quarrel.
continuous and urgent demand: a run on the run into vb 1 to be beset by: the mission has
pound. 38 a series of unravelled stitches, run into difficulty. 2 to meet unexpectedly.
esp. in tights. 39 a steeply inclined course, 3 to extend to: the cost of the scheme runs
esp. a snow-covered one used for skiing. 40 into millions of pounds. 4 to collide with.
an enclosure for domestic fowls or other runnel n Literary a small stream.
animals: the chicken run. 41 (esp. in Aus- runner n 1 a competitor in a race. 2 a mes-
tralia and New Zealand) a tract of land for senger for a firm. 3 a person involved in
grazing livestock. 42 the migration of fish smuggling. 4 a either of the strips of metal
upstream in order to spawn. 43 Music a or wood on which a sledge runs, b the blade
rapid scalelike passage of notes. 44 Cricket of an ice skate. 5 Bot a slender horizontal
a score of one, normally achieved by both stem of a plant, such as the strawberry,
batsmen running from one end of the wicket that grows along the surface of the soil and
to the other after one of them has hit the produces new roots and shoots. 6 a long
ball. 45 Baseball an instance of a batter strip of cloth used to decorate a table or as
touching all four bases safely, thereby scor- a rug. 7 a roller or guide for a sliding com-
ing. 46 a run for one’s money Informal a a ponent.
close competition, b pleasure or success runner bean n the edible pod and seeds of a
from an activity. 47 in the long run as an type of climbing bean plant.
eventual outcome. 48 on the run escaping runner-up n, pl runners-up a person who
from arrest. 49 the runs Slang diarrhoea. comes second in a competition.
~See also runabout, run across, etc. running adj 1 maintained continuously: a
runabout n 1 a small car used for short jour- running battle. 2 without interruption: for
neys. -vb run about 2 to move busily from the third day running. 3 a flowing: rinse
place to place. them under cold running water, b supplied
run across vb to meet unexpectedly by through a tap: there is no electricity, no
chance. running water, and no telephone. 4 operat-
run along vb to go away. ing: running costs. 5 discharging pus: a run-
run away vb 1 to go away. 2 to escape. 3 (of ning sore. 6 accomplished at a run: a run-
a horse) to gallop away uncontrollably: the ningjump. 7 moving or slipping easily, as a
horse ran away with him. 4 run away with rope or a knot. ~n 8 the act of moving or
a to abscond or elope with: I ran away with flowing quickly. 9 management or organiza-
David, b to escape from the control of: he tion: the running of the farm. 10 the opera-
let his imagination run away with him. c to tion or maintenance of a machine. 11 in or
win easily or be certain of victory in (a out of the running having or not having a
competition): the Spaniards at one stage good chance in a competition. 12 make the
seemed to be running away with the match. running to set the pace in a competition or
~n runaway 5 a person or animal that- race.
runs away, -adj runaway 6 no longer running board n a board along the side of a
under control: a runaway train. 7 (of a race vehicle, for help in stepping into it.
or victory) easily won. running head n Printing a heading printed
run down vb 1 to be rude about: he is busy at the top of every page of a book.
running mate 716 rut
running mate n 1 US a candidate for the sudden attack upon (a person or place). 4 to
lesser of two linked positions, esp. a candi- proceed or approach in a reckless manner. 5
date for the vice-presidency. 2 a horse that to come or flow quickly or suddenly: the
pairs another in a team. water rushed in, and the next instant the
running repairs pl n repairs that are done boat was swamped. ~n 6 a sudden quick or
without greatly disrupting operations. violent movement. 7 a sudden demand or
runny adj -nier, -niest 1 tending to flow: a need. 8 a sudden surge towards someone or
runny egg. 2 producing moisture: a runny something: the gold rush. 9 a sudden surge
nose. of sensation. 10 a sudden flow of air or liq-
run off vb 1 to leave quickly. 2 run off with uid. 11 rushes (in film-making) the initial
a to run away with in order to marry or live prints of a scene before editing, -adj 12
with, b to steal. 3 to produce (copies of a done with speed or urgency: a rush job.
document) on a machine. 4 to drain (liquid) rush2 n a plant which grows in wet places
or (of liquid) to be drained. ~n run-off 5 and has a slender pithy stem, rushy adj
an extra race or contest to decide the win- rush hour n a period at the beginning and
ner after a tie. 6 NZ grazing land for cattle. end of the working day when large numbers
run-of-the-mill adj ordinary or average, of people are travelling to or from work.
run on vb to continue without interruption, rush light n an old-fashioned candle made of
run out vb 1 to use up or (of a supply) to be rushes.
used up: we soon ran out of gas. 2 to become rusk n a hard brown crisp biscuit, often used
invalid: my passport has run out. 3 run out for feeding babies.
on Informal to desert or abandon. 4 Cricket russet adj 1 Literary reddish-brown. ~n 2
to dismiss (a running batsman) by breaking an apple with a rough reddish-brown skin.
the wicket with the ball while he is running Russian adj 1 of Russia. ~n 2 a person from
between the wickets. —n run-out 5 Cricket Russia. 3 the official language of Russia
dismissal of a batsman by running him out. and, formerly, of the Soviet Union.
run over vb 1 to knock down (a person) with Russian roulette n an act of bravado in
a moving vehicle. 2 to overflow. 3 to exam- which a person spins the cylinder of a re-
ine hastily. volver loaded with only one cartridge and
runt n 1 the smallest and weakest young presses the trigger with the barrel against
animal in a litter. 2 an undersized or inferi- his or her own head.
or person. rust n 1 a reddish-brown oxide coating
run through vb 1 to practise or rehearse. 2 formed on iron or steel by the action of
to pierce with a sword or other weapon. —n oxygen and moisture. 2 a fungal disease of
run-through 3 a practice or rehearsal. plants which produces a reddish-brown dis-
run to vb 1 to reach an amount or size: the colouration. -adj 3 reddish-brown, -vb 4
testimony ran to a million words. 2 to be or to become coated with a layer of rust. 5 to
have enough money for: we do not run to deteriorate through lack of use: my brain
these luxuries, I am afraid. had rusted up.
run up vb 1 to amass: running up massive rustic adj 1 of or resembling country people.
debts. 2 to make by sewing together quick- 2 of or living in the country. 3 crude, awk-
ly. 3 run up against to experience (difficul- ward, or uncouth. 4 made of untrimmed
ties). —n run-up 4 the time just before an branches: rustic furniture. ~n 5 a person
event: the run-up to the elections. from the country, rusticity n
runway n a hard level roadway where air- rusticate vb -eating, -cated 1 Brit to send (a
craft take off and land. student) down from university for a speci-
rupee n the standard monetary unit of a fied time as a punishment. 2 to retire to the
number of countries including India and country. 3 to make or become rustic.
Pakistan. rustle1 vb -tling, -tied 1 to make a low crisp
rupture n 1 the act of breaking or the state whispering sound: the leaves rustled in the
of being broken. 2 a breach of peaceful or breeze, -n 2 this sound.
friendly relations. 3 Pathol a hernia. -vb rustle2 vb -tling, -tied Chiefly US & Canad
-turing, -tured 4 to break or burst. 5 to to steal (livestock), rustler n
cause a breach in relations or friendship. 6 rustle up vb Informal to prepare or find at
to affect or be affected with a hernia. short notice.
rural adj in or of the countryside. rusty adj rustier, rustiest 1 affected by
rural dean n Chiefly Brit a clergyman with rust: a rusty old freighter. 2 reddish-brown.
authority over a group of parishes. 3 out of practice in a skill or subject: your
rural route n US & Canad a mail service or skills may be a little rusty, but your past
route in a rural area. experience will more than make up for that.
ruse (rooz) n an action or plan intended to rustily adv rustiness n
mislead someone. rut1 n 1 a groove or furrow in a soft road,
rush1 vb 1 to move or do very quickly. 2 to caused by wheels. 2 dull settled habits or
force (someone) to act hastily. 3 to make a way of living: his career was in a rut.
rut 717 rye-grass
rut2 n 1 a recurrent period of sexual excite- rutted adj (of a road) very uneven because
ment in certain male ruminants. —vb rut- of ruts.
ting, rutted 2 (of male ruminants) to be in a
period of sexual excitement. RV Revised Version (of the Bible).
ruthenium n Chem a rare hard brittle white rye n 1 a tall grasslike cereal grown for its
metallic element. Symbol: Ru light brown grain. 2 the grain of this plant.
rutherfordium n US chem an artificially 3 Also called: rye whiskey whisky distilled
produced radioactive element. Symbol: Rf from rye. 4 US short for rye bread.
ruthless adj 1 feeling or showing no mercy. rye bread n bread made entirely or partly
2 thorough and forceful, regardless of ef- from rye flour.
fect: the ruthless pursuit of cost-
effectiveness. ruthlessly adv ruthless- rye-grass n any of several grasses grown
ness n for fodder.
s second (of time).
s the sack Informal dismissal from employ-
S 1 South(ern). 2 Chem sulphur. 3 Physics ment. 4 Slang bed. 5 hit the sack Slang to
siemens. go to bed. —vb 6 Informal to dismiss from
-’s suffix 1 forming the possessive singular employment, sacklike adj
of nouns and some pronouns: woman’s; sack2 n 1 the plundering of a captured town
one’s. 2 forming the possessive plural of or city by an army or mob. -vb 2 to plun-
nouns whose plurals do not end in -s: chil- der and partially destroy (a town or city).
dren’s. 3 forming the plural of numbers, let- sackbut n a medieval form of trombone.
ters, or symbols: 20’s. 4 Informal contrac- sackcloth n 1 same as sacking. 2 garments
tion of is or has: it’s over. 5 Informal con- made of such cloth, worn formerly to indi-
traction of us with let: let’s go. cate mourning. 3 sackcloth and ashes an
SA 1 Salvation Army. 2 South Africa. 3 exaggerated attempt to apologize or com-
South America. 4 South Australia. pensate for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Sabbath n 1 Saturday, observed by Jews as sacking n coarse cloth woven from flax,
the day of worship and rest. 2 Sunday, ob- hemp, or jute, and used to make sacks.
served by Christians as the day of worship
and rest. sacrament n 1 a symbolic religious ceremo-
sabbatical adj 1 denoting a period of leave
ny in the Christian Church, such as baptism
granted at intervals to university teachers or communion. 2 Holy Communion. 3 some-
for rest, study, or travel: a sabbatical year. thing regarded as sacred, sacramental adj
~n2 a sabbatical period. sacred adj 1 exclusively devoted to a god or
SABC South African Broadcasting Corpora- gods; holy. 2 connected with religion or in-
tion. tended for religious use: sacred music. 3 re-
sable n, pl -bies or -ble 1 a marten of N Asia,
garded as too important to be changed or
interfered with: sacred principles of free
N Europe, and America, with dark brown speech. 4 sacred to dedicated to: the site is
luxuriant fur. 2 the highly valued fur of sacred to Vishnu.
this animal, used to make coats and hats.
-adj 3 dark brown-to-black. sacred cow n Informal a person, custom, be-
sable antelope n a large black African ante- lief, or institution regarded as being beyond
lope with stout backward-curving horns. criticism.
sabot (sab-oh) n a heavy wooden or sacrifice n 1 a surrender of something of
wooden-soled shoe; clog. value in order to gain something more de-
sabotage n 1 the deliberate destruction or sirable or prevent some evil. 2 a ritual kill-
damage of equipment, for example by ing of a person or animal as an offering to a
enemy agents or dissatisfied employees. 2 god. 3 a symbolic offering of something to a
deliberate obstruction of or damage to a god. 4 the person or animal killed or of-
cause or effort, -vb -taging, -taged 3 to fered. -vb -firing, -ficed 5 to make a sacri-
destroy or disrupt by sabotage. fice (of). 6 Chess to permit or force one’s
opponent to capture (a piece) as a tactical
saboteur n a person who commits sabotage, move, sacrificial adj
sabre or US saber n 1 a heavy single-edged
cavalry sword with a curved blade. 2 a light sacrifice paddock n NZ a grassed field
sword used in fencing, with a narrow V- which is allowed to be grazed completely so
shaped blade. that it can be cultivated and sown again
later.
sac n a pouch or pouchlike part in an animal
or plant. sacrilege n 1 the misuse of or disrespect
saccharin n an artificial sweetener. shown to something sacred. 2 disrespect for
a person who is widely admired or a belief
saccharine adj 1 excessively sweet or sen- that is widely accepted: it is a sacrilege to
timental: saccharine ballads. 2 like or con- offend democracy, sacrilegious adj
taining sugar or saccharin.
sacristan n a person in charge of the con-
sacerdotal adj Formal of priests or the tents of a church; sexton.
priesthood.
sachet n 1 a small sealed usually plastic en- sacristy n, pl -ties a room attached to a
velope containing a small portion of a sub- church or chapel where the sacred objects
stance such as shampoo. 2 a small soft bag are kept.
of perfumed powder, placed in drawers to sacrosanct adj regarded as too important to
scent clothing. be criticized or changed: weekend rest days
sack1 n 1 a large bag made of coarse cloth or were considered sacrosanct by staff, sac-
thick paper and used for carrying or storing rosanctity n
goods. 2 the amount contained in a sack. 3 sacrum (say-krum) n, pl -era Anat the large
sad 719 saffron
wedge-shaped bone in the lower part of the harm: a safe environment. 2 free from dan-
back. ger: she doesn’t feel safe. 3 taking or involv-
sad adj sadder, saddest 1 feeling sorrow; ing no risks: a safe bet. 4 not dangerous: the
unhappy. 2 causing, suggesting, or express- beef is safe to eat. 5 on the safe side as a
ing sorrow: a sad story. 3 deplorably bad: precaution. ~n 6 a strong metal container
the garden was in a sad state. 4 regrettable: with a secure lock, for storing money or
it’s rather sad he can’t be with us. sadly valuables, safely adv
adv sadness n safe-conduct n 1 a document giving official
sadden vb to make (someone) sad. permission to travel through a dangerous
saddle n 1 a seat for a rider, usually made of region, esp. in time of war. 2 the protection
leather, placed on a horse’s back and se- given by such a document.
cured under its belly. 2 a similar seat on a safe-deposit or safety-deposit n a place
bicycle, motorcycle, or tractor. 3 a cut of with facilities for the safe storage of money
meat, esp. mutton, consisting of both loins. and valuables.
4 in the saddle in a position of control. safeguard vb 1 to protect (something) from
~vb -dling, -died 5 to put a saddle on (a being harmed or destroyed. ~n 2 a person
horse): we saddled up at dawn. 6 saddle or thing that ensures protection against
with to burden with (a responsibility): he danger or harm: safeguards to prevent air
was also saddled with debt. collisions.
saddleback n 1 an animal with a marking safekeeping n protection from theft or
resembling a saddle on its back. 2 a hill with damage: gold given to Britain for safe-
a concave outline at the top. saddle- keeping.
backed adj
safe sex n nonpenetrative sex, or inter-
saddlebag n a pouch or small bag attached course using a condom, intended to prevent
to the saddle of a horse, bicycle, or motor- the spread of AIDS.
cycle.
safety n, pl -ties 1 the quality or state of
saddle horse n a horse trained for riding being free from danger. 2 shelter: they
only. swam to safety.
saddler n a person who makes, deals in, or
safety belt n same as seat belt.
repairs saddles and other leather equip-
ment for horses. safety catch n a mechanism on a gun that
saddlery n, pl -dleries 1 saddles and har- prevents it from being fired accidentally.
ness for horses collectively. 2 the work or safety curtain n a fireproof curtain that can
place of work of a saddler. be lowered to separate the auditorium from
saddle soap n a soft soap used to preserve the stage in a theatre to prevent the spread
and clean leather. of a fire.
saddletree n the frame of a saddle. safety lamp n a miner’s oil lamp designed to
Sadducee (sad-yew-see) n Judaism a mem- prevent it from igniting combustible gas.
ber of an ancient Jewish sect that denied safety match n a match that will light only
the resurrection of the dead and accepted when struck against a specially prepared
only the traditional written law. surface.
sadhu (sah-doo) n a Hindu wandering holy safety net n 1 a large net under a trapeze or
man. high wire to catch performers if they fall. 2
sadism (say-diz-zum) n the gaining of something that can be relied on for help in
pleasure, esp. sexual pleasure, from inflic- the event of difficulties: the social security
tion of suffering on another person, sadist safety net.
n sadistic adj sadistically adv safety pin n a pin bent back on itself so that
sadomasochism n 1 the combination of sa- it forms a spring, with the point shielded by
distic and masochistic elements in one per- a guard when closed.
son, characterized by both submissive and safety razor n a razor with a guard over the
aggressive periods in relationships with blade or blades to protect the skin from
others. 2 a sexual practice in which one deep cuts.
partner adopts a masochistic role and the safety valve n 1 a valve in a boiler or ma-
other a sadistic one. sadomasochist n chine that allows fluid or gases to escape at
sadomasochistic adj excess pressure. 2 an outlet that allows one
S.a.e. stamped addressed envelope. to express strong feelings without harming
safari n, pl -ris an overland expedition for or offending other people: sport acted as a
hunting or observing animals, esp. in Afri- safety valve for his pent-up frustrations.
ca. safflower n a thistle-like plant with orange-
safari park n an enclosed park in which wild ‘ yellow flowers, which yields a dye and an
animals are kept uncaged in the open and oil used in paints, medicines, and cooking.
can be viewed by the public from cars or saffron n 1 a type of crocus with purple or
buses. white flowers with orange stigmas. 2 the
safe adj 1 giving security or protection from dried orange-coloured stigmas of this plant,
sag 720 sale
used for colouring or flavouring, -adj 3 one below the rank of officer. 2 a person
orange-yellow. considered as liable or not liable to seasick-
sag vb sagging, sagged 1 to sink in the ness: a good sailor.
middle, under weight or pressure: the bed sainfoin (san-foin) n a Eurasian plant with
sagged nearly to the floor. 2 (of courage or pink flowers, widely grown as feed for
spirits) to weaken or tire. 3 (of clothes) to grazing farm animals.
hang loosely or unevenly. 4 to fall in value: saint n 1 a person who after death is formal-
the stock market sagged. ~n 5 the act or ly recognized by a Christian Church as de-
state of sagging, saggy adj serving special honour because of having
saga (sah-ga) n 1 a medieval Scandinavian lived a very holy life. 2 an exceptionally
legend telling the adventures of a hero or a good person, sainthood n saintlike adj
family. 2 Informal a long story or series of Saint Bernard n a very large dog with a
events: the long-running saga of the hostage dense red-and-white coat, formerly used as
issue. a mountain-rescue dog.
sagacious adj Formal wise or sensible, sa- sainted adj 1 formally recognized by a
gaciously adv sagacity n Christian Church as a saint. 2 having the
sage1 n 1 a person, esp. an old man, regard- qualities, such as patience and kindness, of
ed as being very wise, -adj 2 very wise or a saint. 3 hallowed or holy.
knowledgeable, esp. as the result of age or Saint John’s wort n a plant with yellow
experience. flowers.
sage2 n 1 a Mediterranean plant with grey- Saint Leger n an annual horse race for
green leaves which are used in cooking for three-year-old horses, run at Doncaster.
flavouring. 2 short for sagebrush. saintly adj behaving in a very good, patient,
sagebrush n an aromatic plant of W North or holy way. saintliness n
America, with silver-green leaves and large Saint Vitus’s dance n Pathol a nontechnical
clusters of small white flowers. name for chorea.
Sagittarius n Astro! the ninth sign of the zo- saithe n Brit a dark-coloured food fish
diac; the Archer. found in northern seas.
sago n an edible starch from the powdered sake1 n 1 for someone’s or one’s own sake
pith of the sago palm tree, used for pud- for the benefit or interest of someone or
dings and as a thickening agent. oneself. 2 for the sake of something for
sahib n an Indian term of address equivalent the purpose of obtaining or achieving some-
to sir, formerly used as a mark of respect to thing. 3 for its own sake for the enjoyment
a European man. obtained by doing something. 4 used in
said adj 1 named or mentioned already: she various exclamations of annoyance, impa-
had heard that the said lady was also a me- tience, or urgency: for God’s sake.
dium. ~vb2 the past of say. sake2 or saki (sah-kee) n a Japanese alco-
sail n 1 a sheet of canvas or other fabric, holic drink made from fermented rice.
spread on rigging to catch the wind and salaam (sal-ahm) n 1 a Muslim greeting con-
move a ship over water. 2 a voyage on such sisting of a deep bow with the right palm on
a ship: a six-mile sail. 3 a ship or ships with the forehead. 2 a greeting signifying peace.
sails: to travel by sail. 4 one of the revolv- ~vb 3 to make a salaam (to).
ing arms of a windmill. 5 set sail to begin a salacious adj 1 having an excessive interest
voyage by water. 6 under sail a under way. in sex. 2 (of books, films, or jokes) con-
b with sail hoisted, -vb 7 to travel in a cerned with sex in an unnecessarily de-
boat or ship: to sail around the world. 8 to tailed way. salaciousness n
begin a voyage: he hoped to sail at eleven. 9 salad n a dish of raw vegetables, often
(of a ship) to move over the water. 10 to served with a dressing, eaten as a separate
navigate (a ship): she sailed the schooner course or as part of a main course.
up the channel. 11 to sail over: he had al-
ready sailed the Pacific. 12 to move along salad days pl n a period of youth and inex-
smoothly. 13 sail into Informal to make a perience.
violent attack on. 14 sail through to pro- salad dressing n a sauce for salad, such as
gress quickly or effortlessly: the top seed oil and vinegar or mayonnaise.
sailed through to the second round. salamander n a tailed amphibian which
sailboard n a board with a mast and a single looks like a lizard.
sail, used for windsurfing. salami n a highly spiced sausage, usually
sailcloth n 1 the fabric used for making flavoured with garlic.
sails. 2 a canvas-like cloth used for cloth- salaried adj earning or providing a salary: a
ing. salaried employee; a salaried position.
sailfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a large tropical salary n, pl -ries a fixed regular payment
game fish, with a long sail-like fin on its made by an employer, usually monthly, for
back. professional or office work.
sailor n 1 any member of a ship’s crew, esp. sale n 1 the exchange of goods or property
saleable 721 salutary
for an agreed sum of money. 2 the amount salon n 1 a commercial establishment in
sold. 3 an event at which goods are sold at which hairdressers or fashion designers
reduced prices. 4 an auction. 5 sales the carry on their business. 2 an elegant room
department dealing with selling its in a large house in which guests are re-
company’s products. ceived. 3 an informal gathering, esp. in the
saleable or US salable adj fit for selling or 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, of
capable of being sold, saleability or US major literary, artistic, and political figures
salability n in a fashionable household. 4 an art exhibi-
sale of work n a sale of articles, often tion.
handmade, the proceeds of which go to a saloon n 1 a two-door or four-door car with
charity. a fixed roof. 2 Brit a comfortable but more
saleroom n Chiefly Brit a room where ob- expensive bar in a pub or hotel. 3 a large
jects are displayed for sale by auction, public room on a passenger ship. 4 Chiefly
US & Canad a place where alcoholic drink is
salesgirl n a young woman who sells goods sold and consumed.
in a shop.
salsa n 1 a lively Puerto Rican dance. 2 big-
salesman n, pl -men 1 a man who sells band music accompanying this dance.
goods in a shop. 2 short for travelling
salesman. salsify n, pl -fies a Mediterranean plant
with a long white edible root.
salesmanship n the technique of or skill in
selling. salt n 1 sodium chloride, a white crystalline
substance, used for seasoning and preserv-
salesperson n, pl -people or-persons a per- ing food. 2 Chem a crystalline solid com-
son who sells goods in a shop. pound formed from an acid by replacing its
sales pitch or talk n persuasive talk used by hydrogen with a metal. 3 lively wit: his hu-
a salesperson in persuading a customer to mour added salt to the discussion. 4 old
buy something. salt an experienced sailor. 5 rub salt into
saleswoman n, pl -women a woman who someone’s wounds to make an unpleasant
sells goods in a shop. situation even worse for someone. 6 salt of
salicylic acid (sal-liss-ill-ik) n a white crys- the earth a person or people regarded as
talline substance used to make aspirin and the finest of their kind. 7 take something
as a fungicide. with a pinch of salt to refuse to believe
salient (say-lee-ent) adj 1 (of points or something is completely true or accurate. 8
facts) most important: the salient points of worth one’s salt worthy of one’s pay; effi-
his speech. ~n 2 Mil a projection of the cient. ~vb 9 to season or preserve with
forward line of an army into enemy-held salt. 10 to scatter salt over (an iced road or
territory. path) to melt the ice. -adj 11 preserved in
or tasting of salt: salt beef. -See also salt
saline (say-line) adj 1 of or containing salt: a away, salts, salted adj
saline flavour. 2 Med of or relating to a sa-
line: a saline drip. ~n 3 Med a solution of SALT Strategic Arms Limitation Talks or
sodium chloride and water, salinity n Treaty.
salinization or -isation n the process by salt away vb to hoard or save (money) for
which salts accumulate in undrained land, the future.
damaging its potential for plant growth. saltcellar n a small container for salt used at
saliva (sal-lie-va) n the watery fluid secret- the table.
ed by glands in the mouth, which aids di- salt lick n 1 a place where wild animals go to
gestion. salivary adj lick salt deposits. 2 a block of salt given to
salivate vb -vating, -vated to produce sali- domestic animals to lick.
va, esp. an excessive amount, salivation n saltpetre or US saltpeter n same as potas-
sallow adj (of human skin) of an unhealthy sium nitrate.
pale or yellowish colour, sallowness n salts pl n 1 Med mineral salts used as a
sally n, pl -lies 1 a witty remark. 2 a sudden medicine. 2 like a dose of salts Informal
brief attack by troops. 3 an excursion. -vb very quickly.
-lies, -lying, -lied 4 sally forth a to set out saltwater adj of or inhabiting salt water,
on a journey, b to set out in an energetic esp. the sea: saltwater fish.
manner. salty adj saltier, saltiest 1 of, tasting of, or
salmon n, pl -ons or -on a large pink-fleshed containing salt. 2 (esp. of humour) sharp
fish which is highly valued for food and and witty, saltiness n
sport: salmon live in the sea but return to salubrious adj favourable to health, salu-
fresh water to spawn. brity n
salmonella (sal-mon-ell-a) n a kind of bacte- Saluki n a tall hound with a smooth coat and
ria that can cause food poisoning. long fringes on the ears and tail.
salmon ladder n a series of steps designed salutary adj 1 (of an experience) producing
to enable salmon to move upstream to their a beneficial result despite being unpleasant:
breeding grounds. a salutary reminder. 2 promoting health.
salutation 722 sanctuary
salutation n Formal a greeting by words or same way; similarly: I felt much the same.
actions. ~n 8 the same something that is like some-
salute vb -luting, -luted 1 to greet with thing else in kind or quantity: this is basi-
friendly words or gestures of respect, such cally much more of the same, sameness n
as bowing. 2 to acknowledge with praise: samizdat n (in the former Soviet Union) a
the statement salutes the changes of the system of secret printing and distribution
past year. 3 Mil to pay formal respect to of banned literature.
(someone) by raising the right hand to the samosa n (in Indian cookery) a small fried
forehead. ~n 4 the act of saluting as a for- triangular spiced meat or vegetable pasty.
mal military gesture of respect. 5 the act of Also (in S Africa): samoosa
firing guns as a military greeting of honour. samovar n a Russian metal tea urn in which
salvage n 1 the rescue of a ship or its cargo the water is heated by an inner container.
from loss at sea. 2 the saving of any goods Samoyed n a dog with a thick white coat
or property from destruction or waste. 3 and a tightly curled tail.
the goods or property so saved. 4 compen- sampan n a small flat-bottomed boat with
sation paid for the salvage of a ship or its
cargo. -vb -vaging, -vaged 5 to save oars, used esp. in China.
(goods or property) from shipwreck, de- samphire n a plant found on rocks by the
struction, or waste. 6 to gain (something seashore.
beneficial) from a failure: it’s too late to sample n 1 a small part of anything, taken
salvage anything from the whole dismal as being representative of a whole, —vb
display, salvageable adj -pling, -pled 2 to take a sample or samples
salvation n 1 the act of preserving someone of. 3 Music a to take a short extract from
or something from harm. 2 a person or thing (one record) and mix it into a different
that preserves from harm. 3 Christianity backing track, b to record (a sound) and
the fact or state of being saved from the in- feed it into a computerized synthesizer so
fluence or consequences of sin. that it can be reproduced at any pitch,
sampling n
Salvation Army n a Christian body organ-
ized on military lines for working among sampler n 1 a piece of embroidery done to
the poor and spreading the Christian faith. show the embroiderer’s skill in using many
different stitches. 2 Music a piece of elec-
salve n 1 an ointment for wounds. 2 any- tronic equipment used for sampling.
thing that heals or soothes. -vb salving,
salved 3 salve one’s conscience to do Samson n a man' of outstanding physical
something in order to feel less guilty. strength.
salver n a tray, usually a silver one, on samurai n, pl -rai a member of the aristo-
which something is presented. cratic warrior caste of feudal Japan.
salvia n any small plant or shrub of the sage sanatorium or US sanitarium n, pl -riums or
genus. -ria 1 an institution providing medical
treatment and rest for invalids or
salvo n, pl -vos or -voes 1 a simultaneous convalescents. 2 Brit a room in a boarding
discharge of guns in battle or on a ceremo- school where sick pupils may be treated.
nial occasion. 2 an outburst of applause or
questions. sanctify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make
holy. 2 to free from sin. 3 to approve (an ac-
sal volatile (sal vol-at-ill-ee) n a solution of tion or practice) as religiously binding: she
ammonium carbonate, used as smelling is trying to make amends for her marriage
salts. not being sanctified, sanctification n
SAM surface-to-air missile. sanctimonious adj pretending to be very re-
Samaritan n 1 short for Good Samaritan. 2 ligious and virtuous.
a member of a voluntary organization (the sanction n 1 permission granted by author-
Samaritans) whose aim is to help people in ity: official sanction. 2 support or approval:
distress or despair. they could not exist without his sanction. 3
samarium n Chem a silvery metallic element something that gives binding force to a law,
of the rare-earth series. Symbol: Sm such as a penalty for breaking it or a re-
samba n, pl-bas 1 a lively Brazilian dance. 2 ward for obeying it. 4 sanctions coercive
music for this dance. measures, such as boycotts and trade em-
same adj (usually preceded by the) 1 being bargoes, taken by one or more states
the very one: she is wearing the same hat. 2 against another guilty of violating interna-
being the one previously referred to: it tional law. -vb 5 to officially approve of
causes problems for the same reason. 3 or allow: they do not want to sanction di-
alike in kind or quantity: the same age. 4 rect payments. 6 to confirm or ratify.
unchanged in character or nature: his atti- sanctity n the quality of something consid-
tude is the same as ever. 5 all the same or ered so holy or important it must be re-
just the same nevertheless; even so. 6 be spected totally: the sanctity of the Sabbath;
all the same to be a matter of indifference: the sanctity of marriage.
it was all the same to me. -adv 7 in the sanctuary n, pf-aries 1 a holy place, such as
sanctum 723 sap
a consecrated building or shrine. 2 the part tween them. ~vb 2 to place between two
of a church nearest the main altar. 3 a place other things: shops sandwiched between
of refuge or protection for someone who is flats.
being chased or hunted. 4 refuge or safety: sandwich board n one of two connected
the sanctuary of your own home. 5 a place, boards that are hung over the shoulders in
protected by law, where animals can live front of and behind a person to display ad-
and breed without interference. vertisements.
sanctum n, pl -turns or-ta 1 a sacred or holy sandwich course n an educational course
place. 2 a room or place of total privacy. consisting of alternate periods of study and
sand n 1 a powdery substance consisting of industrial work.
very small rock or mineral grains, found on sandy ad/' sandier, sandiest 1 resembling,
the seashore and in deserts. 2 sands a large containing, or covered with sand. 2 (of hair)
sandy area, esp. on the seashore or in a de- reddish-yellow, sandiness n
sert. ~vb 3 to smooth or polish the surface sane adj 1 having a normal healthy mind. 2
of (something) with sandpaper or a sander. sensible or well-judged: sane advice.
4 to fill with sand: the channel sanded up.
sang vb the past tense of sing.
sandal n a light shoe consisting of a sole
held on the foot by thongs or straps, san- sang-froid (sahng-frwah) n composure and
dalled or US sandaled adj calmness in a difficult situation.
sandalwood n 1 the hard light-coloured sangoma (sang-go-ma) n S African a witch
wood of a S Asian or Australian tree, which doctor.
is used for carving and for incense, and sangria n a Spanish drink of red wine,
which yields an aromatic oil used in per- sugar, and orange or lemon juice.
fumes. 2 a tree yielding this wood. sanguinary adj Formal 1 (of a battle or
sandbag n 1 a sack filled with sand used to fight) involving much violence and blood-
make a temporary defence against gunfire shed. 2 (of a person) eager to see violence
or flood water. ~vb -bagging, -bagged 2 to and bloodshed. 3 of or stained with blood.
protect or strengthen with sandbags. sanguine adj 1 cheerful and confident. 2 (of
sandbank or sand bar n a bank of sand in a the complexion) ruddy.
sea or river, that may be exposed at low Sanhedrin (san-id-rin) n Judaism the high-
tide. est court and supreme council of the ancient
sandblast n 1 a jet of sand blown from a Jewish nation.
nozzle under air or steam pressure. ~vb 2 sanitary adj 1 promoting health by getting
to clean or decorate (a surface) with a rid of dirt and germs. 2 free from dirt or
sandblast, sandblaster n germs; hygienic.
sandboy n happy as a sandboy very happy, sanitary towel or esp US napkin n a pad
sand castle n a model of a castle made from worn externally by women during men-
sand. struation to absorb the flow of blood.
sander n a power-driven tool for smoothing sanitation n 1 the use of sanitary measures
surfaces, removing layers of paint from to maintain public health. 2 drainage and
walls, etc. disposal of sewage.
sandman n, pl -men (in folklore) a magical sanity n 1 the state of having a normal
person supposed to put children to sleep by healthy mind. 2 good sense or soundness of
sprinkling sand in their eyes. judgment.
sand martin n a small brown European sank vb a past tense of sink.
songbird which nests in tunnels bored in sans-culotte (sanz-kew-lot) n a revolution-
sand or river banks. ary extremist.
sandpaper n 1 a strong paper coated with Sanskrit n the classical literary language of
sand or other abrasive material for smooth- India, used since ancient times for religious
ing or polishing a surface. ~vb 2 to smooth purposes. Sanskritic adj
or polish (a surface) with sandpaper. Santa Claus n the legendary patron saint of
sandpiper n a wading shore bird with a long children, who brings presents to children on
bill and slender legs. Christmas Eve, commonly identified with
sandpit n a shallow pit or container holding Saint Nicholas.
sand for children to play in. sap1 n 1 a thin liquid that circulates in a
sandshoes pl n light canvas shoes with plant, carrying food and water. 2 Slang a
rubber soles. gullible person. ~vb sapping, sapped 3 to
sandstone n a sedimentary rock consisting drain of sap.
mainly of sand grains, much used in build- -sap2 vb sapping, sapped 1 to weaken or ex-
ing. haust the strength or confidence of. 2 to
sandstorm n a strong wind that whips up undermine (an enemy position) by digging
clouds of sand, esp. in a desert. saps. ~n 3 a deep and narrow trench used
sandwich n 1 two or more slices of bread, to approach or undermine an enemy posi-
usually buttered, with a layer of food be- tion.
sapient 724 satinwood
sapient (say-pee-ent) adj Often used ironi- from the roots of a tropical American climb-
cally having great wisdom or sound judg- ing plant.
ment. sapience n sartorial adj Formal of men’s clothes or tai-
sapling n a young tree. loring: sartorial elegance.
saponify vb -fies, -fying, -fied Chem to con- SAS Special Air Service.
vert (a fat) into a soap by treatment with sash1 n a long piece of cloth worn around
alkali, saponification n the waist or over one shoulder, usu. as a
sapper n 1 a soldier who digs trenches. 2 (in symbol of rank.
the British Army) a private of the Royal sash2 n 1 a frame that contains the panes of
Engineers. a window or door. 2 a complete frame to-
sapphire n 1 a transparent blue precious gether with panes of glass.
stone. -adj 2 deep blue. sashay vb Informal to move or walk in a
sappy adj -pier, -piest (of plants) full of casual or a showy manner: the models
sap. sashayed down the catwalk.
saprophyte n Biol any plant, such as a fun- sash cord n a strong cord connecting a
gus, that lives and feeds on dead organic weight to the sliding half of a sash window.
matter. sashimi (sah-shee-mee) n a Japanese dish of
sarabande or saraband n 1 a stately slow thin fillets of raw fish.
Spanish dance. 2 music for this dance. sash window n a window consisting of two
Saracen n 1 an Arab or Muslim who op- sashes placed one above the other so that
posed the Crusades, -adj 2 of the the window can be opened by sliding one
Saracens. frame over the front of the other.
sarcasm n 1 mocking or ironic language in- Sask. Saskatchewan.
tended to insult someone. 2 the use or tone sassafras n a tree of North America, with
of such language. aromatic bark used medicinally and as a
sarcastic adj 1 full of or showing sarcasm. 2 flavouring.
tending to use sarcasm: a sarcastic critic. Sassenach n Scot & occasionally Irish an
sarcastically adv English person.
sarcoma n Pathol a malignant tumour be- sat vb the past of sit.
ginning in connective tissue. Sat. Saturday.
sarcophagus (sahr-koff-a-guss) n, pl -gi Satan n the Devil.'
(-guy) or-guses a stone or marble coffin or
tomb, esp. one bearing sculpture or Satanic adj 1 of Satan. 2 supremely evil or
inscriptions. wicked.
sardine n, pl-dine or-dines 1 a small fish of Satanism n the worship of Satan. Satanist
the herring family, often preserved in tight- n, adj
ly packed tins. 2 like sardines very closely satchel n a small bag, usually with a shoul-
crowded together. der strap, used for carrying school books.
sardonic adj (of behaviour) mocking or sate vb sating, sated to satisfy (a desire or
scornful, sardonically adv appetite) fully.
sardonyx n a type of gemstone with alter- satellite n 1 a man-made device orbiting the
nating reddish-brown and white parallel earth or another planet, used in communi-
bands. cations or to collect scientific information. 2
sargassum n a floating brown seaweed with a heavenly body orbiting a planet or star:
long stringy fronds containing air sacs. the earth is a satellite of the sun. 3 a coun-
sarge n Informal sergeant.
try controlled by or dependent on a more
powerful one. -adj 4 of, used in, or relat-
sari or saree n, pl -ris or -rees the tradition- ing to the transmission of television signals
al dress of Hindu women, consisting of a from a satellite to the home: satellite TV; a
very long piece of cloth swathed around the satellite dish.
body with one end over the shoulder. satiate (say-she-ate) vb -ating, -ated to
sarking n Scot, N English, & NZ flat plank- provide with more than enough, so as to
ing supporting the roof cladding of a build- disgust or weary: enough cakes to satiate
ing. several children, satiable adj satiation n
sarky adj -kier, -kiest Brit informal sarcas- satiety (sat-tie-a-tee) n Formal the feeling
tic. of having had too much.
sarmie n S African children’s slang a sand- satin n 1 a fabric, usually made from silk or
wich. rayon, closely woven to give a smooth
sarnie n S English informal a sandwich. glossy surface on one side, -adj 2 like satin
sarong n a garment worn by Malaysian men in texture: satin polyurethane varnish, sat-
and women, consisting of a long piece of iny adj
cloth tucked around the waist or under the satinwood n 1 a hard wood with a satiny
armpits. texture, used in fine furniture. 2 the East
sarsaparilla n a nonalcoholic drink prepared Indian tree yielding this wood.
satire 725 save
satire n 1 the use of ridicule to expose in- its flavour. 2 anything that adds interest or
competence, evil, or corruption. 2 a play, zest. 3 Informal impudent language or be-
novel, or poem containing satire, satirical haviour.
adj sauce boat n a boat-shaped container for
satirist n 1 a writer of satire. 2 a person who serving sauce.
uses satire. saucepan n a metal pan with a long handle
satirize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or -rising, and often a lid, used for cooking food.
-rised to ridicule (a person or thing) by saucer n 1 a small round dish on which a
means of satire, satirization or -risation n cup is set. 2 something shaped like a saucer,
satisfaction n 1 the pleasure obtained from saucerful n
the fulfilment of a desire. 2 something that saucy adj saucier, sauciest 1 cheeky or
brings fulfilment: craft workers get satis- slightly rude in an amusing and light-
faction from their work. 3 compensation or hearted way. 2 jaunty and boldly smart: a
an apology for a wrong done: consumers saucy hat. sauciness n
unable to get satisfaction from the gas sauerkraut n a German dish of finely shred-
board. ded pickled cabbage.
satisfactory adj 1 adequate or acceptable. 2 sault (soo) n Canad a waterfall or rapids,
giving satisfaction, satisfactorily adv sauna n 1 a Finnish-style hot steam bath,
satisfy vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to fulfil the usually followed by a cold plunge. 2 the
desires or needs of (a person): his answer place in which such a bath is taken.
didn't satisfy me. 2 to provide sufficiently saunter vb 1 to walk in a leisurely manner;
for (a need or desire): to satisfy public de- stroll. ~n 2 a leisurely pace or stroll.
mand. 3 to convince: that trip did seem to saurian adj of or resembling a lizard,
satisfy her that he was dead. 4 to fulfil the
requirements of: unable to satisfy the con- sausage n 1 finely minced meat mixed with
ditions set by the commission, satisfiable fat, cereal, and seasonings, in a tube-shaped
adj satisfying adj casing. 2 an object shaped like a sausage. 3
not a sausage Informal nothing at all.
satrap n (in ancient Persia) a provincial
governor or subordinate ruler. sausage dog n Informal same as dachs-
hund.
SATs standard assessment tasks.
sausage roll n Brit a roll of sausage meat in
satsuma n a small loose-skinned variety of pastry.
orange with easily separable segments.
saute (so-tay) vb -teing or -teeing, -teed 1
saturate vb -rating, -rated 1 to soak com- to fry (food) quickly in a little fat. ~n 2 a
pletely. 2 to fill so completely that no more dish of sauteed food, -adj 3 sauteed until
can be added: saturating the area with their lightly brown: saute potatoes.
men. 3 Chem to combine (a substance) or (of Sauternes (so-turn) n a sweet white wine
a substance) to be combined with the great- produced in the southern Bordeaux district
est possible amount of another substance.
of France.
saturation n 1 the process or state that oc- savage adj 1 wild and untamed: savage ti-
curs when one substance is filled so full of gers. 2 fierce and cruel: savage cries. 3 (of
another substance that no more can be peoples) uncivilized or primitive: savage
added. 2 Mil the use of very heavy force, tribes. 4 rude, crude, and violent: savage
esp. bombing, against an area. behaviour on the terraces. 5 (of terrain)
saturation point n 1 the point at which the wild and uncultivated. -n 6 a member of
maximum amount of a substance has been an uncivilized or primitive society. 7 a
absorbed. 2 the point at which some capac- fierce or vicious person, —vb -aging, -aged
ity is at its fullest; limit: the market is close 8 to attack ferociously and wound: savaged
to saturation point. by a wild dog. 9 to criticize extremely se-
Saturday n the seventh day of the week. verely: savaged by the press for incompe-
Saturn n 1 the Roman god of agriculture. 2 tence. savagely adv
the sixth planet from the sun, second larg- savagery n, pl -ries viciousness and cruelty,
est in the solar system, around which re- savannah or savanna n open grasslands,
volve concentric rings. usually with scattered bushes or trees, in
Saturnalia n, pl -lia or -lias 1 the ancient Africa.
Roman festival of Saturn, renowned for its savant n a very wise and knowledgeable
unrestrained revelry. 2 saturnalia a wild man. savante fem n
party or orgy. save1 vb saving, saved 1 to rescue or pre-
saturnine adj having a gloomy temperament serve (a person or thing) from danger or
or appearance. _harm. 2 to avoid the spending, waste, or
satyr n 1 Greek myth a woodland god repre- loss of (something): an appeal on television
sented as having a man’s body with the for the public to save energy. 3 to set aside
ears, horns, tail, and legs of a goat. 2 a man or reserve (money or goods) for future use:
. who has strong sexual desires. I’m saving for a vintage Mercedes. 4 to treat
sauce n 1 a liquid added to food to enhance with care so as to preserve. 5 to prevent the
save 726 scab
necessity for: a chance saved him from hav- saw2 vb the past tense of see1.
ing to make up his mind. 6 Sport to prevent saw3 n Old-fashioned a wise saying or prov-
(a goal) by stopping (a ball or puck). 7 erb.
Christianity to free (someone) from the in- sawdust n particles of wood formed by saw-
fluence or consequences of sin. —n 8 Sport ing.
the act of saving a goal. 9 Computers an in-
struction to write information from the sawfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a sharklike ray
memory onto a tape or disk, savable or with a long toothed snout resembling a saw.
saveable adj saver n sawmill n a factory where timber is sawn
save2 Old-fashioned -prep 1 (often foil, by into planks.
for) with the exception of: the stage was sawn vb a past participle of saw1.
empty save for a single chair, —conj 2 but. sawn-off or esp US sawed-off adj (of a
save as you earn n (in Britain) a savings shotgun) having the barrel cut short to
scheme operated by the government, in make concealment of the weapon easier.
which regular deposits are made into a sav- sawyer n a person who saws timber for a
ings account from a salary. living.
saveloy n a highly seasoned smoked sausage sax n Informal short for saxophone,
made from salted pork. saxifrage n an alpine rock plant with small
saving n 1 preservation from destruction or white, yellow, purple, or pink flowers.
danger. 2 a reduction in the amount of time Saxon n 1 a member of a West Germanic
or money used. 3 savings money saved for people who raided and settled parts of Brit-
future use. —adj 4 tending to rescue or pre- ain in the fifth and sixth centuries a d . 2 any
serve. -prep 5 with the exception of. of the West Germanic dialects spoken by
saving grace n a good quality in a person the ancient Saxons, -adj 3 of the ancient
that prevents him or her from being entire- Saxons or their language.
ly bad or worthless. saxophone n a brass wind instrument with
saviour or US savior n a person who rescues keys and a curved metal body, saxopho-
another person or a thing from danger or nist n
harm. say vb saying, said 1 to speak or utter. 2 to
Saviour or US Savior n Christianity Jesus express (an idea) in words: I can’t say what
Christ, regarded as the saviour of people I feel. 3 to state^(an opinion or fact) posi-
from sin. tively: I say you 'are wrong. 4 to indicate or
savoir-faire (sav-wahr-fair) n the ability to show: the clock says ten to nine. 5 to recite:
say and do the right thing in any situation. to say grace. 6 to report or allege: they say
savory n, pl -vories an aromatic plant we shall have rain today. 7 to suppose as an
whose leaves are used in cooking. example or possibility: let us say that he is
savour or US savor vb 1 to enjoy and appre- lying. 8 to convey by means of artistic ex-
ciate (food or drink) slowly. 2 to enjoy (a pression: what does the artist have to say in
pleasure) for as long as possible: an experi- this picture? 9 to make a case for: there is
ence to be savoured. 3 savour of a to have a much to be said for it. 10 go without say-
suggestion of: that could savour of ostenta- ing to be so obvious as to need no explana-
tion. b to possess the taste or smell of: the tion. 11 to say the least at the very least.
vegetables savoured of coriander, —n 4 the —adv 12 approximately: there were, say,
taste or smell of something. 5 a slight but 20 people present. 13 for example: choose a
distinctive quality or trace. number, say, four. ~n 14 the right or
chance to speak: the opposition has hardly
savoury or US savory adj 1 salty or spicy: had a say in these affairs. 15 authority, esp.
savoury foods. 2 attractive to the sense of to influence a decision: he has a lot of say.
taste or smell. 3 pleasant or acceptable: one
of the book’s less savoury characters, —n, SAYE (in Britain) save as you earn.
pl -ries 4 Chiefly Brit a savoury dish served saying n a well-known phrase or sentence
before or after a meal, savouriness or US expressing a belief or a truth.
savoriness n Sb Chem antimony.
savoy n a cabbage with a compact head and Sc Chem scandium.
wrinkled leaves. SC 1 South Carolina. 2 Austral & NZ School
savvy Slang -vb -vies, -vying, -vied 1 to Certificate; a certificate awarded to sec-
understand. ~n 2 understanding or com- ondary school pupils who have passed pub-
mon sense. lic exams.
saw1 n 1 a cutting tool with a toothed metal scab n 1 the dried crusty surface of a heal-
blade or edge, either operated by hand or ing skin wound or sore. 2 Disparaging a
powered by electricity, -vb sawing, person who refuses to support a trade un-
sawed; sawed or sawn 2 to cut with or as if ion’s actions, and continues to work during
with a saw. 3 to form by sawing. 4 to move a strike. 3 a contagious disease of sheep,
(an object) from side to side as if moving a caused by a mite. 4 a fungal disease of
saw. plants, -vb scabbing, scabbed 5 to be-
scabbard 727 scant
come covered with a scab. 6 Disparaging to scalene adj Maths (of a triangle) having all
work as a scab. sides of unequal length.
scabbard n a holder for a sword or dagger, scallion n a spring onion.
scabby adj -bier, -biest 1 Pathol covered scallop n 1 an edible marine mollusc with
with scabs. 2 Informal mean or despicable, two fluted fan-shaped shells. 2 a single
scabbiness n shell of this mollusc. 3 one of a series of
scabies (skay-beez) n a contagious skin in- small curves along an edge, scalloping n
fection caused by a mite, characterized by scalloped adj decorated with small curves
intense itching. along the edge.
scabious (skay-bee-uss) n a plant with scallywag n Informal a badly behaved but
showy blue, red, or whitish dome-shaped likeable person; rascal.
flower heads. scalp n 1 Anat the skin and hair covering
scabrous (skay-bruss) adj 1 rough and the top of the head. 2 (formerly among
scaly. 2 indecent or crude: scabrous stand- North American Indians) a part of this re-
up comedy. moved as a trophy from a slain enemy.
-vb 3 to cut the scalp from.
scaffold n 1 a temporary framework used to
support workmen and materials during the scalpel n a small surgical knife with a very
construction or repair of a building. 2 a sharp thin blade.
raised wooden platform on which criminals scam n Slang a stratagem for gain; a
are hanged; gallows. swindle.
scaffolding n 1 a scaffold or scaffolds. 2 the scamp n a mischievous person, esp. a child,
building materials used to make scaffolds. scamper vb 1 to run about hurriedly or
scalar Maths ~n 1 a quantity, such as time
quickly, —n 2 the act of scampering.
or temperature, that has magnitude but not scampi n large prawns, usually eaten fried
direction, —adj 2 having magnitude but not in breadcrumbs.
direction. scan vb scanning, scanned 1 to scrutinize
scald vb 1 to burn with hot liquid or steam. carefully. 2 to glance over quickly. 3 Proso-
2 to sterilize with boiling water. 3 to heat (a dy to analyse (verse) by examining its
liquid) almost to boiling point. ~n 4 a burn rhythmical structure. 4 Prosody (of a line
caused by scalding. or verse) to be metrically correct. 5 to ex-
amine or search (an area) by systematically
scale1 n 1 one of the thin flat overlapping moving a beam of light or electrons, or a
plates covering the bodies of fishes and rep- radar or sonar beam over it. 6 Med to obtain
tiles. 2 a thin flat piece or flake. 3 a coating an image of (a part of the body) by means
which sometimes forms in kettles and hot- of ultrasound or a scanner, —n 7 an in-
water pipes in areas where the water is stance of scanning.
hard. 4 tartar formed on the teeth, —vb scandal n 1 a disgraceful action or event:
scaling, scaled 5 to remove the scales or the chairman resigned after a loans scandal.
coating from. 6 to peel off in flakes or 2 shame or outrage arising from a disgrace-
scales. 7 to cover or become covered with ful action or event: the figures were a na-
scales, scaly adj tional scandal. 3 malicious gossip, scan-
scale2 n 1 (often pl) a machine or device for dalous adj scandalously adv
weighing. 2 one of the pans of a balance. 3 scandalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
tip the scales to have a decisive influence. -ised to shock or be shocked by improper
4 tip the scales at to amount in weight to. behaviour.
scale3 n 1 a sequence of marks at regular in- scandalmonger n a person who spreads or
tervals, used as a reference in making enjoys scandal or gossip.
measurements. 2 a measuring instrument Scandinavian adj 1 of Scandinavia (Nor-
with such a scale. 3 the ratio between the way, Sweden, Denmark, and often Finland,
size of something real and that of a repre- Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands), —n 2 a
sentation of it: the map has a scale of person from Scandinavia. 3 the northern
1:10 000. 4 a series of degrees or graded sys- group of Germanic languages, consisting of
tem of things: the Western wage scale for Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and
the same work. 5 a relative degree or ex- Faeroese.
tent: growing flowers on a very small
scandium n Chem a rare silvery-white me-
scale. 6 Music a sequence of notes taken in tallic element. Symbol: Sc
ascending or descending order, esp. within
one octave. 7 Maths the notation of a scanner n 1 an aerial or similar device de-
given number system: the decimal scale, signed to transmit or receive signals, esp.
-vb scaling, scaled 8 to climb to the top of radar signals. 2 a device used in medical di-
(an object or height): the men scaled a wall. ‘ agnosis to obtain an image of an internal
9 scale up or down to increase or reduce organ or part.
proportionately in size: the wing resembled scansion n the metrical scanning of verse,
that of a DC-3 scaled up to a span exceed- scant adj scarcely sufficient: some issues
ing 138 ft; the search was scaled down. will get scant attention.
scanty 728 scent
scanty adj scantier, scantiest barely suf- Fortifications the side of a ditch cut nearest
ficient or not sufficient. scantily adv to a rampart.
scantiness n scarper vb Brit slang to run away or escape,
scapegoat n a person made to bear the scarves n a plural of scarf1.
blame for others. scary adj scarier, scariest Informal quite
scapula (skap-pew-la) n, pl -lae (-lee) the frightening.
technical name for shoulder blade. scat1 vb scatting, scatted Informal to go
scapular adj 1 Anat of the scapula. ~n 2 a away in haste.
loose sleeveless garment worn by monks scat2 n 1 a type of jazz singing using impro-
over their habits. vised vocal sounds instead of words, -vb
scar1 n 1 a mark left on the skin following scatting, scatted 2 to sing jazz in this way.
the healing of a wound. 2 a permanent ef- scathing adj harshly critical: a scathing re-
fect on a person’s character resulting from view of the play, scathingly adv
emotional distress. 3 a mark on a plant scatology n preoccupation with obscenity,
where a leaf was formerly attached. 4 a esp. with references to excrement, scato-
mark of damage. ~vb scarring, scarred 5 logical adj
to mark or become marked with a scar.
scatter vb 1 to throw about in various direc-
scar2 n a bare craggy rock formation, tions: scatter some oatmeal on top of the
scarab n 1 the black dung-beetle, regarded cake. 2 to separate and move in various di-
by the ancient Egyptians as divine. 2 an rections; disperse: the infantry were scat-
image or carving of this beetle. tering. ~n 3 the act of scattering. 4 a num-
scarce adj 1 insufficient to meet the de- ber of objects scattered about.
mand: scarce water resources. 2 not com- scatterbrain n a person who is incapable of
mon; rarely found. 3 make oneself scarce serious thought or concentration, scatter-
Informal to go away, —adv 4 Archaic or brained adj
literary scarcely. scatty adj -tier, -tiest Brit informal rather
scarcely adv 1 hardly at all. 2 Often used absent-minded, scattiness n
ironically probably or definitely not: that is scavenge vb -enging, -enged to search for
scarcely justification for your actions. (anything usable) among discarded ma-
► As scarcely has a negative sense it is fol- terial.
lowed by ever or any (not never or no).
scavenger n 1 a person who collects things
scarcity n, pi-ties an inadequate supply,
discarded by others. 2 any animal that
scare vb scaring, scared 1 to frighten or be feeds on discarded or decaying matter.
frightened. 2 scare away or off to drive SCE (in Scotland) Scottish Certificate of
away by frightening. ~n 3 a sudden attack Education.
of fear or alarm: you gave me a scare. 4 a
period of general fear or alarm: the latest scenario n, pl -narios 1 a summary of the
AIDS scare. plot and characters of a play or film. 2 an
scarecrow n 1 an object, usually in the imagined sequence of future events: the
shape of a man, made out of sticks and old likeliest scenario is another general elec-
clothes, to scare birds away from crops. 2 tion.
Informal a raggedly dressed person. scene n 1 the place where an action or
scaremonger n a person who starts or event, real or imaginary, occurs. 2 an inci-
spreads rumours of disaster to frighten dent or situation, real or imaginary, esp. as
people, scaremongering n described or represented. 3 a division of an
act of a play, in which the setting is fixed
scarf1 n, pl scarves or scarfs a piece of ma- and the action is continuous. 4 Films a shot
terial worn around the head, neck, or or series of shots that constitutes a unit of
shoulders. the action. 5 the backcloths or screens used
scarf2 n, pl scarfs 1 a joint between two to represent a location in a play or film set.
pieces of timber made by notching the ends 6 the view of a place or landscape. 7 a dis-
and strapping or gluing the two pieces to- play of emotion or loss of temper in public:
gether. -vb 2 to join (two pieces of timber) you do not want to cause a scene. 8 Infor-
by means of a scarf. mal a particular activity or aspect of life,
scarify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 Surgery to and all the things associated with it: tbe
make slight incisions in (the skin). 2 Agri- club scene. 9 behind the scenes a back-
culture to break up and loosen (topsoil). 3 stage. b in secret or in private.
to criticize without mercy, scarification n scenery n, pi-eries 1 the natural features of
scarlatina n the technical name for scarlet a landscape. 2 Theatre the painted back-
fever. cloths or screens used to represent a loca-
scarlet adj bright red. tion in a theatre or studio.
scarlet fever n an acute contagious disease scenic adj 1 of or having beautiful natural
characterized by fever, a sore throat, and a scenery: untouched scenic areas. 2 of the
red rash on the body. stage or stage scenery: scenic artists.
scarp n 1 a steep slope or ridge of rock. 2 scent n 1 a distinctive smell, esp. a pleasant
sceptic 729 schooner
one. 2 a smell left in passing, by which a Informal behaviour that seems to be moti-
person or animal may be traced. 3 a trail or vated by contradictory or conflicting prin-
series of clues by which something is fol- ciples. schizophrenic adj, n
lowed: he must have got on to the scent of schmaltz n excessive sentimentality, esp. in
the story through you. 4 perfume. -vb 5 to music, schmaltzy adj
become aware of by smelling. 6 to suspect: schnapps n a strong dry alcoholic drink dis-
he scented the beginnings of irritation in tilled from potatoes.
the car. 7 to fill with odour or fragrance, schnitzel n a thin slice of meat, esp. veal,
scented adj
scholar n 1 a person who studies an academ-
sceptic or US skeptic (skep-tik) n 1 a per- ic subject. 2 a student who has a scholar-
son who habitually doubts generally ac- ship. 3 a pupil, scholarly adj
cepted beliefs. 2 a person who doubts the
truth of a religion, sceptical or US skepti- scholarship n 1 academic achievement;
cal adj sceptically or US skeptically adv learning gained by serious study. 2 finan-
scepticism or US skepticism n cial aid provided for a scholar because of
academic merit.
sceptre or US scepter n an ornamental rod
symbolizing royal power, sceptred or US scholastic adj 1 of schools, scholars, or edu-
sceptered adj cation. 2 of or relating to scholasticism, —n
3 a scholarly person. 4 a disciple or adher-
Schadenfreude (shah-den-froy-da) n one ent of scholasticism.
person’s delight in another’s misfortune. scholasticism n the system of philosophy,
schedule n 1 a timed plan of procedure for a theology, and teaching that dominated me-
project. 2 a list of details or items: the dieval Europe and was based on the writ-
schedule of priorities. 3 a timetable. -vb ings of Aristotle.
-uling, -uled 4 to plan and arrange (some- school1 n 1 a place where children are edu-
thing) to happen at a certain time. 5 to cated. 2 the staff and pupils of a school. 3 a
make a schedule or include in a schedule. regular session of instruction in a school:
schema n, pl -mata an outline of a plan or we stayed behind after school. 4 a faculty
theory. or department specializing in a particular
schematic adj presented as a diagram or subject: the dental school. 5 a place or
plan, schematically adv sphere of activity that instructs: the school
schematize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or of hard knocks. 6 a group of artists, writ-
-tising, -tised to form into or arrange in a ers, or thinkers, linked by the same style,
systematic arrangement or plan. teachers, or methods. 7 Informal a group
scheme n 1 a systematic plan for a course of assembled for a common purpose, such as
action. 2 a systematic arrangement of parts gambling: a card school, —vb 8 to educate
or features: colour scheme. 3 a secret plot. 4 or train: she schooled herself to be as ambi-
a chart, diagram, or outline. 5 Chiefly Brit a tious as her sister.
plan formally adopted by a government school2 n a group of sea-living animals that
or organization: a pension scheme. -vb swim together, such as fish, whales, or dol-
scheming, schemed 6 to plan in an under- phins.
hand manner, schemer n scheming adj, n schoolboy n a boy attending school,
scherzo (skairt-so) n, pl -zos a quick lively schooled adj schooled in trained or educat-
piece of music, often the second or third ed in: well schooled in history.
movement in a sonata or symphony. schoolgirl n a girl attending school,
schilling n the standard monetary unit of schoolhouse n 1 a building used as a school.
Austria. 2 a house attached to a school.
schism (skizz-um) n the division of a group, schooling n the education a person receives
esp. a religious group, into opposing fac- at school.
tions, due to differences in doctrine, schoolmarm n Informal 1 a woman school-
schismatic adj teacher. 2 a woman who is old-fashioned
schist (skist) n a crystalline rock which and easily shocked by bad language or ref-
splits into thin layers. erences to sex.
schizo (skit-so) Offensive -adj 1 schizo- schoolmaster or fem schoolmistress n a
phrenic. —n, pl -os 2 a schizophrenic per- person who teaches in or runs a school.
son. schoolteacher n a person who teaches in a
schizoid adj 1 Psychol having a personality school.
disorder characterized by extreme shyness school year n 1 a twelve-month period,
and extreme sensitivity. 2 Informal charac- usually of three terms, during which pupils
terized by conflicting or contradictory ideas remain in the same class. 2 the time during
or attitudes, —n 3 a person who has a this period when the school is open.
schizoid personality. schooner n 1 a sailing ship with at least two
schizophrenia n 1 a psychotic disorder masts, one at the back and one at the front.
characterized by withdrawal from reality, 2 Brit a large glass for sherry. 3 US, Canad,
hallucinations, or emotional instability. 2 Austral, & NZ a large glass for beer.
schottische 730 score
schottische n 1 a 19th-century German harsh or abusive language. ~n 3 a person,
dance resembling a slow polka. 2 music for esp. a woman, who constantly scolds,
this dance. scolding n
schuss (shooss) n Skiing a straight high- scollop n, vb same as scallop.
speed downhill run. sconce n a bracket fixed to a wall for hold-
sciatic adj 1 Anat of the hip or the hipbone. ing candles or lights.
2 of or afflicted with sciatica. scone n a small plain cake baked in an oven
sciatica n severe pain in the large nerve in or on a griddle.
the back of the leg. scoop n 1 a spoonlike tool with a deep bowl,
science n 1 the study of the nature and be- used for handling loose or soft materials
haviour of the physical universe, based on such as flour or ice cream. 2 the deep shovel
observation, experiment, and measurement. of a mechanical digger. 3 the amount taken
2 the knowledge obtained by these methods. up by a scoop. 4 the act of scooping or
3 any particular branch of this knowledge: dredging. 5 a news story reported in one
medical science. 4 any body of knowledge newspaper before all the others. ~vb 6
organized in a way resembling that of the (often foil, by up) to take up and remove
physical sciences but concerned with other (something) with or as if with a scoop. 7
subjects: political science. scoop out to hollow out with or as if with a
science fiction n stories and films that scoop. 8 to beat (rival newspapers) in re-
make imaginative use of scientific knowl- porting a news item.
edge or theories. scoot vb to leave or move quickly.
science park n an area where scientific re- scooter n 1 a child’s small cycle which is
search and commercial development are ridden by pushing the ground with one foot.
carried on in cooperation. 2 a light motorcycle with a small engine.
scientific adj 1 relating to science or a par- scope n 1 opportunity for using abilities:
ticular science: scientific discovery. 2 done ample scope for creative work. 2 range of
in a systematic way, using experiments or view or grasp: that is outside my scope. 3
tests, scientifically adv the area covered by an activity or topic: the
scientist n a person who studies or practises scope of his essay was vast.
a science. scorbutic (score-byewt-ik) adj of or having
sci-fi n short for science fiction. scurvy.
scimitar n a curved oriental sword. scorch vb 1 to bdrn or become burnt slightly
on the surface. 2 to parch or shrivel from
scintilla (sin-till-a) n a very small amount; heat. 3 Informal to criticize harshly. ~n 4 a
hint or trace. slight burn. 5 a mark caused by the applica-
scintillate vb -lating, -lated to give off tion of excessive heat, scorching adj
(sparks); sparkle, scintillation n scorcher n Informal a very hot day.
scintillating adj (of conversation or humour) score n 1 the total number of points made
very lively and amusing. by a side or individual in a game. 2 the act
scion (sy-on) n 1 a descendant or young of scoring a point or points: there was no
member of a family. 2 a shoot of a plant for score and three minutes remained. 3 the
grafting onto another plant. score Informal the actual situation: what’s
scissors pl n a cutting instrument held in the score on this business? 4 Old-fashioned
one hand, with two crossed blades pivoted a group or set of twenty: three score years
so that they close together on what is to be and ten. 5 scores of lots of: we received
cut. scores of letters. 6 Music a written version
sclera (skleer-a) n Biol the tough white sub- of a piece of music showing parts for each
stance that forms the outer covering of the musician. 7 a the incidental music for a film
eyeball. or play, b the songs and music for a stage or
sclerosis (skleer-oh-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) film musical. 8 a mark or scratch. 9 a record
Pathol an abnormal hardening or thickening of money due: what’s the score for the
of body tissues, esp. of the nervous system drinks? 10 an amount recorded as due. 11a
or the inner wall of arteries. reason: some objections were made on the
sclerotic (skleer-rot-ik) adj 1 of or relating score of sentiment. 12 a grievance: a score
to the sclera. 2 of, relating to, or having to settle. 13 over the score Informal exces-
sive or unfair. ~vb scoring, scored 14 to
sclerosis. gain (a point or points) in a game or contest.
scoff1 vb 1 (often foil, by at) to speak in a 15 to make a total score of. 16 to keep a
scornful and mocking way about (some- record of the score (of). 17 to be worth (a
thing). ~n 2 a mocking expression; jeer, certain number of points) in a game: red
scoffing adj, n aces score twenty. 18 to make cuts or lines
scoff2 vb Informal, chiefly Brit to eat (food) in or on. 19 Slang to purchase an illegal
fast and greedily. drug. 20 Slang to succeed in finding a sex-
scold vb 1 to find fault with or rebuke (a ual partner. 21 to arrange (a piece of music)
person) harshly. 2 Old-fashioned to use for specific instruments or voices. 22 to
scoreboard 731 scramble
write the music for (a film or play). 23 to Scottish adj of Scotland.
achieve (success or an advantage): your scoundrel n Old-fashioned a person who
idea scored with the boss. cheats and deceives.
scoreboard n Sport a board for displaying scour1 vb 1 to clean or polish (a surface) by
the score of a game or match. rubbing with something rough. 2 to clear (a
scorecard n 1 a card on which scores are re- channel) by the force of water. ~n 3 the
corded in games such as golf. 2 a card iden- act of scouring, scourer n
tifying the players in a sports match, esp. scour2 vb 1 to search thoroughly and ener-
cricket. getically: he had scoured auction salerooms.
score off vb to make a clever or insulting 2 to move quickly over (land) in search or
reply to what someone has just said: they pursuit.
spent the evening scoring off each other. scourge n 1 a person who or thing that
scorer n 1 a player of a sport who scores a causes affliction or suffering. 2 a whip for-
goal, run, or point: Gooch was the top scor- merly used for punishing people, -vb
er for Essex yet again. 2 a person who scourging, scourged 3 to cause severe suf-
keeps note of the score of a match or com- fering to. 4 to whip.
petition as it is being played. Scouse Brit informal —n 1 a person from
scoria (score-ee-a) n 1 Geol a mass of solidi- Liverpool. 2 the Liverpool dialect, -adj 3
fied lava containing many cavities. 2 refuse of Liverpool, its people, or their dialect.
left after ore has been smelted. scout n 1 Mil a person sent to find out the
scorn n 1 open contempt for a person or position of the enemy. 2 same as talent
thing. -vb 2 to treat with contempt: she scout. 3 the act or an instance of scouting.
attacked the government for scorning her -vb 4 to examine or observe (something)
profession. 3 to refuse to have or do (some- in order to obtain information. 5 scout
thing) because it is felt to be undesirable or about or around to go in search of.
wrong: youths who scorn traditional mor- Scout or scout n a member of the Scout As-
als. scornful adj scornfully adv sociation, an organization for boys which
Scorpio n Astrol the eighth sign of the zodi- aims to develop character and promote out-
ac; the Scorpion. door activities. Scouting n
scorpion n a small lobster-shaped animal scow n an unpowered barge used for carry-
with a sting at the end of a jointed tail. ing freight.
Scot n a person from Scotland. scowl vb 1 to have an angry or bad-
Scot. 1 Scotland. 2 Scottish. tempered facial expression. ~n 2 an angry
scotch vb 1 to put an end to: she had or bad-tempered facial expression.
scotched the idea of bingo in the church. 2 scrabble vb -bling, -bled 1 to scrape at or
to wound without killing. grope for something with hands, feet, or
Scotch1 Not universally accepted -adj 1 claws: scrabbling with his feet to find a
same as Scottish, -pl n 2 the Scotch the foothold. 2 to move one’s hands about in
Scots. order to find something one cannot see:
► Scotch is used only in certain fixed ex- scrabbling in her handbag for a comb.
pressions like Scotch egg. Scrabble n Trademark a board game in
Scotch2 n whisky distilled in Scotland from which words are formed by placing letter
fermented malted barley. tiles in a pattern similar to a crossword
Scotch broth n Brit a thick soup made from puzzle.
mutton or beef stock, vegetables, and pearl scrag n 1 the thin end of a neck of veal or
barley. mutton. 2 a thin or scrawny person or ani-
Scotch egg n Brit a hard-boiled egg encased
mal.
in sausage meat and bread crumbs, and scraggy adj -gier, -giest unpleasantly thin
fried. and bony, scragginess n
Scotch mist n a heavy wet mist or drizzle, scram1 vb scramming, scrammed Informal
to leave very quickly.
scot-free adv, adj without harm or punish-
ment: the real crooks got off scot-free. scram2 n 1 an emergency shutdown of a nu-
clear reactor, —vb scramming, scrammed
Scotland Yard n the headquarters of the po- 2 (of a nuclear reactor) to shut down or be
lice force of metropolitan London. shut down in an emergency.
Scots adj 1 of Scotland. ~n 2 any of the scramble vb -bling, -bled 1 to climb or crawl
English dialects spoken or written in Scot- hurriedly by using the hands to aid move-
land. ment. 2 to go hurriedly or in a disorderly
Scotsman or fem Scotswoman n, pl -men manner. 3 to compete with others in a rough
or-women a person from Scotland. and undignified way: spectators scrambled
Scots pine n 1 a coniferous tree found in for the best seats. 4 to jumble together in a
Europe and Asia, with needle-like leaves haphazard manner. 5 to cook (eggs that
and brown cones. 2 the wood of this tree. have been whisked up with milk) in a pan. 6
Scotticism n a Scottish expression or word. Mil (of a crew or aircraft) to take off quick-
scrambler 732 screw
ly in an emergency. 7 to make (transmitted scratchcard n a ticket that reveals whether
speech) unintelligible by the use of an elec- or not the holder is eligible for a prize when
tronic scrambler. ~n 8 the act of scram- the surface is removed by scratching.
bling. 9 a climb or trek over difficult scratching n Music a sound produced when
ground. 10 a rough and undignified struggle the record groove in contact with the stylus
to gain possession of something. 11 Mil an of a record player is moved back and forth
immediate takeoff of crew or aircraft in an by hand.
emergency. 12 Brit a motorcycle race across scrawl vb 1 to write carelessly or hastily.
rough open ground. —n 2 careless or scribbled writing,
scrambler n an electronic device that makes scrawly adj
broadcast or telephone messages unintelli- scrawny adj scrawnier, scrawniest very
gible without a special receiver. thin and bony, scrawniness n
scrap1 n 1 a small piece of something larger; scream vb 1 to make a sharp piercing cry or
fragment. 2 waste material or used articles, sound because of fear or pain. 2 (of a ma-
often collected and reprocessed. 3 scraps chine) to make a high-pitched noise. 3 to
pieces of leftover food. —vb scrapping, laugh wildly. 4 to utter with a scream: he
scrapped 4 to discard as useless. screamed abuse up into the sky. 5 to be un-
scrap2 Informal ~n 1 a fight or quarrel. pleasantly conspicuous: bad news scream-
-vb scrapping, scrapped 2 to quarrel or ing out from the headlines. ~n 6 a sharp
fight. piercing cry or sound, esp. of fear or pain. 7
scrapbook n a book of blank pages in which Informal a very funny person or thing.
newspaper cuttings or pictures are stuck. scree n a pile of rock fragments at the foot
scrape vb scraping, scraped 1 to move (a of a cliff or hill, often forming a sloping
rough or sharp object) across (a surface). 2 heap.
(often foil, by away or off) to remove (a screech1 n 1 a shrill or high-pitched sound
layer) by rubbing. 3 to produce a grating or cry. —vb 2 to utter a shrill cry.
sound by rubbing against (something else). screechy adj
4 to injure or damage by scraping: he had screech2 n Canad slang 1 a dark rum. 2 any
scraped his knees. 5 scrimp and scrape See strong cheap drink.
scrimp (sense 2). ~n 6 the act or sound of
scraping. 7 a scraped place: a scrape on the screech owl n 1 Brit same as barn owl. 2 a
car door. 8 Informal an awkward or embar- small North American barn owl.
rassing situation. 9 Informal a conflict or screed n a long tiresome speech or piece of
struggle, scraper n writing.
scrape through vb to succeed in or survive screen n 1 the blank surface of a television
with difficulty: both teams had scraped set, VDU, or radar receiver, on which a vis-
through their semifinals. ible image is formed. 2 the white surface on
scrape together or up vb to collect with which films or slides are projected. 3 the
difficulty: he scraped together enough screen the film industry or films collective-
money to travel. ly. 4 a light movable frame, panel, or parti-
scrapheap n on the scrapheap (of people tion used to shelter, divide, or conceal. 5
or things) no longer required: I was tossed anything that shelters, protects, or
on the scrapheap at a very early age. conceals: a screen of leaves blocking out the
sun. 6 a frame containing a mesh that is
scrappy adj -pier, -piest badly organized or used to keep out insects, -vb 7 (sometimes
done: a scrappy draft of a chapter of my foil, by off) to shelter, protect, or conceal
thesis. with or as if with a screen. 8 to test or
scratch vb 1 to mark or cut (the surface of check (an individual or group) so as to as-
something) with a rough or sharp instru- sess suitability for a task or to detect the
ment. 2 (often foil, by at. out, etc.) to tear or presence of a disease or weapons: women
dig with the nails or claws. 3 to scrape (the screened for breast cancer. 9 to show (a
surface of the skin) with the nails to relieve film) in the cinema or show (a programme)
itching. 4 to rub against (the skin) causing a on television.
slight cut. 5 to make or cause to make a screenplay n the script for a film, including
grating sound. 6 (sometimes foil, by out) to instructions for sets and camera work.
erase or cross out. 7 to withdraw from a
race or (in the US) an election. 8 the act screen process n a method of printing by
of scratching. 9 a slight cut on a person’s or forcing ink through a fine mesh of silk or
an animal’s body. 10 a mark made by nylon, some parts of which have been
scratching. 11 a slight grating sound. 12 treated so as not to let the ink pass.
from scratch Informal from the very be- screenwriter n a person who writes
ginning. 13 not up to scratch Informal not screenplays.
up to standard, -adj 14 put together at screw n 1 a metal pin with a spiral ridge
short notice: a scratch team. 15 Sport with along its length, twisted into materials to
no handicap allowed: a scratch golfer. fasten them together. 2 a threaded cylindri-
scratchy adj cal rod that engages with a similarly
screwball 733 scrummage
threaded cylindrical hole. 3 a thread in a looks like handwriting, —vb 6 to write a
cylindrical hole corresponding with the one script for.
on the screw with which it is designed to scripture n the sacred writings of a religion,
engage. 4 anything resembling a screw in scriptural adj
shape. 5 Slang a prison guard. 6 Taboo Scripture n Christianity the Old and New
slang an act of or partner in sexual inter- Testaments.
course. 7 have a screw loose Informal to be
insane. 8 put the screws on Slang to use scriptwriter n a person who writes scripts,
force on or threatening behaviour against. esp. for a film or TV programme, script-
-vb 9 to rotate (a screw or bolt) so as to writing n
drive it into or draw it out of a material. 10 scrofula n No longer in technical use tuber-
to twist or turn: she screwed up the sheet of culosis of the lymphatic glands, scrofulous
paper. 11 to attach or fasten with or as if adj
with a screw or screws. 12 Informal to take scroll n 1 a roll of parchment or paper, usu-
advantage of, esp. illegally: screwed by big ally inscribed with writing. 2 an ancient
business. 13 Informal to distort or contort: book in the form of a roll of parchment, pa-
his face was screwed up in pain. 14 (often pyrus, or paper. 3 a decorative carving or
foil, by out of) Informal to force out of; ex- moulding resembling a scroll, -vb 4 Com-
tort. 15 Taboo slang to have sexual inter- puters to move (text) on a screen in order to
course (with). 16 have one’s head screwed view a section that cannot be fitted into a
on the right way Informal to be sensible. single display.
~See also screw up. Scrooge n a mean or miserly person,
screwball Slang, chiefly US & Canad ~n 1 scrotum n the pouch of skin containing the
an odd or eccentric person, -adj 2 crazy or testicles in most male mammals.
eccentric: a screwball comedy. scrounge vb scrounging, scrounged Infor-
screwdriver n 1 a tool used for turning mal to get (something) by asking for it ra-
screws, consisting of a long thin metal rod ther than buying it or working for it.
with a flattened tip that fits into a slot in scrounger n
the head of the screw. 2 a drink consisting
scrub1 vb scrubbing, scrubbed 1 to rub
of orange juice and vodka. (something) hard in order to clean it. 2 to
screw top n 1 a bottle top that screws onto remove (dirt) by rubbing with a brush and
the bottle, allowing the bottle to be resealed water. 3 scrub up (of a surgeon) to wash
after use. 2 a bottle with such a top. the hands and arms thoroughly before op-
screw up vb 1 Informal to mishandle or erating. 4 Informal to delete or cancel (an
spoil (something): that screws up all my ar- idea or plan), —n 5 the act of scrubbing.
rangements. 2 to twist out of shape or dis- scrub2 n 1 vegetation consisting of stunted
tort. 3 screw up one’s courage to force trees or bushes growing in a dry area. 2 an
oneself to be brave, screwed-up adj area of dry land covered with such vegeta-
screwy adj screwier, screwiest Informal tion. -adj 3 stunted or inferior: scrub
crazy or eccentric. pines.
scribble vb -bling, -bled 1 to write or draw scrubber n 1 Offensive slang a woman who
quickly and roughly. 2 to make meaningless has many sexual partners. 2 a device that
or illegible marks (on). ~n 3 something removes pollutants from the gases that are
written or drawn quickly or roughly. 4 produced when coal is burned industrially.
meaningless or illegible marks, scribbler n scrubby adj -bier, -biest 1 (of land) rough,
scribbly adj
dry, and covered with scrub. 2 (of plants)
scribe n 1 a person who made handwritten stunted. 3 Brit informal shabby or untidy.
copies of manuscripts or documents before
the invention of printing. 2 Bible a recog- scruff1 n the nape of the neck: the sergeant
nized scholar and teacher of the Jewish had him by the scruff of the neck.
Law. scruff 2 n Informal a very untidy person,
scrimmage n 1 a rough or disorderly strug- scruffy adj scruffier, scruffiest dirty and
gle. -vb -maging, -maged 2 to take part in untidy in appearance.
a scrimmage. scrum n 1 Rugby a formation in which play-
scrimp vb 1 to be very sparing in the use of ers from each side form a tight pack and
something: they were scrimping by on the push against each other in an attempt to get
last of the potatoes. 2 scrimp and save or the ball which is thrown on the ground be-
scrape to spend as little money as possible. tween them. 2 Informal a disorderly strug-
scrip n Finance a certificate representing a gle. —vb scrumming, scrummed 3 (usually
claim to shares or stocks. foil, by down) Rugby to form a scrum.
script n 1 the text of a play, TV programme, -scrum half n Rugby a player who puts in the
or film for the use of performers. 2 an al- ball at scrums and tries to regain its posses-
phabet or system of writing: Cyrillic script. sion in order to pass it to his team’s backs.
3 a candidate’s answer paper in an exami- scrummage n, vb -maging, -maged 1 Rugby
nation. 4 handwriting. 5 a typeface which same as scrum. 2 same as scrimmage.
scrump 734 SDLP
scrump vb Dialect to steal (apples) from an stone sculptured by fast-flowing streams.
orchard or garden. sculptural adj
scrumptious adj Informal delicious or very scum n 1 a layer of impure or waste matter
attractive. that forms on the surface of a liquid: the
scrumpy n a rough dry cider brewed in the build-up of soap scum. 2 a person or people
West Country of England. regarded as worthless or criminal. — vb
scumming, scummed 3 to remove scum
scrunch vb 1 to press or crush noisily or be
pressed or crushed noisily. —n 2 the act or from. 4 Rare to form a layer of or become
sound of scrunching: the scrunch of tyres
covered with scum, scummy adj
on gravel. scumbag n Slang an offensive or despicable
person.
scrunchie n a loop of elastic covered loosely
with fabric, used to hold the hair in a pony- scungy (skun-jee) adj scungier, scungiest
tail. Austral & NZ slang miserable or sordid.
scruple n 1 a doubt or hesitation as to what scunner Dialect, chiefly Scot ~vb 1 to pro-
is morally right in a certain situation: he duce a feeling of dislike in. ~n 2 take a
had no scruples about the drug trade. ~vb scunner to to take a strong dislike to. 3 a
-pling, -pled 2 to have doubts (about), esp. person or thing that is disliked.
on moral grounds. scupper1 n Naut a drain or spout in a ship’s
scrupulous adj 1 taking great care to do
side allowing water on the deck to flow
what is fair, honest, or morally right. 2 very overboard.
careful or precise: scrupulous attention to scupper2 vb 1 Brit slang to defeat or ruin: a
detail, scrupulously adv deliberate attempt to scupper the peace
talks. 2 to sink (one’s ship) deliberately.
scrutinize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
-nising, -nised to examine carefully or in scurf n 1 same as dandruff. 2 any flaky or
minute detail. scaly matter sticking to or peeling off a sur-
face. scurfy adj
scrutiny n, pl -nies 1 very careful study or
observation. 2 a searching look. scurrilous adj untrue or unfair, insulting,
and designed to damage a person’s reputa-
scuba (skew-ba) n an apparatus used in tion: scurrilous allegations, scurrility n
skin diving, consisting of cylinders contain- scurry vb -ries, -rying, -ried 1 to run quickly
ing compressed air attached to a breathing with short steps. ~n, pl -ries 2 a quick hur-
apparatus. rying movement or the sound of this move-
scud vb scudding, scudded 1 (esp. of ment. 3 a short shower of rain or snow.
clouds) to move along quickly. 2 Naut to scurvy n 1 a disease caused by a lack of
run before a gale. ~n 3 the act of scudding. vitamin C, resulting in weakness, spongy
4 spray, rain, or clouds driven by the wind. gums, and bleeding beneath the skin, -adj
scuff vb 1 to drag (the feet) while walking. 2 -vier, -viest 2 Old-fashioned deserving con-
to scrape (one’s shoes) by doing so. ~n 3 a tempt. scurviness n
mark caused by scuffing. 4 the act or sound scut n the short tail of animals such as the
of scuffing. deer and rabbit.
scuffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to fight in a disor- scuttle1 n same as coal scuttle.
derly manner. ~n 2 a short disorganized scuttle2 vb -tling, -tied 1 to run with short
fight. 3 a scuffling sound. quick steps. ~n 2 a hurried pace or run.
scull n 1 a single oar moved from side to side scuttle3 vb -tling, -tied 1 Naut to cause (a
over the back of a boat. 2 one of a pair of ship) to sink by making holes in the sides or
small oars, both of which are pulled by one bottom. 2 to ruin (hopes or plans) or have
oarsman. 3 a racing boat rowed by one them ruined: a policy scuttled by popular
oarsman pulling two oars. -vb 4 to row (a resistance, —n 3 Naut a small hatch in a
boat) with a scull, sculler n ship’s deck or side.
scullery n, pl -leries Chiefly Brit a small Scylla (sill-a) n 1 (in classical mythology) a
room where washing-up and other kitchen sea monster believed to drown sailors navi-
work is done. gating the Straits of Messina. 2 between
scullion n Archaic a servant employed to do Scylla and Charybdis in an awkward
the hard work in a kitchen. situation in which avoidance of either of
sculpt vb same as sculpture. two dangers means exposure to the other.
sculptor or fem sculptress n a person who scythe n 1 a long-handled tool for cutting
makes sculptures. grass or grain, with a curved sharpened
sculpture n 1 the art of making figures or blade that is swung parallel to the ground.
designs in wood, plaster, stone, or metal. 2 -vb scything, scythed 2 to cut (grass or
works or a work made in this way. -vb grain) with a scythe.
-turing, -tured 3 to carve (a material) into SD South Dakota.
figures or designs. 4 to represent (a person SDI Strategic Defense Initiative.
or thing) in sculpture. 5 to form or be SDLP (in Northern Ireland) Social Democrat-
formed in the manner of sculpture: lime- ic and Labour Party.
Se 735 seaplane
Se Chem selenium. close or isolate (a place) completely. 9 to
SE southeast(ern). close tightly so as to make airtight or
sea n 1 the sea the mass of salt water that watertight. 10 to inject a compound around
covers three-quarters of the earth’s sur- the edges of something to make it airtight
face. 2 a one of the smaller areas of this: the or watertight. 11 to attach a seal to or
Irish Sea. b a large inland area of water: the stamp with a seal. 12 to finalize or author-
Caspian Sea. 3 the area on or close to the ize. 13 seal one’s fate to make sure one
edge of the sea, esp. as a place where holi- dies or fails. 14 seal one’s lips to promise
days are taken: a day by the sea. 4 strong not to reveal a secret, sealable adj
and uneven swirling movement of waves: seal2 n 1 a fish-eating mammal with four
rough seas. 5 anything resembling the sea in flippers, which lives in the sea but comes
size or movement: a sea of red and yellow ashore to breed. 2 sealskin. -vb 3 to hunt
flags. 6 at sea a on the ocean, b in a state of seals.
confusion or uncertainty. 7 go to sea to be- sealant n any substance, such as wax, used
come a sailor. 8 put out to sea to start a sea for sealing, esp. to make airtight or water-
voyage. tight.
sea anchor n Naut a canvas-covered frame, sea legs pl n Informal the ability to main-
dragged in the water behind a ship to slow tain one’s balance on board ship and to
it down or reduce drifting. avoid being seasick.
sea anemone n a marine animal with a sea level n the average level of the sea’s
round body and rings of tentacles which surface in relation to the land.
trap food from the water.
sealing wax n a hard material made of shel-
sea bird n a bird that lives on or near the lac and turpentine, which softens when
sea. heated and which is used to make a seal.
seaboard n land bordering on the sea.
sea lion n a type of large seal found in the
seaborne adj 1 carried on or by the sea. 2 Pacific Ocean.
transported by ship: seaborne reinforce-
ments. Sea Lord n (in Britain) a naval officer on
sea breeze n a breeze blowing inland from the admiralty board of the Ministry of De-
the sea. fence.
sea cow n 1 a whalelike mammal such as a sealskin n the skin or prepared fur of a seal,
dugong or manatee. 2 Archaic a walrus. used to make coats.
sea dog n an experienced or old sailor, seam n 1 the line along which pieces of fab-
seafarer n 1 a traveller who goes by sea. 2 a ric are joined by stitching. 2 a ridge or line
sailor. made by joining two edges: the seam be-
tween the old and the new buildings. 3 a
seafaring adj 1 travelling by sea. 2 working long narrow layer of coal, marble, or ore
as a sailor. ~n 3 the act of travelling by formed between layers of other rocks. 4 a
sea. 4 the work of a sailor. mark or line like a seam, such as a wrinkle
seafood n edible saltwater fish or shellfish, or scar, -adj 5 Cricket of a style of bowling
seafront n a built-up area facing the sea. in which the bowler uses the stitched seam
seagoing adj built for travelling on the sea. round the ball in order to make it swing in
sea-green adj bluish-green. flight and after touching the ground: a seam
seagull n same as gull. bowler. ~vb 6 to join together by or as if
sea horse n a small marine fish with a by a seam. 7 to mark with furrows or wrin-
horselike head, which swims upright. kles. seamless adj
sea kale n a European coastal plant with seaman n, pl -men 1 a man ranking below an
broad fleshy leaves and asparagus-like officer in a navy. 2 a sailor.
shoots that can be eaten. seamanship n skill in navigating and oper-
seal1 n 1 a special design impressed on a ating a ship.
piece of wax, lead, or paper, fixed to a let- seamer or seam bowler n Cricket a fast
ter or document as a mark of authentica- bowler who makes the ball bounce on its
tion. 2 a stamp or signet ring engraved with seam so that it will change direction.
a design to form such an impression. 3 a seamstress n a woman who sews, esp. pro-
substance placed over an envelope or con- fessionally.
tainer, so that it cannot be opened without seamy adj seamier, seamiest involving the
the seal being broken. 4 something that sordid and unpleasant aspects of life, such
serves as an official confirmation of ap- as crime, prostitution, poverty, and vio-
proval: seal of approval. 5 any substance or lence. seaminess n
device used to close an opening tightly. 6
set the seal on to confirm something: the -seance or seance (say-onss) n a meeting at
experience set the seal on their friendship, which a spiritualist attempts to communi-
—vb 7 to close or secure with or as if with a cate with the spirits of the dead.
seal: once the manuscripts were sealed up, seaplane n an aircraft that is designed to
they were forgotten about. 8 seal off to en- land on and take off from water.
seaport 736 seclude
seaport n a town or city with a harbour for seat n 1 a piece of furniture designed for sit-
boats and ships. ting on, such as a chair. 2 the part of a chair
sear vb 1 to scorch or burn the surface of. 2 or other piece of furniture on which one
to cause to wither. sits. 3 a place to sit in a theatre, esp. one
search vb 1 to look through (a place) thor- that requires a ticket: front-row seats for
oughly in order to find someone or some- Starlight Express. 4 the buttocks. 5 the part
thing. 2 to examine (a person) for hidden of a garment covering the buttocks. 6 the
objects. 3 to look at or examine (something) part or surface on which an object rests. 7
closely: I searched my heart for one good the place or centre in which something is
thing she had done. 4 search out to find by based: the seat of government. 8 a country
searching. 5 to make a search. 6 search me mansion. 9 a membership or the right to
Informal I don’t know. —n 7 an attempt to membership of a legislative or administra-
find something by looking somewhere. tive body: a seat on the council. 10 Chiefly
searching adj keen or thorough: a searching
Brit a parliamentary constituency. 11 the
manner in which a rider sits on a horse.
analysis, searchingly adv -vb 12 to bring to or place on a seat. 13 to
searchlight n 1 a light with a powerful beam provide seats for: the dining hall seats 150
that can be shone in any direction. 2 the people. 14 to set firmly in place.
beam of light produced by this device. seat belt n a strap attached to a car or air-
search warrant n a legal document allowing craft seat, worn across the body to prevent
a policeman to enter and search premises. a person being thrown forward in the event
seascape n a drawing, painting, or photo- of a collision.
graph of a scene at sea. seating n 1 seats which are provided some-
Sea Scout n a member of the branch of the where, esp. in a public place: the grand-
Scouts which gives training in seamanship. stand has seating for 10 000; hard plastic
seashell n the empty shell of a marine mol- seating, -adj 2 of or relating to the provi-
lusc. sion of places to sit: the delegation leader
seashore n land bordering on the sea. complained about the seating arrange-
seasick adj suffering from nausea and diz- ments.
ziness caused by the movement of a ship at sea urchin n a small sea animal with a
sea. seasickness n round body enclosed in a spiny shell.
seaside n an area, esp. a holiday resort, seaward adv also seawards 1 towards the
bordering on the sea. sea. -adj 2 directed or moving towards the
season n 1 one of the four divisions of the sea.
year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), seaweed n any plant growing in the sea or
each of which has characteristic weather on the seashore.
conditions. 2 a period of the year character- seaworthy adj (of a ship) in a fit condition
ized by particular conditions or activities: for a sea voyage, seaworthiness n
the typhoon season; the football season. 3 sebaceous adj of, like, or secreting fat.
the period during which any particular spe- sebaceous glands pl n the small glands in
cies of animal, bird, or fish is legally per- the skin that secrete oil into hair follicles
mitted to be caught or killed: the deer sea- and onto most of the body surface.
son. 4 any definite or indefinite period: the sebum (see-bum) n the oily substance se-
busy season. 5 any period during which a creted by the sebaceous glands.
show or play is performed at one venue: the sec1 adj (of wines) dry.
show ran for three seasons. 6 in season a
(of game) permitted to be killed, b (of fresh sec2 n Informal a second (of time): hang on a
food) readily available, c (of animals) ready sec.
to mate. -vb 7 to add herbs, salt, pepper, sec3 secant.
or spice to (food) in order to enhance the sec. 1 second (of time). 2 secondary. 3 sec-
flavour. 8 (in the preparation of timber) to retary.
dry and harden. 9 to make experienced: old secant (seek-ant) n 1 (in trigonometry) the
men seasoned by living, seasoned adj ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the
seasonable adj 1 suitable for the season: a length of the adjacent side in a right-angled
seasonable Christmas snow scene. 2 coming triangle; the reciprocal of cosine. 2 a
or happening just at the right time: season- straight line that intersects a curve.
able advice. secateurs pl n Chiefly Brit a small pair of
seasonal adj of or depending on a certain gardening shears for pruning.
season or seasons of the year: seasonal em- secede vb -ceding, -ceded to make a formal
ployment. seasonally adv withdrawal of membership from a political
seasoning n something that is added to food alliance, federation, or group: it will secede
to enhance the flavour. from the federation within six months.
season ticket n a ticket for a series of secession n the act of seceding, secession-
events or number of journeys, usually ism n secessionist n, adj
bought at a reduced rate. seclude vb -eluding, -eluded 1 to remove
secluded 737 secret
from contact with others. 2 to shut off or son’s life when he or she starts to suffer
screen from view. from memory loss and confusion; senility.
secluded adj 1 kept apart from the compa- second class n 1 the class or grade next in
ny of others: a secluded private life. 2 pri- value, rank, or quality to the first, -adj
vate and sheltered: a secluded cottage. second-class 2 of the class or grade next to
seclusion n the state of being secluded; pri- the best in value, rank, or quality. 3 shoddy
vacy: the seclusion of his winter retreat. or inferior. 4 denoting the class of accom-
second1 adj 1 coming directly after the first
modation in a hotel or on a train, aircraft,
or ship, lower in quality and price than first
in order. 2 rated, graded, or ranked between class. 5 (of mail) sent by a cheaper type of
the first and third levels. 3 alternate: every postage and taking slightly longer to arrive
second Saturday. 4 another of the same than first-class mail, —adv 6 by second-
kind; additional: a second chance. 5 resem- class mail, transport, etc.
bling or comparable to a person or event
from the past: a second Virgin Mary. 6 of Second Coming n the prophesied return of
lesser importance or position; inferior. 7 Christ to earth at the Last Judgment.
denoting the second lowest forward gear in second cousin n the child of one’s parent’s
a motor vehicle. 8 Music denoting a musical first cousin.
part, voice, or instrument subordinate to or second-degree burn n a burn in which blis-
lower in pitch than another (the first): the ters appear on the skin.
second tenors. 9 at second hand by hear- second fiddle n Informal a person who has
say. —n 10 a person or thing that is second. a secondary status.
11 Brit education an honours degree of the second floor n Brit the storey of a building
second class. 12 the second lowest forward immediately above the first and two floors
gear in a motor vehicle. 13 (in boxing or up from the ground.
duelling) an attendant who looks after a second hand n a pointer on the face of a
boxer or duellist. 14 seconds a Informal a watch or clock that indicates the seconds.
second helping of food or the second course second-hand adj 1 previously owned or
of a meal, b goods that are sold cheaply be- used. 2 not from an original source or one’s
cause they are slightly faulty. -vb 15 to own experience: second-hand opinions. 3
give aid or backing to. 16 (in boxing or duel- dealing in or selling goods that are not new:
ling) to act as second to (a boxer or duel- second-hand furniture shops, —adv 4 from
list). 17 to express formal support for (a a source of previously owned or used goods:
motion proposed in a meeting), -adv 18 they preferred to buy second-hand. 5 not
Also: secondly in the second place. directly or from one’s own experience: his
second2 n 1 the basic SI unit of time, equal knowledge had been gleaned second-hand.
to '/eo of a minute. 2 of a minute of angle. 3 second lieutenant n an officer holding the
a very short period of time. lowest commissioned rank in an army or
second3 (sik-kond) vb Brit to transfer (a navy.
person) temporarily to another job. se- secondly adv same as second1 (sense 18).
condment n second nature n a habit or characteristic
secondary adj 1 below the first in rank or practised for so long that it seems to be part
importance: a secondary consideration. 2 of one’s character.
coming next after the first: secondary second person n the form of a pronoun or
cancers. 3 derived from or depending on verb used to refer to the person or people
what is primary or first: a secondary being addressed.
source. 4 of or relating to the education of second-rate adj 1 not of the highest quality;
young people between the ages of 11 and mediocre. 2 second in importance or rank: a
18: secondary education. 5 (of an industry) second-rate citizen.
involving the manufacture of goods from
raw materials. ~n, pl -aries 6 a person or second sight n the supposed ability to fore-
thing that is secondary. see the future or see actions taking place
elsewhere.
secondary colour n a colour formed by mix-
second thoughts pl n a revised opinion or
ing two primary colours. idea on a matter already considered.
secondary picketing n the picketing by second wind n 1 the return of normal
striking workers of the premises of a firm breathing following difficult or strenuous
that supplies or distributes goods to or from exercise. 2 renewed ability to continue in an
their employer. effort.
second-best adj 1 next to the best, -adv secrecy n, pl -cies 1 the state of being se-
second best 2 come off second best In- cret. 2 the ability or tendency to keep
formal to fail to win against someone. ~n things secret.
second best 3 an inferior alternative. secret adj 1 kept hidden or separate from
second chamber n the upper house of a the knowledge of all or all but a few others.
two-chamber system of government. 2 secretive: she had become a secret drink-
second childhood n the time in an old per- er. 3 operating without the knowledge of
secret agent 738 sedate
outsiders: secret organizations. ~n 4 some- section. 2 a part or subdivision of a piece of
thing kept or to be kept hidden. 5 something writing or a book: the business section. 3 a
unrevealed; a mystery: the secrets of na- distinct part of a country or community: the
ture. 6 an underlying explanation or reason: Arabic section. 4 Surgery the act or process
the secret of great-looking hair. 7 in secret of cutting or separating by cutting. 5 Geom
without the knowledge of others, secretly a plane surface formed by cutting through a
adv solid. 6 short for Caesarean section. ~vb
secret agent n a person employed by a gov- 7 to cut or divide into sections. 8 to commit
ernment to find out the military and politi- (a mentally disturbed person) to a mental
cal secrets of other governments. hospital.
secretaire (sek-rit-air) n same as escri- sectional adj 1 concerned with a particular
toire. area or group within a country or commu-
secretariat n 1 a an office responsible for nity, esp. to the exclusion of others: narrow
the secretarial, clerical, and administrative sectional interests. 2 made of sections. 3 of
affairs of a legislative body or international a section.
organization, b the staff of such an office or sector n 1 apart or subdivision, esp. of a so-
department. 2 the premises of a secretariat, ciety or an economy: the public sector. 2
secretary n, pl -taries 1 a person who Geom either portion of a circle bounded by
handles correspondence, keeps records, and two radii and the arc cut off by them. 3 a
does general clerical work for an individual portion into which an area is divided for
or organization. 2 the official manager of military operations.
the day-to-day business of a society, club, secular adj 1 relating to worldly as opposed
or committee. 3 (in Britain) a senior civil to sacred things. 2 not connected with reli-
servant who assists a government minister. gion or the church. 3 (of clerics) not bound
4 (in the U.S.) the head of a government by religious vows to a monastic or other
administrative department, secretarial adj order.
secretary bird n a large long-legged African secularism n the belief that religion should
bird of prey. have no place in civil affairs, secularist n,
secretary-general n, pl secretaries- adj
general the chief administrative official of secularize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
a legislative body or international organiza- -ised to change (something, such as educa-
tion. tion) so that it is no longer connected with
secretary of state n 1 (in Britain) the head
religion or the Chdrch. secularization or
-isation n
of a major government department. 2 (in
the U.S.) the head of the government de- secure adj 1 free from danger or damage. 2
partment in charge of foreign affairs. free from fear, doubt, or care. 3 tightly
locked or well protected. 4 fixed or tied
secrete1 vb -creting, -creted (of a cell,
organ, or gland) to produce and release (a firmly in position. 5 able to be relied on: se-
substance), secretory (sik-reet-or-ee) adj cure profits. ~vb -curing, -cured 6 to ob-
tain: to secure a change in German policy. 7
secrete2 vb -creting, -creted to put in a hid- to make or become free from danger or fear.
ing place. 8 to make safe from loss, theft, or attack. 9
secretion n 1 a substance that is released to guarantee (payment of a loan) by giving
from a cell, organ, or gland. 2 the process something as security, securely adv
involved in producing and releasing such a security n, pl -ties 1 precautions taken to
substance. ensure against theft, espionage, or other
secretive adj hiding feelings and intentions, danger. 2 the state of being free from dan-
secretively adv ger, damage, or worry. 3 assured freedom
secret police n a police force that operates from poverty: the security of a weekly pay
secretly to suppress opposition to the gov- cheque. 4 a certificate of ownership, such
ernment. as a share, stock, or bond. 5 something
secret service n a government agency or given or pledged to guarantee payment of a
department that conducts intelligence or loan.
counterintelligence operations. security risk n someone or something
sect n 1 a subdivision of a larger religious or thought to be a threat to state security.
political group, esp. one regarded as ex- sedan n US, Canad, & NZ a saloon car.
treme in its beliefs or practices. 2 a group of sedan chair n an enclosed chair for one pas-
people with a common interest or philoso- senger, carried on poles by two bearers,
phy. commonly used in the 17th and 18th centu-
sectarian adj 1 of or belonging to a sect. 2 ries.
narrow-minded as a result of supporting a sedate1 adj 1 quiet, calm, and dignified. 2
particular sect. ~n 3 a member of a sect, slow or unhurried: a sedate walk to the
sectarianism n beach, sedately adv
section n 1 a part cut off or separated from sedate2 vb -dating, -dated to calm down or
the main body of something: a non-smoking make sleepy by giving a sedative drug to.
sedation 739 seep
sedation n 1 a state of calm, esp. when see about vb 1 to take care of: I’ll see about
brought about by sedatives. 2 the adminis- some coffee. 2 to investigate: to see about a
tration of a sedative. new car,
sedative adj 1 having a soothing or calming seed n 1 Bot the mature fertilized grain of a
effect. ~n 2 Med a sedative drug or agent plant, containing an embryo ready for ger-
that makes people sleep or calm down. mination. 2 such seeds used for sowing. 3
sedentary (sed-en-tree) adj 1 done sitting the source, beginning, or origin of anything:
down and involving very little exercise: a the seeds of dissent. 4 Chiefly Bible de-
sedentary job. 2 tending to sit about with- scendants; offspring: the seed of David. 5
out taking much exercise. Sport a player ranked according to his or
sedge n a coarse grasslike plant growing on her ability. 6 go or run to seed a (of plants)
wet ground, sedgy adj to produce and shed seeds after flowering,
sedge warbler n a European songbird living b to lose strength or usefulness. ~vb 7 to
in marshy areas. plant (seeds) in (soil). 8 (of plants) to pro-
sediment n 1 matter that settles to the bot- duce or shed seeds. 9 to remove the seeds
from (fruit or plants). 10 to scatter silver
tom of a liquid. 2 material that has been de-
posited by water, ice, or wind, sedimen- iodide in (clouds) in order to cause rain. 11
tary adj to arrange (the draw of a tournament) so
that outstanding teams or players will not
sedition n speech, writing, or behaviour in- meet in the early rounds, seedless adj
tended to encourage rebellion or resistance
against the government, seditionary n, adj seedbed n 1 an area of soil prepared for the
seditious adj growing of seedlings before they are trans-
planted. 2 the place where something de-
seduce vb -ducing, -duced 1 to persuade to velops: a seedbed of immorality.
have sexual intercourse. 2 to tempt into
wrongdoing, seduction n seedling n a plant produced from a seed,
esp. a very young plant.
seductive adj 1 (of a woman) sexually at-
tractive. 2 very attractive or tempting: a seed pearl n a very small pearl.
seductive argument, seductively adv se- seed pod n Bot a carpel or pistil enclosing
ductiveness n the seeds of a plant, esp. a flowering plant.
sedulous adj diligent or painstaking, sedu- seedy adj seedier, seediest 1 shabby in ap-
lously adv pearance: a seedy cinema. 2 Informal
sedum n a rock plant with thick clusters of physically unwell. 3 (of a plant) at the stage
white, yellow, or pink flowers. of producing seeds, seediness n
see1 vb seeing, saw, seen 1 to look at or seeing n 1 the sense or faculty of sight,
recognize with the eyes. 2 to understand: I —cozy 2 (often foil, by that) in light of the
explained the problem but he could not see fact (that).
it. 3 to perceive or be aware of: she had see into vb to discover the true nature of:
never seen him so angry. 4 to view, watch, he could see into my intentions.
or attend: we had barely seen a dozen seek vb seeking, sought 1 to try to find by
movies in our lives. 5 to foresee: they could searching: to seek employment. 2 to try to
see what their fate was to be. 6 to find out obtain: to seek a diplomatic solution. 3 to
(a fact): I was ringing to see whether you'd try (to do something): we seek to establish a
got it. 7 to make sure (of something) or take stable relationship.
care (of something): see that he is never in a seek out vb to search hard for and find (a
position to do these things again; you must specific person or thing): you should seek
see to it. 8 to consider or decide: see if you out healthy role models.
can come next week. 9 to have experience seem vb 1 to appear to the mind or eye; give
of: he had seen active service in the revolu- the impression of: the car seems to be run-
tion. 10 to meet or pay a visit to: I see my ning well. 2 to appear to be: there seems no
specialist every three months. 11 to receive: need for all this nonsense. 3 to have the im-
the Prime Minister will see the deputation pression: I seem to remember you were
now. 12 to frequent the company of: we’ve there too-
been seeing each other since then. 13 to ac- seeming adj apparent but not real: his seem-
company: she saw him to the door. 14 to ing willingness to participate, seemingly
refer to or look up: see page 35. 15 (in gam- adv
bling, esp. in poker) to match (another
player’s bet) or match the bet of (another seemly adj -lier, -liest Formal proper or fit-
player) by staking an equal sum. 16 see fit ting.
to consider it proper (to do something): I seen vb the past participle of see1.
did not see fit to send them home. 17 see see off vb 1 to be present at the departure
you, see you later or be seeing you an ex- - of (a person going on a journey): your sis-
pression of farewell. ~See also see about, ters came to see you off. 2 Informal to cause
see into, etc. to leave or depart, esp. by force.
see2 n the diocese of a bishop or the place seep vb to leak through slowly; ooze, seep-
within it where his cathedral is situated. age n
seer 740 self-assertion
seer n a person who can supposedly see into mechanical parts) to become jammed
the future. through overheating.
seersucker n a light cotton fabric with a seizure n 1 Pathol a sudden violent attack of
slightly crinkled surface. an illness, such as an epileptic convulsion. 2
seesaw n 1 a plank balanced in the middle the act of seizing: a seizure of drug
so that two people seated on the ends can traffickers’ assets.
ride up and down by pushing on the ground seldom adv rarely; not often.
with their feet. 2 an up-and-down or back- select vb 1 to choose (someone or some-
and-forth movement. -vb 3 to move up thing) in preference to another or others.
and down or back and forth alternately. -adj 2 chosen in preference to others. 3 re-
seethe vb seething, seethed 1 to be in a stricted to a particular group; exclusive: a
state of extreme anger or indignation with- select audience, selector n
out publicly showing these feelings. 2 (of a select committee n (in Britain) a small
liquid) to boil or foam, seething adj committee of members of parliament, set up
see through vb 1 to perceive the true nature to investigate and report on a specified
of: it was difficult to see through people. 2 matter.
to remain with until the end or completion: selection n 1 a selecting or being selected. 2
not all of them saw it through. 3 to help out a thing or number of things that have been
in a time of need or trouble: he helped see selected. 3 a range from which something
her through her divorce, —adj see-through may be selected: a good selection of reason-
4 (of clothing) made of thin cloth so that the ably priced wines. 4 Biol the process by
wearer’s body or underclothes are visible. which certain organisms or individuals are
segment n 1 one of several parts or sections reproduced and survive in preference to
into which an object is divided. 2 Maths a a others.
part of a circle cut off by an intersecting selective adj 1 tending to choose carefully
line, b a part of a sphere cut off by an inter- or characterized by careful choice: they
secting plane or planes, -vb 3 to cut or di- were very selective in their television
vide into segments, segmental adj seg- watching. 2 of or characterized by selec-
mentation n tion. selectively adv selectivity n
segregate vb -gating, -gated 1 to set apart selenium n Chem a nonmetallic element
from others or from the main group. 2 to used in photocells, solar cells, and in xerog-
impose segregation on (a racial or minority raphy. Symbol: Se
group). self n, pl selves 1 the distinct individuality
segregation n 1 the practice or policy of or identity of a person or thing. 2 a person’s
creating separate facilities within the same typical bodily make-up or personal charac-
society for the use of a racial or minority teristics: back to my old self a fter the scare.
group. 2 the act of segregating, segrega- 3 one’s own welfare or interests: he only
tional adj segregationist n thinks of self. 4 an individual’s conscious-
seigneur n a feudal lord, esp. in France, ness of his or her own identity or being.
seigneurial adj -pron 5 Not standard myself, yourself,
seine (sane) n 1 a large fishing net that himself, or herself: setting goals for self and
hangs vertically in the water by means of others.
floats at the top and weights at the bottom. self- combining form used with many main
-vb seining, seined 2 to catch (fish) using words to mean: 1 of oneself or itself: self-
this net. defence. 2 by, to, in, due to, for, or from the
seismic adj relating to or caused by earth- self: self-employed; self-respect. 3 automat-
quakes. ic or automatically: self-propelled.
seismograph n an instrument that records self-abnegation n the denial of one’s own
the intensity and duration of earthquakes, interests in favour of the interests of oth-
seismographer n seismography n ers.
seismology n the branch of geology con- self-absorption n preoccupation with one-
cerned with the study of earthquakes, self to the exclusion of others. self-
seismologist n absorbed adj
seismometer n same as seismograph. self-abuse n masturbation,
self-addressed adj addressed for return to
seize vb seizing, seized 1 to take hold of
forcibly or quickly; grab. 2 to take immedi- the sender.
ate advantage of: real journalists would self-aggrandizement or self-aggran-
have seized the opportunity. 3 to take legal disement n the act of increasing one’s
possession of. 4 (sometimes foil, by on or own power, wealth, or importance.
upon) to understand quickly: she immedi- self-appointed adj having assumed author-
ately seized his idea. 5 to affect or fill the ity without the agreement of others: self-
mind of suddenly: a wild frenzy seized her. appointed moralists.
6 to take by force or capture: the rebels self-assertion n the act of putting forward
seized a tank factory. 7 (often foil, by up of one’s own opinions or demanding one’s
self-assurance 741 self-regard
rights, esp. in an aggressive or confident self-evident adj so obvious that no proof or
manner, self-assertive adj explanation is needed, self-evidently adv
self-assurance n confidence in oneself, self-explanatory adj understandable with-
one’s abilities, or one’s judgment, self- out explanation.
assured adj self-expression n the expression of one’s
self-catering adj (of accommodation) for own personality or feelings, esp. in the
tenants providing and preparing their own creative arts, self-expressive adj
food. self-government n the government of a
self-centred or US self-centered adj totally country, nation, or community by its own
preoccupied with one’s own concerns. people, self-governing adj
self-certification n (in Britain) the comple- self-help n 1 the use of one’s own abilities
tion of a form by a worker stating that his and resources to help oneself without re-
or her absence was due to sickness. lying on the assistance of others. 2 the
self-coloured or US self-colored adj 1 hav- practice of solving one’s problems within a
ing only a single and uniform colour: a self- group of people with similar problems.
coloured tie. 2 (of cloth or wool) having the self-image n one’s own idea of oneself or
natural or original colour. sense of one’s worth.
self-confessed adj according to one’s own self-important adj having an unduly high
admission: a self-confessed addict. opinion of one’s own importance, self-
importance n
self-confidence n confidence in oneself,
one’s abilities, or one’s judgment, self- self-improvement n the improvement of
confident adj one’s position, skills, or education by one’s
own efforts.
self-conscious adj embarrassed or ill at
self-indulgent adj tending to allow oneself
ease through being unduly aware of oneself
as the object of the attention of others, to have or do things that one enjoys, self-
self-consciously adv self-consciousness n indulgence n
self-interest n 1 one’s personal interest or
self-contained adj 1 containing within itself advantage. 2 the pursuit of one’s own inter-
all parts necessary for completeness. 2 (of a est. self-interested adj
flat) having its own kitchen, bathroom, and
toilet not shared by others. selfish adj 1 caring too much about oneself
and not enough about others. 2 (of behav-
self-control n the ability to control one’s iour or attitude) motivated by self-interest,
feelings, emotions, or reactions. self- selfishly adv selfishness n
controlled adj
selfless adj putting other people’s interests
self-deception or self-deceit n the act or an before one’s own. selflessly adv selfless-
instance of deceiving oneself. ness n
self-defence or US self-defense n 1 the act self-made adj having achieved wealth or
or skill of defending oneself against physi- status by one’s own efforts.
cal attack. 2 the act of defending one’s ac- self-opinionated adj clinging stubbornly to
tions, ideas, or rights. one’s own opinions.
self-denial n the repression or sacrifice of self-pity n pity for oneself, esp. when great-
one’s own desires, self-denying adj ly exaggerated, self-pitying adj
self-determination n 1 the ability to make a self-pollination n Bot the transfer of pollen
decision for oneself without influence from from the anthers to the stigma of the same
outside. 2 the right of a nation or people to flower.
determine its own form of government, self-possessed adj having control of one’s
self-determined adj
emotions or behaviour, esp. in difficult
self-discipline n the act of controlling or situations, self-possession n
power to control one’s own feelings, de- self-preservation n the instinctive behav-
sires, or behaviour, self-disciplined adj iour that protects one from danger or inju-
self-drive adj relating to a hired vehicle that ry-
is driven by the hirer. self-propelled adj 1 (of a vehicle) driven by
self-educated adj educated through one’s its own engine rather than drawn by a lo-
own efforts without formal instruction. comotive, horse, etc. 2 (of a rocket launcher
self-effacement n the act of making oneself or artillery piece) mounted on a motor vehi-
or one’s actions seem less important than cle. self-propelling adj
they are because of modesty or timidity, self-raising adj (of flour) having a raising
self-effacing adj agent, such as baking powder, already
self-employed adj earning one’s living in added.
one’s own business, rather than as the em- self-realization or -isation n the fulfilment
ployee of another. of one’s own potential or abilities.
self-esteem n respect for or a favourable self-regard n 1 concern for one’s own inter-
opinion of oneself. est. 2 proper esteem for oneself.
self-reliance 742 semiautomatic
self-reliance n reliance on oneself or one’s idea to a producer. 7 to be in demand on the
own abilities, self-reliant adj market: his books did not sell well enough.
self-reproach n the act of finding fault with 8 sell down the river Informal to betray. 9
or blaming oneself. sell oneself a to convince someone else of
self-respect n a feeling of confidence and one’s potential or worth, b to give up one’s
pride in one’s own abilities and worth, self- moral standards for a price or reward. 10
respecting adj sell someone short Informal to undervalue
self-restraint n control imposed by oneself
someone. ~n 11 the act or an instance of
on one’s own feelings, desires, or actions. selling: the hard sell. -See also sell off,
sell out, sell up. seller n
self-righteous adj thinking oneself more
virtuous than others, self-righteousness n sell-by date n 1 the date printed on
packaged food specifying the date after
self-sacrifice n the giving up of one’s own which the food should not be sold. 2 past
interests for the wellbeing of others, self- one’s sell-by date beyond one’s prime.
sacrificing adj
sell off vb to sell (remaining items) at re-
selfsame adj the very same: this was the
duced prices.
selfsame woman I’d met on the train.
self-satisfied adj smug and complacently Sellotape n 1 Trademark a type of trans-
satisfied with oneself or one’s own actions, parent adhesive tape. ~vb -taping, -taped
self-satisfaction n 2 to seal or stick using adhesive tape.
self-sealing adj 1 (of an envelope) sealable sell out vb 1 to dispose of (something) com-
by pressure alone. 2 (of a tyre) automatical- pletely by selling. 2 Informal to betray in
ly sealing small punctures. order to gain an advantage or benefit. ~n
sellout 3 Informal a performance of a show
self-seeking n 1 the act or an instance of etc. for which all tickets are sold. 4 a com-
seeking one’s own profit or interests. ~adj mercial success. 5 Informal a betrayal.
2 inclined to promote only one’s own profit
or interests: self-seeking politicians, self- sell up vb Chiefly Brit to sell all one’s goods
seeker n or property.
self-service adj 1 of or denoting a shop or selvage or selvedge n a specially woven
restaurant where the customers serve edge on a length of fabric to prevent it from
themselves and then pay a cashier. ~n 2 unravelling, selvaged adj
the practice of serving oneself and then selves n the plural of self.
paying a cashier. semantic adj 1 of or relating to the mean-
self-serving adj continually seeking one’s ings of words. 2 of or relating to semantics.
own advantage, esp. at the expense of oth- semantics n the branch of linguistics that
ers. deals with the study of meaning.
self-starter n 1 an electric motor used to semaphore n 1 a system of signalling by
start an internal-combustion engine. 2 a holding two flags in different positions to
person who is strongly motivated and represent letters of the alphabet. — vb
shows initiative at work. -phoring, -phored 2 to signal (information)
self-styled adj using a title or name that one by semaphore.
has given oneself, esp. without right or jus- semblance n outward or superficial ap-
tification; so-called: the self-styled leader of pearance: some semblance of order had
the rebellion. been established.
self-sufficient adj able to provide for or semen n the thick whitish fluid containing
support oneself without the help of others, spermatozoa that is produced by the male
self-sufficiency n reproductive organs and ejaculated from
self-supporting adj 1 able to support or the penis.
maintain oneself without the help of others. semester n Chiefly US & Canad either of
2 able to stand up or hold firm without sup- two divisions of the academic year.
port, props, or attachments.
semi n Brit informal short for semide-
self-willed adj stubbornly determined to tached (sense 2).
have one’s own way, esp. at the expense of
others. semi- prefix used with many main words to
self-winding adj (of a wristwatch) having a mean: 1 half: semicircle. 2 partly or almost:
mechanism which winds itself automatical- semiprofessional. 3 occurring twice in a
specified period: semiweekly.
ly-
sell vb selling, sold 1 to exchange (some- semiannual adj 1 occurring every half-year.
thing) for money. 2 to deal in (objects or 2 lasting for half a year.
property): he sells used cars. 3 to give up or semiarid adj denoting land that lies on the
surrender for a price or reward: to sell one’s edges of a desert but has a slightly higher
honour. 4 sell for to have a specified price: rainfall (above 300 mm) so that some farm-
they sell for 10 pence each. 5 to promote the ing is possible.
sale of (objects or property): sex sells ciga- semiautomatic adj 1 (of a firearm) self-
rettes. 6 to gain acceptance of: he’ll sell an loading but firing only one shot at each pull
semibreve 743 senior citizen
of the trigger. ~n 2 a semiautomatic fire- two notes in Western music represented on
arm. a piano by the difference in pitch between
semibreve n Music a note, now the longest any two adjacent keys, semitonic adj
in common use, with a time value that may semitropical adj bordering on the tropics;
be divided by any power of 2 to give all nearly tropical, semitropics pl n
other notes. semivowel n Phonetics a vowel-like sound
semicircle n 1 one half of a circle. 2 any- that acts like a consonant, such as the
thing having the shape or form of half a cir- sound w in well.
cle. semicircular adj semolina n the large hard grains of wheat
semicolon n the punctuation mark (;) used left after flour has been milled, used for
to separate clauses or items in a list, or to making puddings and pasta.
indicate a pause longer than that of a Semtex n Trademark a pliable plastic ex-
comma and shorter than that of a full stop. plosive.
semiconductor n Physics a substance, such SEN (in Britain) State Enrolled Nurse.
as silicon, which has an electrical conduc- Sen. or sen. 1 senate. 2 senator. 3 senior,
tivity that increases with temperature. senate n the main governing body at some
semiconscious adj not fully conscious, universities.
semiconsciousness n Senate n the upper chamber of the
semidetached adj 1 (of a house) joined to legislatures of Australia, the US, Canada,
another house on one side by a common and many other countries.
wall. ~n 2 a semidetached house: the mock senator n a member of a Senate, senatorial
Georgian semidetached. adj
semifinal n the round before the final in a send vb sending, sent 1 to cause (a person
competition, semifinalist n or thing) to go or be taken or transmitted to
seminal adj 1 highly original and influential: another place: send a cheque or postal
seminal thinkers. 2 potentially capable of order. 2 send for to dispatch a request or
development. 3 of semen: seminal fluid. 4 command for (someone or something): she
Biol of seed. had sent for me. 3 to cause to go to a place
seminar n 1 a small group of students meet- or point: the bullet sent him flying into the
ing regularly under the guidance of a tutor air. 4 to bring to a state or condition: his
for study and discussion. 2 one such meet- schemes to send her mad. 5 to cause to hap-
ing. pen or come: the thunderstorm sent by the
seminary n, pl -naries a college for the gods. 6 Old-fashioned, slang to move to ex-
training of priests, seminarian n citement or rapture: this music really sends
semiotics n the study of human communica- me. sender n
tion, esp. communication using signs and send down vb 1 Brit to expel from a univer-
symbols, semiotic adj sity. 2 Informal to send to prison.
semipermeable adj (of a cell membrane) al- sendoff n 1 Informal a show of good wishes
lowing small molecules to pass through but to a person about to set off on a journey or
not large ones. start a new career. ~vb send off 2 to dis-
semiprecious adj (of certain stones) having patch (something, such as a letter). 3 Sport
less value than a precious stone. (of a referee) to dismiss (a player) from the
semiprofessional adj 1 (of a person) en- field of play for some offence.
gaged in an activity or sport part time for send up Brit informal ~vb 1 to make fun of
pay. 2 (of an activity or sport) engaged in by doing an imitation or parody. ~n send-
by semiprofessional people. ~n 3 a semi- up 2 a parody or imitation.
professional person. senescent adj Formal growing old. senes-
semiquaver n Music a note having the time cence n
value of one-sixteenth of a semibreve. seneschal (sen-ish-al) n History a steward
semirigid adj (of an airship) maintaining of the household of a medieval prince or
shape by means of a main supporting keel nobleman.
and internal gas pressure. senile adj mentally or physically weak or
semiskilled adj partly skilled or trained but infirm on account of old age. senility n
not sufficiently so to perform specialized senior adj 1 higher in rank or length of ser-
work. vice. 2 older in years: senior citizens. 3 Edu-
Semite n a member of the group of peoples cation of or designating more advanced or
who speak a Semitic language, such as the older pupils or students. ~n 4 a senior per-
Jews and Arabs. son.
Semitic n 1 a group of languages that in- Senior adj Chiefly US being older than
cludes Arabic, Hebrew, and Aramaic. ~adj someone of the same name: Joe Yule Senior.
2 of this group of languages. 3 of any of the senior aircraftman n an ordinary rank in
peoples speaking a Semitic language, esp. the Royal Air Force.
the Jews or the Arabs. 4 same as Jewish. senior citizen n an old person, esp. a pen-
semitone n the smallest interval between sioner.
seniority 744 sentimental
seniority n, pl -ties 1 the state of being sen- or judgment. 2 (of clothing and footwear)
ior. 2 degree of power or importance in an practical and hard-wearing. 3 capable of re-
organization from length of continuous ser- ceiving sensation. 4 capable of being per-
vice. ceived by the senses. 5 perceptible to the
senior service n Brit the Royal Navy. mind. 6 Literary aware: sensible of your
senna n 1 a tropical plant with yellow flow- kindness, sensibly adv
ers and long pods. 2 the dried leaves and sensitive adj 1 easily hurt; tender. 2 respon-
pods of this plant, used as a laxative. sive to external stimuli or impressions. 3
senor (sen-nyor) n a Spanish form of ad- easily offended or shocked. 4 (of a subject
dress equivalent to sir or Mr. or issue) liable to arouse controversy or
strong feelings. 5 (of an instrument) ca-
sefiora (sen-nyor-a) n a Spanish form of ad- pable of registering small differences or
dress equivalent to madam or Mrs. changes in amounts. 6 Photog responding
sefiorita (sen-nyor-ee-ta) n a Spanish form readily to light: a sensitive emulsion. 7
of address equivalent to madam or Miss. Chiefly US connected with matters affect-
sensation n 1 the power of feeling things ing national security, sensitively adv sen-
physically: I lose all sensation in my hands. sitivity n
2 a physical feeling: a burning sensation in sensitize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or
the throat. 3 a general feeling or awareness: -tising, -tised to make sensitive, sensitiza-
a sensation of vague resentment. 4 a state tion or -tisation n
of excitement: imagine the sensation in sensor n a device that detects or measures a
Washington.' 5 an exciting person or thing: physical property, such as radiation.
you 77 be a sensation.
sensory adj relating to the physical senses,
sensational adj 1 causing intense feelings of
shock, anger, or excitement: sensational sensual adj 1 giving pleasure to the body
allegations. 2 Informal extremely good: the and senses rather than the mind: soft sen-
views are sensational. 3 of the senses or sual music. 2 having a strong liking for
sensation, sensationally adv physical, esp. sexual, pleasures. 3 of the
body and senses rather than the mind or
sensationalism n the deliberate use of sen- soul, sensualist n
sational language or subject matter to
arouse feelings of shock, anger, or excite- sensuality n 1 the quality or state of being
ment. sensationalist adj, n sensual. 2 enjoyment of physical, esp. sex-
ual, pleasures.
sense n 1 any of the faculties (sight, hear-
ing, touch, taste, and smell) by which the sensuous adj 1 pleasing to the senses of the
mind receives information about the exter- mind or body: the sensuous rhythms of the
nal world or the state of the body. 2 the drums. 2 (of a person) appreciating qual-
ability to perceive. 3 a feeling perceived ities perceived by the senses, sensuously
through one of the senses: a sense of adv
warmth. 4 a mental perception or aware- sent vb the past of send.
ness: a sense of security. 5 ability to make sentence n 1 a sequence of words constitut-
moral judgments: a sense of honour. 6 (usu- ing a statement, question, or a command
ally pl) sound practical judgment or intelli- that begins with a capital letter and ends
gence: a man lost his senses and killed his with a full stop when written down. 2 a the
wife. 7 reason or purpose: no sense in con- decision of a law court as to what punish-
tinuing. 8 general meaning: he couldn’t ment is passed on a convicted person, b the
understand every word but he got the sense punishment passed on a convicted person.
of what they were saying. 9 specific mean- -vb -tencing, -tenced 3 to pronounce sen-
ing; definition: the three senses of the word. tence on (a convicted person) in a lawcourt,
10 make sense to be understandable or sentential adj
practical, -vb sensing, sensed 11 to per- sententious adj Formal 1 trying to sound
ceive without the evidence of the senses: he wise. 2 making pompous remarks about mo-
sensed that she was impressed. 12 to per- rality. sententiously adv
ceive through the senses. sentient (sen-tee-ent, sen-shent) adj ca-
senseless adj 1 having no meaning or pur- pable of perception and feeling, sentience
pose: a senseless act of violence. 2 uncon- n
scious. senselessly adv senselessness n sentiment n 1 a mental attitude based on a
sense organ n a part of the body that re- mixture of thoughts and feelings: anti-
ceives stimuli and transmits them as sensa- American sentiment. 2 (often pl) a thought,
tions to the brain. opinion, or attitude expressed in words: his
sensibility n, pl -ties 1 (often pl) the ability sentiments were echoed by subsequent
to experience deep feelings. 2 (usually pl) speakers. 3 feelings such as tenderness, ro-
the tendency to be influenced or offended: mance, and sadness, esp. when exaggerat-
its sheer callousness offended her sensibil- ed: a man without the softness of senti-
ities. 3 the ability to perceive or feel. ment.
sensible adj 1 having or showing good sense sentimental adj 1 feeling or expressing ten-
sentimentalize 745 seraph
derness, romance, or sadness to an exagger- septic adj of or caused by harmful bacteria,
ated extent. 2 appealing to the emotions, septicity n
esp. to romantic feelings: she kept the ring septicaemia or septicemia (sep-tis-
for sentimental reasons, sentimentalism n see-mee-a) n an infection of the blood
sentimentalist n sentimentality n sen- which develops in a wound.
timentally adv septic tank n a tank in which sewage is de-
sentimentalize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or composed by the action of bacteria.
-ising, -ised to make sentimental or behave septuagenarian n 1 a person who is be-
sentimentally. tween 70 and 79 years old. -adj 2 between
sentimental value n the value of an article 70 and 79 years old.
to a particular person because of the emo- Septuagint (sept-yew-a-jint) n the ancient
tions it arouses. Greek version of the Old Testament, includ-
sentinel n Old-fashioned a sentry. ing the Apocrypha.
sentry n, pl -tries a soldier who keeps watch septum n, pl -ta Biol, anat a dividing parti-
and guards a camp or building. tion between two tissues or cavities, such
sentry box n a small shelter with an open as in the nose.
front in which a sentry stands during bad septuple vb -pling, -pled 1 to multiply by
weather. seven, -adj 2 seven times as much or as
sepal n Bot a leaflike division of the calyx of many. 3 consisting of seven parts. ~n 4 a
a flower. quantity or number seven times as great as
separable adj able to be separated. another.
separate vb -rating, -rated 1 to act as a bar- sepulchral (sip-pulk-ral) adj 1 gloomy and
rier between: the narrow stretch of water solemn, like a tomb or grave. 2 of a sepul-
which separates Europe from Asia. 2 to chre.
part or be parted from a mass or group. 3 to sepulchre or US sepulcher (sep-pulk-er) n
distinguish: it’s what separates the women 1 a burial vault, tomb, or grave, -vb
from the boys. 4 to divide or be divided into -chring, -chred or -chering, -chered 2 to
component parts. 5 to sever or be severed. 6 bury in a sepulchre.
(of a couple) to stop living together, -adj 7 sepulture (sep-pult-cher) n the act of plac-
existing or considered independently: a ing in a sepulchre.
separate issue. 8 set apart from the main sequel n 1 a novel, play, or film that con-
body or mass. 9 distinct or individual, tinues the story of an earlier one. 2 any-
separately adv separateness n separator thing that happens after or as a result of
n something else: there was an amusing se-
separates pl n clothes, such as skirts, quel to this incident.
blouses, and trousers, that only cover part sequence n 1 an arrangement of two or
of the body and are designed to be worn to- more things in a successive order. 2 the suc-
gether or separately. cessive order of two or more things: chrono-
separate school n (in certain Canadian logical sequence. 3 an action or event that
provinces) a school for a large religious mi- follows another or others. 4 Maths an or-
nority financed by provincial grants in ad- dered set of numbers or other quantities in
dition to the education tax. one-to-one correspondence with the inte-
separation n 1 the act of separating: the gers 1 to n. 5 a section of a film forming a
separation of child from mother. 2 Family single uninterrupted episode.
law the living apart of a married couple sequential adj happening in a fixed order or
without divorce. 3 a mark, line, or object sequence.
that separates one thing from another. sequester vb 1 to seclude: he could seques-
separatist n a person who advocates the ter himself in his own home. 2 Law same as
separation of his or her own group from an sequestrate.
organization or country, separatism n sequestrate vb -trating, -trated Law to
sepia adj dark reddish-brown, like the col- confiscate (property) temporarily until
our of very old photographs. creditors are satisfied or a court order is
complied with, sequestration n seques-
sepoy n (formerly) an Indian soldier in the trator n
service of the British.
sequin n a small piece of shiny metal foil
sepsis n poisoning caused by the presence used to decorate clothes, sequined adj
of pus-forming bacteria in the body.
sequoia n a giant Californian coniferous
sept n a clan, esp. in Ireland or Scotland. tree.
Sept. September. seraglio (sir-ah-lee-oh) n, pl -raglios 1 the
September n the ninth month of the year, part of a Muslim house or palace where the
septennial adj 1 occurring every seven owner’s wives live. 2 a Turkish sultan’s
years. 2 lasting seven years. palace.
septet n 1 a group of seven performers. 2 a seraph n, pl -aphim Theol a member of the
piece of music for seven performers. highest order of angels, seraphic adj
Serb 746 service
Serb adj, n same as Serbian. tial quantity or quality: serious money, se-
Serbian adj 1 of Serbia. ~n 2 a person from riously adv seriousness n
Serbia. 3 the dialect of Serbo-Croatian spo- serjeant n same as sergeant.
ken in Serbia. sermon n 1 a speech on a religious or moral
Serbo-Croatian or Serbo-Croat n 1 the subject given by a clergyman as part of a
chief official language of Serbia and Croa- church service. 2 Disparaging a serious talk
tia. ~adj 2 of this language. on behaviour, morals, or duty, esp. a long
serenade n 1 a piece of music played or and tedious one.
sung to a woman by a lover. 2 a piece of seropositive (seer-oh-poz-zit-iv) adj (of a
music suitable for this. 3 an orchestral suite person whose blood has been tested for a
for a small ensemble. ~vb -nading, -naded specific disease, such as AIDS) showing a
4 to sing or play a serenade to (someone). significant level of serum antibodies, indi-
serendipity n the gift of making fortunate cating the presence of the disease.
discoveries by accident. serous (seer-uss) adj of, containing, or like
serene adj 1 peaceful or calm. 2 (of the sky) serum.
clear or bright, serenely adv serenity n serpent n 1 Literary a snake. 2 a devious
serf n (esp. in medieval Europe) a labourer person.
who could not leave the land on which he serpentine1 adj twisting like a snake.
worked, serfdom n serpentine2 n a soft green or brownish-red
serge n a strong fabric made of wool, cot- mineral.
ton, silk, or rayon, used for clothing. serrated adj having a notched or sawlike
sergeant n 1 a noncommissioned officer in edge, serration n
the armed forces. 2 (in Britain) a police of- serried adj Literary in close formation: the
ficer ranking between constable and inspec- serried ranks of fans.
tor.
serum (seer-um) n 1 the yellowish watery
sergeant at arms n a parliamentary or fluid left after blood has clotted. 2 this fluid
court officer responsible for keeping order. from the blood of immunized animals used
sergeant major n a noncommissioned offic- for inoculation or vaccination. 3 Physiol,
er of the highest rank in the army. zool any clear watery animal fluid.
serial n 1 a story published or broadcast in serval n a slender African wild cat with
instalments at regular intervals. 2 a publi- black-spotted tawny fur.
cation that is regularly issued and consecu- servant n 1 a person employed to do house-
tively numbered. ~adj 3 of, in, or forming a hold work for another person. 2 a person or
series. 4 published or presented as a serial. thing that is useful or provides a service: a
serialize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, distinguished servant of this country.
-ised to publish or present in the form of a
serial, serialization or -isation n serve vb serving, served 1 to be of service
to (a person, community, or cause); help. 2
serial killer n a person who commits a num- to perform an official duty or duties: he
ber of murders. served on several university committees. 3
serial number n any of the consecutive to attend to (customers) in a shop. 4 to pro-
numbers given to objects in a series for vide (guests) with food or drink: he served
identification. dinner guests German wine. 5 to provide
series n, pl -ries 1 a group or succession of (food or drink) for customers: breakfast is
related things. 2 a set of radio or television served from 7 a.m. 6 to provide with some-
programmes dealing with the same subject, thing needed by the public: the community
esp. one having the same characters but served by the school. 7 to work as a servant
different stories. 3 Maths the sum of a finite for (a person). 8 to go through (a period of
or infinite sequence of numbers or quan- police or military service, apprenticeship,
tities. 4 Electronics an arrangement of two or imprisonment). 9 to meet the needs of:
or more components connected in a circuit they serve a purpose. 10 to perform a func-
so that the same current flows in turn tion: the attacks only served to strengthen
through each of them: a number of resistors their resolve. 11 (of a male animal) to mate
in series. 5 Geol a set of layers that repre- with (a female animal). 12 Tennis, squash,
sent the rocks formed during an epoch. etc to put (the ball) into play. 13 to deliver
seriocomic (secr-ce-oh-kom-ik) adj mixing (a legal document) to (a person). 14 serve
serious and comic elements. someone right Informal to be what some-
serious adj 1 giving cause for concern: the one deserves, esp. for doing something stu-
situation is serious. 2 concerned with im- pid or wrong. ~n 15 Tennis, squash, etc
portant matters: there are some serious short for service (sense 12). server n
questions that need to be answered. 3 not service n 1 an act of help or assistance. 2 an
cheerful; grave: I am a serious person. 4 in organization or system that provides some-
earnest; sincere: he believes we are serious. thing needed by the public: a consumer in-
5 requiring concentration: a serious book. 6 formation service. 3 a department of public
Informal impressive because of its substan- employment and its employees: the diplo-
serviceable 747 set
matic service. 4 the installation or mainte- sesame (sess-am-ee) n a plant of the East
nance of goods provided by a dealer after a Indies, grown for its seeds and oil, which
sale. 5 availability for use by the public: the are used in cooking.
new plane could be in service within fifteen sessile adj 1 (of flowers or leaves) having
years. 6 a regular check made on a machine no stalk. 2 (of animals such as the barnacle)
or vehicle in which parts are tested, fixed in one position.
cleaned, or replaced if worn. 7 the serving session n 1 any period devoted to a particu-
of guests or customers: service is included lar activity. 2 a meeting of a court, parlia-
on the wine list. 8 one of the branches of the ment, or council. 3 a series or period of such
armed forces. 9 the serving of food: silver meetings. 4 a school or university term or
service. 10 a set of dishes, cups, and plates year, sessional adj
for use at table. 11 a formal religious cer- sestet n 1 Prosody the last six lines of a
emony. 12 Tennis, squash, etc a the act, sonnet. 2 same as sextet (sense 1).
manner, or right of serving the ball, b the
game in which a particular player serves: set1 vb setting, set 1 to put in a specified
she dropped only one point on her service, position or state: I set him free. 2 set to or
-adj 13 of or for the use of servants or on to bring (something) into contact with
employees: a service elevator. 14 serving (something else): three prisoners set fire to
the public rather than producing goods: their cells. 3 to put into order or make
service industries, -vb -vicing, -viced 15 ready: set the table. 4 to make or become
to provide service or services to. 16 to firm or rigid: before the eggs begin to set. 5
check and repair (a vehicle or machine). 17 to put (a broken bone) or (of a broken bone)
(of a male animal) to mate with (a female to be put into a normal position for healing.
animal). —See also services. 6 to adjust (a clock or other instrument) to
a particular position. 7 to arrange or estab-
serviceable adj 1 performing effectively: lish: to set a date for diplomatic talks; it set
serviceable boots. 2 able or ready to be the standards of performance. 8 to pre-
used: five remaining serviceable aircraft. scribe or assign (a task or material for
serviceability n study): the examiners have set “Paradise
service area n a place on a motorway with a Lost”. 9 to arrange (hair) while wet, so that
garage, restaurants, and toilets. it dries in position. 10 to place a jewel in (a
service car n NZ a bus operating on a long- setting): a ring set with diamonds. 11 to
distance route. provide music for (a poem or other text to
service charge n a percentage added to a be sung). 12 Printing a to arrange (type) for
bill in a hotel or restaurant to pay for ser- printing, b to put (text) into type. 13 to ar-
vice. range (a stage or television studio) with
service flat n a flat where domestic services scenery and props. 14 set to or on to value
are provided by the management. (something) at a specified price or worth:
serviceman n, pl -men 1 a person in the
he set a high price on his services. 15 (of the
armed services. 2 a man employed to ser- sun or moon) to disappear beneath the hori-
vice and maintain equipment, zon. 16 (of plants) to produce (fruits or
servicewoman fem n seeds) or (of fruits or seeds) to develop. 17
to place (a hen) on (eggs) to incubate them.
service road n Brit a narrow road running 18 (of a gun dog) to turn in the direction of
parallel to a main road that provides access game birds. ~n 19 the act of setting. 20 a
to houses and shops situated along its condition of firmness or hardness. 21 man-
length. ner of standing; posture: the set of his
services pl n 1 work performed in a job: the shoulders. 22 the scenery and other props
OBE for her services to the community. 2 used in a play or film. 23 same as sett.
the services the armed forces. 3 a system —adj 24 fixed or established by authority
of providing the public with something it or agreement: set hours of work. 25 rigid or
needs, such as gas or water. inflexible: she is set in her ways. 26 unmov-
service station n 1 a place that sells fuel, ing; fixed: a set expression on his face. 27
oil, and spare parts for motor vehicles. 2 conventional or stereotyped: she made her
same as service area. apology in set phrases. 28 set in (of a scene
serviette n Chiefly Brit a table napkin, or story) represented as happening at a cer-
servile adj 1 too eager to obey people; fawn- tain time or place: a European film set in
ing. 2 of or suitable for a slave, servility n Africa. 29 set on or upon determined to (do
or achieve something): why are you so set
serving n a portion of food. upon avoiding me? 30 ready: all set to go. 31
servitor n Archaic a servant or attendant, (of material for study) prescribed for stu-
servitude n Formal 1 slavery or bondage. 2 dents’ preparation for an examination.
the state or condition of being completely —See also set about, set against, etc.
dominated. ~ set2 n 1 a number of objects or people
servomechanism n a device which converts grouped or belonging together: a set of
a small force into a larger force, used esp. in slides. 2 a group of people who associate
steering mechanisms. with each other or have similar interests:
set about 748 seven
the tennis set. 3 Maths a collection of num- settle1 vb -tling, -tied 1 to put in order: he
bers or objects that satisfy a given condi- settled his affairs before he died. 2 to ar-
tion or share a property. 4 a television or range or be arranged firmly or comfortably:
piece of radio equipment. 5 Sport a group of he settled into his own chair by the fire. 3
games or points in a match, of which the to come down to rest: a bird settled on top
winner must win a certain number. 6 a se- of the hedge. 4 to establish or become estab-
ries of songs or tunes performed by a musi- lished as a resident: they eventually settled
cian or group on a given occasion: the front in Glasgow. 5 to establish or become estab-
row spent the rest of the set craning their lished in a way of life or a job. 6 to migrate
necks. to (a country) and form a community; colo-
set about vb 1 to start or begin. 2 to attack, nize. 7 to make or become quiet, calm, or
set against vb 1 to balance or compare. 2 to stable. 8 to cause (sediment) to sink to the
cause to be unfriendly to: the war set bottom in a liquid or (of sediment) to sink
brother against brother. thus. 9 to subside: the dust settled. 10
(sometimes foil, by up) to pay off (a bill or
set aside vb 1 to reserve for a special pur- debt). 11 to decide or dispose of: to settle an
pose. 2 to discard or reject. argument. 12 (often foil, by on or upon) to
set back vb 1 to delay or hinder. 2 Informal agree or fix: they settled on an elementary
to cost (a person) a specified amount. ~n code. 13 (usually foil, by on or upon) to give
setback 3 anything that delays progress. (a title or property) to a person by gift or
set down vb 1 to record in writing. 2 Brit to legal deed: he settled his property on his
allow (passengers) to get off a bus etc. wife. 14 to decide (a legal dispute) by
set forth vb Formal or archaic 1 to state or agreement without court action: they set-
present (an argument or facts). 2 to start tled out of court.
out on ajourney. settle2 n a long wooden bench with a high
set in vb 1 to begin and continue for some back and arms, sometimes having a storage
time: decadence has set in. 2 to insert. space under the seat.
set off vb 1 to start a journey. 2 to cause (a settle down vb 1 to make or become quiet
person) to act or do something, such as and orderly. 2 settle down to to remove all
laugh. 3 to cause to explode. 4 to act as a distractions and concentrate on: we settled
contrast to: blue suits you, sets off the col- down to a favourite movie. 3 to adopt an
our of your hair. orderly and routine way of life, esp. after
set on or upon vb to attack or cause to at- marriage.
tack: they set the dogs on him. settle for vb to accept or agree to in spite of
set out vb 1 to present, arrange, or display. dissatisfaction.
2 to give a full account of: the policy was settlement n 1 an act of settling. 2 a place
set out in an interview with the BBC. 3 to newly settled; colony. 3 subsidence of all or
begin or embark on an undertaking, esp. a part of a building. 4 an official agreement
journey. ending a dispute. 5 Law a an arrangement
set piece n 1 a work of literature, music, or by which property is transferred to a per-
art, intended to create an impressive effect. son’s possession, b the deed transferring
2 Football, hockey, etc an attacking move such property.
from a corner or free kick. settler n a person who settles in a new coun-
set square n a thin flat piece of plastic or try or a colony.
metal in the shape of a right-angled trian- set to vb 1 to begin working. 2 to start fight-
gle, used in technical drawing. ing. ~n set-to 3 Informal a brief disagree-
sett or set n 1 a badger’s burrow. 2 a small ment or fight.
rectangular paving block made of stone. set up vb 1 to build or construct: the sol-
settee n a seat, for two or more people, with diers had actually set up a munitions facto-
a back and usually with arms; couch. ry. 2 to put into a position of power or
setter n a large long-haired dog originally wealth. 3 to begin or enable (someone) to
bred for hunting. begin (a new venture): he set up a small
set theory n Maths the branch of mathemat- shop. 4 to begin or produce: to set up a nu-
ics concerned with the properties and clear chain reaction. 5 to establish: Broad
interrelationships of sets. set up a world record. 6 Informal to cause
setting n 1 the surroundings in which some- (a person) to bc blamed or accused. 7 to re-
thing is set. 2 the scenery, properties, or store the health of: a pub lunch set me up
background used to create the location for a nicely. ~n setup 8 Informal the way in
stage play or film. 3 a piece of music writ- which anything is organized or arranged. 9
ten for the words of a text. 4 the decorative Slang an event the result of which is prear-
metalwork in which a gem is set. 5 the ranged.
plates and cutlery for a single place at a seven n 1 the cardinal number that is the
table. 6 one of the positions or levels to sum of one and six. 2 a numeral, 7 or VII,
which the controls of a machine can be ad- representing this number. 3 something rep-
justed. resenting or consisting of seven units. ~adj
sevenfold 749 sexual intercourse
4 amounting to seven: seven weeks, sev- moval of surface water or sewage by means
enth adj, n of sewers.
sevenfold acf/1 having seven times as many sewing n a piece of fabric or an article, that
or as much. 2 composed of seven parts. is sewn or to be sewn.
~adv 3 by seven times as many or as much. sewing machine n a machine that sews ma-
seven seas pl n Old-fashioned all the terial with a needle driven by an electric
oceans of the world. motor.
seventeen n 1 the cardinal number that is sewn vb a past participle of sew.
the sum of ten and seven. 2 a numeral, 17 or sew up vb 1 to fasten or mend completely
XVII, representing this number. 3 some- by sewing. 2 Informal to complete or nego-
thing representing or consisting of seven- tiate successfully: the deal was sewn up
teen units. -adj 4 amounting to seventeen: just before the deadline.
seventeen children, seventeenth acfj, n sex n 1 the state of being either male or fe-
seventh heaven n a state of supreme hap- male. 2 either of the two categories, male or
piness. female, into which organisms are divided. 3
seventy n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number sexual intercourse. 4 feelings or behaviour
that is the product of ten and seven. 2 a connected with having sex or the desire to
numeral, 70 or LXX, representing this num- have sex. 5 sexual matters in general, -adj
ber. 3 something representing or consisting 6 of sexual matters: sex education. 7 based
of seventy units, —adj 4 amounting to sev- on or resulting from the difference between
enty: seventy countries, seventieth adj, n the sexes: sex discrimination, —vb 8 to find
out the sex of (an animal).
sever vb 1 to cut right through or cut off
sexagenarian n 1 a person who is between
(something): it accidentally severed the 60 and 69 years old. -adj 2 between 60 and
electrical cable. 2 to break off (a tie or rela-
tionship). severable adj severance n 69 years old.
sex appeal n sexual attractiveness.
several adj 1 more than a few: I spoke to
several doctors. 2 Formal various or sepa- sex chromosome n either of the chromo-
rate: the members with their several occu- somes that determine the sex of an animal.
pations. 3 Formal distinct or different: mis- sexism n discrimination against the mem-
fortune visited her three several times. bers of one sex, usually women, sexist n,
adj
severally adv Formal individually or sepa-
rately: the Western nations severally rather sexless adj 1 neither male nor female. 2
than Jointly decided that they would have having no sexual desires. 3 sexually unat-
to act without Russia. tractive.
severance pay n compensation paid by a sex object n someone, esp. a woman, re-
firm to an employee who has to leave be- garded only in terms of physical attractive-
cause the job he or she was appointed to do ness and not as a person.
no longer exists. sexology n the study of sexual behaviour in
human beings, sexologist n
severe adj 1 strict or harsh in the treatment
of others: a severe parent. 2 serious in ap- sextant n an instrument used in navigation
pearance or manner: a severe look; a severe for measuring angular distance, for exam-
hairdo. 3 very intense or unpleasant: severe ple between the sun and the horizon, to cal-
chest pains; the punishments are severe. 4 culate the position of a ship or aircraft.
causing discomfort by its harshness: severe sextet n 1 a group of six performers. 2 a
frost. 5 hard to perform or accomplish: a piece of music for six performers. 3 a group
severe challenge, severely adv severity n of six people or things.
Seville orange n a bitter orange used to sexton n a man employed to look after a
make marmalade. church and its churchyard.
Sevres (sev-ra) n a kind of fine French sextuple vb -pling, -pled 1 to multiply by
porcelain. six. —adj 2 six times as much or as many. 3
consisting of six parts. ~n 4 a quantity or
sew vb sewing, sewed; sewn or sewed 1 to number six times as great as another.
join with thread repeatedly passed through sextuplet n one of six children born at one
with a needle. 2 to attach, fasten, or close birth.
by sewing. -See also sew up.
sexual adj 1 of or characterized by sex. 2 (of
sewage n waste matter or excrement car- reproduction) characterized by the union of
ried away in sewers or drains. male and female reproductive cells. 3 of or
sewage farm n a place where sewage is relating to the differences between males
treated so that it can be used as manure or and females, sexuality n sexually adv
disposed of safely. -sexual harassment n the unwelcome direct-
sewer n a drain or pipe, usually under- ing of sexual remarks, looks, or advances,
ground, used to carry away surface water usually at a woman in the workplace.
or sewage. sexual intercourse n the sexual act in
sewerage n 1 a system of sewers. 2 the re- which the male’s erect penis is inserted into
sexy 750 shake
the female’s vagina, usually followed by the ignating a member or members of the main
ejaculation of semen. opposition party in Parliament who would
sexy adj sexier, sexiest Informal 1 sexually hold ministerial office if their party were in
exciting or attractive: a sexy voice. 2 inter- power: the shadow chancellor, -vb 10 to
esting, exciting, or trendy: a sexy project; a cast a shade or shadow over. 11 to make
sexy new car. sexiness n dark or gloomy. 12 to follow or trail secret-
SF or sf science fiction. ly-
SFA Scottish Football Association. shadow-box vb Boxing to box against an
imaginary opponent for practice, shadow-
S. Glam South Glamorgan. boxing n
Sgt. Sergeant. shadowy adj 1 (of a place) full of shadows;
Sh interj be quiet! shady. 2 faint or dark like a shadow: a
shabby adj -bier, -biest 1 old and worn in shadowy figure. 3 mysterious or not well
appearance. 2 wearing worn and dirty known: the shadowy world of espionage.
clothes. 3 behaving in a mean or unfair shady adj shadier, shadiest 1 full of shade;
way: shabby manoeuvres, shabbily adv shaded. 2 giving or casting shade. 3 Infor-
shabbiness n mal of doubtful honesty or legality: shady
shack n 1 a roughly built hut. —vb 2 shack business dealings, shadiness n
up with Slang to live with (a lover). shaft n 1 a a spear or arrow, b its long nar-
shackle n 1 one of a pair of metal rings row stem. 2 shaft of wit or humour a clev-
joined by a chain for securing someone’s er or amusing remark. 3 a ray or streak of
wrists or ankles. 2 shackles anything that light. 4 the long straight narrow handle of a
confines or restricts freedom: free from the tool or golf club. 5 a revolving rod in a ma-
shackles of its feudal past. 3 a metal loop or chine that transmits motion or power. 6 one
link closed by a bolt, used for securing of the bars between which an animal is
ropes or chains. —vb -ling, -led 4 to fasten harnessed to a vehicle. 7 Archit the middle
with shackles. 5 to restrict or hamper: an part of a column or pier, between the base
economy shackled by central control. and the capital. 8 a vertical passageway
shad n, pl shad or shads a herring-like food through a building for a lift. 9 a vertical
fish. passageway into a mine.
shade n 1 relative darkness produced by shag1 n 1 coarse shredded tobacco. 2 a mat-
blocking out sunlight. 2 a place sheltered ted tangle of hair or wool, —adj 3 (of a car-
from the sun by trees, buildings, etc. 3 pet) having long thick woollen threads.
something used to provide a shield or pro- shag2 n a kind of cormorant.
tection from a direct source of light, such as Shag3 vb shagging, shagged Brit slang 1
a lamp shade. 4 a shaded area in a painting Taboo to have sexual intercourse with (a
or drawing. 5 any of the different hues of a person). 2 shagged out exhausted.
colour: a much darker shade of grey. 6 a shaggy adj -gier, -giest 1 having or covered
slight amount: a shade of reluctance. 7 put with rough unkempt fur, hair, or wool:
someone or something in the shade to be shaggy cattle. 2 rough and untidy, shaggi-
so impressive as to make another person or ness n
thing seem unimportant by comparison. 8 Shagreen n 1 the skin of a shark, used as an
Literary a ghost. -vb shading, shaded 9 abrasive. 2 a rough grainy leather made
to screen or protect from heat or light. 10 to from certain animal hides.
make darker or dimmer. 11 to represent (a shah n a ruler of certain Middle Eastern
darker area) in (a painting or drawing), by countries, esp. (formerly) Iran.
graded areas of tone, lines, or dots. 12 to
change slightly or by degrees. shake vb shaking, shook, shaken 1 to move
up and down or back and forth with short
shades pl n 1 Slang sunglasses. 2 shades of quick movements. 2 to be or make un-
a reminder of: shades of Margaret Thatch- steady. 3 (of a voice) to tremble because of
er. anger or nervousness. 4 to clasp or grasp
shading n the graded areas of tone, lines, or (the hand) of (a person) in greeting or
dots, indicating light and dark in a painting agreement: they shook hands. 5 shake on it
or drawing. Informal to shake hands in agreement or
shadow n 1 a dark image or shape cast on a reconciliation. 6 to wave vigorously and
surface when something stands between a angrily: he shook his fist. 7 (often foil, by
light and the surface. 2 a patch of shade. 3 upj to frighten or unsettle. 8 to shock, dis-
the dark portions of a picture. 4 a hint or turb, or upset: he was badly shaken but un-
faint trace: a shadow of a doubt. 5 a person harmed. 9 to undermine or weaken: a team
less powerful or vigorous than his or her whose morale had been badly shaken. 10
former self. 6 a threatening influence: news US & Canad informal to get rid of. 11 Music
of the murder cast a shadow over the vil- to perform a trill on (a note). 12 shake
lage. 7 a person who always accompanies one’s head to indicate disagreement or dis-
another. 8 a person who trails another in approval by moving the head from side to
secret, such as a detective. -adj 9 Brit des- side. ~n 13 the act or an instance of shak-
shake down 751 shanghai
ing. 14 a tremor or vibration. 15 the shakes (something); pretend: he made a point of
Informal a state of uncontrollable trem- shamming nervousness.
bling. 16 Informal a very short period of shaman (sham-man) n 1 a priest of shaman-
time: in half a shake. 17 Music same as trill ism. 2 a medicine man or witch doctor of a
(sense 1). 18 short for milk shake. ~See similar religion.
also shake down, shake off, shake up. shamanism (sham-man-iz-zum) n a religion
shake down vb 1 to go to bed, esp. in a of northern Asia, based on a belief in good
makeshift bed. ~n shakedown 2 a make- and evil spirits who can be influenced or
shift bed. controlled only by the shamans, shamanist
shake Off vb 1 to remove or get rid of: I n, adj
have been trying to shake off the stigma for shamble vb -bling, -bled 1 to walk or move
some time. 2 to escape from; get away from: along in an awkward shuffling way. ~n 2
they switched to a blue car in a bid to shake an awkward or shuffling walk, shambling
off reporters. adj, n
shaker n 1 a container used for shaking a shambles n 1 a disorderly or badly organ-
powdered substance onto something: a flour ized event or place: the bathroom was a
shaker. 2 a container in which the ingredi- shambles. 2 a butcher’s slaughterhouse. 3
ents of alcoholic drinks are shaken togeth- Old-fashioned any scene of great slaughter.
er. shambolic adj Informal completely disorg-
Shakespearean or Shakespearian adj 1 of anized.
William Shakespeare, English dramatist shame n 1 a painful emotion resulting from
and poet, or his works. ~n 2 a student of or an awareness of having done something
specialist in Shakespeare’s works. wrong or foolish. 2 capacity to feel such an
shake up vb 1 to mix by shaking. 2 to reor- emotion: have they no shame? 3 loss of re-
ganize drastically. 3 Informal to shock men- spect; disgrace. 4 a person or thing that
tally or physically: the thunderstorm really causes this. 5 a cause for regret or disap-
shook me up. ~n shake-up 4 Informal a pointment: it’s a shame to rush back. 6 put
radical reorganization, such as the reor- to shame to show up as being inferior by
ganization of employees in a company. comparison: his essay put mine to shame,
shako (shack-oh) n, pl shakos a tall cylin- -interj 7 S African informal a an expres-
drical peaked military hat with a plume. sion of sympathy, b an expression of pleas-
shaky adj shakier, shakiest 1 weak and un- ure or endearment, -vb shaming, shamed
steady, esp. due to illness or shock. 2 uncer- 8 to cause to feel shame. 9 to bring shame
tain or doubtful: their prospects are shaky. on. 10 (often foil, by into) to force someone
3 tending to shake or tremble, shakily adv to do something by making him or her feel
ashamed not to: he was finally shamed into
shale n a flaky sedimentary rock formed by paying the bill.
compression of successive layers of clay.
shamefaced adj cmbt(rrassed or guilty,
shall vb, past should used as an auxiliary: 1 shamefacedly adv
(esp. with I or we as subject) to make the shameful adj causing or deserving shame: a
future tense: we shall see you tomorrow. 2 shameful lack of concern, shamefully adv
(with you, he, she, it, they, or a noun as
subject) a to indicate determination on the shameless adj 1 having no sense of shame:
part of the speaker: you shall pay for this.'b a shameless manipulator. 2 without decen-
to indicate compulsion or obligation, now cy or modesty: a shameless attempt to stifle
esp. in official documents. 3 (with lor we as democracy, shamelessly adv
subject) in questions asking for advice or shammy n, pl -mies Informal a piece of
agreement: what shall we do now?; shall I chamois leather.
shut the door? shampoo n 1 a soapy liquid used to wash
► The use of shall with I and we is a matter the hair. 2 a similar liquid for washing car-
of preference, not rule. Shall is commonly pets or upholstery. 3 the process of sham-
used for questions in southern England but pooing. -vb -pooing, -pooed 4 to wash
less often in the north and Scotland. (the hair, carpets, or upholstery) with
shallot (shal-lot) n a small, onion-like plant shampoo.
used in cooking for flavouring. shamrock n a small clover-like plant with
shallow adj 1 having little depth. 2 not in- three round leaves on each stem: the na-
volving sincere feelings or serious thought. tional emblem of Ireland.
3 (of breathing) consisting of short breaths. shandy n, pl -dies a drink made of beer and
~n 4 {often pl) a shallow place in a body of lemonade.
water, shallowness n shanghai Slang -vb -haiing, -haied 1 to
sham n 1 anything that is not genuine or is ~ force or trick (someone) into doing some-
not what it appears to be. 2 a person who thing. 2 History to kidnap (a man) and force
pretends to be something other than he or him to serve at sea. 3 Austral & NZ to shoot
she is. -adj 3 not real or genuine. -vb with a catapult, —n 4 Austral & NZ a cata-
shamming, shammed 4 to fake or feign pult.
shank 752 Shavian
shank n 1 the part of the leg between the shark n 1 a large, usually predatory fish
knee and the ankle. 2 a cut of meat from the with a long body, two dorsal fins, and rows
top part of an animal’s shank. 3 the long of sharp teeth. 2 Disparaging a person who
narrow part of a tool, key, spoon, ete. swindles or extorts money from other peo-
shanks’s pony or US shanks’s mare n In- ple.
formal one’s own legs as a means of trans- sharkskin n a smooth glossy fabrie used for
port. sportswear.
shan’t shall not. sharp adj 1 having a keen eutting edge. 2 ta-
shantung n a heavy Chinese silk with a pering to an edge or point. 3 involving a
knobbly surfaee. sudden ehange in direction: a sharp bend on
a road; a sharp rise in prices. 4 moving, act-
shanty1 n, pl -ties a small rough hut; erude ing, or reaeting quickly: sharp reflexes. 5
dwelling. clearly defined: a sharp contrast. 6 quiek to
shanty2 or chanty n, pl -ties a rhythmical notice or understand things; keen-witted. 7
song originally sung by sailors when work- clever in an underhand way: sharp prac-
ing. tices. 8 bitter or harsh: a sharp response. 9
shantytown n a town of poor people living shrill or penetrating: a sharp cry of horror.
in shanties. 10 having a bitter or sour taste. 11 (of pain
shape n 1 the outward form of an object, or cold) acute or biting: a sharp gust of
produced by its outline. 2 the figure or out- wind. 12 Music a (of a note) raised in pitch
line of the body of a person. 3 organized or by one semitone: F sharp, b (of an instru-
definite form: to preserve the union in its ment or voice) out of tune by being too high
present shape. 4 the specific form that any- in piteh. 13 Informal neat and stylish: a
thing takes on: a gold locket in the shape of sharp dresser, -adv 14 promptly. 15 ex-
a heart. 5 pattern or mould. 6 condition or actly: at ten o’clock sharp. 16 Music a high-
state of efficiency: in poor shape. 7 take er than a standard pitch, b out of tune by
shape to assume a definite form. -vb being too high in pitch: she sings sharp. ~n
shaping, shaped 8 (often foil, by into or 17 Music a an accidental that raises the
up) to reeeive or cause to reeeive shape or pitch of a note by one semitone. Symbol: J b
form: spinach shaped into a ball. 9 to mould a note affected by this accidental. 18 In-
into a particular pattern or form. 10 to de- formal a cheat; a cardsharp, sharpish adj
vise or develop: to shape a system of free sharply adv sharpness n
trade. -See also shape up. sharpen vb to make or beeome sharp or
shapeless adj 1 (of a person or object) lack- sharper, sharpenern
ing a pleasing shape: a shapeless dress. 2 sharper n a person who eheats or swindles;
having no definite shape or form: a shape- fraud.
less mound. shapelessness n sharpshooter n a skilled marksman,
shapely adj -lier, -liest (esp. of a woman’s sharp-tongued adj very critical or sarcastic,
body or legs) pleasing or attractive in sharp-witted adj very intelligent and per-
shape, shapeliness n ceptive.
shape up vb Informal 1 to progress or de- shatter vb 1 to break suddenly into many
velop satisfactorily. 2 to develop a definite small pieces. 2 to damage badly or destroy:
or proper form. 3 to start working efficient- to shatter American confidence. 3 to upset
ly or behaving properly: shape up or face (someone) greatly: the whole experience
the sack. shattered me. shattering adj
shard n a broken pieee or fragment of pot- shattered adj Informal 1 completely ex-
tery, glass, or metal. hausted. 2 badly upset: he was shattered by
share1 n 1 a part or portion of something the separation.
that belongs to or is contributed by a person shave vb shaving, shaved; shaved or shav-
or group. 2 (often pl) any of the equal parts en 1 to remove (the beard or hair) from (the
into whieh the capital stock of a company is faee, head, or body) by using a razor or
divided. -vb sharing, shared 3 (often foil, shaver. 2 to remove thin slices from (wood
by out) to divide and distribute. 4 to reeeive or other material) with a sharp eutting tool.
or contribute a portion of: we shared a bot- 3 to touch (someone or something) lightly in
tle of mineral water. 5 to join with another passing. ~n 4 the act or an instance of
or others in the use of (something): the four shaving. 5 the removal of hair from a man’s
women share a house. 6 to go through (a face by a razor. 6 a tool for cutting off thin
similar experience) as others: we all shared slices. 7 close shave Informal a narrow es-
the nightmare of toothache. 7 to tell others cape.
about (something). 8 to have the same (be- shaver n 1 an electrically powered razor. 2
liefs or opinions) as others: universal Old-fashioned a young boy.
values shared by both east and west. Shavian (shave-ee-an) adj 1 of or like
share2 n short for ploughshare. George Bernard Shaw, Irish dramatist
shareholder n the owner of one or more noted for his sharp wit, or his works. ~n 2
shares in a company. an admirer of Shaw or his works.
shaving 753 shell
shaving n 1 a thin slice of something such as secticide in which sheep are immersed. 2 a
wood, which has been shaved off. —adj 2 deep trough containing such a liquid.
used when shaving: shaving foam. sheepdog n 1 a dog used for herding sheep.
shawl n a piece of woollen cloth worn over 2 a breed of dog reared originally for herd-
the head or shoulders by a woman or ing sheep.
wrapped around a baby. sheepfold n a pen or enclosure for sheep,
She pron refers to: 1 the female person or sheepish adj embarrassed because of feel-
animal previously mentioned or in question: ing foolish, sheepishly adv
she is my sister. 2 something regarded as sheepshank n a knot made in a rope to
female, such as a car, ship, or nation. —n 3 shorten it temporarily.
a female person or animal. sheepskin n the skin of a sheep with the
sheaf n, pl sheaves 1 a bundle of papers wool still attached, used to make clothing
tied together. 2 a bundle of reaped corn tied and rugs.
together, —vb 3 to bind or tie into a sheaf. sheer1 adj 1 absolute; complete: sheer
shear vb shearing, sheared or Austral & NZ amazement. 2 perpendicular; very steep:
sometimes shore; sheared or shorn 1 to the sheer rock face. 3 (of textiles) light,
remove (the fleece) of (a sheep) by cutting delicate, and see-through, —adv 4 steeply:
or clipping. 2 to cut or cut through (some- the cliff drops sheer to the sea.
thing) with shears or a sharp instrument. 3 sheer2 vb sheer off or away (from) a to
Engineering to cause (a part) to break or (of change course suddenly, b to avoid an un-
a part) to break through strain or twisting. pleasant person, thing, or topic.
—n 4 breakage caused through strain or sheet1 n 1 a large rectangular piece of cloth
twisting. -See also shears, shearer n used as an inner bed cover. 2 a thin piece of
shears pl n a large scissors, used for sheep material such as paper or glass, usually rec-
shearing, b a large scissor-like cutting tool tangular. 3 a broad continuous surface or
with flat blades, used for cutting hedges. layer: a sheet of ice. 4 a newspaper, -vb 5
sheath n, pl sheaths 1 a case or covering for to provide with, cover, or wrap in a sheet. 6
the blade of a knife or sword. 2 Biol a struc- (often foil, by down) to rain very heavily.
ture that encloses or protects. 3 same as sheet2 n Naut a line or rope for controlling
condom. 4 a close-fitting dress. the position of a sail.
sheathe vb sheathing, sheathed 1 to insert sheet anchor n 1 Naut a large strong anchor
(a knife or sword) into a sheath. 2 to cover for use in an emergency. 2 a person or thing
with a sheathe or sheathing. that can always be relied on.
sheathing n any material used as an outer sheeting n any material from which sheets
layer. are made.
sheaves n the plural of sheaf. sheet metal n metal formed into a thin
shebeen or shebean n Scot, Irish, & S Afri- sheet by rolling or hammering.
can a place where alcoholic drink is sold il- sheet music n music printed on individual
legally. sheets of paper.
shed1 n 1 a small, roughly made building sheikh or sheik (shake) n (in Muslim coun-
used for storing garden tools, etc. 2 a large tries) a the head of an Arab tribe, village, or
barnlike building used for various purposes family, b a religious leader, sheikhdom or
at factories, train stations, etc.: a locomo- sheikdom n
tive shed. sheila n Austral & NZ informal a girl or
shed2 vb shedding, shed 1 to get rid of : 250 woman.
workers shed by the company. 2 shed tears shekel n 1 the monetary unit of Israel. 2
to cry. 3 shed light on to make (a problem 1 shekels Informal money.
or situation) easier to understand. 4 to cast shelduck or masc sheldrake n, pl -ducks,
off (skin, hair, or leaves): the trees were al- -duck, or -drakes -drake a large brightly
ready beginning to shed their leaves. 5 to coloured wild duck of Europe and Asia.
cause to flow off: this coat sheds water. 6 to shelf n, pl shelves 1 a board fixed horizon-
separate or divide (a group of sheep). tally against a wall or in a cupboard, for
sheen n a glistening brightness on the sur- holding things. 2 a projecting layer of ice or
face of something: grass with a sheen of rock on land or in the sea. 3 off the shelf
dew on it. (of products in shops) sold as standard. 4
sheep n, pl sheep 1 a cud-chewing mammal on the shelf put aside or abandoned; used
with a thick woolly coat, kept for its wool esp. of unmarried women considered to be
or meat. 2 a timid person. 3 like sheep (of a past the age of marriage.
group of people) allowing a single person to shelf life n the length of time a packaged
dictate their actions or beliefs. 4 separate ~ product will remain fresh or usable.
the sheep from the goats to pick out the shell n 1 the protective outer layer of an egg,
members of a group who are superior in fruit, or nut. 2 the hard outer covering of an
some respects, sheeplike adj animal such as a crab or tortoise. 3 any
sheep-dip n 1 a liquid disinfectant and in- hard outer case. 4 the external structure of
she’ll 754 shilling
a building, car, or ship, esp. one that is un- sherbet n 1 a fruit-flavoured slightly fizzy
finished or gutted by fire. 5 an explosive ar- powder, eaten as a sweet or used to make a
tillery projectile that can be fired from a drink. 2 US & Canad same as sorbet.
large gun. 6 a small-arms cartridge. 7 Row- sheriff n 1 (in the U.S.) the chief elected law-
ing a very light narrow racing boat. 8 come enforcement officer in a county. 2 (in Cana-
or bring out of one’s shell to become or da) a municipal officer who enforces court
help to become less shy and reserved. ~vb orders and escorts convicted criminals to
9 to remove the shell or husk from. 10 to at- prison. 3 (in England and Wales) the chief
tack with artillery shells. -See also shell executive officer of the Crown in a county,
out. shell-like adj having chiefly ceremonial duties. 4 (in Scot-
she’ll she will or she shall. land) a judge in a sheriff court.
shellac n 1 a yellowish resin used in var- sheriff court n (in Scotland) a court having
nishes and polishes. 2 a varnish made by powers to try all but the most serious
dissolving shellac in alcohol. — vb -lacking, crimes and to deal with most civil actions.
-lacked 3 to coat with shellac. Sherpa n, pl -pas or -pa a member of a Ti-
shellfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a sea-living betan people living on the southern slopes
animal, esp. one that can be eaten, having a of the Himalayas.
shell. sherry n, pl -ries a pale or dark brown forti-
shell out vb Informal to pay out or hand fied wine, originally from southern Spain.
over (money). Shetland pony n a very small sturdy breed
shell shock n a nervous disorder character- of pony with a long shaggy mane and tail.
ized by anxiety and depression that occurs shibboleth n 1 a slogan or catch phrase,
as a result of lengthy exposure to battle usually considered outworn, that char-
conditions, shell-shocked adj acterizes a particular party or sect: the
shell suit n a lightweight tracksuit made of a shibboleth of Western strategy. 2 a custom,
waterproof nylon layer over a cotton layer. phrase, or use of language that reliably
Shelta n a secret language based on Gaelic, distinguishes a member of one group or
used by some travelling people in Ireland class from another.
and Britain. shickered adj Austral & NZ slang drunk,
shelter n 1 something that provides cover or shied vb the past of shy1, shy2.
protection from weather or danger. 2 the shield n 1 a piece pf defensive armour car-
protection given by such a cover. — vb 3 to ried in the hand or on the arm to protect the
take cover from bad weather. 4 to provide body from blows or missiles. 2 any person
with a place to live or a hiding place: or thing that protects, hides, or defends: a
dissidents sheltering in foreign embassies. wind shield. 3 Heraldry a representation of
sheltered adj 1 protected from wind and a shield used for displaying a coat of arms.
rain. 2 protected from unpleasant or upset- 4 anything that resembles a shield in shape,
ting experiences: a sheltered childhood. 3 such as a trophy in a sports competition,
specially designed to provide a safe envi- -vb 5 to protect, hide, or defend (someone
ronment for the elderly, handicapped, or or something) from danger or harm: an in-
disabled: sheltered housing. dustry shielded from competition.
shelve1 vb shelving, shelved 1 to put aside shift vb 1 to move from one place or position
or postpone: to shelve a project. 2 to place to another. 2 to pass (blame or responsibil-
(something, such as a book) on a shelf. 3 to ity) onto someone else: he was trying to
provide with shelves: to shelve a cupboard. shift the blame to me. 3 to change (gear) in
4 to dismiss (someone) from active service. a motor vehicle. 4 to remove or be removed:
shelve2 vb shelving, shelved to slope away no detergent can shift these stains. 5 US to
gradually. change for another or others. 6 Slang to
shelves n the plural of shelf. move quickly. ~n 7 the act or an instance
shelving n 1 material for shelves. 2 shelves of shifting. 8 a a group of workers who
collectively. work during a specific period, b the period
shenanigans pl n Informal 1 mischief or of time worked by such a group. 9 a method
nonsense. 2 trickery or deception. or scheme. 10 a loose-fitting straight under-
shepherd n 1 a person employed to tend skirt or dress.
sheep. 2 Christianity a clergyman when shiftless adj lacking in ambition or initia-
considered as the moral and spiritual guide tive.
of the people in the parish. — vb 3 to guide shifty adj shiftier, shiftiest looking deceit-
or watch over (people), shepherdess fem n ful and not to be trusted, shiftiness n
shepherd’s pie n Chiefly Brit a baked dish shillelagh (shil-lay-lee) n (in Ireland) a
of minced meat covered with mashed pota- heavy club.
to. shilling n 1 a former British coin worth one
Sheraton adj denoting light and elegant fur- twentieth of a pound, replaced by the 5p
niture made by or in the style of Thomas piece in 1970. 2 the standard monetary unit
Sheraton, English furniture maker. in several E African countries.
shillyshally 755 shock
shillyshally vb -shallies, -shallying, shipmate n a sailor who serves on the same
-shallied Informal to be indecisive. ship as another.
shim n 1 a thin strip of material placed be- shipment n 1 goods shipped together as part
tween two close surfaces to fill a gap. -vb of the same lot: a shipment of arms. 2 the
shimming, shimmed 2 to fit or fill up with act of shipping cargo.
a shim. shipper n a person or company that ships,
shimmer vb 1 to shine with a faint unsteady shipping n 1 the business of transporting
light. ~n 2 a faint unsteady light, shim- freight, esp. by ship. 2 ships collectively: all
mering or shimmery adj shipping should stay clear of the harbour.
shin n 1 the front part of the lower leg. 2 shipshape adj 1 neat or orderly, —adv 2 in
Chiefly Brit a cut of beef including the a neat and orderly manner.
lower foreleg. —vb shinning, shinned 3 shipwreck n 1 the destruction of a ship at
shin up to climb (something, such as a rope sea. 2 the remains of a wrecked ship. 3 ruin
or pole) by gripping with the hands or arms or destruction: the shipwreck of the old sci-
and the legs and hauling oneself up. ence. ~vb 4 to wreck or destroy (a ship). 5
shinbone n the nontechnical name for tibia, to bring to ruin or destruction.
shindig or shindy n, pl -digs or -dies Slang 1 shipwright n someone, esp. a carpenter, who
a noisy party or dance. 2 a quarrel or brawl. builds or repairs ships.
shine vb shining, shone 1 to give off or re- shipyard n a place where ships are built and
flect light. 2 to direct the light of (a lamp or repaired.
torch): I shone a torch at the ceiling. 3 (pt & shire n 1 a county. 2 the Shires the Midland
pp shined) to make clean and bright by pol- counties of England.
ishing: they earned money by shining shoes.
4 to be very good at something: she shone in shire horse n a large powerful breed of
most subjects; she shone at school. 5 to ap- working horse.
pear very bright and clear: her hair shone shirk vb to avoid doing (work or a duty),
like gold. ~n 6 brightness or lustre. 7 take shirker n
a shine to someone Informal to take a lik- shirt n 1 an item of clothing worn on the
ing to someone. upper part of the body, usually with a col-
shiner n Informal a black eye. lar and sleeves and buttoning up the front.
2 keep your shirt on Informal keep your
shingle1 n 1 a thin rectangular tile laid with
others in overlapping rows to cover a roof temper. 3 put one’s shirt on something In-
formal to bet all one has on something.
or a wall. 2 a woman’s short-cropped hair-
style. - vb -gling, -gled 3 to cover (a roof or shirtsleeve n 1 the sleeve of a shirt. 2 in
a wall) with shingles. 4 to cut (the hair) in a one’s shirtsleeves not wearing a jacket.
short-cropped style. shirt-tail n the part of a shirt that extends
shingle2 n coarse gravel found on beaches, below the waist.
shingles n a disease causing a rash of small shirtwaister or US shirtwaist n a woman’s
blisters along a nerve. dress with a tailored bodice resembling a
shirt.
Shinto n a Japanese religion in which ances-
tors and nature spirits are worshipped. shirty adj shirtier, shirtiest Slang, chiefly
Shintoism n Shintoist n, adj Brit bad-tempered or annoyed.
shinty n 1 a game like hockey but with taller shish kebab n a dish of small pieces of meat
goals. 2 (pl -ties) the stick used in this and vegetables grilled on a skewer.
game. shit Taboo — vb shitting, shitted, shit or
shiny adj shinier, shiniest 1 bright and pol- shat 1 to defecate. ~n 2 faeces; excrement.
ished. 2 (of clothes or material) worn to a 3 Slang rubbish; nonsense. 4 Slang a worth-
smooth and glossy state by continual wear less person, —interj 5 Slang an exclamation
or rubbing. of anger or disgust, shitty adj
ship n 1 a large seagoing vessel with engines shiver1 vb 1 to tremble from cold or fear.
or sails. 2 short for airship or spaceship. 3 —n 2 a tremble caused by cold or fear. 3
when one’s ship comes in when one has the shivers a fit of shivering through fear
become successful. —vb shipping, shipped or illness, shivering n, adj shivery adj
4 to send or transport by any carrier, esp. a shiver2 vb 1 to break into fragments. —n 2 a
ship. 5 Naut to take in (water) over the splintered piece.
side. 6 to bring or go aboard a vessel: to shoal1 n 1 a large group of fish swimming
ship oars. 7 (often foil, by off) Informal to together. 2 a large group of people or
send away: they were shipped off to foreign things.
countries. 8 to be hired to serve aboard a shoal2 n 1 a stretch of shallow water. 2 a
ship: I shipped aboard a Liverpool liner. Sandbank or rocky area, esp. one that can
shipboard adj taking place or used aboard a be seen at low water, —vb 3 to make or be-
ship: a shipboard romance. come shallow.
Shipbuilder n a person or company that shock1 vb 1 to cause (someone) to experi-
builds ships, shipbuilding n ence extreme horror, disgust, or astonish-
shock 756 shopping centre
merit: the similarity shocked me. 2 to cause shoot vb shooting, shot 1 to hit, wound, or
a state of shock in (a person). ~n 3 a sud- kill with a missile fired from a weapon. 2 to
den and violent blow or impact. 4 a a sud- fire (a missile or missiles) from a weapon. 3
den and violent emotional disturbance, b to fire (a weapon). 4 to hunt game with a
something causing this. 5 Pathol a condition gun for sport. 5 to send out or be sent out
in which a person’s blood cannot flow prop- quickly and aggressively: he shot questions
erly because of severe injury, burns, or at her. 6 to move very rapidly: the car shot
fright. 6 pain and muscular spasm caused forward. 7 to go or pass quickly over or
by an electric current passing through a through: he was trying to shoot the white
person’s body, shocker n water. 8 to slide or push into or out of a fas-
shock2 n 1 a number of grain sheaves set on tening: she shot the bolt quickly. 9 (of a
end in a field to dry. ~vb 2 to set up plant) to sprout (a new growth). 10 to
(sheaves) in shocks. photograph or film. 11 Sport to hit or kick
shock3 n a thick bushy mass of hair. the ball at goal. ~n 12 the act of shooting.
shock absorber n any device designed to 13 a new growth or sprout of a plant. 14
absorb mechanical shock, esp. one fitted to Chiefly Brit a meeting or party organized
a motor vehicle to reduce the effects of for hunting game with guns. 15 an area
travelling over bumpy surfaces. where game can be hunted with guns. 16 In-
formal a photographic assignment, shooter
shocking adj 1 Informal very bad or terri- n
ble: a shocking match at Leicester. 2 caus-
ing dismay or disgust: a shocking lack of shooting gallery n a long narrow room
concern. 3 shocking pink (of) a very bright where people practise shooting.
shade of pink. shooting star n Informal a meteor.
shockproof adj capable of absorbing shock shooting stick n a walking stick with a
without damage. spike at one end and a folding seat at the
shock tactics pl n the use of unexpected or other.
unexpectedly forceful methods to carry out Shoot up vb 1 to grow or increase rapidly:
a plan. crime rates have shot up; as my peers start-
shock therapy or treatment n the treat- ed to shoot up, I stopped growing. 2 Slang to
ment of certain mental conditions by pass- inject oneself with heroin or another strong
ing an electric current through the patient’s drug.
brain. shop n 1 a place for the sale of goods and
Shod vb a past of shoe. services. 2 a place where a specified type of
Shoddy adj -dier, -diest 1 made or done work is done; workshop: a repair shop. 3 all
badly or carelessly: shoddy goods. 2 of poor over the shop Informal scattered every-
quality; shabby, shoddily adv shoddiness where: his papers were all over the shop. 4
n shut up shop to close business at the end of
Shoe n 1 one of a matching pair of coverings the day or permanently. 5 talk shop Infor-
shaped to fit the foot, made of leather or mal to discuss one’s business or work, esp.
other strong material and ending below the on a social occasion. —vb shopping,
ankle. 2 anything resembling a shoe in shopped 6 (often foil, by for) to visit a shop
shape, function, or position. 3 short for or shops in order to buy (goods). 7 Slang,
horseshoe. 4 be in a person’s shoes In- chiefly Brit to inform on (someone), esp. to
formal to be in another person’s situation. the police, shopper n
~vb shoeing, shod 5 to fit (a horse) with Shop around vb Informal 1 to visit a number
horseshoes. of shops or stores to compare goods and
shoehorn n a smooth curved piece of metal prices. 2 to consider a number of possibil-
or plastic inserted at the heel of a shoe to ities before making a choice.
ease the foot into it. Shop assistant n a person who serves in a
shoelace n a cord for fastening shoes, shop.
shoemaker n a person who makes or repairs Shop floor n 1 the production area of a fac-
shoes or boots, shoemaking n tory. 2 workers, esp. factory workers, as
shoestring n 1 same as shoelace. 2 Informal opposed to management.
a very small amount of money: the theatre Shopkeeper n a person who owns or man-
will be run on a shoestring. ages a shop, shopkeeping n
shoetree n a long piece of metal, plastic, or shoplifter n a customer who steals goods
wood, put into a shoe or boot to keep its from a shop, shoplifting n
shape. Shopping n 1 the act of going to shops and
shone vb a past of shine. buying things. 2 things that have been
shoo interj 1 go away!: used to drive away bought in shops.
unwanted or annoying animals or people. shopping centre n 1 a complex of stores,
-vb shooing, shooed 2 to drive away by restaurants, and sometimes banks, usually
crying “shoo”. under the same roof. 2 the area of a town
shook vb the past tense of shake. where most of the shops are situated.
shopping list 757 short-winded
shopping list n 1 a written list of things to shortbread n a rich crumbly biscuit made
be bought when out shopping. 2 any list of with butter.
things desired or demanded: a long shop- shortcake n 1 shortbread. 2 a dessert made
ping list of amendments to the treaty. of layers of biscuit or cake filled with fruit
shopping mall n a large enclosed shopping and cream.
centre. short-change vb -changing, -changed 1 to
shopping plaza n Chiefly US & Canad a give (someone) less than the correct change.
shopping centre, usually a small group of 2 Slang to cheat or swindle (someone).
stores built as a strip. short circuit n 1 a faulty or accidental con-
shopsoiled adj slightly dirty or faded, from nection in an electric circuit, which deflects
being displayed in a shop. current through a path of low resistance,
shop steward n a trade-union official elect- usually causing the failure of the circuit.
ed by his or her fellow workers to be their —vb short-circuit 2 to develop a short cir-
representative in dealing with their em- cuit. 3 to bypass (a procedure): she wrote to
ployer. them direct and short-circuited the job
shoptalk n conversation about one’s work, agency. 4 to hinder or frustrate (a plan).
carried on outside working hours. shortcoming n a fault or weakness,
shopwalker n Brit (esp. formerly) a person shortcrust pastry n a type of pastry with a
employed by a department store to assist crisp but crumbly texture.
sales personnel and help customers. short cut n 1 a route that is shorter than the
shore1 n 1 the land along the edge of a sea, usual one. 2 a way of saving time or effort.
lake, or wide river. 2 land, as opposed to shorten vb to make or become short or
water: 150 yards from shore. 3 shores a shorter.
country: foreign shores. shortening n butter or other fat, used in
shore2 n 1 a prop placed under or against pastry to make it crumbly.
something as a support. -vb shoring, shortfall n 1 failure to meet a requirement. 2
shored 2 shore up a to prop up (an un- the amount of such a failure; deficit.
steady building or wall) with a strong sup- shorthand n a system of rapid writing using
port. b to strengthen or support (something simple strokes and other symbols to repre-
weak): lower interest rates to shore up the sent words or phrases.
economy.
short-handed adj (of a company or organi-
shoreline n the edge of a sea, lake, or wide
zation) lacking enough staff to do the re-
river. quired work.
shorn vb a past participle of shear.
shorthand typist n Brit a person skilled in
short adj 1 of little length; not long. 2 of lit- the use of shorthand and in typing.
tle height; not tall. 3 not lasting long. 4 not
enough: the number of places laid at the shorthorn n a member of a breed of cattle
table was short by four. 5 short of or on with short horns.
lacking in: short of cash; short on detail. 6 short list Chiefly Brit ~n 1 Also called
concise: a short book. 7 (of drinks) consist- (Scot.): short leet a list of suitable candi-
ing chiefly of a spirit, such as whisky. 8 (of dates for a job or prize, from which the suc-
someone’s memory) lacking the ability to cessful candidate will be selected, -vb
retain a lot of facts. 9 (of a person’s man- short-list 2 to put (someone) on a short list.
ner) abrupt and rather rude: Kemp was short-lived adj lasting only for a short time:
short with her. 10 (of betting odds) almost his authority was short-lived.
even. 11 Finance a not possessing at the shortly adv 1 in a short time; soon. 2 spoken
time of sale the stocks or commodities one in a cross and impatient manner.
sells, b relating to such sales, which depend shorts pl n 1 trousers reaching the top of the
on falling prices for profit. 12 Phonetics (of thigh or partway to the knee. 2 Chiefly US
a vowel) of relatively brief duration. 13 (of & Canad men’s underpants.
pastry) crumbly in texture. 14 in short short shrift n brief and unsympathetic
supply scarce. 15 short and sweet brief treatment.
and to the point. 16 short for a shortened short-sighted adj 1 unable to see faraway
form of. -adv 17 abruptly: to stop short. things clearly. 2 not taking likely future
18 be caught short to have a sudden need developments into account: a short-sighted
to go to the toilet. 19 go short not to have approach to the problem. short-
enough. 20 short of except: nothing short sightedness n
of a single currency will do. —n 21 a drink
of spirits. 22 a short film shown before the short-tempered adj easily angered,
main feature in a cinema. 23 same as short short-term adj of, for, or lasting a short
circuit. 24 for short Informal as a short- time.
ened form: cystic fibrosis, CF for short. 25 short wave n a radio wave with a wave-
in short briefly, -vb 26 to short-circuit. length in the range 10-100 metres.
-See also shorts, shortness n short-winded adj tending to run out of
shortage n not enough of something needed. breath easily.
shot 758 shower
shot1 n 1 the act or an instance of firing a shout down vb to silence (someone) by talk-
gun or rifle. 2 Sport the act or an instance ing loudly.
of hitting, kicking, or throwing the ball. 3 shove vb shoving, shoved 1 to give a vio-
small round lead pellets used in shotguns. 4 lent push to. 2 to push (one’s way) roughly.
a person with specified skill in shooting: my 3 Informal to put (something) somewhere
father was quite a good shot. 5 Informal an quickly and carelessly: shove it into the
attempt: a second shot at writing a better boot. ~n 4 a rough push.
treaty. 6 Informal a guess. 7 a a single
photograph, b an uninterrupted sequence of shovel n 1 a tool for lifting or moving loose
film taken by a single camera. 8 Informal an material, consisting of a broad blade at-
injection of a vaccine or narcotic drug. 9 In- tached to a large handle. 2 a machine or
formal a drink of spirits. 10 the launching part of a machine resembling a shovel in
of a rocket or spacecraft to a specified des- function. —vb -elling, -elled or US -eling,
tination: a moon shot. 11 Sport a heavy -eled 3 to lift or move (loose material) with
metal ball used in the shot put. 12 like a a shovel. 4 to put away large quantities of
shot without hesitating. 13 shot in the arm (something) quickly: shovelling food into
Informal something that brings back energy their mouths.
or confidence. 14 shot in the dark a wild shove off vb Informal to go away; depart,
guess. show vb showing, showed; shown or
shot2 vb 1 the past of shoot. ~adj 2 (of tex- showed 1 to make, be, or become visible or
tiles) woven to give a changing colour ef- noticeable: to show an interest; excitement
fect. 3 streaked with colour: dark hair shot showed on everyone’s face. 2 to present for
with streaks of grey. inspection: someone showed me the plans. 3
shotgun n a gun for firing a charge of shot to demonstrate or prove: evidence showed
at short range. that this was the most economical way. 4 to
shot put n an athletic event in which con- instruct by demonstration: she showed me
testants hurl a heavy metal ball called a how to feed the pullets. 5 to indicate: the
shot as far as possible, shot-putter n device shows changes in the pressure. 6 to
should vb the past tense of shall: used to behave towards (someone) in a particular
indicate that an action is considered by the way: to show mercy. 7 to exhibit or display
speaker to be obligatory (you should go) or (works of art): three artists are showing at
to form the subjunctive mood (1 should like the gallery. 8 to present (a film or play) or
to see you; if I should die; should I be late, (of a film or play) to be presented. 9 to
start without me.). guide or escort: he offered to show me
around. 10 Informal to arrive, —n 11 a the-
shoulder n 1 the part of the body where the atrical or other entertainment: a magic
arm, wing, or foreleg joins the trunk. 2 a cut show. 12 a display or exhibition: a show of
of meat including the upper part of the paintings. 13 something done to create an
foreleg. 3 the part of an item of clothing impression: a show of indignation. 14 vain
that covers the shoulder. 4 the strip of un- and conspicuous display: it was nothing but
paved land that borders a road. 5 a shoul- mere show. 15 Slang, chiefly Brit a thing or
der to cry on a person one turns to for affair: jolly good show. —See also show
sympathy with one’s troubles. 6 put one’s off, show up.
shoulder to the wheel Informal to work
very hard. 7 rub shoulders with someone show business n the entertainment indus-
Informal to mix with someone socially. 8 try. Also (informal): show biz
shoulder to shoulder a side by side, b showcase n 1 a setting in which something
working together. ~vb 9 to accept (blame is displayed to best advantage: a showcase
or responsibility). 10 to push with one’s for young opera singers. 2 a glass case used
shoulder: he shouldered his way through to display objects in a museum or shop.
the crowd. 11 to lift or carry on one’s showdown n Informal a major confronta-
shoulders. 12 shoulder arms Mil to bring tion that settles a dispute.
one’s rifle vertically close to one’s right
side. shower n 1 a a kind of bathing in which a
shoulder blade n either of two large flat person stands upright and is sprayed with
triangular bones one on each side of the water from a nozzle, b a device, room, or
back part of the shoulder. booth for such bathing. 2 a brief period of
rain, hail, sleet, or snow. 3 a sudden fall of
shoulder strap n a strap worn over the many small light objects: a shower of loose
shoulder to hold up an item of clothing or to gravel. 4 Brit slang a worthless or con-
support a bag. temptible group of people. 5 US, Canad,
shouldn’t should not. Austral & NZ a party held to honour and
shout n 1 a loud call or cry. 2 Informal one’s present gifts to a prospective bride or pro-
turn to buy a round of drinks. ~vb 3 to cry spective mother, -vb 6 to take a shower. 7
out loudly. 4 Austral & NZ informal to treat to sprinkle with or as if with a shower: the
(someone) to (something, such as a round of walkers were showered by volcanic ash. 8
drinks). to present (someone) with things liberally:
showing 759 shunt
he showered her with presents, showery long tail and a pair of pincers. 2 Informal a
adj small person. ~vb3 to fish for shrimps.
showing n 1 a presentation, exhibition, or shrine n 1 a place of worship associated
display. 2 manner of presentation. with a sacred person or object. 2 a container
showjumping n the sport of riding horses in for sacred relics. 3 the tomb of a saint or
competitions to demonstrate skill in jump- other holy person. 4 a place that is visited
ing. showjumper n and honoured because of its association
showman n, pl -men 1 a person skilled at with a famous person or event: he’d come to
presenting anything in an effective manner. worship at the shrine of Mozart.
2 a person who presents or produces a shrink vb shrinking, shrank or shrunk;
show, showmanship n shrunk or shrunken 1 to become or cause
shown vb a past participle of show. to become smaller, sometimes because of
wetness, heat, or cold. 2 shrink from a to
show off vb 1 to exhibit or display (some- withdraw or move away through fear: they
thing) so as to invite admiration: he was didn’t shrink from danger, b to feel great
eager to show off his new car. 2 Informal to reluctance (to perform a task or duty). ~n
flaunt skills, knowledge, or looks in order to 3 Slang a psychiatrist.
attract attention or impress people. ~n shrinkage n 1 the fact of shrinking. 2 the
show-off 3 Informal a person who flaunts
his or her skills, knowledge, or looks in amount by which anything decreases in
order to attract attention or impress people, size, value, or weight.
shrink-wrap vb -wrapping, -wrapped to
showpiece n 1 anything displayed or exhib- package (a product) in a flexible plastic
ited. 2 something admired as a fine example wrapping which shrinks about its contours
of its type: an orchestral showpiece. to seal it.
showplace n a place visited for its beauty or shrivel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled
interest. to become dry and withered.
showroom n a room in which goods for sale, shroud n 1 a piece of cloth used to wrap a
esp. cars or electrical or gas appliances, are dead body. 2 anything that hides things: a
on display. shroud of smoke. ~vb 3 to hide or obscure
show up vb 1 to reveal or be revealed clear- (something): shrouded in uncertainty;
ly. 2 to expose the faults or defects of shrouded by smog.
(someone or something) by comparison. 3 Shrove Tuesday n the day before Ash
Informal to put (someone) to shame; embar- Wednesday.
rass. 4 Informal to arrive. shrub n a woody plant, smaller than a tree,
showy adj showier, showiest 1 colourful, with several stems instead of a trunk,
bright in appearance, and very noticeable, shrubby adj
and perhaps rather vulgar: showy jewel- shrubbery n, pl -beries 1 an area planted
lery. 2 making an imposing display, showi- with shrubs. 2 shrubs collectively.
ly adv showiness n
shrug vb shrugging, shrugged 1 to draw up
shrank vb a past tense of shrink. and drop (the shoulders) as a sign of indif-
shrapnel n 1 an artillery shell containing a ference or doubt. ~n 2 the action of shrug-
number of small pellets or bullets which it ging.
is designed to scatter on explosion. 2 frag- shrug off vb 1 to treat (a matter) as unim-
ments from this type of shell. portant. 2 to get rid of (someone).
shred n 1 a long narrow piece torn off some- shrunk vb a past tense and past participle of
thing. 2 a very small amount: not a shred of shrink.
truth. ~vb shredding, shredded or shred shrunken vb 1 a past participle of shrink.
3 to tear into shreds, shredder n -adj 2 reduced in size.
shrew n 1 a small mouselike animal with a shudder vb 1 to shake or tremble suddenly
long snout. 2 a bad-tempered nagging and violently from horror or fear. 2 (of a
woman, shrewish adj machine) to shake violently. ~n 3 a shiver
shrewd adj intelligent and making good of fear or horror.
judgments, shrewdly adv shrewdness n shuffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to walk or move
shriek n 1 a high-pitched scream. -vb 2 to (the feet) with a slow dragging motion. 2 to
utter (words or sounds) in a high-pitched mix together in a jumbled mass: the chair-
tone. man shuffled his papers. 3 to mix up (play-
shrift n See short shrift. ing cards) so as to change their order. ~n 4
shrike n a bird with a heavy hooked bill, an instance of shuffling. 5 a rearrangement:
which kills small animals by dashing them a shuffle of top management. 6 a dance
on thorns. _ with short dragging movements of the feet.
shrill adj 1 (of a sound) sharp and high- shufti n Brit slang a look; peep.
pitched. —vb 2 to utter (words or sounds) shun vb shunning, shunned to avoid delib-
in a shrill tone, shrillness n shrilly adv erately.
shrimp n 1 a small edible shellfish with a shunt vb 1 to move (objects or people) to a
shush 760 sickness
different position. 2 Railways to transfer back or aside from fear, shyly adv shy-
(engines or carriages) from track to track. ness n
~n 3 the act of shunting. 4 a railway point. shy2 vb shies, shying, shied 1 to throw
5 Electronics a conductor connected in par- (something), -n, pl shies 2 a quick throw.
allel across a part of a circuit to divert a Shylock n an unsympathetic and demanding
known fraction of the current. 6 Informal a person to whom one owes money.
collision where one vehicle runs into the si n Music same as te.
back of another.
Si Chem silicon.
shush interj 1 be quiet! hush! -vb 2 to quiet
(someone) by saying “shush”. SI See SI unit.
shut vb shutting, shut 1 to move (some- Siamese n, pl -mese 1 same as Siamese cat.
-adj, n, pl -mese 2 (formerly) same as
thing) so as to cover an opening: shut the Thai.
door. 2 to close (something) by bringing to-
gether the parts: Ridley shut the folder. 3 Siamese cat n a breed of cat with cream
shut up to close or lock the doors of: let’s fur, dark ears and face, and blue eyes.
shut up the shop. 4 shut in to confine or en- Siamese twins pl n twins born joined to-
close. 5 shut out to prevent from entering. gether at some part of the body.
6 (of a shop or other establishment) to stop sibilant adj 1 having a hissing sound, -n 2
operating for the day: the late-night rush Phonetics a consonant, such as s or z, that is
after the pubs shut, -adj 1 closed or fas- pronounced with a hissing sound.
tened. -See also shutdown, shut off, etc. sibling n a brother or sister.
shutdown n 1 the closing of a factory, shop, sibyl n (in ancient Greece and Rome) a
or other business. —vb shut down 2 to dis- prophetess, sibylline adj
continue operations permanently. sic1 adv thus: inserted in brackets in a text
shuteye n Slang sleep. to indicate that an odd spelling or reading is
shut Off vb 1 to cut off the flow or supply of. in fact what was written, even though it is
2 to turn off and Stop working: I shut off or appears to be wrong.
the car engine. 3 to isolate or separate: sic2 vb sicking, sicked 1 to attack: used only
ghettoes shut off from the rest of society. in commands to a dog. 2 to urge (a dog) to
shut out vb 1 to keep out or exclude. 2 to attack (someone).
conceal from sight: blinds were drawn to sick adj 1 vomiting or likely to vomit. 2
shut out the sun. physically or mentally unwell. 3 of or for ill
shutter n 1 a hinged doorlike cover, usually people: sick pay. 4 deeply affected with
one of a pair, for closing off a window. 2 mental or spiritual distress: sick at heart. 5
put up the shutters to close business at the mentally disturbed. 6 Informal making fun
end of the day or permanently. 3 Photog a of death, illness, or misfortune: a sick joke.
device in a camera that opens to allow light 7 sick of or sick and tired of Informal dis-
through the lens so as to expose the film gusted by or weary of: I’m sick of this town.
when a photograph is taken, -vb 4 to close ~n, vb 8 Informal same as vomit.
or equip with a shutter or shutters. sickbay n a room for the treatment of sick
shuttle n 1 a bus, train, or aircraft that people, for example on a ship.
makes frequent journeys between two sicken vb 1 to make (someone) feel nauseat-
places which are fairly near to each other. 2 ed or disgusted. 2 sicken for to show symp-
a bobbin-like device used in weaving to pass toms of (an illness).
the weft thread between the warp threads. sickening adj 1 causing horror or disgust:
3 a small bobbin-like device used to hold the sickening scenes of violence. 2 Informal ex-
thread in a sewing machine, -vb -tling, tremely annoying, sickeningly adv
-tied 4 to travel back and forth. sickie n Austral & NZ informal a day of sick
shuttlecock n a rounded piece of cork or leave from work.
plastic with feathers stuck in one end, sickle n a tool for cutting grass and grain
struck to and fro in badminton. crops, with a curved blade and a short han-
shut up vb 1 Informal to stop talking or dle.
cause (someone) to stop talking: often used sick leave n leave of absence from work
in commands. 2 to confine or imprison through illness.
(someone). sickly adj -lier, -liest 1 weak and unhealthy.
shy1 adj 1 not at ease in the company of oth- 2 (of a person) looking pale and unwell:
ers. 2 easily frightened; timid. 3 shy of cau- sickly pallor. 3 unpleasant to smell, taste,
tious or wary of. 4 reluctant or unwilling: or look at. 4 showing excessive emotion in a
camera-shy; workshy, —vb shies, shying, weak and rather pathetic way: a sickly
shied 5 to move back or aside suddenly tune, —adv 5 suggesting sickness: sickly
from fear: with a terrified whinny the horse pale, sickliness n
shied. 6 shy away from to draw back from sickness n 1 a particular illness or disease:
(doing something), through lack of confi- sleeping sickness. 2 the state of being ill or
dence. ~n, pl shies 7 a sudden movement unhealthy: absent from work due to sick-
side 761 sieve
ness. 3 a feeling of queasiness in the stom- sidelong adj 1 directed to the side; oblique.
ach followed by vomiting. —adv 2 from the side; obliquely.
side n 1 a line or surface that borders any- sidereal (side-eer-ee-al) adj of or deter-
thing. 2 Geom a line forming part of the pe- mined with reference to the stars: the si-
rimeter of a plane figure: a square has four dereal time.
sides. 3 either of two parts into which an side-saddle n 1 a riding saddle originally
object, surface, or area can be divided: the designed for women in skirts, allowing the
right side and the left side. 4 either of the rider to sit with both legs on the same side
two surfaces of a flat object: write on both of the horse, -adv 2 on a side-saddle.
sides of the page. 5 the sloping part of a hill sideshow n 1 an event or incident consid-
or bank. 6 either the left or the right half of ered less important than another: a mere
the body, esp. the area around the waist: he sideshow compared to the war on the Rus-
took a nine millimetre bullet in the side. 7 sian front. 2 a small show or entertainment
the area immediately next to a person or offered along with the main show at a cir-
thing: at the side of my bed. 8 a place with- cus or fair.
in an area identified by reference to a cen- side-splitting adj causing a great deal of
tral point: the south side of the island. 9 the laughter.
area at the edge of something, as opposed to sidestep vb -stepping, -stepped 1 to step
the centre: the far side of the square. 10 as- out of the way of (something). 2 to dodge
pect or part: there is a positive side to tru- (an issue), —n side step 3 a movement to
ancy. 11 one of two or more contesting one side, such as in dancing or boxing.
groups or teams: the two sides will meet in
the final. 12 a position held in opposition to sideswipe n 1 an unexpected criticism of
another in a dispute. 13 a line of descent someone or something while discussing an-
through one parent: a relative on his fa- other subject. 2 a glancing blow along or
ther’s side. 14 Informal a television chan- from the side, -vb -swiping, -swiped 3 to
nel. 15 Brit slang conceit or cheek: to put on make a sideswipe.
side. 16 on one side apart from the rest. 17 sidetrack vb to distract (someone) from a
on the side in addition to a person’s main main subject.
work: she did a little public speaking on the sidewalk nUS& Canad a pavement.
side. 18 side by side close together. 19 side sideways adv 1 moving, facing, or inclining
by side with beside or near to. 20 take towards one side. 2 from one side; oblique-
sides to support one party in a dispute ly. 3 with one side forward, -adj 4 moving
against another, -adj 21 situated at the or directed to or from one side.
side: the side entrance. 22 less important: a side whiskers pl n same as sideboards.
side issue, -vb siding, sided 23 side with siding n a short stretch of railway track
to support (one party in a dispute). connected to a main line, used for loading
sideboard n a piece of furniture for a dining and unloading freight and storing engines
room, with drawers, cupboards, and and carriages.
shelves to hold tableware. sidle vb -dling, -died to walk slowly and
sideboards or esp US & Canad sideburns pl carefully, not wanting to be noticed.
n a man’s whiskers grown down either side SIDS sudden infant death syndrome; cot
of the face in front of the ears. death.
sidecar n a small passenger car attached to siege n 1 a military operation carried out to
the side of a motorcycle. capture a place by surrounding and block-
ading it. 2 a similar operation carried out by
side effect n 1 a usually unwanted effect police, for example to force people out of a
caused by a drug in addition to its intended place. 3 lay siege to to subject (a place) to a
one. 2 any additional effect, usually an un- siege.
desirable one: the unforeseen side effects of siemens n, pl siemens the SI unit of electri-
the end of the Cold War. cal conductance.
sidekick n Informal a close friend or associ- sienna n 1 a natural earth used as a reddish-
ate. brown or yellowish-brown pigment, —adj 2
sidelight n 1 Brit either of two small lights burnt sienna reddish-brown. 3 raw sienna
at the front of a motor vehicle. 2 either of yellowish-brown.
the two navigational lights used by ships at sierra n a range of mountains with jagged
night. peaks in Spain or America.
sideline n an extra job in addition to one’s sies (siss) interj S African informal same as
main job. sis2.
sidelines pl n 1 Sport a the lines that mark siesta n an afternoon nap, taken in hot
the side boundaries of a playing area, b the _ countries.
area just outside the playing area, where sieve (siv) n 1 a utensil with a mesh through
substitute players sit. 2 on the sidelines a which a substance is sifted or strained.
only passively involved: on the sidelines of -vb sieving, sieved 2 to sift or strain
the EU. b waiting to join in an activity. through a sieve.
sift 762 significant figures
sift vb 1 to sieve (a powdery substance) in the enemy. 7 an omen. 8 Med any evidence
order to remove the coarser particles. 2 to of the presence of a disease or disorder. 9
examine (information or evidence) careful- Astrol short for sign of the zodiac. -vb 10
ly to select what is important. to write (one’s name) on (a document or let-
sigh vb 1 to draw in and audibly let out a ter) to show its authenticity or one’s
deep breath as an expression of sadness, agreement. 11 to communicate using sign
tiredness, longing, or relief. 2 to make a language. 12 to make a sign to someone so
sound resembling this. 3 sigh for to long as to convey an idea or information. 13 to
for. 4 to say (something) with a sigh. ~n 5 engage or be engaged by signing a contract:
the act or sound of sighing. I dreamed of signing for Liverpool when I
sight n 1 the ability to see; vision. 2 an in- was young. -See also sign away, sign in,
stance of seeing. 3 the range of vision: the etc.
cemetery was out of sight. 4 anything that signal n 1 any sign, gesture, sound, or action
is seen. 5 point of view; judgment: nothing used to communicate information. 2 any-
has changed in my sight. 6 Informal any- thing that causes immediate action: this is
thing unpleasant to see: she looked a sight the signal for a detailed examination of the
in the streetlamps. 7 a device for guiding risk. 3 a a variable voltage, current, or elec-
the eye in aiming a gun or making an obser- tromagnetic wave, by which information is
vation with an optical instrument. 8 an aim conveyed through an electronic circuit, b
or observation made with such a device. 9 the information so conveyed. —adj 4 For-
sights anything worth seeing: the great mal very important: a signal triumph for
sights of Barcelona. 10 a sight Informal a the government. —vb -nailing, -nailed or
great deal: it’s a sight warmer than in the US -naling, -naled 5 to communicate (in-
hall. 11 a sight for sore eyes a welcome formation) by signal, signally adv
sight. 12 catch sight of to glimpse. 13 signal box n a building from which railway
know someone by sight to be able to rec- signals are operated.
ognize someone without having ever been signalman n, pl -men a railwayman in char-
introduced. 14 lose sight of a to be unable ge of the signals and points within a sec-
to see (something) any longer, b to forget: tion.
we lose sight of priorities. 15 on sight as signatory (sig-na-tree) n, pl -ries 1 a person,
soon as someone or something is seen. 16 organization, or state that has signed a
set one’s sights on to have (a specified document such as a treaty, -adj 2 having
goal) in mind. 17 sight unseen without signed a document or treaty.
having seen the object concerned: he would
have taken it sight unseen. —vb 18 to see signature n 1 a person’s name written by
(someone or something) briefly or sudden- himself or herself, used in signing some-
ly: the wanted men were sighted in Man- thing. 2 a distinctive characteristic that
chester. 19 to aim (a firearm) using the identifies a person or animal. 3 Music a sign
sight. at the beginning of a piece to show key or
time. 4 Printing a sheet of paper printed
sighted adj not blind, with several pages, which when folded be-
sightless adj blind. comes a section of a book.
sight-read vb -reading, -read to sing or play signature tune n Brit a piece of music used
(music in a printed form) without previous to introduce a particular television or radio
preparation, sight-reading n programme.
sightscreen n Cricket a large white screen sign away vb to give up one’s right to
placed near the boundary behind the bowl- (something): she was determined not to sign
er, which helps the batsman see the ball. away Britain's sovereignty.
sightseeing n Informal visiting famous or signboard n a board carrying a sign or no-
interesting sights in a place, sightseer n tice, often to advertise a business or prod-
sigma n 1 the 18th letter in the Greek al- uct.
phabet (S, a). 2 Maths the symbol S, indi- signet n a small seal used to make docu-
cating summation. ments official.
sign n 1 something that indicates a fact or signet ring n a finger ring engraved with an
condition that is not immediately or out- initial or other emblem.
wardly observable: a sign of tension. 2 a
gesture, mark, or symbol intended to con- significance n 1 the effect something is like-
vey an idea or information. 3 a board or ly to have on other things: an event of im-
placard displayed in public and intended to portant significance in British history. 2
advertise, inform, or warn. 4 a conventional meaning: the occult significance of the
mark or symbol that has a specific meaning, symbol.
for example £ for pounds. 5 Maths a any significant adj 1 very important. 2 having or
symbol used to indicate an operation: a expressing a meaning, significantly adv
minus sign, b a symbol used to indicate significant figures pl n Maths 1 the figures
whether a number or expression is positive of a number that express a magnitude to a
or negative. 6 a visible indication: no sign of specified degree of accuracy: 3.141 59 to
signify 763 silver
four significant figures is 3.142. 2 the num- pronounced, such as the k in know. 6 (of a
ber of such figures: 3.142 has four signifi- film) having no soundtrack, silently adv
cant figures. silhouette n 1 the outline of a dark shape
signify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to indicate or seen against a light background. 2 an out-
suggest. 2 to stand as a symbol or sign for: a line drawing, often a profile portrait, filled
blue line on the map signified a river. 3 to in with black, —vb -etting, -etted 3 to
be important. show (something) in silhouette.
sign in vb 1 to sign a register on arrival at a silica n a hard glossy mineral, silicon diox-
place. 2 to admit (a nonmember) to a club or ide, which occurs naturally as quartz and is
institution as a guest by signing a register used in the manufacture of glass.
on his or her behalf. silicate n Mineral a compound of silicon,
sign language n a system of communication oxygen, and a metal.
using hand and arm movements, such as silicon n 1 Chem a brittle non-metallic el-
one used by deaf people. ement: used in transistors, solar cells, and
sign off vb to announce the end of a radio or alloys. Symbol: Si -adj 2 denoting an area
television programme. of a country that contains much high-
sign of the zodiac n Astrol any of the 12
technology industry: the Silicon Glen.
areas into which the zodiac is divided. silicon chip n same as chip (sense 3).
sign on vb 1 Brit to register and report regu- silicone n Chem a tough synthetic material
larly at an unemployment-benefit office. 2 made from silicon and used in lubricants,
to commit oneself to a job or activity by paints, and resins.
signing a form or contract. silicosis n Pathol a lung disease caused by
signor (see-nyor) n an Italian form of ad-
breathing in silica dust.
dress equivalent to sir or Mr. silk n 1 the fine soft fibre produced by a
silkworm. 2 thread or fabric made from this
signora (see-nyor-a) n an Italian form of fibre. 3 silks clothing made of this. 4 Brit a
address equivalent to madam or Mrs. the gown worn by a Queen’s (or King’s)
signorina (see-nyor-ee-na) n an Italian form Counsel, b Informal a Queen’s (or King’s)
of address equivalent to madam or Miss. Counsel, c take silk to become a Queen’s (or
sign out vb to sign a register to indicate that King’s) Counsel.
one is leaving a place. silken adj 1 made of silk. 2 Literary smooth
signpost n 1 a road sign displaying informa- and soft: her silken hair.
tion, such as the distance to the next town. silk-screen printing n same as screen pro-
2 an indication as to how an event is likely cess.
to develop or advice on what course of ac- silkworm n a caterpillar that spins a cocoon
tion should be taken. —vb 3 to mark (the of silk.
way) with signposts. silky adj silkier, silkiest 1 soft, smooth, and
sign up vb 1 to agree to do a job or course by shiny. 2 (of a voice or manner) smooth and
signing a document. 2 to enlist for military elegant, silkiness n
service. sill n 1 a shelf at the bottom of a window,
Sikh (seek) n 1 a member of an Indian reli- either inside or outside a room. 2 the lower
gion that teaches that there is only one God. horizontal part of a window or door frame.
-adj 2 of the Sikhs or their religious be- silly adj -lier, -liest 1 behaving in a foolish
liefs or customs. Sikhism n or childish way. 2 Old-fashioned unable to
silage (sile-ij) n a fodder crop harvested think sensibly, as if from a blow. 3 Cricket
while green and partially fermented in a (of a fielding position) near the batsman’s
silo. wicket: silly mid-off. ~n, pl -lies 4 Infor-
silence n 1 the state or quality of being si- mal a foolish person, silliness n
lent. 2 the absence of sound. 3 refusal or silo n, pl -los 1 an airtight pit or tower in
failure to speak or communicate when ex- which silage is made and stored. 2 an
pected: he’s broken his silence on the issue, underground structure in which missile
—vb -iencing, -ienced 4 to cause (someone systems are sited for protection.
or something) to become silent. 5 to put a silt n 1 a fine sediment of mud or clay depos-
stop to: a way of silencing criticism. ited by moving water, -vb 2 silt up to fill
silencer n any device designed to reduce or choke up with silt: the channels have
noise, for example one fitted to the exhaust been silted up.
system of a motor vehicle or one fitted to Silurian (sile-yoor-ee-an) adj Geol of the pe-
the muzzle of a gun. riod of geological time about 425 million
silent adj 1 tending to speak very little. 2 years ago, during which fishes first
failing to speak or communicate when ex- appeared.
pected: they remained silent as minutes silvan adj same as sylvan.
passed. 3 producing no noise: the silent silver n 1 a precious greyish-white metallic
room. 4 not spoken: silent reproach. 5 (of a element: used in jewellery, tableware, and
letter) used in the spelling of a word but not coins. Symbol: Ag 2 a coin or coins made of
silver beet 764 simultaneous equations
silver. 3 any household articles made of sil- simony (sime-on-ee) n Christianity the
ver. 4 short for silver medal. ~adj 5 practice of buying or selling Church ben-
greyish-white: silver hair. 6 (of anniversa- efits such as pardons.
ries) the 25th in a series; Silver Jubilee; sil- simoom n a hot suffocating sand-laden de-
ver wedding. ~vb 7 to coat with silver or a sert wind.
silvery substance: a company that silvers simper vb 1 to smile in a silly and mannered
their own mirrors. 8 to cause (something) to way. 2 to say (something) with a simper.
become silvery in colour: the sun silvered ~n 3 a simpering smile, simpering adj
the tarmac.
simple adj 1 easy to understand or do: in
silver beet n a beet of Australia and New simple English; simple exercises. 2 plain
Zealand with edible spinach-like leaves. and not elaborate: a simple red skirt; a sim-
silver birch n a tree with silvery-white peel- ple answer. 3 not combined or complex:
ing bark. simple diagnostic equipment. 4 leading an
silverfish n, pl -fish or -fishes 1 a small uncomplicated life: I am a simple man my-
wingless silver-coloured insect. 2 a silver- self. 5 sincere or frank: a simple apology. 6
coloured fish. of humble background: the simple country
silver lining n a hopeful side of an otherwise girl. 7 Informal mentally retarded. 8
desperate or unhappy situation. straightforward: a simple matter of choice.
silver medal n a medal of silver awarded to 9 Music denoting a time where the number
a competitor who comes second in a contest of beats per bar may be two, three, or four,
or race. simplicity n
silver plate n 1 a thin layer of silver depos- simple fraction n Maths a fraction in which
ited on a base metal. 2 articles, such as the numerator and denominator are both
tableware, made of silver plate, silver- whole numbers.
plate vb simple fracture n a fracture in which the
silver screen n Informal films collectively broken bone does not pierce the skin.
or the film industry. simple interest n Finance interest paid only
silverside n Brit & NZ a cut of beef from on the original amount of a debt.
below the rump and above the leg. simple-minded adj 1 (of people) naive and
silversmith n a craftsman who makes or re- unsophisticated. 2 (of opinions or
pairs items made of silver. explanations) not taking the complexity of
silver thaw n Canad 1 a freezing rainstorm. an issue or subject into account, simple-
2 same as glitter. 3 mindedness n
silverware n items, such as tableware, made simple sentence n a sentence consisting of
of or plated with silver. a single main clause.
silvery adj 1 having the appearance or col- simpleton n a foolish or stupid person.
our of silver: her silvery eyes. 2 having a simplify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make
clear ringing sound: a cascade of silvery (something) less complicated. 2 Maths to
notes. reduce (an equation or fraction) to its sim-
silviculture n the cultivation of forest trees, plest form, simplification n
simian adj 1 of or resembling a monkey or simplistic adj (of an opinion or interpreta-
ape. ~n 2 a monkey or ape. tion) too simple or naive.
similar adj 1 alike but not identical. 2 Geom simply adv 1 in a simple manner: an inter-
(of two or more figures) different in size or esting book, simply written. 2 merely; just:
position, but with exactly the same shape, he’s simply too slow. 3 absolutely: a simply
similarity n similarly adv enormous success.
► Do not confuse similar and same. Similar is simulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to pretend to
“alike but not identical”; same means “iden- feel or perform (an emotion or action); imi-
tical”. tate: I tried to simulate anger. 2 to imitate
simile (sim-ill-ee) n a figure of speech that the conditions of (a situation), as in carry-
likens one thing to another of a different ing out an experiment: we can then simulate
category, introduced by as or like. global warming. 3 to have the appearance
similitude n Formal likeness; similarity, of: the wood had been painted to simulate
simmer vb 1 to cook (food) gently at just stone, simulated adj simulation n
below boiling point. 2 (of violence or con- simulator n a device that simulates specific
flict) to threaten to break out: revolt conditions for the purposes of research or
simmering among rural MPs. ~n 3 the state training: a flight simulator.
of simmering. simultaneous adj occurring or existing at
simmer down vb Informal to calm down the same time, simultaneously adv simul-
after being angry. taneity n
simnel cake n Brit a fruit cake covered with simultaneous equations pl n Maths a set of
marzipan, traditionally eaten during Lent equations that are all satisfied by the same
or at Easter. values of the variables, the number of vari-
 sin 765 singular
ables being equal to the number of equa- person is employed to present greetings to
tions. someone on a special occasion by singing. 2
sin1 n 1 the breaking of a religious or moral the greetings presented in this way. 3 the
law. 2 any offence against a principle or person who presents the greetings.
standard. 3 live in sin Old-fashioned, in- single adj 1 existing alone; solitary: the
formal (of an unmarried couple) to live to- cottage’s single chimney. 2 distinct from
gether. —vb sinning, sinned 4 to commit a others of the same kind: every single hous-
sin. sinner n ing society. 3 designed for one user: a single
sin2 Maths sine. room. 4 unmarried. 5 even one: there was
SIN (in Canada) Social Insurance Number, not a single bathroom. 6 (of a flower) hav-
sin bin n Slang the area in which ice hockey ing only one circle of petals. 7 single com-
players must sit for a specified period after bat a duel or fight involving two individu-
committing a serious foul. als. ~n 8 a hotel bedroom for one person. 9
a gramophone record that is 7 inches in di-
since prep 1 during the period of time after: ameter and has one short song or tune on
once of their worst winters since 1945. each side. 10 Cricket a hit from which one
-conj 2 continuously from the time given: run is scored. 11 a Brit a pound note or coin,
they’ve been standing in line ever since she b US & Canad a dollar bill. 12 a ticket valid
arrived. 3 for the reason that; because. for a one-way journey only, —vb -gling,
-adv 4 from that time: I have often been -gled 13 single out to select from a group of
asked since. people or things: the judge had singled him
► Avoid the use of ago with since. It is re- out for praise. -See also singles.
dundant: it is ten years since he wrote his
book (not ten years ago since). single-breasted adj (of a jacket or coat)
having the fronts overlapping only slightly
sincere adj genuine and honest: sincere con- and with one row of buttons.
cern. sincerely adv sincerity n
single cream n cream which has a relatively
sine n (in trigonometry) the ratio of the low fat content and does not thicken when
length of the opposite side to that of the beaten.
hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle.
single-decker n Brit informal a bus with
sinecure (sin-ee-cure) n a paid job that only one passenger deck.
involves very little work or responsibility.
single entry n a book-keeping system in
sine die (sin-ay dee-ay) adv without fixing which all transactions are entered in one
a day for future action or meeting. account only.
sine qua non (sin-ay kwah non) n an essen- single file n a line of people, one behind the
tial requirement. other.
sinew n 1 Anat a tough fibrous cord con- single-handed adj, adv unaided or working
necting muscle to bone. 2 Literary physical alone: the first single-handed sail in my
strength. boat; she had to take on the world single-
sinewy adj lean and muscular. handed. single-handedly adv
sinful adj 1 having committed or tending to single-minded adj having one purpose or
commit sin: I am a sinful man. 2 being a sin; aim only; dedicated, single-mindedly adv
wicked: sinful acts. single-mindedness n
sing vb singing, sang, sung 1 to produce single-parent family n a family consisting
musical sounds with the voice. 2 to perform of one parent and his or her child or chil-
(a song). 3 (of certain birds and insects) to dren living together, the other parent being
make musical calls. 4 sing of to tell a story dead or permanently absent.
in song about: the minstrels sang of courtly singles pl n Sport a match played with one
love. 5 to make a humming, ringing, or person on each side.
whistling sound: the arrow sang past his
ear. 6 (of one’s ears) to be filled with a con- singles bar n a bar that is a social meeting
tinuous ringing sound. 7 to bring (someone) place for single people.
to a given state by singing: I sang him to singlet n Chiefly Brit a man’s sleeveless
sleep. 8 Slang, chiefly US to act as an in- vest.
former. -See also sing out. singer n sing- single ticket n Brit same as single (sense
ing adj, n 12).
► The simple past of sing is sang: he sang singleton n Cards the only card of a particu-
the chorus. Avoid the use of the past parti- lar suit held by a player.
ciple sung for the simple past. singly adv one at a time; one by one.
sing, singular. sing out vb to call out loudly.
singe vb singeing, singed 1 to burn slightly singsong n 1 Brit an informal group singing
without setting alight; scorch: it singed his session, -adj 2 (of a voice) having a repeti-
sheepskin. ~n 2 a slight burn. tive rise and fall in tone.
Singhalese n, pl -lese, adj same as Sinha- singular adj 1 Grammar (of a word or form)
lese. denoting only one person or thing: a singu-
. singing telegram n 1 a service by which a lar noun. 2 remarkable; extraordinary: one
Sinhalese 766 Sit
of the singular achievements. 3 unusual; in small mouthfuls. ~n 2 an amount
odd: a lovable but very singular old woman. sipped. 3 an instance of sipping.
~n 4 Grammar the singular form of a siphon or syphon n 1 a tube which uses air
word, singularity n singularly adv pressure to draw liquid from a container. 2
Sinhalese or Singhalese n 1 (pl -lese) a same as soda siphon. — vb 3 siphon off a
member of a people living mainly in Sri to draw (liquid) off through a siphon, b to
Lanka. 2 the language of this people. ~adj redirect (resources or money), esp. dishon-
3 of this people. ~See also Sri Lankan. estly, into other projects or bank accounts.
sinister adj 1 threatening or suggesting evil sir n a polite term of address for a man.
or harm: a sinister conspiracy. 2 Heraldry Sir n a title placed before the name of a
of, on, or starting from the bearer’s left knight or baronet: Sir David Attenborough.
side. sire n 1 a male parent of a horse or other
sink vb sinking, sank, sunk or sunken 1 to domestic animal. 2 Archaic a respectful
submerge (in liquid). 2 to cause (a ship) to form of address used to a king. —vb siring,
submerge by attacking it with bombs, tor- sired 3 to father.
pedoes, etc. 3 to appear to descend towards siren n 1 a device that gives out a loud wail-
or below the horizon. 4 to make or become ing sound as a warning or signal. 2 Siren
lower in amount or value: sterling sank to a Greek myth a sea nymph whose singing
record low against the Deutschmark. 5 to lured sailors to destruction on the rocks. 3 a
move or fall into a lower position, esp. due woman who is attractive but dangerous to
to tiredness or weakness: she sank back in men.
her chair. 6 sink into to pass into a lower sirloin n a prime cut of beef from the upper
state or condition, esp. an unpleasant one: part of the loin.
to sink into debt. 7 (of a voice) to become
quieter. 8 to become weaker in health. 9 to sirocco n, pl -cos a hot stifling wind blowing
dig (something sharp) into a solid object: from N Africa into S Europe.
she sank her teeth into the steak. 10 Infor- sis1 n Informal short for sister.
mal to drink (a number of alcoholic drinks). sis2 or sies (siss) interj S African informal
11 to dig, drill, or excavate (a hole or shaft). an exclamation of disgust.
12 to drive (a stake) into the ground. 13 sisal (size-al) n a stiff fibre obtained from a
sink in or into to invest (money) in (a ven- Mexican plant and used for making rope.
ture). 14 Golf, snooker to hit (the ball) into siskin n a yellow-and-black finch.
the hole or pocket: Azinger sank a nine-foot sissy or cissy n, pl -sies 1 an effeminate,
putt. ~n 15 a fixed basin in a kitchen or weak, or cowardly person. ~adj 2 effemi-
bathroom, with a water supply and drain- nate, weak, or cowardly.
pipe. sister n 1 a woman or girl having the same
sinker n a weight attached to a fishing line parents as another person. 2 a female fel-
or net to cause it to sink in water. low member of a group, race, or profession.
sink in vb (of a fact) to become fully under- 3 a female nurse in charge of a ward. 4
stood: the euphoria wore off as the Chiefly RC Church a nun. -adj 5 of the
implications sank in. same class, origin, or design, as another: its
sinking fund n a fund set aside to repay a sister paper.
long-term debt. sisterhood n 1 the state of being sisters or
Sinn Fein (shin fane) n an Irish Republican like sisters. 2 a religious group of women. 3
political movement linked to the IRA. a group of women united by a common in-
Sino- combining form Chinese: Sino- terest or belief.
European; Sinology. sister-in-law n, pl sisters-in-law 1 the sister
Sinology (sine-ol-a-jee) n the study of Chi- of one’s husband or wife. 2 one’s brother’s
nese history, language, and culture. Si- wife.
nologist n sisterly adj of or like a sister; affectionate,
sinuous adj Literary 1 full of curves. 2 hav- sit vb sitting, sat 1 to rest one’s body up-
ing smooth twisting movements: sinuous right on the buttocks: she had to sit on the
dances, sinuosity n ground. 2 to cause (someone) to rest in such
sinus (sine-uss) n Anat a hollow space in a position: they sat their grandfather in the
bone, such as one in the skull opening into a shade. 3 (of an animal) to rest with the rear
nasal cavity. part of its body lowered to the ground. 4 (of
a bird) to perch or roost. 5 sit on (of a bird)
sinusitis n inflammation of the membrane to cover its eggs so as to hatch them. 6 to be
lining a sinus, esp. a nasal sinus. located: the bank sits in the middle of the
Sioux (soo) n 1 (pl Sioux) a member of a village. 7 to pose for a painting or photo-
group of N American Indian peoples, for- graph. 8 to occupy a seat in some official
merly living over a wide area from Lake capacity: no police representatives will sit
Michigan to the Rocky Mountains. 2 any of on the committee. 9 (of a parliament or
the languages of these peoples. court) to be in session. 10 to remain unused:
sip vb sipping, sipped 1 to drink (a liquid) his car sat in the garage. 11 (of clothes) to
sitar 767 size
fit or hang in a certain way: that dress sits situation n 1 a state of affairs, b a complex
well on you. 12 Chiefly Brit to take (an ex- or critical state of affairs. 2 location and
amination): he’s sitting his finals. 13 sit for surroundings. 3 social or financial circum-
Chiefly Brit to be a candidate for (a qualifi- stances. 4 a position of employment.
cation): he sat for a degree in medicine. 14 situation comedy n same as sitcom.
sit tight Informal a to wait patiently, b to sit up vb 1 to raise oneself from a lying posi-
maintain one’s position firmly. —See also tion into a sitting one. 2 to remain out of
sit back, sit down, etc.
bed until a late hour. 3 Informal to become
sitar n an Indian stringed musical instru- suddenly interested: make the world sit up
ment with a long neck and a rounded body. and take notice, —n sit-up 4 a physical ex-
sit back vb to relax or be passive when ac- ercise in which the body is brought into a
tion should be taken: we can’t just sit back sitting position from one of lying on the
and let this continue. back.
sitcom n Informal (on television or radio) a SI unit n any of the units (metre, kilogram,
comedy series involving the same charac- second, ampere, kelvin, candela, mole, and
ters in various everyday situations: yet an- those derived from them) adopted for
other unfunny sitcom set in Liverpool. international use under the Systeme Inter-
sit down vb 1 to adopt or cause (someone) to national d’Unites, now employed for all sci-
adopt a sitting position. 2 sit down under entific and most technical purposes.
to suffer (insults or humiliations) without six n 1 the cardinal number that is the sum
resistance. —n sit-down 3 a short rest sit- of one and five. 2 a numeral, 6 or VI, repre-
ting down, -adj sit-down 4 (of a meal) senting this number. 3 something represent-
eaten while sitting down at a table. ing or consisting of six units. 4 Cricket a
sit-down strike n a strike in which workers score of six runs, obtained by hitting the
refuse to leave their place of employment ball so that it crosses the boundary without
until a settlement is reached. bouncing. 5 at sixes and sevens in a state
site n 1 the piece of ground where something of confusion. 6 knock someone for six In-
was, is, or is intended to be located: a build- formal to upset or overwhelm someone
ing site; a car park built on the site of a completely. 7 six of one and half a dozen
Roman fort, —vb siting, sited 2 to locate of the other a situation in which there is no
(something) on a specific site. real difference between the alternatives.
sit-in n 1 a protest in which the demonstra- —adj 8 amounting to six: six days, sixth
tors sit in a public place and refuse to move. adj, n
—vb sit in 2 sit in for to stand in as a sub- sixfold adj 1 having six times as many or as
stitute for (someone). 3 sit in on to be pres- much. 2 composed of six parts, —adv 3 by
ent at (a meeting) as an observer. six times as many or as much.
sitkamer (sit-kahm-er) n S African a sitting sixpence n (formerly) a small British coin
room. worth six old pennies, or 2l/z pence.
sitka spruce n a tall North American spruce six-shooter n US informal a revolver that
tree, now often grown in Britain. fires six shots without reloading.
sit on vb Informal to delay action on: they sixteen n 1 the cardinal number that is the
are sitting on their information. sum of ten and six. 2 a numeral, 16 or XVI,
sit out vb 1 to endure to the end: just sit it representing this number. 3 something rep-
out, and it will pass eventually. 2 to take no resenting or consisting of sixteen units.
part in (a dance or game). —adj 4 amounting to sixteen: sixteen years.
sitter n 1 a person posing for his or her por- sixteenth adj, n
trait or photograph. 2 same as baby-sitter. sixth form n (in England and Wales) the
sitting n 1 a continuous period of being seat- most senior form in a secondary school, in
ed at some activity: you may not be able to which pupils over sixteen may take A levels
complete it in one sitting. 2 one of the times or retake GCSEs. sixth-former n
when a meal is served, when there is not sixth sense n the supposed ability of know-
enough space for everyone to eat at the ing something instinctively without having
same time: the second sitting. 3 a period of any evidence for it.
posing for a painting or photograph. 4 a sixty n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number that is
meeting of an official body to conduct busi- the product of ten and six. 2 a numeral, 60
ness. —adj 5 current: a sitting member of or LX, representing this number. 3 some-
Congress. 6 seated: a sitting position. thing representing or consisting of sixty
sitting duck n Informal a person or thing in units, —adj 4 amounting to sixty: sixty sec-
a defenceless or vulnerable position. onds. sixtieth adj, n
sitting room n a room in a house or flat sizable or sizeable adj quite large.
where people sit and relax. 'Size1 n 1 the dimensions, amount, or extent
sitting tenant n a tenant occupying a house of something. 2 large dimensions, amount,
or flat. or extent: I was overwhelmed by the sheer
situate vb -ating, -ated Formal to place. size of the city. 3 one of a series of standard
size 768 skimp
measurements for goods: he takes size 11 brief description of: they sketched out
shoes. 4 Informal state of affairs as summa- plans for the invasion.
rized: that’s about the size of it. ~vb siz- sketchbook n a book of blank pages for
ing, sized 5 to sort (things) according to sketching on.
size. sketchy adj sketchier, sketchiest giving
size2 n 1 a thin gluey substance that is used only a rough or incomplete description,
as a sealer. ~vb sizing, sized 2 to treat (a sketchily adv
surface) with size. skew adj 1 having a slanting position. ~n 2
sized adj of a specified size: average-sized. a slanting position. ~vb 3 to take or cause
size up vb Informal to make an assessment to take a slanting position: our boat skewed
of (a person or situation). off course.
sizzle vb -zling, -zled 1 to make a hissing skewbald adj 1 marked with patches of
sound like the sound of frying fat. 2 Infor- white and another colour. ~n 2 a horse
mal to be very hot: the city was sizzling in a with this marking.
hot summer spell. 3 Informal to be very skewed adj distorted or biased because of
angry. ~n 4 a hissing sound, sizzling adj prejudice or lack of information: a skewed
sjambok (sham-bock) S African ~n 1 a conception of religion.
whip or riding crop made of hide. ~vb skewer n 1 a long pin for holding meat to-
-bokking, -bokked 2 to beat with a sjam- gether during cooking. ~vb 2 to fasten or
bok. pierce with or as if with a skewer.
SK Saskatchewan. skewwhiff adj Brit informal crooked or
skate1 n 1 same as ice skate or roller skate. slanting.
2 get one’s skates on Informal to hurry.
~vb skating, skated 3 to glide on or as if ski n, pl skis or ski 1 one of a pair of long
on skates. 4 skate on thin ice to place one- runners that are used, fastened to boots, for
self in a dangerous situation, skater n gliding over snow. ~vb skiing, skied or
skating n ski’d 2 to travel on skis, skier n skiing n
skate2 n, pl skate or skates a large edible skid vb skidding, skidded 1 (of a vehicle or
marine fish with a broad flat body. person) to slide sideways while in motion.
~n 2 an instance of skidding.
skateboard n 1 a narrow board mounted on
roller-skate wheels, usually ridden while skidoo Canad ~n, pl -doos 1 a type of
standing up. ~vb 2 to ride on a skateboard, snowmobile. ~vb -dooing, -dooed 2 to
skateboarding n travel using a snowmobile.
skate round or over vb to avoid discussing skid row n Slang, chiefly US & Canad a poor
or dealing with (a matter) fully. and neglected area of a city, inhabited by
skean-dhu (skee-an-doo) n a dagger worn down-and-outs.
in the sock as part of Highland dress. skiff n a small narrow boat for one person,
skedaddle vb -dling, -died Informal to run ski jump n a steep snow-covered slope end-
off hastily. ing in a horizontal ramp from which skiers
skein n 1 a length of yarn or thread wound compete to make the longest jump.
in a loose coil. 2 a flock of geese in flight. skilful or US skillful adj having or showing
skeleton n 1 the hard framework of bones skill, skilfully or US skillfully adv
that supports and protects the organs and ski lift n a series of chairs hanging from a
muscles of the body. 2 the essential frame- power-driven cable for carrying skiers up a
work of any structure: a metal skeleton slope.
supporting the roof and floors. 3 Informal skill n 1 special ability or expertise enabling
an extremely thin person or animal. 4 an one to perform an activity very well. 2
outline consisting of bare essentials: the something, such as a trade, requiring spe-
mere skeleton of a script. 5 skeleton in the cial training or expertise, skilled adj
cupboard or closet an embarrassing or skillet n 1 a small frying pan. 2 Chiefly Brit
scandalous fact from the past that is kept a long-handled cooking pot.
secret. ~adj 6 reduced to a minimum: a skim vb skimming, skimmed 1 to remove
skeleton staff, skeletal adj floating material from the surface of (a liq-
skeleton key n a key designed so that it can uid): skim any impurities off the surface. 2
open many different locks. to glide smoothly over (a surface). 3 to
skelm n S African informal a villain or throw (a flat stone) across a surface, so
crook. that it bounces: two men skimmed stones on
skeptic n US & archaic same as sceptic, the surface of the sea. 4 (often foil, by
skerry n, pl -plies a rocky island or reef, through) to read (a piece of writing) quick-
sketch n 1 a quick rough drawing. 2 a brief ly and without taking in the details.
descriptive piece of writing. 3 a short funny skimmed or skim milk n milk from which
piece of acting forming part of a show. 4 the cream has been removed.
any brief outline. ~vb 5 to make a quick skimp vb 1 to be extremely sparing or sup-
rough drawing (of). 6 sketch out to make a ply (someone) sparingly. 2 to do (some-
skimpy 769 skullcap
thing) carelessly or with inadequate ma- 2 the captain of a sporting team. ~vb 3 to
terials. be the captain of.
skimpy adj skimpier, skimpiest inadequate skipping n the act of jumping over a rope
in amount or size; scant. held either by the person jumping or by two
skin n 1 the tissue forming the outer cover- other people, as a game or for exercise.
ing of the body. 2 a person’s complexion: skipping-rope n Brit a rope that is held in
sallow skin. 3 any outer layer or covering: the hands and swung round and down so
potato skin. 4 a thin solid layer on the sur- that the holder or others can jump over it.
face of a liquid: custard with a thick skin on skirl Scot & N English dialect —n 1 the
it. 5 the outer covering of a furry animal, sound of bagpipes. ~vb 2 (of bagpipes) to
removed and prepared for use. 6 a contain- give out a shrill sound.
er for liquids, made from animal skin. 7 by skirmish n 1 a brief or minor fight or argu-
the skin of one’s teeth by a narrow mar- ment. ~vb 2 to take part in a skirmish.
gin. 8 get under one’s skin Informal to skirt n 1 a woman’s or girl’s garment hang-
annoy one. 9 no skin off one’s nose Infor- ing from the waist. 2 the part of a dress or
mal not a matter that concerns one. 10 save coat below the waist. 3 a circular hanging
one’s skin to save one from death or harm. flap, for example round the base of a
11 skin and bone extremely thin. 12 thick hovercraft. 4 Brit a cut of beef from the
or thin skin an insensitive or sensitive na- flank. 5 bit of skirt Offensive slang a girl
ture. ~vb skinning, skinned 13 to remove or woman. ~vb 6 to lie along or form the
the outer covering from (a dead animal). 14 edge of (something): a track skirting the
to injure (a part of the body) by scraping foot of the mountain. 7 to go around the
some of the skin off: I had skinned my outer edge of (something): we skirted the
knuckles. 15 Slang to swindle, skinless adj township. 8 to avoid dealing with (an
skin-deep adj not of real importance; super- issue): I was skirting around the real issues.
ficial: beauty is only skin-deep. skirting board n a narrow board round the
skin diving n underwater swimming using bottom of an interior wall where it joins the
only light breathing apparatus and without floor.
a special diving suit, skin-diver n ski stick or pole n one of a pair of sharp
skin flick n Slang a pornographic film, pointed sticks used by skiers to gain speed
and maintain balance.
skinflint n a very mean person.
skit n a short funny or satirical sketch.
skin graft n a piece of skin removed from ski tow n a device for pulling skiers uphill,
one part of the body and surgically grafted usually a motor-driven rope grasped by the
at the site of a severe burn or other injury. skier while riding on his or her skis.
skinhead n Brit a White youth who has skittish adj 1 playful or lively. 2 (of a horse)
closely cropped hair and wears heavy boots excitable and easily frightened.
and braces. skittle n 1 a bottle-shaped object used as a
skinny adj -nier, -niest extremely thin. target in a game of skittles. 2 skittles a
skint adj Brit slang without money, esp. only bowling game in which players knock over
temporarily. as many skittles as possible by rolling a
skintight adj (of garments) fitting tightly wooden ball at them.
over the body; clinging. skive vb skiving, skived (often foil, by off)
skip1 vb skipping, skipped 1 to move lightly Brit informal to avoid work or responsibil-
by hopping from one foot to the other. 2 to ity. skiver n
jump over a skipping-rope. 3 to cause (a skivvy Chiefly Brit often disparaging ~n, pl
stone) to skim over a surface or (of a stone) -vies 1 a female servant who does menial
to move in this way. 4 to pass over or miss work; drudge. ~vb -vies, -vying, -vied 2 to
out; omit: I skipped a few paragraphs. 5 work as a skivvy.
skip through Informal to read or deal with skookum adj W Canad large.
(something) quickly or without great effort skua n a large predatory gull living in cold
or concentration. 6 skip it! Informal it marine regions.
doesn’t matter! 7 Informal to miss deliber- skulduggery or US skullduggery n Informal
ately: she skipped the class. 8 Informal, underhand dealing to achieve an aim.
chiefly US & Canad to leave (a place) in a skulk vb 1 to move stealthily, so as to avoid
hurry: he skipped town three years later. notice. 2 to lie in hiding; lurk.
~n 9 a skipping movement or action. skull n 1 the bony framework of the head. 2
skip2 n 1 a large open container for trans- Informal the head or mind: that would have
porting building materials or rubbish. 2 a penetrated even your thick skull.
cage used as a lift in mines. skull and crossbones n a picture of the
ski pants pl n stretch trousers, worn for ski- human skull above two crossed bones, for-
ing or leisure, which are kept taut by straps merly on the pirate flag, now used as a
under the feet. warning of danger or death.
skipper n 1 the captain of a ship or aircraft. skullcap n a closely fitting brimless cap.
skunk 770 slash
skunk n, pl skunk or skunks 1 a mammal slalom n Skiing, canoeing a race over a
with a black-and-white coat and bushy tail, winding course marked by artificial obsta-
which gives out a foul-smelling fluid when cles.
attacked. 2 Informal an unpleasant or un- slam1 vb slamming, slammed 1 to close vio-
fair person. lently and noisily. 2 to throw (something)
sky n, pl skies 1 the upper atmosphere as down violently. 3 Slang to criticize harshly:
seen from earth. 2 praise to the skies his new proposals were slammed by the op-
praise rather excessively. -vb skies, sky- position. 4 to strike with violent force: he
ing, skied 3 Informal to hit (a ball) high in slammed the ball into the back of the net.
the air: Payton skied his shot over the bar. —n 5 the act or noise of slamming.
sky-blue adj bright clear blue. slam2 n the winning of all (grand slam) or
skydiving n the sport of jumping from an all but one (little slam) of the 13 tricks at
aircraft and falling freely or performing bridge.
manoeuvres before opening the parachute, slammer n the slammer Slang prison.
skydiver n slander n 1 Law a false and damaging
sky-high adj, adv 1 very high: inflation was statement about a person. 2 the crime of
sky-high after the war. 2 blow sky-high to making such a statement, —vb 3 to utter
destroy completely. slander (about), slanderous adj
skyjack vb to hijack (an aircraft). slang n 1 informal language not used in for-
skylark n 1 a lark that sings while soaring at mal speech or writing and often restricted
a great height, -vb 2 Old-fashioned to play to a particular social group or profession.
or frolic. —vb 2 to use insulting language to (some-
skylight n a window placed in a roof or ceil- one). slangy adj
ing to let in daylight. slanging match n an angry quarrel in which
skyline n 1 the line at which the earth and people trade insults.
sky appear to meet. 2 the outline of build- slant vb 1 to lean at an angle; slope. 2 to
ings, trees, or hills, seen against the sky. write or present (information) in a biased
skyrocket n 1 same as rocket (sense 1). way. —n 3 a sloping line or position. 4 a
- vb 2 Informal to rise very quickly. point of view, esp. a biased one: a right-
skyscraper n a very tall building. wing slant on the story. 5 on a or the slant
sloping, -adj 6 oblique; sloping, slanting
skyward adj 1 towards the sky. —adv also adj slantwise adv
skywards 2 towards the sky.
slap n 1 a sharp blow or smack with some-
slab n a broad flat thick piece of wood, thing flat, such as the open hand. 2 the
stone, or other material. sound made by or as if by such a blow. 3
slack1 adj 1 not tight, tense, or taut: the slap and tickle Brit old-fashioned informal
slack jaw hung open. 2 careless in one’s sexual play. 4 a slap in the face an unex-
work. 3 (esp. of water) moving slowly. 4 (of pected rejection or insult. 5 a slap on the
trade) not busy. ~n 5 a part that is slack or back congratulations. -vb slapping,
hangs loose: take up the slack. 6 a period of slapped 6 to strike sharply with something
less busy activity, -vb 7 to neglect (one’s flat, such as the open hand. 7 to bring
work or duty). 8 (often foil, by off) to loos- (something) down forcefully: he slapped
en or slacken. -See also slacks, slackness down a fiver. 8 (usually foil, by against) to
n strike (something) with a slapping sound. 9
slack2 n small pieces of coal with a high ash Informal, chiefly Brit to cover with quickly
content. or carelessly: she slapped on some make-up.
slacken vb (often foil, by off) 1 to make or 10 slap on the back to congratulate, -adv
become looser. 2 to make or become slower Informal 11 exactly: slap in the middle. 12
or less intense: plans to slacken the pace of slap into forcibly or abruptly into: he ran
economic reform. slap into the guard.
slacker n a person who evades work or slap-bang adv Informal, chiefly Brit 1 di-
duty; shirker. rectly or exactly: he’s on holiday in LA and
slacks pl n Old-fashioned casual trousers. has run slap-bang into a famous face. 2
slag n 1 the waste material left after metal forcefully and abruptly: he’d gone and run
has been smelted, -vb slagging, slagged 2 slap-bang into the watchman.
Slang to criticize in an unpleasant way: I slapdash adv 1 carelessly or hastily, -adj 2
don’t think anyone can slag it off. slagging careless or hasty.
n slaggyadj slaphappy adj -pier, -piest Informal cheer-
slag heap n a pile of waste matter from fully careless.
metal smelting or coal mining. slapstick n rough and high-spirited comedy
slain vb the past participle of slay. in which the characters behave childishly.
slake vb slaking, slaked 1 Literary to satis- slap-up adj Brit informal (esp. of meals)
fy (thirst or desire). 2 to add water to (lime) large and expensive.
to produce calcium hydroxide. slash vb 1 to cut (a person or thing) with
slasher 771 sleeping partner
sharp sweeping strokes. 2 to make large slavish adj 1 of or like a slave. 2 imitating or
gashes in: I slashed the tyres of his van. 3 to copying exactly without any originality: a
reduce drastically: to slash costs. 4 to criti- slavish adherence to the conventions of
cize harshly. ~n 5 a sharp sweeping stroke. Italian opera, slavishly adv
6 a cut made by such a stroke. 7 same as Slavonic or esp US Slavic n 1 a group of
solidus. 8 Brit slang the act of urinating. languages including Bulgarian, Russian,
slasher n NZ a tool used for cutting scrub or Polish, and Czech, -adj 2 of this group of
undergrowth in the bush. languages. 3 of the people who speak these
slat n a narrow thin strip of wood or metal, languages.
such as used in a Venetian blind. slay vb slaying, slew, slain Archaic or lit-
slate1 n 1 a dark grey rock that can be easily erary to kill, esp. violently, slayer n
split into thin layers and is used as a roof- sleazy adj -zier, -ziest dirty, run-down, and
ing material. 2 a roofing tile of slate. 3 not respectable: a sleazy hotel, sleaziness
(formerly) a writing tablet of slate. 4 Chief- n
ly US & Canad a list of candidates in an sledge1 or esp US & Canad sled n 1 a vehi-
election. 5 wipe the slate clean forget
about past mistakes or failures and start cle mounted on runners, drawn by horses or
afresh. 6 on the slate Brit informal on cred- dogs, for transporting people or goods over
it. —vb slating, slated 7 to cover (a roof) snow. 2 a light wooden frame used, esp. by
with slates. 8 Chiefly US to plan or sched- children, for sliding over snow, —vb sledg-
ule: another exercise is slated for tomor- ing, sledged 3 to travel by sledge.
row. slaty adj sledge2 n short for sledgehammer.
slate2 vb slating, slated Informal, chiefly sledgehammer n 1 a large heavy hammer
Brit to criticize harshly: the new series was with a long handle, used for breaking rocks
slated by the critics, slating n and concrete, -adj 2 crushingly powerful:
slattern n Old-fashioned a dirty and untidy the sledgehammer approach.
woman, slatternliness n slatternly adj sleek adj 1 smooth, shiny, and glossy: sleek
slaughter n 1 the indiscriminate or brutal blond hair. 2 (of a person) elegantly
killing of large numbers of people. 2 the dressed.
savage killing of a person. 3 the killing of sleep n 1 a state of rest during which the
animals for food. -vb 4 to kill indiscrimi- eyes are closed, the muscles and nerves are
nately or in large numbers. 5 to kill brutal- relaxed, and the mind is unconscious. 2 a
ly. 6 to kill (animals) for food. 7 Informal period spent sleeping. 3 the substance
(in sport) to defeat easily. sometimes found in the corner of the eyes
slaughterhouse n a place where animals are after sleep. 4 a state of inactivity, like
killed for food. sleep. 5 Poetic death, -vb sleeping, slept
Slav n a member of any of the peoples of E 6 to be in or as in the state of sleep. 7 to be
Europe or the former Soviet Union who inactive or unaware: their defence slept as
speak a Slavonic language. we scored another try. 8 to have sleeping
accommodation for (a certain number): the
Slave n 1 a person legally owned by another villa sleeps ten. 9 Poetic to be dead. 10
for whom he or she has to work without sleep on it to delay making a decision
freedom, pay, or rights. 2 a person under about (something) until the next day, in
the domination of another or of some habit order to think about it. -See also sleep
or influence: a slave to party doctrine. 3 In- around, sleep in, etc.
formal a badly-paid person doing menial
tasks. -vb slaving, slaved 4 (often foil, by sleep around vb Informal to have many
away or over) to work very hard for little sexual partners.
or no money. sleeper n 1 a railway sleeping car or com-
slave-driver n 1 a person who makes people partment. 2 Brit one of the blocks support-
work very hard. 2 (esp. formerly) a person ing the rails on a railway track. 3 Chiefly
forcing slaves to work. Brit a small plain gold ring worn in a
slaver1 n 1 (esp. formerly) a dealer in slaves.
pierced ear lobe to prevent the hole from
closing up. 4 Informal a person or thing that
2 History a ship used in the slave trade. achieves success after an initial period of
slaver2 vb 1 to dribble saliva. 2 (often foil, obscurity.
by over) to drool (over someone), making
flattering remarks. ~n 3 saliva dribbling sleep in vb Brit to sleep longer than usual,
from the mouth. 4 Informal nonsense. sleeping bag n a large well-padded bag for
slavery n 1 the state or condition of being a sleeping in, esp. outdoors.
slave. 2 the practise of owning slaves. 3 sleeping car n a railway carriage with small
hard work with little reward. rooms containing beds for passengers to
slave trade n the buying and selling of sleep in.
slaves, esp. the transportation of Black Af- sleeping partner n a partner in a business
ricans to America and the Caribbean from who shares in the financing but does not
the 16th to the 19th centuries. take part in its management.
sleeping pill 772 slime
sleeping pill n a pill containing a drug that lessly, with or as if with a knife. 7 (usually
induces sleep. foil, by off, from, away) to cut or be cut
sleeping policeman n a bump built across a (from) a larger piece. 8 Sport to play (a
road to prevent motorists from driving too ball) with a slice.
fast. slick adj 1 (esp. of speech) easy and persua-
sleeping sickness n an infectious, usually sive: a slick answer. 2 skilfully devised or
fatal, African disease transmitted by the executed: a slick marketing effort. 3 Infor-
bite of the tsetse fly, causing fever and mal, chiefly US & Canad shrewd; sly. 4 In-
sluggishness. formal well-made and attractive, but super-
sleepless adj 1 (of a night) one during ficial: a slick publication. 5 Chiefly US &
which one does not sleep. 2 unable to sleep. Canad slippery. ~n 6 a slippery area, esp.
3 Chiefly poetic always active, sleepless- a patch of oil floating on water, -vb 7 to
ness n make smooth or shiny: long hair slicked
sleep off vb Informal to get rid of by sleep- back with gel.
ing: go home and sleep it off. slide vb sliding, slid, slid 1 to move smooth-
sleep out vb to sleep in the open air. ly along a surface in continual contact with
sleep together vb to have sexual inter- it: doors that slide open. 2 to slip: he slid on
course and, usually, spend the night togeth- his back. 3 (usually foil, by into, out of,
er. away from) to pass or move smoothly and
quietly: she slid out of her seat. 4 (usually
sleepwalk vb to walk while asleep, sleep-
walker n sleepwalking n
foil, by into) to go (into a specified condi-
tion) gradually: the rest of Europe slid into
sleep with vb to have sexual intercourse depression. 5 (of a currency) to lose value
and, usually, spend the night with. gradually. 6 let slide to allow to change to
sleepy adj sleepier, sleepiest 1 tired and a worse state by neglect: past chairmen
ready for sleep. 2 (of a place) without activ- have undoubtedly let things slide. ~n 7 the
ity or excitement: a sleepy little town. act or an instance of sliding. 8 a small glass
sleepily adv plate on which specimens are placed for
sleet n 1 partly melted falling snow or hail study under a microscope. 9 a photograph
or (esp. U.S.) partly frozen rain, —vb 2 to on a transparent base, mounted in a frame,
fall as sleet. that can be viewed by means of a projector.
sleeve n 1 the part of a garment covering 10 a smooth surface, such as ice, for sliding
the arm. 2 a tubelike part which fits over or on. 11a structure with a steep smooth slope
completely encloses another part. 3 a flat for sliding down in playgrounds. 12 Chiefly
cardboard container to protect a gramo- Brit an ornamental clip to hold hair in
phone record. 4 up one’s sleeve secretly place. 13 the sliding curved tube of a trom-
ready: he has a few more surprises up his bone that is moved in and out to allow dif-
sleeve, sleeveless adj ferent notes to be played.
sleigh n 1 same as sledge1 (sense 1). -vb 2 slide rule n a device formerly used to make
to travel by sleigh. mathematical calculations consisting of two
sleight (slite) n Old-fashioned skill or cun- strips, one sliding along a central groove in
ning. the other, each strip graduated in two or
sleight of hand n 1 the skilful use of the more logarithmic scales of numbers.
hands when performing magic tricks. 2 the sliding scale n a variable scale according to
performance of such tricks. which things such as wages or prices alter
slender adj 1 (esp. of a person’s figure) slim in response to changes in other factors.
and graceful. 2 of small width relative to slight adj 1 small in quantity or extent: a
length or height. 3 small or inadequate in slight improvement. 2 not very important
amount or size: a slender advantage. or lacking in substance: her political career
slept vb the past of sleep. was honourable but relatively slight. 3 slim
sleuth (rhymes with tooth) n Informal a de- and delicate, -vb 4 to insult (someone) by
tective. behaving rudely; snub. ~n 5 an act of
slew1 vb the past tense of slay. snubbing (someone), slightly adv
slew2 or esp US slue vb 1 to slide or skid slim adj slimmer, slimmest 1 (of a person)
sideways: the bus slewed across the road. attractively thin. 2 small in width relative
~n 2 the act of slewing. to height or length: a slim book. 3 poor;
slice n 1 a thin flat piece or wedge cut from meagre: a slim chance of progress, -vb 4 to
something: a slice of tomato. 2 a share or make or become slim by diets and exercise.
portion: the biggest slice of their income. 3 5 to reduce in size: that would slim the
a kitchen tool having a broad flat blade: a overheads, slimmer n slimming n
fish slice. 4 Sport a shot that causes the ball Slim n the E African name for AIDS.
to go to one side, rather than straight slime n 1 soft runny mud or any sticky sub-
ahead, -vb slicing, sliced 5 to cut (some- stance esp. when disgusting or unpleasant.
thing) into slices. 6 (usually foil, by 2 a thick, sticky substance produced by
through) to cut through cleanly and effort- some fish, slugs, and fungi.
slimy 773 slog
slimy adj slimier, slimiest 1 of, like, or cov- slipped disc n Pathol a painful condition in
ered with slime. 2 Chiefly Brit pleasant and which one of the discs which connects the
friendly in an insincere way. bones of the spine becomes displaced and
sling1 n 1 Med a wide piece of cloth suspend- presses on a nerve.
ed from the neck for supporting an injured slipper n a light soft shoe for indoor wear,
hand or arm. 2 a rope or strap by which slippered adj
something may be lifted. 3 a simple weapon slippery adj 1 liable or tending to cause ob-
consisting of a strap tied to cords, in which jects to slip: the road was slippery. 2 liable
a stone is whirled and then released. ~vb to slip from one’s grasp: a bar of slippery
slinging, slung 4 Informal to throw. 5 to soap. 3 not to be trusted: slippery politi-
carry or hang loosely from or as if from a cians. slipperiness n
sling: her shoulder bag was slung across her slippy adj -pier, -piest Informal or dialect
chest. 6 to hurl with or as if with a sling. same as slippery (senses 1, 2). slippiness
sling2 n a sweetened mixed drink with a n
spirit base: gin sling.
slip road n Brit a short road connecting a
slingback n a shoe with a strap instead of a motorway to another road.
complete covering for the heel.
slipshod adj 1 (of an action) done in a care-
sling off at vb Austral & NZ informal to less way without attention to detail: a slip-
mock and jeer. shod piece of research. 2 (of a person’s ap-
slink vb slinking, slunk to move or act in a pearance) untidy and slovenly.
quiet and secretive way from fear or guilt. slip-slop n S African same as flip-flop.
Slinky adj slinkier, slinkiest Informal 1 (of
clothes) figure-hugging. 2 moving in an al- slipstream n the stream of air forced back-
luring way. wards by an aircraft or car.
Slip1 vb slipping, slipped 1 to lose balance slip up Informal ~vb 1 to make a mistake.
and slide unexpectedly: he slipped on some —n slip-up 2 a mistake.
leaves. 2 to let loose or be let loose: the rope slipway n a large ramp that slopes down
slipped from his fingers. 3 to move smooth- from the shore into the water, on which a
ly and easily: small enough to slip into a ship is built or repaired and from which it is
pocket. 4 to place quickly or stealthily: he launched.
slipped the pistol back into his holster. 5 to slit n 1 a long narrow cut or opening. ~vb
put on or take off easily or quickly: we had slitting, slit 2 to make a straight long cut in
slipped off our sandals. 6 to pass out of (the (something).
mind or memory). 7 to move or pass quickly slither vb 1 to move or slide unsteadily, such
and without being noticed: we slipped out as on a slippery surface. 2 to move along
of the ballroom. 8 to make a mistake. 9 to the ground in a twisting way: a snake
decline in health or mental ability. 10 to be- slithered towards the tree. ~n 3 a
come worse or lower: sales had slipped slithering movement, slithery adj
below the level for June of last year. 11 to sliver (sliv-ver) n 1 a small thin piece that is
dislocate (a disc in the spine). 12 to pass (a cut or broken off lengthwise. ~vb 2 to cut
stitch) from one needle to another without into slivers.
knitting it. 13 let slip a to allow to escape, Sloane Ranger n Informal (in Britain) a
b to say unintentionally. ~n 14 a slipping.
young upper-class woman having a home in
15 a mistake or oversight: a slip in the Brit- London and in the country, characterized as
ish defence. 16 a woman’s sleeveless under-
garment, worn under a dress. 17 same as wearing expensive informal clothes.
slipway. 18 Cricket a fielding position a lit- slob n Informal a lazy and untidy person,
tle behind and to the offside of the wicket- slobbish adj
keeper. 19 give someone the slip to escape slobber vb 1 to dribble (liquid or saliva)
from someone. -See also slip up. from the mouth. 2 slobber over to behave
slip2 n 1 a small piece of paper: the registra- in an excessively sentimental way towards
tion slip. 2 a cutting taken from a plant. 3 a (someone). ~n 3 liquid or saliva spilt from
young slim person: a slip of a girl. the mouth, slobbery adj
Slip3 n clay mixed with water to a thin paste, slob ice n Canad sludgy masses of floating
used for decorating or patching a ceramic ice.
piece. sloe n 1 the small sour blue-black fruit of
slipe n NZ wool removed from the pelt of a the blackthorn. 2 same as blackthorn.
slaughtered sheep by immersion in a chemi- sloe-eyed adj having dark almond-shaped
cal bath. eyes.
slipknot n a nooselike knot tied so that it slog vb slogging, slogged 1 to work hard
will slip along the rope round which it is and steadily. 2 to make one’s way with dif-
made. ~ ficulty: we slogged our way through the
slip-on adj 1 (of a garment or shoe) without snow. 3 to hit hard. ~n 4 long exhausting
laces or buttons so as to be easily and quick- work. 5 a long and difficult walk. 6 a heavy
ly put on. ~n 2 a slip-on garment or shoe. blow.
slogan 774 slug
slogan n a catchword or phrase used in poli- slouch hat n a soft hat with a brim that can
tics or advertising. be pulled down over the ears.
sloop n a small sailing ship with a single slough1 (rhymes with now) n 1 a swamp or
mast. marshy area. 2 (rhymes with blue) US &
slop vb slopping, slopped 1 (often foil, by Canad a large hole where water collects. 3
about) to splash or spill (liquid). 2 slop despair or hopeless depression.
over Informal, chiefly US & Canad to be ex- slough2 (sluff) n 1 any outer covering that
cessively sentimental. ~n 3 a puddle of is shed, such as the dead outer layer of the
spilt liquid. 4 slops liquid refuse and waste skin of a snake. ~vb slough off 2 to shed
food used to feed animals, esp. pigs. 5 (an outer covering) or (of an outer cover-
(often pl) Informal liquid food. ing) to be shed: the dead cells would slough
slope n 1 a stretch of ground where one end off. 3 to get rid of (something unwanted or
is higher than the other. 2 slopes hills or unnecessary): she tried hard to slough off
foothills. 3 any slanting surface. 4 the angle her old personality.
of such a slant. ~vb sloping, sloped 5 to Slovak adj 1 of Slovakia. ~n 2 a person
slant or cause to slant. 6 (esp. of natural from Slovakia. 3 the language of Slovakia.
features) to have one end or part higher sloven n a person who is always untidy or
than another: the bank sloped sharply careless in appearance or behaviour.
down to the river. 7 slope off or away In- Slovene adj also Slovenian 1 of Slovenia.
formal to go quietly and quickly in order to
avoid something or someone. 8 slope arms ~n 2 Also: Slovenian a person from Slo-
Mil (formerly) to hold (a rifle) in a sloping venia. 3 the language of Slovenia.
position against the shoulder. slovenly adj 1 always unclean or untidy. 2
slop out vb (of prisoners) to empty chamber negligent and careless: to write in such a
pots and collect water. slovenly style. ~adv 3 in a slovenly man-
ner. slovenliness n
sloppy adj -pier, -piest 1 Informal careless
or untidy: sloppy workmanship. 2 Informal slow adj 1 taking a longer time than is usual
excessively sentimental and romantic. 3 or expected. 2 lacking speed: slow move-
wet; slushy, sloppily adv sloppiness n ments. 3 adapted to or producing slow
movement: the slow lane. 4 (of a clock or
slosh n, vb 1 Informal to throw or pour (liq- watch) showing a time earlier than the cor-
uid) carelessly. 2 (often foil, by about or rect time. 5 not quick to understand: slow
around) Informal a to shake or stir (some- on the uptake. 6 -dull or uninteresting: the
thing) in a liquid, b (of a person) to splash play was very slow. 7 not easily aroused: he
(around) in water or mud. 3 (usually foil, is slow to anger. 8 (of business) not busy;
by about or around) Informal to shake (a slack. 9 (of a fire or oven) giving off low
container of liquid) or (of liquid in a con- heat. 10 Photog requiring a relatively long
tainer) to be shaken. 4 Brit slang to deal a time of exposure: a slow film. ~adv 11 in a
heavy blow to. ~n 5 the sound of splashing slow manner. ~vb 12 (often foil, by up or
liquid. 6 slush. 7 Brit slang a heavy blow, down) to decrease or cause to decrease in
sloshy adj speed or activity, slowly adv
sloshed adj Slang, chiefly Brit drunk. slowcoach n Brit informal a person who
slot n 1 a narrow opening or groove, such as moves or works slowly.
one in a vending machine for inserting a slow motion n 1 Films, television action that
coin. 2 Informal a place in a series or is made to appear slower than normal by
scheme: the late-night slot when people filming at a faster rate or by replaying a
stop watching TV. ~vb slotting, slotted 3 video recording more slowly. ~adj slow-
to make a slot or slots in. 4 (usually foil, by motion 2 of or relating to such action. 3
in or into) to fit or be fitted into a slot: I moving at considerably less than usual
could fit you into the 9am slot. speed.
sloth (rhymes with both) n 1 a slow-moving
slow virus n a type of virus that is present
shaggy-coated animal of Central and South in the body for a long time before it be-
America, which hangs upside down in trees comes active or infectious.
by its long arms and feeds on vegetation. 2
Formal laziness, esp. regarding work. slowworm n a legless lizard with a
slothful adj lazy and unwilling to work,
brownish-grey snakelike body.
slot machine n a machine, esp. for vending sludge n 1 soft mud or snow. 2 any muddy
food and cigarettes or featuring an electron- or slushy sediment. 3 sewage, sludgy adj
ic game on which to gamble, worked by slug* n a mollusc like a snail but without a
placing a coin in a slot. shell.
slouch vb 1 to sit, stand, or move with a slug2 n 1 a bullet. 2 Printing a line of type
drooping posture. ~n 2 a drooping posture. produced by a Linotype machine. 3 Infor-
3 be no slouch Informal be very good or mal a mouthful of alcoholic drink, esp. spir-
talented: he was no slouch himself as a ne- its: he poured out a large slug of Scotch.
gotiator. slug3 vb slugging, slugged 1 Chiefly US &
sluggard 775 small screen
Canad to hit very hard. —n 2 US & Canad a sly secretively: they were smoking on the
heavy blow. sly behind the shed, slyly adv
sluggard n Old-fashioned a very lazy per- Sm Chem samarium.
son. smack1 vb 1 to slap sharply. 2 to strike
sluggish ad/ 1 lacking energy. 2 moving or loudly or to be struck loudly. 3 to open and
working at slower than the normal rate: the close (the lips) loudly to show pleasure or
sluggish waters of the canal. anticipation. ~n 4 a sharp loud slap, or the
sluice n 1 a channel that carries a rapid cur- sound of such a slap. 5 a loud kiss. 6 a sharp
rent of water, with a sluicegate to control sound made by the lips in enjoyment. 7
the flow. 2 the water controlled by a sluice- smack in the eye Informal, chiefly Brit a
gate. 3 same as sluicegate. 4 Mining a slop- snub or rejection, -adv Informal 8 direct-
ing trough for washing ore. -vb sluicing, ly; squarely: smack in the middle. 9 sharply
sluiced 5 to draw off or drain with a sluice. and unexpectedly: he ran smack into one of
6 to wash with a stream of water. 7 (often the men.
foil, by away or out) (of water) to run or smack2 n 1 a slight flavour or suggestion (of
flow from or as if from a sluice. something): the smack of loss of self-
sluicegate n a valve or gate fitted to a sluice control. 2 Slang heroin, -vb smack of a to
to control the rate of flow of water. have a slight smell or flavour (of some-
slum n 1 an overcrowded and badly main- thing). b to have a suggestion (of some-
tained house. 2 (often pl) a poor rundown thing): it smacks of discrimination.
overpopulated section of a city. -vb smack3 n a small single-masted fishing ves-
slumming, slummed 3 to visit slums, esp. sel.
for curiosity. 4 slum it to temporarily and smacker n Slang 1 a loud kiss. 2 a pound
deliberately experience poorer places or note or dollar bill.
conditions, slummy adj small adj 1 not large in size or amount. 2 of
slumber Literary ~vb 1 to sleep. ~n 2 little importance or on a minor scale: a
sleep, slumbering adj small detail. 3 mean, ungenerous, or petty: a
slump vb 1 (of commercial activity or small mind. 4 modest or humble: small be-
prices) to decline suddenly. 2 to sink or fall ginnings. 5 feel small to be humiliated. 6
heavily and suddenly: she slumped back (of a child or animal) young; not mature. 7
with exhaustion. ~n 3 a severe decline in unimportant or trivial: a small matter. 8 (of
commercial activity or prices; depression. 4 a letter) written or printed in lower case ra-
a sudden or marked decline or failure: a ther as a capital, -adv 9 into small pieces:
slump in demand for oil. cut it small, —n 10 the small narrow part of
slung vbthe past of sling1, the back. 11 smalls Informal, chiefly Brit
underwear, smallish adj smallness n
slunk vb the past of slink.
small beer n Informal, chiefly Brit people or
slur vb slurring, slurred 1 to pronounce or things of no importance.
say (words) unclearly. 2 to make insulting small change n coins of low value.
remarks about. 3 Music to sing or play (suc-
cessive notes) smoothly by moving from one small fry pl n 1 people regarded as unimpor-
to the other without a break. 4 (often foil, tant. 2 young children.
by over) to treat hastily or carelessly, -n 5 small goods pl n Austral & NZmeats bought
a insulting remark intended to damage from a delicatessen, such as sausages.
someone’s reputation. 6 a slurring of words. smallholding n a piece of agricultural land
7 Music a a slurring of successive notes, b smaller than a farm, smallholder n
the curved line or ^) indicating this. small hours pl n the early hours of the
slurp Informal -vb 1 to eat or drink (some- morning, after midnight and before dawn.
thing) noisily. ~n 2 a slurping sound. small intestine n Anat the narrow, longer
slurry n, pl -ries a thin watery mixture of part of the alimentary canal, in which di-
something such as cement or mud. gestion is completed.
slush n 1 any watery muddy substance, esp. small-minded adj having narrow selfish at-
melting snow. 2 Informal sloppily senti- titudes; petty.
mental language or writing, slushy adj smallpox n a contagious disease causing
slush fund n a fund for financing political or fever, a rash, and blisters which usually
commercial corruption. leave permanent scars.
slut n Offensive a promiscuous woman, small print n details in a contract or docu-
sluttish ad/ ment printed in small type, esp. when con-
sly adj slyer, slyest or slier, sliest 1 (of a sidered as containing important informa-
person’s remarks or gestures) indicating tion that people may regret not reading.
that he or she knows something of which small-scale adj of limited size or scope,
other people may be unaware: she had the small screen n the small screen television,
feeling they were poking sly fun at her. 2 esp. in contrast to cinema: despite his film
secretive and skilled at deception: a sly success, he has achieved little on the small
trickster. 3 roguish: sly comedy. 4 on the screen.
small talk 776 smock
small talk n light conversation for social oc- substance) thickly. 3 to rub so as to produce
casions. a smudge. 4 to spread false and damaging
small-time adj Informal operating on a lim- rumours (about). ~n 5 a dirty mark or
ited scale; minor: a small-time smuggler. smudge. 6 a false but damaging rumour
smarm vb Brit informal 1 to bring (oneself) spread by a rival or enemy. 7 Med a small
into favour (with). 2 Old-fashioned (often amount of a substance smeared onto a glass
foil, by down) to flatten (the hair) with oil. slide for examination under a microscope,
smeary adj
smarmy adj smarmier, smarmiest unpleas-
antly flattering or polite. smear test n Med same as Pap test.
smart adj 1 clean and neatly dressed. 2 intel- smell vb smelling, smelt or smelled 1 to
ligent and shrewd. 3 quick and witty in perceive the scent of (a substance) with the
speech: a smart talker. 4 (of places or nose. 2 to have a specified kind of smell: it
events) fashionable; chic: smart restau- smells fruity; your supper smells good. 3
rants. 5 vigorous or brisk: a smart pace. 6 (often foil, by of) to emit an odour (of): the
causing a sharp stinging pain. 7 (of a weap- place smells of milk and babies. 4 to give off
on) containing an electronic device which an unpleasant odour. 5 (often foil, by out)
enables it to be guided to its target: a smart to detect through instinct: I smell trouble. 6
bomb. -vb 8 to feel or cause a sharp sting- to use the sense of smell; sniff. 7 smell of to
ing physical or mental pain: I was still indicate or suggest: anything that smells of
smarting from the insult. ~n 9 a stinging devaluation. ~n 8 the sense by which
pain or feeling, -adv 10 in a smart manner. scents or odours are perceived. 9 an odour
~See also smarts, smartly adv smart- or scent. 10 the act of smelling.
ness n smelling salts pl n a preparation containing
smart aleck n Informal a person who thinks crystals of ammonium carbonate, used to
he or she is an expert on every subject; revive a person feeling faint.
know-all. smelly adj smellier, smelliest having a
smart card n a plastic card with integrated nasty smell, smelliness n
circuits used for storing and processing smelt1 vb to extract (a metal) from (an ore)
computer data. by heating.
smarten vb (usually foil, by up) to make or smelt2 n, pl smelt or smelts a small silvery
become smart. food fish.
smarts pl n Slang, chiefly US know-how, in- smelt3 vb a past tense and past participle of
telligence, or wits: the street smarts of the smell.
old crooks. smelter n an industrial plant in which smelt-
smash vb 1 to bretik into pieces violently ing is carried out.
and noisily. 2 (often foil, by against, smile n 1 a facial expression in which the
through or into) to throw or crash (against) corners of the mouth are turned up, show-
violently, causing shattering: his head ing amusement or friendliness, —vb smil-
smashed against a window. 3 to hit or col- ing, smiled 2 to give a smile. 3 smile at a to
lide forcefully and suddenly. 4 Racket look at with a kindly expression, b to look
sports to hit (the ball) fast and powerfully with amusement at. 4 smile on or upon to
with an overhead stroke. 5 to defeat or de- regard favourably: fortune smiled on us
stroy: the police had smashed a major drug today. 5 to express by a smile: he smiled a
ring. ~n 6 an act or sound of smashing. 7 a comrade’s greeting.
violent collision of vehicles. 8 Racket sports smirch vb 1 to disgrace. 2 to dirty or soil.
a fast and powerful overhead stroke. 9 In- —n 3 a disgrace. 4 a smear or stain.
formal a show, record or film which is very smirk n 1 a smug smile. — vb 2 to give such a
popular with the public, -adv 10 with a smile.
smash. smite vb smiting, smote; smitten or smit
smash-and-grab adj Informal of a robbery Archaic, Biblical 1 to strike with a heavy
in which a shop window is broken and the blow. 2 to affect severely: hunger smites
contents removed. him again. 3 to burden with an affliction in
smasher n Informal, chiefly Brit a person or order to punish: God smote the enemies of
thing that is very attractive or outstanding. the righteous. 4 smite on to strike abruptly
smashing adj Informal, chiefly Brit excel- and with force: the sun smote down on him.
lent or first-rate. smith n 1 a person who works in metal:
smash-up Informal ~n 1 a bad collision or goldsmith. 2 See blacksmith.
crash involving motor vehicles, —vb smash smithereens pl n shattered fragments,
up 2 to damage to the point of complete de- smithy n, pl smithies the workshop of a
struction: two men smashed up a bar. blacksmith; forge.
smattering n a slight or superficial knowl- smitten vb 1 a past participle of smite,
edge: I knew a smattering of Russian. -adj 2 deeply affected by love (for).
smear vb 1 to spread with a greasy or sticky smock n 1 a loose overall worn to protect
substance. 2 to apply (a greasy or sticky the clothes. 2 a loose blouselike garment
smocking 777 snafu
worn by women. 3 a loose protective over- bumps: a smooth landing. 5 not harsh in
garment decorated with smocking, worn taste; mellow: an excellent smooth wine. 6
formerly by farm workers. -vb 4 to gather charming or persuasive but possibly insin-
(material) by sewing in a honeycomb pat- cere. —adv 7 in a smooth manner, —vb 8
tern. (often foil, by down) to make or become
smocking n ornamental needlework used to even or without roughness. 9 (often foil, by
gather material. out or away) to remove in order to make
smog n a mixture of smoke and fog that oc- smooth: smoothing out the creases. 10 to
curs in some industrial areas, smoggy adj make calm; soothe. 11 to make easier: Mos-
smoke n 1 the cloudy mass that rises from cow smoothed the path to democracy. —n
something burning. 2 the act of smoking to- 12 the smooth part of something. 13 the act
bacco. 3 Informal a cigarette or cigar. 4 go of smoothing, smoothly adv
up in smoke a to come to nothing, b to burn smoothie n Slang a man who is so confident,
up vigorously. -vb smoking, smoked 5 to well-dressed, and charming that one is sus-
give off smoke: a smoking fireplace. 6 a to picious of his motives and doubts his hones-
draw the smoke of (burning tobacco) into ty-
the mouth and exhale it again, b to do this smooth over vb to ease or gloss over: their
habitually. 7 to cure (meat, cheese, or fish) fears are now being smoothed over.
by treating with smoke. smooth-talking adj confident and persua-
Smoke n the Smoke Informal short for Big sive but not necessarily honest or sincere.
Smoke. smorgasbord n a variety of savoury dishes
smokeless adj having or producing little or served as hors d’oeuvres or as a buffet
no smoke: smokeless fuel. meal.
smokeless zone n an area where only smote vb the past tense of smite.
smokeless fuels may be used. smother vb 1 to extinguish (a fire) by cover-
smoke out vb 1 to drive (a person or ani- ing so as to cut it off from the air. 2 to suf-
mal) out of a hiding place by filling it with focate. 3 to surround or overwhelm (with):
smoke. 2 to bring (someone) out of secrecy she smothered him with her idea of affec-
and into the open: they smoked out the tion. 4 to suppress or stifle: he smothered
plotters. an ironic chuckle. 5 to cover over thickly:
smoker n 1 a person who habitually smokes ice cream smothered with sauce.
tobacco. 2 a train compartment where smoulder or US smolder vb 1 to burn slow-
smoking is permitted. ly without flames, usually giving off smoke.
smoke screen n 1 something said or done to 2 (of emotions) to exist in a suppressed
hide the truth. 2 Mil a cloud of smoke used state without being released.
to provide cover for manoeuvres. smudge vb smudging, smudged 1 to make
smokestack n a tall chimney that carries or become smeared or soiled, —n 2 a smear
smoke away from a factory. or dirty mark. 3 a blurred form or area: the
smoko orsmokeho (smoke-oh) n, pl -kos or
dull smudge of a ship, smudgy adj
-hos Austral & NZ informal 1 a short break smug adj smugger, smuggest very pleased
from work for tea or a cigarette. 2 refresh- with oneself; self-satisfied, smugly adv
ment taken during this break. smugness n
smoky adj smokier, smokiest 1 filled with smuggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to import or ex-
or giving off smoke, sometimes excessively: port (goods that are prohibited or subject to
smoky coal or wood fires. 2 having the col- taxation) secretly. 2 (often foil, by into or
our of smoke. 3 having the taste or smell of out of) to bring or take secretly: he was
smoke. 4 made dirty or hazy by smoke, smuggled out of the country unnoticed.
smokiness n smuggler n smuggling n
smolt n a young salmon at the stage when it smut n 1 stories, pictures, or jokes relating
migrates from fresh water to the sea. to sex or nudity. 2 a speck of soot or a dark
mark left by soot. 3 a disease of cereals, in
smooch Slang ~vb 1 (of two people) to kiss which black sooty masses cover the affect-
and cuddle. 2 Brit to dance very slowly ed parts, smutty adj
with one’s arms around another person or
(of two people) to dance together in such a Sn Chem tin.
way. ~n 3 the act of smooching. snack n a light quick meal eaten between or
smoodge or smooge vb smoodging, in place of main meals.
smoodged or smooging, smooged Austral snack bar n a place where light meals or
& NZ 1 same as smooch (sense 1). 2 to at- snacks are sold.
tempt to gain favour through flattery. snaffle n 1 a mouthpiece for controlling a
smooth adj 1 having an even surface with _ horse, -vb -fling, -fled 2 Brit informal to
no roughness, bumps, or holes. 2 without steal or take. 3 to fit or control (a horse)
obstructions or difficulties: smooth pro- with a snaffle.
gress towards an agreement. 3 without snafu (snaf-foo) Slang chiefly mil ~n 1 con-
lumps: a smooth paste. 4 free from jolts and fusion or chaos regarded as the normal
snag 778 sneaking
state, -adj 2 confused or muddled up, as ful flowers that can open and shut like a
usual. mouth; antirrhinum.
snag n 1 a small problem or difficulty: one snap fastener n same as press stud.
possible snag in his plans. 2 a sharp project- snappy adj -pier, -piest 1 smart and fash-
ing point that may catch on things. 3 a small ionable: snappy designs. 2 Also: snappish
hole in a fabric caused by a sharp object. 4 a (of someone’s behaviour) irritable, un-
tree stump in a river bed that is a danger to friendly, and cross. 3 brisk or lively: short
navigation, -vb snagging, snagged 5 to snappy movements. 4 make it snappy
tear or catch on a snag. Slang hurry up! snappiness n
snail n a slow-moving mollusc with a spiral snapshot n same as snap (sense 18).
shell. snap up vb to take advantage of eagerly and
snail’s pace n a very slow speed. quickly: the tickets have been snapped up.
snake n 1 a long scaly limbless reptile. 2 snare1 n 1 a trap for birds or small animals,
Also: snake in the grass a person, esp. a usually a flexible loop that is drawn tight
colleague or friend, who secretly acts around the prey. 2 anything that traps
against one. -vb snaking, snaked 3 to someone or something unawares, -vb
glide or move in a winding course, like a snaring, snared 3 to catch in or as if in a
snake. snare.
snakebite n 1 the bite of a snake. 2 a drink snare2 n Music a set of strings fitted against
of cider and lager. the lower head of a snare drum, which pro-
snake charmer n an entertainer who ap- duces a rattling sound when the drum is
pears to hypnotize snakes by playing music. beaten.
snakes and ladders n a board game in snare drum n Music a small drum fitted
which players move counters along a series with a snare.
of squares by means of dice, going up the snarl1 vb 1 (of an animal) to growl fiercely
ladders to squares nearer the finish and with bared teeth. 2 to speak or say (some-
down the snakes to squares nearer the thing) fiercely: he snarled out a command to
start. a subordinate. ~n 3 a fierce growl or facial
snaky adj snakier, snakiest 1 twisting or expression. 4 the act of snarling.
winding. 2 treacherous. snarl2 n 1 a complicated or confused state. 2
snap vb snapping, snapped 1 to break sud- a tangled mass, -vb 3 snarl up to become,
denly, esp. with a sharp sound. 2 to make or be, or make confused or complicated: the
cause to make a sudden sharp cracking postal service was snarled up at Christmas.
sound: he snapped his fingers. 3 to move or snarl-up n Informal, chiefly Brit a confused,
close with a sudden sharp sound: I snapped disorganized situation such as a traffic jam.
the lid shut. 4 to move in a sudden or abrupt snatch vb 1 to seize or grasp (something)
way. 5 to give way or collapse suddenly suddenly: she snatched the paper. 2 (usual-
under strain: one day someone’s temper will ly foil, by at) to attempt to seize suddenly. 3
snap. 6 to panic when a situation becomes to take hurriedly: these players had
too difficult to cope with: he could snap at snatched a few hours sleep. 4 to remove
any moment. 7 (often foil, by at or up) to suddenly: she snatched her hand away. ~n
seize suddenly or quickly. 8 (often foil, by 5 an act of snatching. 6 a small piece or in-
at of animals) to bite at suddenly. 9 to complete part: snatches of song. 7 a brief
speak (words) sharply and angrily. 10 to spell: snatches of sleep. 8 Slang, chiefly US
take a photograph of. 11 snap one’s fin- an act of kidnapping. 9 Brit slang a robbery:
gers at Informal to defy or dismiss con- a wages snatch.
temptuously. 12 snap out of it Informal to
recover quickly, esp. from depression or snazzy adj -zier, -ziest Informal (esp. of
anger. ~n 13 the act of breaking suddenly clothes) stylish and flashy.
or the sound of a sudden breakage. 14 a sneak vb 1 to move quietly, trying not be
sudden sharp sound. 15 a clasp or fastener noticed. 2 to behave in a cowardly or
that closes with a snapping sound. 16 a underhand manner. 3 to bring, take, or put
sudden grab or bite. 17 a thin crisp biscuit: secretly: we sneaked him over the border. 4
brandy snaps. 18 Informal an informal Informal, chiefly Brit (esp. in schools) to
photograph taken with a simple camera. 19 tell tales, -n 5 a person who acts in an
See cold snap. 20 Brit a card game in which underhand or cowardly manner, -adj 6
the word snap is called when two similar without warning: a sneak attack, sneaky
cards are turned up. -adj 21 done on the adj
spur of the moment: snap judgments, -adv sneakers pl n Chiefly US & Canad canvas
22 with a snap, -interj 23 a Cards the shoes with rubber soles.
word called while playing snap, b a cry sneaking adj 1 slight but nagging: a sneak-
used to draw attention to the similarity of ing suspicion. 2 secret: a sneaking admira-
two things. -See also snap up. tion. 3 acting in a cowardly and furtive
snapdragon n a plant with spikes of colour- way.
sneak thief 779 snotty
sneak thief n a burglar who sneaks into snitchy adj snitchier, snitchiest NZ infor-
houses through open doors and windows. mal bad-tempered or irritable.
sneer n 1 a facial expression showing dis- snivel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 1
taste or contempt, typically with a curled to cry and sniff in a self-pitying way. 2 to
upper lip. 2 a remark showing distaste or say (something) tearfully; whine. 3 to have
contempt. ~vb 3 to make a facial expres- a runny nose. ~n 4 the act of snivelling.
sion of scorn or contempt. 4 to say (some- snob n 1 a person who tries to associate
thing) in a scornful manner, sneering adj, with those of higher social status and who
n hates those of a lower social status. 2 a per-
sneeze vb sneezing, sneezed 1 to expel air son who feels smugly superior with regard
from the nose suddenly and without con- to his or her tastes or interests: a cultural
trol, esp. as the result of irritation in the snob, snobbery n snobbish adj
nostrils. ~n 2 the act or sound of sneezing. snoek (snook) n a South African edible ma-
sneeze at vb Informal to ignore or dismiss rine fish.
lightly: the money’s not to be sneezed at. snoep (snoop) adj S African informal mean
snick n 1 a small cut in something; notch. 2 or tight-fisted.
Cricket a glancing blow off the edge of the snog Brit slang ~vb snogging, snogged 1
bat. ~vb 3 to make a small cut or notch in to kiss and cuddle. ~n 2 the act of kissing
(something). 4 Cricket to hit (the ball) with and cuddling.
a snick.
snood n a pouchlike hat loosely holding a
snicker n, vb Chiefly US & Canad same as woman’s hair at the back.
snigger.
snook n cock a snook at Brit a to make a
snide adj (of comments) critical in an unfair rude gesture at (someone) by putting one
and nasty way. thumb to the nose with the fingers of the
sniff vb 1 to inhale through the nose in short hand outstretched, b to show contempt for '
audible breaths. 2 (often foil, by at) to smell (someone in authority) without fear of pun-
by sniffing. ~n 3 the act or sound of sniff- ishment.
ing. sniffer n snooker n 1 a game played on a billiard
sniff at vb to express contempt or dislike table with 15 red balls, six balls of other
for. colours, and a white cue ball. 2 a shot in
sniffer dog n a police dog trained to locate which the cue ball is left in a position such
drugs or explosives by smell. that another ball blocks the target ball.
sniffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to sniff repeatedly ~vb 3 to leave (an opponent) in an unfa-
when the nasal passages are blocked up. vourable position by playing a snooker. 4 to
~n 2 the act or sound of sniffling. put someone in a position where he or she
sniffles or snuffles pl n the sniffles Infor- can do nothing.
mal a cold in the head. snoop Informal ~vb 1 (often foil, by about
sniff out vb to discover after some search- or around) to pry into the private business
ing: they eventually sniffed out a suitable of others. ~n 2 the act of snooping,
Parliamentary seat for him. snooper n snoopy adj
sniffy adj -fier, -fiest Informal contemptu- snooty adj snootier, snootiest Informal
ous or scornful. behaving as if superior to other people;
snifter n 1 Informal a small quantity of al- snobbish.
coholic drink. 2 a pear-shaped brandy glass, snooze Informal ~vb snoozing, snoozed 1
snig vb snigging, snigged NZ to drag (a to take a brief light sleep. ~n 2 a nap.
felled log) by a chain or cable. snore vb snoring, snored 1 to breathe with
snigger n 1 a quiet and disrespectful laugh snorting sounds while asleep. ~n 2 the act
kept to oneself. ~vb 2 to utter such a or sound of snoring.
laugh. snorkel n 1 a tube allowing a swimmer to
snip vb snipping, snipped 1 to cut with breathe while face down on the surface of
small quick strokes with scissors or shears. the water. 2 a device supplying air to a
~n 2 Informal, chiefly Brit a bargain. 3 the submarine when under water. ~vb
act or sound of snipping. 4 a small piece -kelling, -kelled or US -keling, -keled 3 to
snipped off. 5 a small cut made by snipping, swim with a snorkel.
snipe n, pl snipe or snipes 1 a wading bird snort vb 1 to exhale air noisily through the
with a long straight bill. ~vb sniping, nostrils. 2 to express contempt or annoy-
sniped 2 (often foil, by at) to shoot (some- ance by snorting. 3 to say with a snort. ~n
one) from a place of hiding. 3 (often foil, by 4 a loud exhalation of air through the nos-
at) to make critical remarks about, sniper trils to express contempt or annoyance:
n Clare gave a snort of disgust.
snippet n a small scrap or fragment: the odd snot n Usually considered vulgar 1 mucus
snippet of knowledge. from the nose. 2 Slang an annoying or dis-
snitch Slang ~vb 1 to act as an informer. 2 gusting person.
to steal small amounts. ~n 3 an informer. snotty adj -tier, -tiest Considered vulgar 1
snout 780 soak
dirty with nasal discharge. 2 having a (esp. of an animal) to examine by sniffing.
proud and superior attitude. 3 Slang con- ~n 3 a sniff.
temptible; nasty, snottiness n snuff2 n finely powdered tobacco for sniff-
snout n 1 the projecting nose and jaws of an ing up the nostrils.
animal. 2 anything projecting like a snout: snuff3 vb 1 (often foil, by out) to put out (a
the snout of a gun. 3 Slang a person’s nose. candle). 2 to cut off the charred part of (a
snow n 1 frozen vapour falling from the sky candle wick). 3 (usually foil, by out) Infor-
in flakes. 2 a layer of snow on the ground. 3 mal to put an end to. 4 snuff it Brit infor-
a falling of snow. 4 Slang cocaine. —vb 5 mal to die. —n 5 the burned portion of the
(with it as subject) to be the case that snow wick of a candle.
is falling: it’s snowing today. 6 (usually snuffbox n a small container for holding
passive, foil, by over, under, in or up) to snuff.
cover or confine with a heavy fall of snow. snuffle vb -fling, -fled 1 to breathe noisily
7 to fall as or like snow. 8 be snowed under or with difficulty. 2 to say or speak through
to be overwhelmed, esp. with paperwork, the nose. 3 to cry and sniff in a self-pitying
snowy adj way. ~n 4 an act or the sound of snuffling,
snowball n 1 snow pressed into a ball for snuffly adj
throwing. -vb 2 to increase rapidly in size snug adj snugger, snuggest 1 comfortably
or importance: production snowballed be- warm and well protected; cosy: safe and
tween 1950 and 1970. 3 to throw snowballs snug in their living rooms. 2 small but com-
at. fortable: a snug office. 3 fitting closely and
snowberry n, pl -ries a shrub grown for its comfortably, —n 4 (in Britain and Ireland)
white berries. a small room in a pub. snugly adv
snow-blind adj blinded for a short time by snuggery n, pl -geries a cosy and comfort-
the intense reflection of sunlight from able place or room.
snow, snow blindness n snuggle vb -gling, -gled to nestle into (a
snowbound adj shut in or blocked off by person or thing) for warmth or from affec-
snow. tion.
snowcap n a cap of snow on top of a moun- so1 adv 1 to such an extent: the river is so
tain. snowcapped adj dirty that it smells. 2 to the same extent as:
snowdrift n a bank of deep snow driven to- she is not so old as you. 3 extremely: it’s so
gether by the wind. lovely. 4 also: I can speak Spanish and so
snowdrop n a plant with small drooping can you. 5 thereupon: and so we ended up in
white bell-shaped flowers. France. 6 in the state or manner expressed
snowfall n 1 a fall of snow. 2 Meteorol the or implied: they’re happy and will remain
amount of snow that falls in a specified so. 7 and so on or forth and continuing
place and time. similarly. 8 or so approximately: fifty or so
snowflake n a single crystal of snow. people came to see me. 9 so be it an expres-
sion of agreement or resignation. 10 so
snow goose n a North American goose with much a a certain degree or amount (of), b a
white feathers and black wing tips. lot (of): it’s just so much nonsense. 11 so
snow line n (on a mountain) the altitude much for a no more need be said about, b
above which there is permanent snow. used to express contempt for something
snowman n, pl -men a figure like a person, that has failed: so much for all our plans,
made of packed snow. -conj (often foil, by that) 12 in order
snowmobile n a motor vehicle for travelling (that): to die so that you might live. 13 with
on snow, esp. one with caterpillar tracks the consequence (that): he was late home,
and front skis. so that there was trouble. 14 so as in order
snowplough or esp US snowplow n a vehi- (to): to diet so as to lose weight. 15 Not uni-
cle for clearing away snow. versally accepted in consequence: she
snowshoe n a racket-shaped frame with a wasn’t needed, so she left. 16 so what! In-
network of thongs stretched across it, worn formal that is unimportant, -pron 17 used
on the feet to make walking on snow less to substitute for a clause or sentence, which
difficult. may be understood: you’ll stop because I
snowstorm n a storm with heavy snow.
said so. —adj 18 true: it can’t be so. —interj
19 an exclamation of surprise or triumph.
SNP Scottish National Party. so2 n Music same as soh.
Snr orsnr senior. soak vb 1 to put or lie in a liquid so as to be-
snub vb snubbing, snubbed 1 to insult come thoroughly wet. 2 (usually foil, by in
(someone) deliberately. —n 2 a deliberately or into) (of a liquid) to penetrate or perme-
insulting act or remark, -adj 3 (of a nose) ate. 3 (usually foil, by in or up) to take in;
short and turned up. absorb: white clay soaks up excess oil. —n
snub-nosed adj having a short turned-up 4 a soaking or being soaked. 5 Slang a per-
nose. son who drinks very heavily, soaking n,
snuff1 vb 1 to inhale through the nose. 2 adj
so-and-so 781 society
so-and-so n, pl so-and-sos Informal 1 a per- panionship or communal activities: social
son whose name is not specified. 2 clubs. 5 of or engaged in social services: a
Euphemistic a person regarded as unpleas- social worker. 6 relating to a certain class
ant; a name used in place of a swear word: of society: social misfits. 7 (of certain spe-
you’re a dirty so-and-so. cies of insects) living together in organized
soap n 1 a compound of alkali and fat, used colonies: social bees. ~n 8 an informal
with water as a cleaning agent. 2 Informal gathering, socially adv
short for soap opera. ~vb 3 to apply soap Social Charter n a proposed declaration of
to. the rights, minimum wages, etc. of workers
soapbox n a crate used as a platform for in the European Union.
making speeches. social climber n a person who tries to asso-
soap opera n an on-going television or radio ciate with people from a higher social class
serial about the daily lives of a group of in the hope that he or she will be thought
people. also to be upper-class.
soapstone n a soft mineral used for making social contract or compact n an agreement
table tops and ornaments. among individuals to cooperate for greater
soapsuds pl n foam or lather produced security, which results in the loss of some
when soap is mixed with water. personal liberties.
soapy adj soapier, soapiest 1 containing or social democrat n 1 a person who is in fa-
covered with soap: a soapy liquid. 2 like vour of a market or mixed economy but be-
soap in texture, smell, or taste: the cheese lieves the State must play an active role in
had a soapy taste. 3 Slang flattering or per- ensuring social justice and equality of op-
suasive. soapiness n portunity. 2 (formerly) a person who be-
soar vb 1 to rise or fly upwards into the air. lieved in the gradual transformation of
2 (of a bird or aircraft) to glide while main- capitalism into democratic socialism, so-
taining altitude. 3 to rise or increase sud- cial democracy n
denly above the usual level: television social fund n (in Britain) a social security
ratings soared. fund from which loans or payments may be
sob vb sobbing, sobbed 1 to cry noisily, made to people in cases of extreme need.
breathing in short gasps. 2 to speak with socialism n a political and economic theory
sobs. ~n 3 the act or sound of sobbing. or system in which the means of produc-
sober adj 1 not drunk. 2 tending to drink tion, distribution, and exchange are owned
only moderate quantities of alcohol. 3 seri- by the community collectively, usually
ous and thoughtful: a sober and serious fel- through the state, socialist n, adj
low. 4 (of colours) plain and dull. 5 free socialite n a person who goes to many
from exaggeration: a fairly sober version of events attended by the rich, famous, and
what happened. ~vb 6 (usually foil, by up) fashionable.
to make or become less drunk, sobering adj socialize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
sobriety n the state of being sober. -ised 1 to meet others socially. 2 to prepare
sobriquet or soubriquet (so-brik-ay) n a for life in society. 3 Chiefly US to organize
nickname. along socialist principles, socialization or
sob story n a tale of personal misfortune or -isation n
bad luck intended to arouse sympathy. social science n the systematic study of so-
Soc. orsoc. 1 socialist. 2 society. ciety and of human relationships within so-
soca (soak-a) n a mixture of soul and calyp- ciety. social scientist n
so music popular in the E Caribbean. social security n state provision for the
so-called adj called (in the speaker’s opin- welfare of the elderly, unemployed, or sick,
ion, wrongly) by that name: so-called mili- through pensions and other financial aid.
tary experts. social services pl n welfare services pro-
soccer n a game in which two teams of elev- vided by local authorities for people with
en players try to kick or head a ball into particular social needs.
their opponents’ goal, only the goalkeeper social studies n (in British schools) the
on either side being allowed to touch the study of how people live and organize
ball with his hands. themselves in society.
sociable adj 1 friendly and enjoying other social welfare n 1 social services provided
people’s company. 2 (of an occasion) pro- by a state for the benefit of its citizens. 2
viding the opportunity for relaxed and (in New Zealand) a government department
friendly companionship, sociability n so- concerned with pensions and benefits for
ciably adv the elderly, the sick, etc.
social adj 1 living or preferring to live in a social work n social services that give help
community rather than alone. 2 of or relat- -and advice to the poor, the elderly, and
ing to human society or organization. 3 of families with problems, social worker n
the way people live and work together in society n, pl -ties 1 human beings consid-
groups: social organization. 4 of or for com- ered as a group. 2 a group of people forming
Society of Friends 782 soften
a single community with its own distinctive sodium bicarbonate n a white soluble crys-
culture and institutions. 3 the structure, talline compound used in fizzy drinks, bak-
culture, and institutions of such a group. 4 ing powder, and in medicine as an antacid.
an organized group of people sharing a sodium carbonate n a colourless or white
common aim or interest: a dramatic society. soluble crystalline compound used in the
5 the rich and fashionable class of society manufacture of glass, ceramics, soap, and
collectively. 6 Old-fashioned companion- paper, and as a cleansing agent.
ship: I enjoy her society. sodium chlorate n a colourless crystalline
Society of Friends n the Quakers. compound used as a bleaching agent, anti-
Society of Jesus n the religious order of the septic, and weedkiller.
Jesuits. sodium chloride n common table salt; a sol-
socioeconomic adj of or involving economic uble colourless crystalline compound wide-
and social factors. ly used as a seasoning and preservative for
sociology n the study of the development, food and in the manufacture of chemicals,
organization, functioning, and classification glass, and soap.
of human societies, sociological adj soci- sodium hydroxide n a white strongly alka-
ologist n line solid used in making rayon, paper, and
sociopolitical adj of or involving political soap.
and social factors. sodomite n a person who practises sodomy,
sock1 n 1 a cloth covering for the foot, sodomy n anal intercourse committed by a
reaching to between the ankle and knee and man with another man or a woman.
worn inside a shoe. 2 pull one’s socks up Sod’s Law n Informal a humorous saying
Brit informal to make a determined effort stating that if something can go wrong or
to improve. 3 put a sock in it Brit slang be turn out inconveniently it will.
quiet!
sofa n a long comfortable seat with back and
sock2 Slang ~vb 1 to hit hard. ~n 2 a hard
blow. arms for two or more people.
socket n 1 a device into which an electric soft adj 1 easy to dent, shape, or cut: soft
plug can be inserted in order to make a con- material. 2 not hard; giving way easily
nection in a circuit. 2 Anat a bony hollow under pressure: a soft bed. 3 fine, smooth,
into which a part or structure fits: the hip or fluffy to the touch: soft fur. 4 (of music
socket. or sounds) quiet and pleasing. 5 (of light or
colour) not excessively bright or harsh. 6
Socratic adj of the Greek philosopher Socra- (of a breeze or climate) temperate, mild, or
tes, or his teachings. pleasant. 7 with smooth curves rather than
Socratic method n Philosophy the method sharp edges: soft focus. 8 kind or lenient,
of instruction used by Socrates, in which a often to excess. 9 easy to influence or make
series of questions and answers lead to a demands on: he’s a soft touch. 10 Informal
logical conclusion. feeble or silly; simple: soft in the head. 11
sod1 n 1 a piece of grass-covered surface not strong or able to endure hardship. 12
soil; turf. 2 Poetic the ground. (of a drug) nonaddictive. 13 Informal re-
sod2 Slang, chiefly Brit ~n 1 an unpleasant quiring little effort; easy: a soft option. 14
person. 2 Jocular a person, esp. an unlucky Chem (of water) relatively free of mineral
one: the poor sod hasn’t been out for weeks. salts and therefore easily able to make soap
3 sod all Slang nothing, -interj 4 sod it an lather. 15 loving and tender: soft words. 16
exclamation of annoyance, sodding adj Phonetics denoting the consonants c and g
soda n 1 a simple compound of sodium, such when they are pronounced sibilantly, as in
as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. cent and germ. 17 soft on a lenient to-
2 same as soda water. 3 US & Canad a wards: he was accused of being soft on
sweet fizzy drink. criminals, b experiencing romantic love for.
soda bread n a type of bread raised with -adv 18 softly: to speak soft, -interj 19
sodium bicarbonate. Archaic quiet! softly adv
soda fountain n US & Canad 1 a counter softball n a game similar to baseball, played
that serves soft drinks and snacks. 2 a de- using a larger softer ball.
vice dispensing soda water. soft-boiled adj (of an egg) boiled for a short
soda siphon n a sealed bottle containing time so that the yolk is still soft.
soda water under pressure, which is forced soft coal n same as bituminous coal.
up a tube when a lever is pressed. soft drink n a nonalcoholic drink.
soda water n a fizzy drink made by charg- soften vb 1 to make or become soft or softer.
ing water with carbon dioxide under pres- 2 to make or become more sympathetic and
sure. less critical: the farmers softened their op-
sodden adj 1 soaking wet. 2 (of someone’s position to the legislation. 3 to lessen the
senses) dulled, esp. by excessive drinking. severity or difficulty of: foreign relief sof-
sodium n Chem a very reactive soft silvery- tened the hardship of a terrible winter.
white metallic element. Symbol: Na softener n
soft furnishings 783 solicitor
soft furnishings pl n Brit curtains, the vulnerable part of the stomach beneath
hangings, rugs, and covers. the diaphragm.
Softhearted adj kind and sympathetic, solar system n the system containing the
soft option n the easiest of a number of sun and the planets, comets, and asteroids
choices. that go round it.
soft palate n the fleshy part at the back of sold vb 1 the past of sell, -adj 2 sold on
the roof of the mouth. Slang enthusiastic and uncritical about.
soft-pedal vb -ailing, -ailed or US -aling, solder n 1 an alloy used for joining two
-aled 1 to deliberately avoid emphasizing metal surfaces by melting the alloy so that
(something): he was soft-pedalling the it forms a thin layer between the surfaces.
question of tax increases. —n soft pedal 2 -vb 2 to join or mend or be joined or mend-
a pedal on a piano that softens the tone. ed with solder.
soft sell n a method of selling based on sub- soldering iron n a hand tool with an iron or
tle suggestion and gentle persuasion. copper tip that is heated and used to melt
soft-soap vb Informal to flatter (a person), and apply solder.
soft-spoken adj speaking or said with a soft soldier n 1 a a person who serves or has
gentle voice. served in an army, b a person who is not an
officer in an army, —vb 2 to serve as a sol-
soft touch n Informal a person who is easily dier. soldierly adj
persuaded to perform favours for, or lend
money to, other people. soldier of fortune n a man who seeks money
or adventure as a soldier; mercenary.
software n Computers the programs used
with a computer. soldier on vb to continue one’s efforts de-
spite difficulties or pressure.
softwood n the wood of coniferous trees,
sole1 adj 1 being the only one; only. 2 not
softy or softie n, pl softies Informal a per- shared; exclusive: sole ownership.
son who is easily hurt or upset.
sole2 n 1 the underside of the foot. 2 the
soggy adj -gier, -giest 1 soaked with liquid: underside of a shoe. 3 the lower surface of
a soggy running track. 2 moist and heavy: a an object, -vb soling, soled 4 to provide (a
soggy sandwich, sogginess n shoe) with a sole.
soh n Music the fifth note of any ascending sole3 n, pl sole or soles an edible marine
major scale. flatfish.
soigne or fem soignee (swah-nyay) adj solecism (sol-iss-iz-zum) n Formal 1 a minor
neat, elegant, and well-dressed. grammatical mistake in speech or writing. 2
soil1 n 1 the top layer of the land surface of an action considered not to be good man-
the earth. 2 a specific type of this material: ners. solecistic adj
sandy soil. 3 land, country, or region: back solely adv 1 only; completely: an action in-
on British soil. tended solely to line his own pockets. 2
soil2 vb 1 to make or become dirty or without others.
stained. 2 to bring disgrace upon: he’s soiled solemn adj 1 very serious; deeply sincere:
our reputation. ~n 3 a soiled spot. 4 refuse, my solemn promise. 2 marked by ceremony
manure, or excrement. or formality: a solemn ritual. 3 serious or
soiree (swah-ray) n an evening social gath- glum: a solemn look on her face, solemnly
ering. adv
sojourn (soj-urn) Literary ~n 1 a short solemnity n, pl-ties 1 the state or quality of
stay in a place. -vb 2 to stay temporarily: being solemn. 2 a solemn ceremony or ritu-
he sojourned in Basle during a short illness. al.
sol1 n Music same as soh. solemnize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or
sol2 n Chem a liquid colloidal solution, -nising, -nised 1 to celebrate or perform (a
solace (sol-iss) n 1 comfort in misery or dis- ceremony, esp. of marriage). 2 to make sol-
appointment: it drove him to seek increas- emn or serious. solemnization or
ing solace in alcohol. 2 something that gives -nisation n
comfort or consolation: his music was a sol- solenoid (sole-in-oid) n a coil of wire, usual-
ace to me during my illness, -vb -acing, ly cylindrical, in which a magnetic field is
-aced 3 to give comfort or cheer to (a per- set up by passing a current through it. so-
son) in time of sorrow or distress. lenoidal adj
solar adj 1 of the sun: a solar eclipse. 2 op- sol-fa n short for tonic sol-fa.
erating by or using the energy of the sun: solicit vb 1 Formal to seek or request, esp.
solar cell. formally: she was brushed aside when
solarium n, pl -lariums or-laria a place with soliciting his support for the vote. 2 to ap-
beds equipped with ultraviolet lights used -proach (a person) with an offer of sex in re-
for giving people an artificial suntan. turn for money, solicitation n
solar plexus n 1 Anat a network of nerves solicitor n (in Britain) a lawyer who advises
behind the stomach. 2 Not in technical use clients on matters of law, draws up legal
Solicitor General 784 some
documents, and prepares cases for barris- few friends; lonely. 5 (of a place) without
ters. people; empty. ~n, pl -taries 6 a person
Solicitor General n, pl Solicitors General who lives on his or her own; hermit. 7 In-
(in Britain) the law officer of the Crown formal short for solitary confinement: I
ranking next to the Attorney General (in can’t put him back in solitary, solitariness
Scotland to the Lord Advocate) and acting n
as his assistant. solitary confinement n isolation of a pris-
solicitous adj Formal 1 anxious about some- oner in a special cell.
one’s welfare. 2 eager, solicitousness n solitude n the state of being alone.
solicitude n Formal anxiety or concern for solo n, pl -los 1 a piece of music or section of
someone’s welfare. a piece of music for one performer: a trum-
solid adj 1 (of a substance) in a physical pet solo. 2 any performance by an individ-
state in which it resists changes in size and ual without assistance. —adj 3 performed
shape; not liquid or gaseous. 2 consisting of by an individual without assistance: a solo
matter all through; not hollow. 3 of the dance. 4 Also: solo whist a card game in
same substance all through: solid gold. 4 which each person plays on his or her own.
firm, strong, or substantial: the solid door -adv 5 by oneself; alone: to fly solo across
of a farmhouse. 5 proved or provable: solid the Atlantic, soloist n
evidence. 6 law-abiding and respectable: Solomon n any person considered to be very
solid family men. 7 (of a meal or food) sub- wise.
stantial. 8 without interruption; continuous Solomon’s seal n a plant with greenish
or unbroken: solid bombardment. 9 finan- flowers and long waxy leaves.
cially sound: a solid institution. 10 strongly so long interj 1 Informal farewell; goodbye.
united or established: a solid marriage. 11 —adv 2 S African slang for the time being;
Geom having or relating to three dimen- meanwhile.
sions. 12 adequate; sound, but not brilliant: solstice n either the shortest day of the year
a solid career. 13 of a single uniform colour (winter solstice) or the longest day of the
or tone. ~n 14 Geom a three-dimensional year (summer solstice).
shape. 15 a solid substance, solidity n sol-
idly adv soluble adj 1 (of a substance) capable of
being dissolved. 2 (of a mystery or problem)
solidarity n, pl -ties agreement in interests capable of being solved, solubility n
or aims among members of a group; total
unity. solute n Chem the substance in a solution
that is dissolved.-
solid geometry n the branch of geometry
solution n 1 a specific answer to or way of
concerned with three-dimensional figures. answering a problem. 2 the act or process of
solidify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to make or solving a problem. 3 Chem a mixture of two
become solid or hard. 2 to make or become or more substances in which the molecules
strong or unlikely to change: a move that or atoms of the substances are completely
solidified the allegiance of our followers. dispersed. 4 the act or process of forming a
solidification n solution. 5 the state of being dissolved: the
solid-state adj (of an electronic device) sugar is held in solution.
using a semiconductor component, such as a solve vb solving, solved to find the expla-
transistor or silicon chip, in which current nation for or solution to (a mystery or prob-
flow is through solid material, rather than a lem). solvable adj
valve or mechanical part, in which current solvent adj 1 having enough money to pay
flow is through a vacuum. off one’s debts. 2 (of a liquid) capable of
solidus n, pl -di a short oblique stroke used dissolving other substances, —n 3 a liquid
in text to separate items, such as and/or. capable of dissolving other substances,
soliloquize or -quise vb -quizing, -quized or solvency n
-quising, -quised to say a soliloquy. solvent abuse n the deliberate inhaling of
soliloquy n, pl -quies a speech made by a intoxicating fumes from certain solvents.
person while alone, esp. in a play. somatic adj of or relating to the body as dis-
solipsism n Philosophy the doctrine that the tinct from the mind: somatic symptoms.
self is the only thing known to exist, solip- sombre or US somber adj 1 serious, sad, or
sist n gloomy: a sombre message. 2 (of a place)
solitaire n 1 a game played by one person, dim or gloomy. 3 (of colour or clothes) dull
involving moving and taking pegs in a peg- or dark, sombrely or US somberly adv
board with the object of being left with only sombrero n, pl -ros a wide-brimmed Mexi-
one. 2 a gem, esp. a diamond, set alone in a can hat.
ring. 3 US patience (the card game). some adj 1 unknown or unspecified: some
solitary adj 1 experienced or performed man called for you. 2 an unknown or un-
alone: a solitary dinner. 2 living a life of specified quantity or number of: I've got
solitude: a solitary child. 3 single; alone: the some money. 3 a a considerable number or
solitary cigarette in the ashtray. 4 having amount of: he lived some years afterwards.
somebody 785 sooth
b a little: show some respect. 4 Informal an place or one closely connected with a cer-
impressive or remarkable: that was some tain thing: a good son of the church.
game! ~pron 5 certain unknown or un- Son n Christianity the second member of the
specified people or things: some can teach Trinity, Jesus Christ.
and others can’t. 6 an unknown or unspeci- sonar n a device that locates objects by the
fied quantity of something or number of reflection of sound waves: used in under-
people or things: he will sell some in his water navigation and target detection.
pub. —adv 7 approximately: some thirty
pounds. sonata n a piece of classical music, usually
in three or more movements, for piano or
somebody pron 1 some person; someone. for another instrument with or without
—n, pl -bodies 2 a person of great impor- piano.
tance: he was a somebody.
► Somebody is singular and in formal usage son et lumiere (sonn ay loom-yair) n an en-
is followed by a singular verb or pronoun. tertainment staged at night at a famous
Informal usage favours the use of the plural building or historical site, at which its his-
they to avoid the use of the clumsy he or tory is described by a speaker accompanied
she: if I annoy somebody, they (rather than by lighting effects and music.
he or she) will take it out on me. song n 1 a piece of music with words, com-
someday adv at some unspecified time in posed for the voice. 2 the tuneful call made
the future. by certain birds or insects. 3 the act or pro-
cess of singing: he broke into song. 4 for a
somehow adv 1 in some unspecified way. 2 song at a bargain price. 5 make a song and
for some unknown reason: somehow I can’t dance Brit informal to make an unneces-
do it. sary fuss.
someone pron some person; somebody. songbird n any bird that has a musical call,
► Someone is singular and in formal usage is
followed by a singular verb or pronoun. In- songololo (song-gol-loll-o) n, pl -los S Afri-
formal usage favours the use of the plural can a kind of millipede.
they to avoid the use of the clumsy he or songstress n a female singer of popular
she: if I annoy someone, they (rather than songs.
he or she) will take it out on me. song thrush n a common thrush that repeats
someplace adv US & Canad informal same each note of its song.
as somewhere. sonic adj of, involving, or producing sound,
somersault n 1 a leap or roll in which the sonic barrier n same as sound barrier.
head is placed on the ground and the trunk sonic boom n a loud explosive sound caused
and legs are turned over it. —vb 2 to per- by the shock wave of an aircraft travelling
form a somersault. at supersonic speed.
something pron 1 an unspecified or un- son-in-law n, pl sons-in-law the husband of
known thing; some thing: there was some- one’s daughter.
thing wrong. 2 an unspecified or unknown sonnet n Prosody a verse form consisting of
amount: something less than a hundred. 3 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme and
an impressive or important person, thing, rhythm pattern.
or event: isn't that something? 4 something
else Slang, chiefly US a remarkable person sonny n Often patronizing a familiar term of
or thing, -adv 5 to some degree; some- address to a boy or man.
what: he looks something like me. sonorous adj 1 (of a sound) deep or rich. 2
sometime adv 1 at some unspecified point
(of speech) using language that is unneces-
of time, —adj 2 former: a sometime actress. sarily complicated and difficult to under-
stand; pompous, sonority n
sometimes adv now and then; from time to
time. soon adv 1 in or after a short time; before
long. 2 as soon as at the very moment that:
someway adv in some unspecified manner, as soon as he had closed the door. 3 as soon
somewhat adv rather; a bit: somewhat sur- ... as used to indicate that the first alterna-
prising. tive is slightly preferable to the second:
somewhere adv 1 in, to, or at some un- they’d just as soon die for him as live.
known or unspecified place, point, or sooner adv 1 the comparative of soon: I
amount: somewhere down south; some- only wish I'd been back sooner. 2 rather; in
where between 35 and 45 per cent. 2 get- preference: he would sooner leave the party
ting somewhere Informal making progress. than break with me. 3 no sooner ... than
somnambulism n Formal the condition of immediately after or when: no sooner had
walking in one’s sleep, somnambulist n he spoken than the stench drifted up. 4
somnolent adj Formal drowsy; sleepy. sooner or later eventually.
somnolence n -soot n a black powder formed by the incom-
son n 1 a male offspring. 2 a form of address plete burning of organic substances such as
for a man or boy who is younger than the coal, sooty adj
speaker. 3 a male who comes from a certain Sooth n in sooth Archaic or poetic in truth.
soothe 786 sos
soothe vb soothing, soothed 1 to make (a moral and selfish behaviour: the sordid his-
worried or angry person) calm and relaxed. tory of the slave trade.
2 (of an ointment or cream) to relieve sore adj 1 (of a wound, injury, etc.) painful-
(pain), soothing adj ly sensitive; tender. 2 causing annoyance
soothsayer n a person who makes and resentment: a sore point. 3 upset and
predictions about the future; prophet. angered: she’s still sore about last night. 4
sop n 1 a small bribe or concession given or Literary urgent; pressing: in sore need of
made to someone to keep them from causing firm government. —n 5 a painful or sensi-
trouble: a sop to her conscience. 2 Informal tive wound or injury, —adv 6 sore afraid
a stupid or weak person. 3 sops food Archaic greatly frightened.
soaked in a liquid before being eaten. -vb sorely adv greatly: sorely disappointed.
sopping, sopped 4 sop up to soak up or ab- sorghum n a grass grown for grain and as a
sorb (liquid). source of syrup.
sophism n an argument that seems reason- sorority n, pl -ties Chiefly US a society of
able but is actually false and misleading. female students.
sophist n a person who uses clever but false sorrel n a plant with bitter-tasting leaves
arguments, sophistic adj which are used in salads and sauces.
sophisticate vb -eating, -cated 1 to make sorrow n 1 deep sadness or regret, associat-
(someone) less natural or innocent, such as ed with death or sympathy for another’s
by education. 2 to make (a machine or misfortune. 2 a particular cause of this.
method) more complex or refined. —n 3 a —vb 3 Literary to feel deep sadness about
sophisticated person, sophistication n (death or another’s misfortunes); mourn,
sophisticated adj 1 having or appealing to
sorrowful adj sorrowfully adv
fashionable and refined tastes and habits: a sorry adj -rier, -riest 1 (often foil, by for,
sophisticated restaurant. 2 intelligent, about) feeling or expressing pity, sympa-
knowledgeable, or able to appreciate cul- thy, grief, or regret: I’m sorry about this. 2
ture and the arts: a sophisticated concert in bad mental or physical condition: a sorry
audience. 3 (of machines or methods) com- state. 3 poor: a sorry performance, —interj
plex and using advanced technology. 4 an exclamation expressing apology or ask-
ing someone to repeat what he or she has
sophistry n 1 the practice of using argu- said.
ments which seem clever but are actually
false and misleading. 2 (pl -ries) an instance sort n 1 a class, group, or kind sharing cer-
of this. tain characteristics or qualities. 2 Informal
a type of character: she was a good sort. 3 a
sophomore n Chiefly US & Canad a second- more or less adequate example: a sort of
year student at a secondary (high) school or dream machine. 4 of sorts or of a sort a of
college. a poorer quality: she was wearing a uni-
soporific adj 1 causing sleep. ~n 2 a drug form of sorts, b of a kind not quite as in-
that causes sleep. tended or desired: it was a reward, of sorts,
sopping adj completely soaked; wet for my efforts. 5 out of sorts not in normal
through. Also: sopping wet good health or temper. 6 sort of as it were;
soppy adj -pier, -piest Brit informal foolish- rather: I sort of quit; sort of insensitive,
ly sentimental: a soppy love song, soppily —vb 7 to arrange (things or people) accord-
adv ing to class or type. 8 to put (something)
into working order; fix. 9 to arrange (com-
soprano n, pl -pranos 1 the highest adult puter information) by machine in an order
female voice. 2 the voice of a young boy be- the user finds convenient.
fore puberty. 3 a singer with such a voice. 4 ► Note the singular/plural usage: this (or
the highest or second highest instrument in that) sort of thing; these (or those) sorts of
a family of instruments. —adj 5 denoting a thing. In the second, plural example you can
musical instrument that is the highest or also say these sorts of things.
second highest pitched in its family: the so-
prano saxophone. 6 of or relating to the sortie n 1 a short or relatively short return
highest female voice, or the voice of a trip. 2 (of troops) a raid into enemy terri-
young boy: the part is quite possibly the tory. 3 an operational flight made by a mili-
most demanding soprano role Wagner ever tary aircraft, —vb -tieing, -tied 4 to make a
wrote. sortie.
sorbet n a flavoured water ice. sort out vb 1 to find a solution to (a prob-
lem): did they sort out the mess? 2 to take
sorcerer or fem sorceress n a person who or separate (things or people) from a larger
uses magic powers; a wizard. group: to sort out the wheat from the chaff.
sorcery n, pl -ceries witchcraft or magic, 3 to organize (things or people) into an or-
sordid adj 1 dirty, depressing, and squalid: a derly and disciplined group. 4 Informal to
sordid backstreet in a slum area. 2 relating punish or tell off (someone).
to sex in a crude or unpleasant way: the SOS n 1 an international code signal of dis-
sordid details of his affair. 3 involving im- tress in which the letters SOS are repeated-
so-so 787 sour
ly spelt out in Morse code. 2 Informal any announce (something) by a sound: guns
call for help. sound the end of the two minutes silence. 8
so-so Informal -adj 1 neither good nor to make a noise with a certain quality: her
bad. -adv 2 in an average or indifferent voice sounded shrill. 9 to suggest (a particu-
way. lar idea or quality): his argument sounded
sot n a person who is frequently drunk, false. 10 to pronounce (something) clearly:
sottish adj to sound one’s r’s. -See also sound off.
sotto voce (sot-toe voe-chay) adv with a sound2 adj 1 free from damage, injury, or
soft voice. decay, in good condition. 2 firm or substan-
sou n 1 a former French coin of low value. 2 tial: sound documentary evidence. 3 finan-
Old-fashioned a very small amount of cially safe or stable: a sound investment. 4
money: the tax man never saw a sou from showing good judgment or reasoning; wise:
this income. sound advice. 5 morally correct; honest. 6
(of sleep) deep and uninterrupted. 7 thor-
soubrette (soo-brett) n a minor female role ough: a sound defeat, —adv 8 sound
in comedy, often that of a pert maid. asleep in a deep sleep, soundly adv
soubriquet n same as sobriquet. sound3 vb 1 to measure the depth of (a well,
souffle (soo-flay) n a light fluffy dish made the sea, etc.). 2 Med to examine (a part of
with beaten egg whites and other ingredi- the body) by tapping or with a stethoscope.
ents such as cheese or chocolate. —See also sound out.
sough (rhymes with now) vb Literary (of sound4 n a channel between two larger
the wind) to make a sighing sound. areas of sea or between an island and the
sought (sawt) vb the past of seek. mainland.
souk (sook) n an open-air marketplace in sound barrier n a sudden increase in the
Muslim countries. force of air against an aircraft flying at or
soul n 1 the spiritual part of a person, re- above the speed of sound.
garded as the centre of personality, intel- sound bite n a short pithy sentence or
lect, will, and emotions: believed by many phrase extracted from a longer speech for
to survive the body after death. 2 the essen- use on television or radio: complicated po-
tial part or fundamental nature of any- litical messages cannot be properly reduced
thing: the soul of contemporary America. 3 to fifteen-second sound bites.
deep and sincere feelings: you’ve got no sound effects pl n sounds artificially pro-
soul. 4 Also called: soul music a type of duced to make a play, esp. a radio play,
Black music using blues and elements of more realistic.
jazz, gospel, and pop. 5 a person regarded as sounding board n a person or group used to
a good example of some quality: the soul of test a new idea or policy.
prudence. 6 a person: there was hardly a
soul there. 7 the life and soul Informal a soundings pl n 1 measurements of the depth
person who is lively, entertaining, and fun of a river, lake, or sea. 2 questions asked of
to be with: the life and soul of the campus. someone in order to find out his or her opin-
ion: soundings among colleagues had re-
soul-destroying adj (of an occupation or vealed enthusiasm for the plan.
situation) very boring and repetitive.
sound off vb to speak angrily or loudly: he
soul food n Informal food, such as chitter- is forever sounding off on issues of the day.
lings and yams, which is traditionally eaten
by U.S. Blacks. sound out vb to question (someone) in order
to discover his or her opinion: you might try
soulful adj expressing deep feelings: a soul- sounding him out about his family.
ful performance of one of Tchaikovsky’s soundproof adj 1 (of a room) built so that
songs.
no sound can get in or out. — vb 2 to make
soulless adj 1 lacking human qualities; me- (a room) soundproof.
chanical: soulless materialism. 2 (of a per-
son) lacking in sensitivity or emotion. soundtrack n the recorded sound accompa-
niment to a film.
soul mate n a person with whom one gets
along well because of having shared inter- sound wave n a wave that carries sound.
ests and experiences. soup n 1 a food made by cooking meat, fish,
soul-searching n deep examination of one’s
or vegetables in a stock. 2 in the soup Slang
actions and feelings. in trouble or difficulties, soupy adj
sound1 n 1 anything that can be heard; soup^on (soop-sonn) n a slight amount;
noise. 2 Physics mechanical vibrations that dash.
travel in waves through the air, water, etc. souped-up adj Slang (of a car, motorbike, or
3 the sensation produced by such vibrations engine) adjusted so as to be faster or more
in the organs of hearing. 4 the impression powerful than normal.
one has of something: I didn’t really like the soup kitchen n a place where food and
sound of it. 5 sounds Slang music, esp. drink is served to needy people.
rock, jazz, or pop. -vb 6 to make or cause sour adj 1 having a sharp biting taste like
(an instrument, etc.) to make a sound. 7 to the taste of lemon juice or vinegar. 2 made
source 788 soya bean
acid or bad, such as when milk ferments. 3 southern adj 1 situated in or towards the
(of a person’s mood) bad-tempered and un- south. 2 facing or moving towards the
friendly. 4 go or turn sour to become less south. 3 (sometimes cap) of or characteris-
enjoyable or happy: the dream has turned tic of the south or South, southernmost
sour. —vb 5 to make or become less enjoy- ad/
able or friendly: relations soured shortly Southerner n a person from the south of a
after the war. sourly adv country or area, esp. England or the US.
source n 1 the origin or starting point: the southern hemisphere n that half of the
source of discontent among fishermen. 2 globe lying south of the equator.
any person, book, or organization that pro- southern lights pl n same as aurora austra-
vides information for a news report or for lis.
research. 3 the area or spring where a river
or stream begins. southpaw Informal ~n 1 any left-handed
person, esp. a boxer, —adj 2 left-handed.
sour cream n cream soured by bacteria for
use in cooking. South Pole n the southernmost point on the
earth’s axis, at a latitude of 90°S, which
sour grapes n the attitude of pretending to has very low temperatures.
hate something because one cannot have it
oneself. South Seas pl n the seas south of the equa-
tor.
sourpuss n Informal a person who is always
gloomy, pessimistic, or bitter. southward adj, adv also southwards 1 to-
wards the south, —n 2 the southward part
souse vb sousing, soused 1 to plunge or direction.
(something) into water or other liquid. 2 to
drench. 3 to steep or cook (food) in a mari- southwest n 1 the direction midway be-
nade. —n 4 the liquid used in pickling. 5 the tween west and south. 2 the southwest any
act or process of sousing. area lying in or towards the southwest.
-adj also southwestern 3 of or denoting
soused adj Slang drunk. that part of a country or area which lies in
soutane (soo-tan) n RC Church a priest’s the southwest. 4 situated in, moving to-
robe. wards, or facing the southwest. 5 (esp. of
south n 1 one of the four cardinal points of the wind) from the southwest, —adv 6 in,
the compass, at 180° from north. 2 the di- to, or towards the southwest. south-
rection along a line of latitude towards the westerly adj, adv, n
South Pole. 3 the south any area lying in or Southwest n the southwestern part of Brit-
towards the south. -adj 4 situated in, mov- ain, esp. Cornwall; Devon, and Somerset.
ing towards, or facing the south. 5 (esp. of southwester n a strong wind or storm from
the wind) from the south. —adv 6 in, to, or the southwest.
towards the south.
South n 1 the South a the southern part of souvenir n an object that reminds one of a
England, b (in the U.S.) the Southern states certain place, occasion, or person; memento,
that formed the Confederacy during the sou’wester n a seaman’s hat with a broad
Civil War. c the countries of the world that brim that covers the back of the neck.
are not technically and economically ad- sovereign n 1 the Royal ruler of a country. 2
vanced. ~adj 2 of or denoting the southern a former British gold coin worth one pound
part of a country, area, etc. sterling, -adj 3 independent of outside
South African adj 1 of the Republic of South authority; not governed by another coun-
Africa. —n 2 a person from the Republic of try: a sovereign nation. 4 supreme in rank
South Africa. or authority: a sovereign queen. 5 Old-
southbound adj going towards the south, fashioned excellent or outstanding: a sover-
eign remedy for epilepsy.
southeast n 1 the direction midway be-
tween south and east. 2 the southeast any sovereignty n, pl -ties 1 the political power
area lying in or towards the southeast. a nation has to govern itself. 2 the position
-adj also southeastern 3 of or denoting or authority of a sovereign.
that part of a country or area which lies in soviet n (in the former Soviet Union) an
the southeast. 4 situated in, moving to- elected government council at the local, re-
wards, or facing the southeast. 5 (esp. of gional, and national levels.
the wind) from the southeast, -adv 6 in, Soviet adj 1 of the former Soviet Union. ~n
to, or towards the southeast, southeaster- 2 a person from the former Soviet Union.
ly adj, adv, n sow1 vb sowing, sowed; sown or sowed 1 to
Southeast n the southeast of Britain, esp. scatter or plant (seed) in or on (the ground)
the London area. so that it may grow: sow sweet peas in pots;
southeaster n a strong wind or storm from farmers sow their fields with fewer vari-
the southeast. eties. 2 to implant or introduce: to sow con-
southerly adj 1 of or in the south. ~adv, adj fusion among the other members.
2 towards the south. 3 from the south: light sow2 n a female adult pig.
southerly winds. soya bean or US & Canad soybean n a
soy sauce 789 spar
plant whose bean is used for food and as a a spade a spade to speak plainly and
source of oil. frankly.
soy sauce n a salty dark brown sauce made spade2 n 1 a spades the suit of playing
from fermented soya beans, used in Chinese cards marked with a black leaf-shaped
cookery. symbol, b a card with one or more of these
sozzled adj Informal drunk. symbols on it. 2 Offensive a Black person. 3
spa n a mineral-water spring or a resort in spades Informal in plenty: all you need
where such a spring is found. is talent in spades.
space n 1 the unlimited three-dimensional spadework n dull or routine work done as
expanse in which all objects exist. 2 an in- preparation for a project or activity.
terval of distance or time between two spadix (spade-ix) n, pl spadices (spade-
points, objects, or events. 3 a blank portion ice-eez) Bot a spike of small flowers on a
or area. 4 unoccupied area or room: barely fleshy stem.
enough space to walk around. 5 the region spaghetti n pasta in the form of long
beyond the earth’s atmosphere containing strings.
other planets, stars, and galaxies; the uni- spaghetti junction n a junction between
verse. -vb spacing, spaced 6 to place or motorways with a large number of inter-
arrange (things) at intervals or with spaces secting roads.
between them. spaghetti western n a cowboy film made in
space age n 1 the period in which the ex- Europe by an Italian director.
ploration of space has become possible. spake vb Archaic a past tense of speak.
-adj space-age 2 very modern, futuristic,
or using the latest technology: a space-age Spam n Trademark a cold meat made from
helmet. pork and spices.
space-bar n a bar on a typewriter that is span n 1 the interval or distance between
pressed in order to leave a space between two points, such as the ends of a bridge. 2
words or letters. the complete extent: that span of time. 3
space capsule n the part of a spacecraft in short for wingspan. 4 a unit of length based
which the crew live and work. on the width of a stretched hand, usually
taken as nine inches (23 cms). —vb span-
spacecraft n a vehicle that can be used for ning, spanned 5 to stretch or extend
travel in space. across, over, or around: her career spanned
spaced-out adj Informal vague and dreamy, fifty years; to span the Danube.
as if influenced by drugs. spangle n 1 a small piece of shiny material
Space Invaders n Trademark a video game used as a decoration on clothes or hair; se-
in which players try to defend themselves quin. —vb -gling, -gled 2 to cover or deco-
against attacking enemy spacecraft. rate (something) with spangles.
spaceman or fem spacewoman n, pl -men Spaniard n a person from Spain.
or fem -women a person who travels in
spaniel n a dog with long drooping ears and
space. a silky coat.
space probe n a small vehicle equipped to
gather scientific information, normally Spanish adj 1 of Spain. ~n 2 the official
transmitted back to earth by radio, about a language of Spain, Mexico, and most coun-
planet or conditions in space. tries of South and Central America, -pl n 3
the Spanish the people of Spain.
spaceship n (in science fiction) a spacecraft
used for travel between planets and gal- Spanish fly n a beetle, the dried body of
axies. which is used in medicine.
space shuttle n a manned reusable space- Spanish Main n 1 the N coast of South
craft designed for making regular flights. America. 2 the Caribbean Sea, the S part of
which was frequented by pirates.
space station n a large manned artificial
satellite used as a base for scientific re- spank vb 1 to slap (someone) with the open
search in space and for people travelling in hand, on the buttocks or legs, —n 2 such a
space. slap.
spacesuit n a sealed protective suit worn by spanking1 n a series of spanks, usually as a
astronauts. punishment for children.
space-time or space-time continuum n spanking2 adj 1 Informal outstandingly fine
Physics the four-dimensional continuum or smart: spanking new uniforms. 2 very
having three space coordinates and one fast: a spanking pace.
time coordinate that together completely spanner n 1 a tool for gripping and turning a
specify the location of an object or an nut or bolt. 2 throw a spanner in the
event. works Brit informal to cause a problem that
spacious adj having or providing a lot of _ prevents things from running smoothly,
space; roomy, spaciousness n spanspek n S African a cantaloupe melon.
spade1 n 1 a tool for digging, with a flat spar1 n a pole used as a ship’s mast, boom,
steel blade and a long wooden handle. 2 call or yard.
spar 790 speaker
spar2 vb sparring, sparred 1 Boxing, mar- Spartan adj 1 of or relating to the ancient
tial arts to fight using light punches for Greek city of Sparta. 2 (of a way of life)
practice. 2 to argue with someone. ~n 3 an strict or simple and with no luxuries: Spar-
argument. tan accommodation. ~n 3 a citizen of Spar-
spar3 n a light-coloured, crystalline, easily ta. 4 a person who leads a strict or simple
split mineral. life without luxuries.
spare adj 1 extra to what is needed: there spasm n 1 a sudden tightening of the mus-
are some spare chairs at the back. 2 able to cles, over which one has no control. 2 a
be used when needed: a spare parking sudden burst of activity or feeling: a spasm
space. 3 (of a person) tall and thin. 4 (of a of applause; sudden spasms of anger.
style) plain and without unnecessary deco- spasmodic adj taking place in sudden short
ration or details; austere: a spare but beau- spells: spasmodic bouts of illness, spas-
tiful novel. 5 Brit slang frantic with anger modically adv
or worry: the boss went spare. ~n 6 an spastic n 1 a person who has cerebral palsy,
extra thing kept in case it is needed. -vb and therefore has difficulty controlling his
sparing, spared 7 to stop from killing, pun- or her muscles, -adj 2 affected by involun-
ishing, or injuring (someone). 8 to protect - tary muscle contractions: a spastic colon. 3
(someone) from (something) unpleasant: suffering from cerebral palsy.
spare me the sermon. 9 to be able to afford spat1 n a slight quarrel.
or give: can you spare me a moment to talk. spat2 vb a past of spit1.
10 not spare oneself to try one’s hardest.
11 to spare more than is required: a few spate n 1 a large number of things happen-
hours to spare. ing within a period of time: a spate of
bombings. 2 a fast flow or outpouring: an
spare part n a replacement piece of me- incomprehensible spate of words. 3 in
chanical or electrical equipment kept in spate Chiefly Brit (of a river) flooded.
case the original component becomes dam-
aged or worn. spathe n Bot a large leaf that surrounds the
base of a flower cluster.
spareribs pl n a cut of pork ribs with most
of the meat trimmed off. spatial adj of or relating to size, area, or po-
sition: spatial dimensions, spatially adv
spare tyre n 1 an additional tyre kept in a
motor vehicle in case of puncture. 2 Brit spats pl n cloth or leather coverings former-
slang a roll of fat just above the waist. ly worn by men over the ankle and instep.
sparing adj (sometimes foil, by of) economi- spatter vb 1 to scatter or splash (a sub-
cal (with): she was mercifully sparing in stance, esp. a liquid) in scattered drops:
her use ofjargon, sparingly adv spattering mud in all directions. 2 to sprin-
kle (an object or a surface) with a liquid.
spark n 1 a fiery particle thrown out from a ~n 3 the sound of spattering. 4 something
fire or caused by friction. 2 a short flash of spattered, such as a spot or splash.
light followed by a sharp crackling noise,
produced by a sudden electrical discharge spatula n a utensil with a broad flat blade,
through the air. 3 a trace or hint: a spark of used in cooking and by doctors.
goodwill. 4 liveliness, enthusiasm, or hu- spawn n 1 the jelly-like mass of eggs laid by
mour: that spark in her eye. -vb 5 to give fish, amphibians, or molluscs, —vb 2 (of
off sparks. 6 to cause to start; trigger: the fish, amphibians, or molluscs) to lay eggs. 3
incident sparked off an angry exchange. to cause (something) to be created: the de-
pressed economy spawned the riots.
sparkle vb -kling, -kled 1 to glitter with
many bright points of light. 2 (of wine or spay vb to remove the ovaries from (a fe-
mineral water) to be slightly fizzy. 3 to be male animal).
lively, witty, and intelligent. ~n 4 a small speak vb speaking, spoke, spoken 1 to say
bright point of light. 5 liveliness and wit. words; talk. 2 to communicate or express
sparkler n 1 a type of hand-held firework (something) in words. 3 to give a speech or
that throws out sparks. 2 Informal a spar- lecture. 4 to know how to talk in (a speci-
kling gem; esp. a diamond. fied language): I don’t speak French. 5 on
speaking terms on good terms; friendly. 6
spark plug n a device in an internal- so to speak as it were. 7 speak one’s mind
combustion engine that ignites the fuel by to express one’s opinions honestly and
producing an electric spark. plainly. 8 to speak of of a significant na-
sparring partner n 1 a person who practises ture: no licensing laws to speak of.
with a boxer during training. 2 a person speakeasy n, pl -easies US a place where
with whom one has friendly arguments. alcoholic drink was sold illegally during
sparrow n a very common small brown or Prohibition.
grey bird which feeds on seeds and insects. speaker n 1 a person who speaks, esp.
sparrowhawk n a small hawk which preys someone making a speech. 2 a person who
on smaller birds. speaks a particular language: a fluent Ti-
sparse adj small in amount and spread out betan and English speaker. 3 same as loud-
widely: a sparse population, sparsely adv speaker.
Speaker 791 spectacle
Speaker n the official chairman of a law- specialize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
making body. -ised 1 to concentrate all one’s efforts on
speak for vb 1 to speak on behalf of (other studying a particular subject, occupation,
people). 2 speak for itself to be so obvious or activity: an expert who specializes in
that no further comment is necessary: his transport. 2 to modify (something) for a
work on the convention speaks for itself. 3 special use or purpose: plants have evolved
speak for yourself! Informal do not pre- and specialized in every type of habitat.
sume that other people agree with you! specialization or -isation n
speak up or out vb 1 to state one’s beliefs special licence n Brit a licence allowing a
bravely and firmly. 2 to speak more loudly marriage to take place without following all
and clearly. the usual legal procedures.
spear1 n 1 a weapon consisting of a long pole specialty n, pl -ties Chiefly US & Canad
with a sharp point. -vb 2 to pierce (some- same as speciality.
one or something) with a spear or other specie n coins as distinct from paper
pointed object: she took her fork and money.
speared an oyster from its shell. species n, pl -cies Biol one of the groups
spear2 n 1 a slender shoot, such as of grass. into which a genus is divided, the members
2 a single stalk of broccoli or asparagus. of which are able to interbreed.
spearhead vb 1 to lead (an attack or a cam- specific adj 1 particular or definite: a spe-
paign). —n 2 the leading force in an attack cific area of economic policy. 2 precise and
or campaign. exact: try and be more specific, —n 3
spearmint n a minty flavouring used for specifics particular qualities or aspects of
sweets and toothpaste, which comes from a something: the specifics of the situation. 4
purple-flowered plant. Med any drug used to treat a particular dis-
spec n on spec Informal as a risk or gamble: ease. specifically adv specificity n
I still tend to buy on spec. specification n 1 a detailed description of
special adj 1 distinguished from or better features in the design of something: engines
than others of its kind: a special occasion. 2 built to racing specification. 2 a require-
designed or reserved for a specific purpose: ment or detail which is clearly stated: the
special equipment. 3 not usual; different main specification was that a good degree
from normal: a special case. 4 particular or was required. 3 the specifying of some-
primary: a special interest in gifted chil- thing.
dren. 5 relating to the education of children specific gravity n Physics the ratio of the
with disabilities: a special school. ~n 6 a density of a substance to the density of
product, TV programme, etc., which is only water.
available or shown at a certain time: a two- specific heat capacity n Physics the quan-
hour Christmas special live from Holly- tity of heat required to raise the tempera-
wood. 7 a meal, usually at a low price, in a ture of unit mass of a substance by one de-
bar or restaurant. 8 short for special con- gree centigrade.
stable. specially adv
specify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to state or
Special Branch n (in Britain) the depart- describe (something) clearly. 2 to state
ment of the police force that is concerned (something) as a condition: the rules specify
with political security. the number of prisoners to be kept in each
special constable n a person recruited for cell.
occasional police duties, such as in an specimen n 1 an individual or part regarded
emergency. as typical of its group or class. 2 Med a
special delivery n the delivery of a piece of sample of tissue, blood, or urine taken for
mail outside the time of a scheduled deliv- analysis. 3 Informal a person: I’m quite a
ery, for an extra fee. healthy specimen.
special effects pl n Films techniques used specious (spee-shuss) adj apparently cor-
in the production of scenes that cannot be rect or true, but actually wrong or false.
achieved by normal methods: the special ef-
fects and make-up are totally convincing. speck n 1 a very small mark or spot. 2 a
small or tiny piece of something: a speck of
specialist n 1 a person who is an expert in a fluff.
particular activity or subject. 2 a doctor
who concentrates on treating one particular speckle vb -ling, -led 1 to mark (something)
category of diseases or the diseases of one with speckles. ~n 2 a small mark or spot,
particular part of the body: an eye special- such as on the skin or on an egg. speckled
ist. —adj 3 particular to or concentrating adj
on one subject or activity: a specialist comic specs pl n Informal short for spectacles,
shop. spectacle n 1 a strange, interesting, or ri-
speciality or esp US & Canad specialty n, pl diculous scene. 2 an impressive public
-ties 1 a special interest or skill. 2 a service, show: the opening ceremony of the
product, or type of food specialized in. Olympics was an impressive spectacle. 3
spectacles 792 spend
make a spectacle of oneself to draw at- amphetamine. 6 at speed quickly. ~vb
tention to oneself by behaving foolishly. speeding, sped or speeded 7 to move or go
spectacles pin a pair of glasses for correct- somewhere quickly. 8 to drive a motor ve-
ing faulty vision. hicle faster than the legal limit. -See also
spectacular adj 1 impressive, grand, or speed up.
dramatic. ~n 2 a spectacular show, spec- speedboat n a high-speed motorboat.
tacularly adv speed limit n the maximum speed at which a
spectate vb -tating, -tated to be a specta- vehicle may legally travel on a particular
tor; watch. road.
spectator n a person viewing anything; on- speedo n, pl speedos Informal a speedom-
looker. eter.
spectator ion n Chem an ion which is pres- speedometer n a dial in a vehicle which
ent in a mixture but plays no part in a reac- shows the speed of travel.
tion. speed trap n a place on a road where the po-
spectre or US specter n 1 a ghost. 2 an un- lice check that passing vehicles are not
pleasant or menacing vision in one’s imagi- being driven at an illegally high speed.
nation: the spectre of famine, spectral adj speed up vbto accelerate.
spectrometer (speck-trom-it-er) n Physics speedway n 1 the sport of racing on light
an instrument for producing a spectrum, powerful motorcycles round cinder tracks.
usually one in which wavelength, energy, or 2 the track or stadium where such races are
intensity can be measured. held.
spectroscope n Physics an instrument for speedwell n a small blue or pinkish-white
forming or recording a spectrum by passing flower.
a light ray through a prism or grating. speedy adj speedier, speediest 1 done
spectrum n, pl -tra 1 Physics the distribu- without delay. 2 (of a vehicle) able to travel
tion of colours produced when white light is fast, speedily adv
dispersed by a prism or grating: violet, in- speleology n the scientific study of caves.
digo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. 2 spell1 vb spelling, spelt or spelled 1 to
Physics the whole range of electromagnetic write or name in correct order the letters
radiation with respect to its wavelength or that make up (a word): how do you spell
frequency. 3 a range or scale of anything that name? 2 (of letters) to make up (a
such as opinions or emotions. word): c-a-t spells cat. 3 to indicate (a par-
speculate vb -lating, -lated 1 to form opin- ticular result): sh$re price slump spells dis-
ions about something, esp. its future conse- aster. —See also spell out.
quences, based on the information avail- spell2 n 1 a sequence of words used to per-
able; conjecture. 2 to buy securities or form magic. 2 the effect of a spell: the
property in the hope of selling them at a wizard’s spell was broken. 3 under some-
profit, speculation n speculative adj one’s spell fascinated by someone.
speculator n spell3 n 1 a period of time of weather or ac-
sped vb a past of speed. tivity: the dry spell; a short spell in prison.
speech n 1 the ability to speak: the loss of 2 a period of duty after which one person or
speech. 2 spoken language: Doran’s lack of group relieves another. 3 Scot, Austral &
coherent speech. 3 a talk given to an audi- NZ a period of rest.
ence: a speech to parliament. 4 a person’s spellbinding adj so fascinating that nothing
manner of speaking: her speech was ex- else can be thought of: his spellbinding
tremely slow. 5 a national or regional lan- speeches.
guage or dialect: Canadian speech. spellbound adj completely fascinated; as if
speech day n Brit (in schools) an annual in a trance.
day on which prizes are presented and spelling n 1 the way a word is spelt: the
speeches are made by guest speakers. British spelling of “theatre". 2 a person’s
speechify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to make a ability to spell: my spelling used to be excel-
dull or pompous speech. lent.
speechless adj 1 unable to speak for a short spell out vb 1 to make (something) as easy
time because of great emotion or shock. 2 to understand as possible: to spell out the
unable to be expressed in words: speechless implications. 2 to read with difficulty,
disbelief. working out each word letter by letter.
speech therapy n the treatment of people spelt vb a past of spell1.
with speech problems. spend vb spending, spent 1 to pay out
speed n 1 the quality of acting or moving (money). 2 to pass (time) in a specific way
fast; swiftness. 2 the rate at which some- or place: I spent a year in Budapest. 3 to
thing moves or happens. 3 a gear ratio in a concentrate (effort) on an activity: a lot of
motor vehicle or bicycle: five-speed gear- energy was spent organizing the holiday. 4
box. 4 Photog a measure of the sensitivity to use up completely: the hurricane spent
to light of a particular type of film. 5 Slang its force, spending n
spendthrift 793 spindle
spendthrift n 1 a person who spends money spider monkey n a tree-living monkey with
wastefully. -adj 2 of or like a spendthrift: very long legs, a long tail, and a small head.
a spendthrift policy. spiel n a prepared speech made to persuade
spent vb 1 the past of spend, -adj 2 used someone to buy or do something.
up or exhausted. spigot n 1 a stopper for the vent hole of a
sperm n 1 (pl sperm or sperms) one of the cask. 2 a wooden tap fitted to a cask.
male reproductive cells released in the spike1 n 1 a sharp-pointed metal object: a
semen during ejaculation. 2 same as semen. high fence with iron spikes. 2 anything long
spermaceti (sper-ma-set-ee) n a white waxy and pointed: a hedgehog bristling with
substance obtained from the sperm whale. spikes. 3 a long metal nail. 4 spikes sports
spermatozoon (sper-ma-toe-zoe-on) n, pl shoes with metal spikes on the soles for
-zoa same as sperm (sense 1). greater grip, —vb spiking, spiked 5 to se-
spermicide n a substance, esp. a cream or cure or supply (something) with spikes:
jelly, that kills sperm, used as a means of spiked shoes. 6 to drive a spike or spikes
contraception, spermicidal adj into. 7 to add alcohol to (a drink), spiky adj
sperm oil n an oil obtained from the head of spike2 n Bot 1 an arrangement of flowers at-
the sperm whale, used as a lubricant. tached at the base to a long stem. 2 an ear
of grain.
sperm whale n a large whale which is hunt-
spikenard n 1 a fragrant Indian plant with
ed for spermaceti and ambergris. rose-purple flowers. 2 an ointment obtained
spew vb 1 to vomit. 2 to send or be sent out from this plant.
in a stream: the hydrant spewed a tidal spill1 vb spilling, spilt or spilled 1 to pour
wave of water. from or as from a container by accident. 2
sphagnum n a moss which is found in bogs (of large numbers of people) to come out of
and which decays to form peat. a place: rival groups spilled out from the
sphere n 1 Geom a round solid figure in station. 3 to shed (blood). 4 spill the beans
which every point on the surface is equally Informal to give away a secret. ~n 5 In-
distant from the centre. 2 an object having formal a fall from a motorbike, bike, or
this shape, such as a planet. 3 a particular horse, esp. in a competition. 6 an amount of
field of activity. 4 people of the same rank liquid spilt, spillage n
or with shared interests: a humbler social spill2 n a splinter of wood or strip of paper
sphere. for lighting pipes or fires.
spherical adj shaped like a sphere, spillikin n a thin strip of wood, cardboard, or
spheroid n Geom a solid figure that is al- plastic used in spillikins.
most but not exactly a sphere. spillikins n Brit a game in which players try
sphincter n Anat a ring of muscle surround- to pick each spillikin from a heap without
ing the opening of a hollow organ and con- moving the others.
tracting to close it. spin vb spinning, spun 1 to revolve or cause
sphinx n 1 one of the huge statues built by to revolve quickly. 2 to draw out and twist
the ancient Egyptians, with the body of a (fibres, such as silk or cotton) into thread. 3
lion and the head of a man. 2 a mysterious (of a spider or silkworm) to form (a web or
person. cocoon) from a silky fibre that comes out of
Sphinx n 1 the huge statue of a sphinx near the body. 4 spin a yarn to tell an unlikely
the pyramids at El Giza in Egypt. 2 Greek story. 5 Sport to throw, hit, or kick (a ball)
myth a monster with a woman’s head and a so that it spins and changes direction or
lion’s body, who set a riddle for travellers, changes speed on bouncing. 6 same as spin-
killing them when they failed to answer it. dry. 7 to grow dizzy: her head was spinning.
Oedipus answered the riddle and the ~n 8 a fast rotating motion. 9 a flight ma-
Sphinx then killed herself. noeuvre in which an aircraft flies in a
spice n 1 a an aromatic substance, such as downward spiral. 10 Sport a spinning mo-
ginger or cinnamon, used as flavouring, b tion given to a ball. 11 Informal a short car
such substances collectively. 2 something drive taken for pleasure. -See also spin
that makes life or an activity more exciting. out. spinning n
-vb spicing, spiced 3 to flavour (food) spina bifida n a condition in which part of
with spices. 4 to add excitement or interest the spinal cord protrudes through a gap in
to (something): they spiced their letters the backbone, sometimes causing paralysis.
with pointed demands. spinach n a dark green leafy vegetable,
spick-and-span adj very neat and clean, spinal column n same as spine (sense 1).
spicy adj spicier, spiciest 1 strongly fla- spinal cord n the thick cord of nerve tissue
voured with spices. 2 Informal slightly within the spine, which connects the brain
scandalous: spicy new story lines. _ to the nerves of the body.
spider n a small eight-legged creature, many spin bowler n Cricket same as spinner
species of which weave webs in which to (sense la).
trap insects for food, spidery adj spindle n 1 a rotating rod that acts as an
spindly 794 spiritualism
axle. 2 a rod with a notch in the top for thing that follows a winding course or that
drawing out, twisting and winding the has a twisting form. 3 Econ a continuous
thread in spinning. upward or downward movement in econom-
spindly adj -dlier, -dliest tall, thin, and ic activity or prices, -adj 4 having the
frail. shape of a spiral: a spiral staircase, -vb
spindrift n spray blown up from the sea. -railing, -railed or US -raling, -raled 5 to
follow a spiral course or be in the shape of a
spin-dry vb -dries, -drying, -dried to dry spiral. 6 to increase or decrease with steady
(clothes) in a spin-dryer. acceleration: oil prices continue to spiral.
spin-dryer n a device that removes water spirally adv
from washed clothes by spinning them in a
perforated drum. spire n the tall cone-shaped structure on the
top of a church.
spine n 1 the row of bony segments that sur-
round and protect the spinal column. 2 the spirit1 n 1 the nonphysical aspect of a person
back of a book, record sleeve, or video-tape concerned with profound thoughts and
box. 3 a sharp point on the body of an ani- emotions. 2 the nonphysical part of a per-
mal or on a plant, spinal adj son believed to live on after death. 3 a
spine-chiller n a frightening film or story, shared feeling: a spirit of fun and adven-
spine-chilling adj ture. 4 mood or attitude: fighting spirit. 5 a
person’s character or temperament: the in-
spineless adj 1 behaving in a cowardly way. domitable spirit of the Polish people. 6 live-
2 (of an animal) having no spine. liness shown in what a person does: it has
spinet n a small harpsichord. been undertaken with spirit. 7 the feelings
spinnaker n a large triangular sail on a rac- that motivate someone to survive in diffi-
ing yacht. cult times or live according to his or her be-
spinner n 1 Cricket a a bowler who special- liefs: someone had broken his spirit. 8 spir-
izes in spinning the ball with his or her fin- its an emotional state: in good spirits. 9 the
gers to make it change direction when it way in which something, such as a law or
bounces or strikes the batsman’s bat. b a an agreement, was intended to be
ball that is bowled with a spinning motion. interpreted: they acted against the spirit of
2 a small round object used in angling to at- the treaty. 10 a supernatural being, such as
tract fish to the bait by spinning in the a ghost, -vb -iting, -ited 11 spirit away or
water. 3 a person who makes thread by off to carry (someone or something) off
spinning. mysteriously or secretly.
spinneret n an organ through which silk spirit2 n 1 (usually pl) distilled alcoholic liq-
threads come out of the body of a spider or uor, such as whisky or gin. 2 Chem a a solu-
insect. tion of ethanol obtained by distillation, b
spinney n Chiefly Brit a small wood, the essence of a substance, extracted as a
spinning jenny n an early type of spinning liquid by distillation. 3 Pharmacol a solu-
frame with several spindles. tion of a volatile oil in alcohol.
spinning wheel n a wheel-like machine for spirited adj 1 showing liveliness or courage:
spinning at home, having one hand- or foot- a spirited rendition of Schubert’s ninth
operated spindle. symphony; a spirited defence of the gov-
spin-off n 1 a product or development that ernment’s policy. 2 characterized by the
unexpectedly results from activities de- mood as specified: high-spirited; mean-
signed to achieve something else: new ener- spirited.
gy sources could occur as a spin-off from spirit gum n a solution of gum in ether, used
the space effort. 2 a television series involv- to stick on false hair.
ing some of the characters from an earlier spirit lamp n a lamp that burns methylated
successful series. or other spirits instead of oil.
spin out vb 1 to take longer than necessary spirit level n a device for checking whether
to do (something). 2 to make (money) last a surface is level, consisting of a block of
as long as possible. wood or metal containing a tube partially
spinster n an unmarried woman, spinster- filled with liquid set so that the air bubble
ish adj in it rests between two marks on the tube
spiny adj spinier, spiniest (of animals or when the block is level.
plants) covered with spines. spiritual adj 1 relating to a person’s beliefs
spiracle (spire-a-kl) n Zool a small blowhole as opposed to his or her physical or ma-
for breathing through, such as that of a terial needs. 2 relating to religious beliefs. 3
whale. one’s spiritual home the place where one
spiraea or esp US spirea (spire-ee-a) n a feels one belongs. ~n 4 Also called: Negro
plant with small white or pink flowers. spiritual a type of religious folk song origi-
spiral n 1 Geom a plane curve formed by a nally sung by Black slaves in the American
point winding about a fixed point at an South, spirituality n spiritually adv
ever-increasing distance from it. 2 some- spiritualism n the belief that the spirits of
spirituous 795 split personality
the dead can communicate with the living, out in different directions: her hair splayed
spiritualist n over the pillow.
spirituous adj containing alcohol. splayfooted adj same as flat-footed.
spirogyra (spire-oh-jire-a) n a green fresh- spleen n 1 a spongy organ near the stomach,
water plant that floats on the surface of which filters bacteria from the blood. 2
ponds and ditches. spitefulness or bad temper: we vent our
spit1 vb spitting, spat or spit 1 to force sa- spleen on drug barons.
liva out of one’s mouth. 2 to force (some- spleenwort n a kind of fern that grows on
thing) out of one’s mouth: be spat tobacco walls.
into an old coffee can. 3 (of a fire or hot fat) splendid adj 1 very good: a splendid match.
to throw out sparks or particles violently 2 beautiful or impressive: a splendid Roman
and explosively. 4 to rain very lightly. 5 temple, splendidly adv
(often foil, by out) to say (words) in a vio-
lent angry way. 6 to show contempt or ha- splendiferous adj Facetious, old-fashioned
tred by spitting. 7 spit it out! Brit informal grand in appearance.
a command given to someone to say what is splendour or US splendor n 1 beauty or im-
on his or her mind. ~n 8 same as spittle. 9 pressiveness. 2 splendours the impressive
Informal, chiefly Brit same as spitting or beautiful features of something: the
image. splendours of the Emperor’s Palace.
spit2 n 1 a pointed rod for skewering and splenetic adj Literary irritable or bad-
roasting meat over a fire or in an oven. 2 a tempered.
long narrow strip of land jutting out into splice vb splicing, spliced 1 to join up the
the sea. trimmed ends of (two pieces of wire, film,
spit and polish n Informal thorough clean- or tape) with an adhesive material. 2 to join
ing and polishing. (two ropes) by interweaving the ends. 3 get
spite n 1 deliberate nastiness. 2 in spite of spliced Informal to get married.
regardless of: he loved them in spite of their splint n a piece of wood used to support a
shortcomings. ~vb spiting, spited 3 to broken bone.
annoy (someone) deliberately, out of spite: splinter n 1 a small thin sharp piece broken
it was to spite his father, spiteful adj off, esp. from wood. -vb 2 to break or be
spitefully adv broken into small sharp fragments.
spitfire n a woman or girl who is easily an- splinter group n a number of members of an
gered. organization, who split from the main body
spitting image n Informal a person who and form an independent group of their
looks very like someone else. own.
spittle n the fluid that is produced in the split vb splitting, split 1 to break or cause
mouth; saliva. (something) to break into separate pieces. 2
spittoon n a bowl for people to spit into, to separate (a piece) or (of a piece) to be
separated from (something). 3 (of a group)
spitz n a stockily built dog with a pointed to separate into smaller groups, through
face, erect ears, and a tightly curled tail. disagreement: the council is split over rent
spiv n Brit slang a smartly dressed man who increases. 4 (often foil, by up) to divide
makes a living by underhand dealings; (something) among two or more people. 5
black marketeer. Slang to leave a place. 6 split on Slang to
splash vb 1 to scatter (liquid) on (some- betray; inform: he didn’t tell tales or split
thing). 2 to cause (liquid) to fall or (of liq- on him. 7 split one’s sides to laugh a great
uid) to be scattered in drops. 3 to display (a deal. ~n 8 a gap or rift caused by splitting.
photograph or story) prominently in a 9 a division in a group or the smaller group
newspaper. ~n 4 a splashing sound. 5 an resulting from such a division. 10 a dessert
amount splashed. 6 a patch (of colour or of sliced fruit and ice cream, covered with
light). 7 make a splash Informal to attract whipped cream and nuts: banana split,
a lot of attention. 8 a small amount of liquid —adj 11 having a split or splits: split ends.
added to a drink. —See also splits, split up.
splashdown n 1 the landing of a spacecraft split infinitive n (in English grammar) an in-
on water at the end of a flight. -vb splash finitive used with another word between to
down 2 (of a spacecraft) to make a splash- and the verb, as in to really finish it. This is
down. often thought to be incorrect.
splash out n to spend a lot of money on a split-level adj (of a house or room) having
treat or luxury: she planned to splash out the floor level of one part about half a sto-
on a good holiday. rey above that of the other.
splatter vb 1 to splash (something or some- split pea n a pea dried and split and used in
one) with small blobs. —n 2 a splash of liq- soups or as a vegetable.
uid. split personality n 1 the tendency to change
splay vb to spread out, with ends spreading mood very quickly. 2 a disorder in which a
splits 796 spoon
person’s mind appears to have separated spokesman, spokesperson, or spokes-
into two or more personalities. woman n, pl -men, -people, or -women a
splits n (in gymnastics and dancing) the act person chosen to speak on behalf of another
of sitting with both legs outstretched, point- person or group.
ing in opposite directions, and at right an- spoliation n the act or an instance of plun-
gles to the body. dering: the spoliation of the countryside.
split second n 1 an extremely short period spondee n Prosody a metrical foot of two
of time; instant, -adj split-second 2 made long syllables, spondaic adj
in an extremely short time: split-second tim- sponge n 1 a sea animal with a porous ab-
ing. sorbent elastic skeleton. 2 the skeleton of a
splitting adj (of a headache) extremely pain- sponge, or a piece of artificial sponge, used
ful. for bathing or cleaning. 3 a soft absorbent
split up vb 1 to separate (something) into material like a sponge. 4 Also called:
parts; divide. 2 (of a couple) to end a rela- sponge cake a light cake made of eggs,
tionship or marriage. 3 (of a group of peo- sugar, and flour. 5 Also called: sponge
ple) to go off in different directions. ~n pudding Brit a light steamed or baked
split-up 4 the act of separating. spongy pudding. 6 a rub with a wet sponge.
splodge or US splotch n 1 a large uneven -vb sponging, sponged 7 (often foil, by
spot or stain, -vb splodging, splodged 2 down) to clean (something) by rubbing it
to mark (something) with a splodge or with a wet sponge. 8 to remove (marks) by
splodges. rubbing them with a wet sponge. 9 (usually
foil, by off or on) to get (something) from
splurge n 1 a bout of spending money ex- someone by taking advantage of his or her
travagantly. —vb splurging, splurged 2 generosity: stop sponging off the rest of us!
(foil, by on) to spend (money) extravagant- spongy adj
ly: they rushed out to splurge their pocket
money on chocolate. sponge bag n a small waterproof bag for
holding toiletries when travelling.
splutter vb 1 to spit out (something) from
the mouth when choking or laughing. 2 to sponger n Informal a person who lives off
say (words) with spitting sounds when other people by continually taking advan-
choking or in a rage. 3 to throw out or to be tage of their generosity.
thrown out explosively: sparks spluttered sponsor n 1 a person or group that promotes
from the fire. ~n 4 the act or noise of another person or group in an activity or
spluttering. the activity itself, either for profit or for
Spode n china or porcelain manufactured charity. 2 Chiefly US & Canad a person or
by the English potter Josiah Spode or his firm that pays the costs of a radio or televi-
company. sion programme in return for advertising
time. 3 a person who presents and supports
spoil vb spoiling, spoilt or spoiled 1 to a proposal or suggestion. 4 a person who
make (something) less valuable, beautiful, makes certain promises on behalf of a per-
or useful. 2 to weaken the character of (a son being baptized and takes responsibility
child) by giving it all it wants. 3 (of your- for his or her Christian upbringing, -vb 5
self) to indulge one’s desires: go ahead and to act as a sponsor for (someone or some-
spoil yourself. 4 (of food) to become unfit thing). sponsored adj sponsorship n
for consumption. 5 be spoiling for to have
spontaneous adj 1 not planned or arranged;
an aggressive urge for: he is spoiling for a impulsive: a spontaneous celebration. 2 oc-
fight. ~See also spoils. curring through natural processes without
spoilage n an amount of material that has outside influence: a spontaneous explosion.
been spoilt. spontaneously adv spontaneity n
spoiler n 1 a device fitted to an aircraft spontaneous combustion n Chem the
wing to increase drag and reduce lift. 2 a bursting into flame of a substance as a re-
similar device fitted to a car. sult of internal oxidation processes, with-
spoils pl n 1 valuables seized during war. 2 out heat from an outside source.
the rewards and benefits of having political Spoof Informal ~n 1 an imitation of a film,
power. TV programme, etc., that exaggerates in an
spoilsport n Informal a person who spoils amusing way the most memorable features
the enjoyment of other people. of the original. 2 a good-humoured trick or
spoke1 vb the past tense of speak. deception, -vb 3 to fool (a person) with a
spoke2 n 1 a bar joining the centre of a trick or deception.
wheel to the rim. 2 put a spoke in some- spook Informal ~n 1 a ghost. 2 a strange
one’s wheel Brit to create a difficulty for and frightening person, -vb US & Canad 3
someone. to frighten: it was the wind that spooked
spoken vb 1 the past participle of speak. her. spooky adj
—adj 2 said in speech: spoken commands. 3 spool n a cylinder around which film,
having speech as specified: quiet-spoken. 4 thread, or tape can be wound.
spoken for engaged or reserved. spoon n 1 a small shallow bowl attached to
spoonbill 797 spout
a handle, used for eating, stirring, or serv- sportswoman n, pl -women a woman who
ing food. 2 be born with a silver spoon in plays sports.
one’s mouth to be born into a very rich and sporty adj sportier, sportiest 1 (of a per-
respected family. ~vb 3 to scoop up (food son) interested in sport. 2 (of clothes) suit-
or liquid) with a spoon. 4 Old-fashioned able for sport. 3 (of a car) small and fast,
slang to kiss and cuddle. sportily adv sportiness n
spoonbill n a wading bird with a long flat spot n 1 a small mark on a surface, which
bill. has a different colour or texture from its
spoonerism n the accidental changing over surroundings. 2 a location: a spot where
of the first sounds of a pair of words, often they could sit. 3 a small mark or pimple on
with an amusing result, such as hush my the skin. 4 a feature of something that has
brat for brush my hat. the attribute mentioned: the one bright spot
spoon-feed vb -feeding, -fed 1 to feed in his whole day; the high spot of our trip. 5
(someone, usually a baby) using a spoon. 2 Informal, chiefly Brit a small amount: a
to give (someone) too much help. spot of bother. 6 Informal an awkward
situation: I’m sometimes in a spot. 7 a part
spoor n the trail of an animal. of a show, TV programme, etc., reserved for
sporadic adj happening at irregular inter- a specific performer or type of entertain-
vals; intermittent: sporadic bursts of gun- ment. 8 short for spotlight (sense 1). 9 in a
fire. sporadically adv tight spot in a difficult situation. 10 knock
spore n a reproductive body, produced by spots off someone to be much better than
nonflowering plants and bacteria, that de- someone. 11 on the spot a immediately: he
velops into a new individual. decided on the spot to fly down, b at the
sporran n a large pouch worn hanging from place in question: the expert weapons man
a belt in front of the kilt in Scottish High- on the spot, c in an awkward situation: the
land dress. British government will be put on the spot.
sport n 1 an activity for exercise, pleasure, 12 soft spot a special affection for some-
or competition: your favourite sport. 2 such one: a soft spot for older men. ~vb spot-
activities collectively: the minister for ting, spotted 13 to see (something or some-
sport. 3 the enjoyment gained from a pas- one) suddenly. 14 to put stains or spots on
time: just for the sport of it. 4 playful or (something). 15 (of some fabrics) to be
good-humoured joking: I only did it in sport. prone to marking by liquids: silk spots easi-
5 Informal a person who accepts defeat or ly. 16 to take note of (the numbers of trains
teasing cheerfully. 6 make sport of some- or planes observed). 17 (of scouts, agents,
one to make fun of someone. 7 an animal or etc.) to look out for (talented but unknown
plant that is very different from others of actors, sportspersons, etc.). 18 to rain light-
the same species, usually because of a mu- ly-
tation. 8 Austral & NZ informal a term of spot check n a quick unplanned inspection,
address between males. ~vb 9 Informal to spotless adj 1 perfectly clean. 2 free from
wear proudly: sporting a pair of bright yel- moral flaws: a spotless reputation, spot-
low shorts. -See also sports. lessly adv
sporting adj 1 of sport. 2 behaving in a fair spotlight n 1 a powerful light focused so as
and decent way. 3 a sporting chance rea- to light up a small area. 2 the spotlight the
sonable likelihood of happening: a sporting centre of attention: the spotlight moved to
chance of winning. the president. ~vb -lighting, -lit or
sportive adj playful or high-spirited. -lighted 3 to direct a spotlight on (some-
thing). 4 to focus attention on (something).
sports adj 1 of or used in sports: a sports spot-on adj Brit informal absolutely correct;
arena. ~n 2 Also called: sports day Brit a very accurate: they’re spot-on in terms of
meeting held at a school or college for style.
competitions in athletic events.
spotted adj 1 having a pattern of spots. 2
sports car n a fast car with a low body and marked with stains.
usually seating only two people. spotted dick n Brit suet pudding containing
sportscast n US a programme of sports dried fruit.
news, sportscaster n spotter n a person whose hobby is watching
sports jacket n a man’s casual jacket, usual- for and noting numbers or types of trains or
ly made of tweed. Also called: US, Austral, planes.
6 NZ sports coat spotty adj -tier, -tiest 1 covered with spots
sportsman n, pl -men 1 a man who plays or pimples. 2 not consistent; irregular in
sports. 2 a person who plays by the rules, is quality: a rather spotty performance, spot-
fair, and accepts defeat with good humour, tiness n
sportsman-like adj sportsmanship n spouse n a person’s partner in marriage,
sportsperson n a person who plays sports, spout vb 1 (of a liquid or flames) to pour out
sportswear n clothes worn for sport or out- in a stream or jet. 2 Informal to talk about
door leisure wear. (something) in a boring way or without
spouting 798 sprint
much thought. ~n 3 a projecting tube or lip spring vb springing, sprang or sprung;
for pouring liquids. 4 a stream or jet of liq- sprung 1 to jump suddenly upwards or
uid. 5 up the spout Slang a ruined or lost: forwards. 2 to return or be returned into
the motor industry is up the spout, b preg- natural shape from a forced position by
nant. elasticity: the coil sprang back. 3 to cause
spouting n NZ a a rainwater downpipe on (something) to happen unexpectedly: the
the outside of a building, b such pipes col- national coach sprang a surprise. 4 (usually
lectively. foil, by from) to originate; be descended:
sprain vb 1 to injure (a joint) by a sudden this motivation springs from their inborn
twist. ~n 2 this injury, which causes swell- curiosity; Truman sprang from ordinary
ing and temporary disability. people. 5 (often foil, by up) to come into
being or appear suddenly: new courses will
sprang vb a past tense of spring, spring up. 6 to provide (something, such as
sprat n a small edible fish like a herring, a mattress) with springs. 7 Informal to ar-
sprawl vb 1 to sit or lie with one’s arms and range the escape of (someone) from prison.
legs spread out. 2 to spread out untidily ~n 8 the season between winter and sum-
over a large area: the pulp mill sprawled mer. 9 a leap or jump. 10 a coil which can be
over the narrow flats. ~n 3 the part of a compressed, stretched, or bent and then re-
city or town that has not been planned and turn to its original shape when released. 11
spreads out untidily over a large area: the a natural pool forming the source of a
huge Los Angeles sprawl, sprawling adj stream. 12 elasticity, springlike adj
spray1 n 1 fine drops of a liquid. 2 a a liquid spring balance or esp US spring scale n a
under pressure designed to be discharged in device that indicates the weight of an object
fine drops from an aerosol or atomizer: hair by the extension of a spring to which the
spray, b the aerosol or atomizer itself. 3 a object is attached.
number of small objects flying through the springboard n 1 a flexible board used to
air: a spray of bullets. ~vb 4 to scatter in gain height or momentum in diving or gym-
fine drops. 5 to squirt (a liquid) from an nastics. 2 anything that makes it possible
aerosol or atomizer. 6 to cover with a spray: for an activity to begin: the meeting acted
spray the crops. as a springboard for future negotiations.
spray2 n 1 a sprig or branch with buds, springbok n, pl -bok or -boks 1 a S African
leaves, flowers, or berries. 2 an ornament or antelope which moves in leaps. 2 a person
design like this. who has represented S Africa in a national
spray gun n a device for spraying fine drops sports team.
of paint, etc. spring chicken n 1 Chiefly US a young
spread vb spreading, spread 1 to open out chicken, which is tender for cooking. 2 he
or unfold to the fullest width: spread the or she is no spring chicken Informal he or
material out. 2 to extend over a larger ex- she is no longer young.
panse: the subsequent unrest spread
countrywide. 3 to apply as a coating: spring-clean vb 1 to clean (a house) thor-
spread the paste evenly over your skin. 4 to oughly, traditionally at the end of winter.
be displayed to its fullest extent: the shin- ~n 2 an instance of this, spring-cleaning
ing bay spread out below. 5 to send or be n
sent dut in all directions or to many people: spring onion n a small onion with a tiny
the news spread quickly; the sandflies that bulb and long green leaves, eaten in salads.
spread the disease. 6 to distribute or be dis- spring roll n an Oriental dish consisting of a
tributed evenly: we were advised to spread savoury mixture rolled in a thin pancake
the workload over the whole year. ~n 7 a and fried.
spreading; distribution, dispersion, or ex- spring tide n either of the two tides at or
pansion: the spread of higher education. 8 just after new moon and full moon: the
Informal a large meal. 9 Informal the wing- greatest rise and fall in tidal level.
span of an aircraft or bird. 10 Informal,
chiefly US & Canad a ranch or other large springtime n the season of spring.
area of land. 11 a soft food which can be springy adj springier, springiest (of an ob-
spread: cheese spread. 12 two facing pages ject) having the quality of returning to its
in a book or magazine. 13 a widening of the original shape after being pressed or pulled,
hips and waist: middle-age spread. springiness n
spread-eagled adj with arms and legs out- sprinkle vb -kling, -kled 1 to scatter (liquid
stretched. or powder) in tiny drops over (something).
spree n a session of ovcrindulgence, usually 2 to distribute over (something): a dozen
in drinking or spending money. mud huts sprinkled around it. sprinkler n
sprig n 1 a shoot, twig, or sprout. 2 an or- sprinkling n a small quantity or amount: a
namental device like this, sprigged adj sprinkling of diamonds.
sprightly adj -lier, -liest lively and active, sprint n 1 Athletics a a short race run at top
sprightliness n speed, b a fast run at the end of a longer
sprit 799 square-bashing
race. 2 any quick run. -vb 3 to run or cycle spying, spied 3 (foil, by on) to keep a secret
a short distance at top speed, sprinter n watch on someone. 4 to work as a spy. 5 to
sprit n Naut a light pole set diagonally catch sight of (someone or something); no-
across a sail to extend it. tice.
sprite n (in folklore) a fairy or elf. spyglass n a small telescope.
spritsail n Naut a sail mounted on a sprit, spy out vb to discover (something) secretly,
spritzer n a tall drink of wine and soda sq. square.
water. Sqn. Ldr. squadron leader.
sprocket n 1 Also called: sprocket wheel a squab n, pl squabs or squab a young bird
wheel with teeth on the rim, that drives or yet to leave the nest.
is driven by a chain. 2 a cylindrical wheel squabble vb -bling, -bled 1 to quarrel over a
with teeth on one or both rims for pulling small matter. —n 2 a petty quarrel.
film through a camera or projector. squad n 1 the smallest military formation,
sprout vb 1 (of a plant or seed) to produce usually a dozen soldiers. 2 any small group
(new leaves or shoots). 2 (often foil, by up) of people working together: the fraud
to begin to grow or develop. —n 3 a new squad. 3 Sport a number of players from
shoot or bud. 4 same as Brussels sprout. which a team is to be selected.
spruce1 n 1 an evergreen pyramid-shaped squadron n the basic unit of an air force,
tree with needle-like leaves. 2 the light- squadron leader n a fairly senior commis-
coloured wood of this tree. sioned officer in the air force; the rank
spruce2 adj neat and smart. above flight lieutenant.
spruce up vb sprucing, spruced to make squalid adj 1 dirty, untidy, and in bad condi-
neat and smart. tion. 2 unpleasant, selfish, and often dis-
sprung vb a past tense and the past partici- honest: this squalid affair.
ple of spring. squall1 n a sudden strong wind or short vio-
spry adj spryer, spryest or sprier, spriest lent storm.
active and lively; nimble. squall2 vb 1 to cry noisily; yell. —n 2 a noisy
spud n Informal a potato, cry or yell.
spume n Literary 1 foam or froth on the sea. squalor n 1 dirty, poor, and untidy physical
-vb spuming, spumed 2 (of the sea) to conditions. 2 the condition of being squalid,
foam or froth. squander vb to waste (money or resources),
spun vb 1 the past of spin. -adj 2 made by square n 1 a geometric figure with four
spinning: spun sugar; spun silk. equal sides and four right angles. 2 any-
spunk n Old-fashioned, informal courage or thing of this shape. 3 an open area in a town
spirit, spunky adj bordered by buildings or streets. 4 Maths
spur n 1 an incentive to get something done. the number produced when a number is
2 a sharp spiked wheel on the heel of a rid- multiplied by itself: 9 is the square of 3,
er’s boot used to urge the horse on. 3 a written 32. 5 Informal an person who is dull
sharp horny part sticking out from a cock’s or unfashionable. 6 go back to square one
leg. 4 a ridge sticking out from a mountain to return to the start because of failure or
side. 5 on the spur of the moment sudden- lack of progress, -adj 7 being a square in
ly and without planning; on impulse. 6 win shape. 8 a having the same area as that of a
one’s spurs to prove one’s ability. —vb square with sides of a specified length: a
spurring, spurred 7 (often foil, by on) to circle of four square feet, b denoting a
encourage (someone). square having a specified length on each
spurge n a plant with milky sap and small side: a box four feet square. 9 straight or
flowers. level: I don’t think that painting is square.
spurious adj not genuine or real. 10 fair and honest: a square deal. 11 Infor-
spurn vb to reject (a person or thing) with mal dull or unfashionable. 12 having all
contempt. debts or accounts settled: if I give you 50
pence, then we’ll be square. 13 all square
spurt vb 1 to gush or cause (something) to on equal terms; even in score. 14 square
gush out in a sudden powerful stream or jet. peg in a round hole Informal a misfit. -vb
2 to make a sudden effort. ~n 3 a short squaring, squared 15 Maths to multiply (a
burst of activity, speed, or energy. 4 a sud- number or quantity) by itself. 16 to position
den powerful stream or jet. so as to be straight or level: bravely he
sputnik n a Russian artificial satellite, squared his shoulders. 17 to settle (a debt
sputter vb, n same as splutter. or account). 18 to level the score in (a
sputum n, pl -ta saliva, usually mixed with game). 19 to be or cause to be consistent: it
mucus. - would not have squared with her image.
spy n, pl spies 1 a person employed to find —adv 20 Informal same as squarely. -See
out secret information about other coun- also square off, square up.
tries or organizations. 2 a person who se- square-bashing n Brit mil slang marching
cretly keeps watch on others. -vb spies, and other drill on a parade ground.
square bracket 800 squirt
square bracket n either of a pair of charac- squeamish adj easily shocked or upset by
ters [ ], used to separate a section of writing unpleasant sights or events.
or printing from the main text. squeegee n a tool with a rubber blade used
square dance n a country dance in which for wiping away excess water from a sur-
the couples are arranged in squares. face.
square leg n Cricket a fielding position on squeeze vb squeezing, squeezed 1 to grip
the on side, at right angles to the batsman. or press (something) firmly. 2 to crush or
squarely adv 1 directly; straight: he looked press (something) so as to extract (a liquid):
her squarely in the eye. 2 in an honest and squeeze the tomato and strain the juice;
frank way: you should face squarely any- freshly squeezed lemon juice. 3 to push
thing that worries you. (oneself or a thing) into a confined space. 4
square meal n a meal which is large enough to hug (someone) closely. 5 to obtain (some-
to leave the eater feeling full: we gave him thing) by great effort or force: to squeeze
his first square meal in days. the last dollar out of every deal. ~n 6 a
squeezing. 7 a hug. 8 a crush of people in a
square off vb to stand up as if ready to start confined space. 9 Chiefly Brit a restriction
boxing or fighting. on borrowing made by a government to con-
square-rigged adj Naut having sails set at trol price inflation. 10 an amount extracted
right angles to the keel. by squeezing: a squeeze of lime. 11 put the
square root n a number that when multi- squeeze on someone Informal to put pres-
plied by itself gives a given number: the sure on someone in order to obtain some-
square roots of 4 are 2 and — 2. thing.
square up vb 1 to settle bills or debts. 2 squelch vb 1 to make a wet sucking noise,
square up to to prepare to confront (a such as by walking through mud. 2 Infor-
problem or a person). mal to silence (someone) with a sarcastic or
squash1 vb 1 to press or squeeze (some- wounding reply. ~n 3 a squelching sound,
thing) so as to flatten it. 2 to overcome (a squelchy adj
difficult situation), often with force. 3 squib n 1 a firework that burns with a his-
squash in or into to push or force (oneself sing noise before exploding. 2 damp squib
or a thing) into a confined space. 4 to hu- something expected to be exciting or suc-
miliate (someone) with a sarcastic reply. cessful but turning out to be a disappoint-
—n 5 Brit a drink made from fruit juice or ment.
fruit syrup diluted with water. 6 a crowd of squid n, pl squid-or squids a sea creature
people in a confined space. 7 Also called: with ten tentacles and a long soft body.
squash rackets a game for two players squiffy adj-fier, -fiest Brit informal slightly
played in an enclosed court with a small drunk.
rubber ball and long-handled rackets.
squiggle n a wavy line, squiggly adj
squash2 n, pl squashes or squash US &
Canad a marrow-like vegetable. squill n a Mediterranean plant of the lily
family.
squashy adj squashier, squashiest soft and
easily squashed. squint vb 1 to have eyes which face in dif-
ferent directions. 2 to glance sideways. ~n
squat vb squatting, squatted 1 to crouch 3 an eye disorder in which one or both eyes
with-the knees bent and the weight on the turn inwards or outwards from the nose. 4
feet. 2 Law to occupy an unused building to Informal a quick look; glance: take a squint
which one has no legal right, -adj 3 short at the map. -adj 5 Informal not straight;
and thick. ~n 4 a building occupied by crooked.
squatters.
squire n 1 a country gentleman in England,
squatter n an illegal occupier of an unused usually the main landowner in a country
building. community. 2 Informal, chiefly Brit a term
squaw n Offensive a North American Indian of address used by one man to another. 3
woman. History a knight’s young attendant, -vb
squawk n 1 a loud harsh cry, esp. one made squiring, squired 4 Old-fashioned (of a
by a bird. 2 Informal a loud complaint, -vb man) to escort (a woman).
3 to make a squawk. squirm vb 1 to wriggle. 2 to feel embar-
squeak n 1 a short high-pitched cry or rassed or guilty. ~n 3 a wriggling move-
sound. 2 a narrow squeak Informal a nar- ment.
row escape or success, -vb 3 to make a squirrel n a small bushy-tailed animal that
squeak. 4 squeak through or by to pass (an lives in trees.
examination), but only just, squeaky adj squirt vb 1 to force (a liquid) or (of a liquid)
squeakiness n to be forced out of a narrow opening. 2 to
squeal n 1 a long high-pitched yelp, -vb 2 cover or spatter (a person or thing) with
to make a squeal. 3 Slang to inform on liquid in this way. ~n 3 a jet of liquid. 4 a
someone to the police. 4 Informal, chiefly squirting. 5 Informal a small or insignifi-
Brit to complain loudly, squealer n cant person.
squish 801 stagflation
squish vb 1 to crush (something) with a soft land at an airport so that each flies at a dif-
squelching sound. 2 to make a squelching ferent altitude.
sound. ~n 3 a soft squelching sound, stack up vb to compare with someone or
squishy adj something else: how does this stack up
Sr 1 (after a name) senior. 2 Sefior. 3 Chem against what you have?
strontium. stadium n, pl -diums or -dia a large sports
Sri Lankan adj 1 of Sri Lanka. ~n 2 a per- arena with tiered rows of seats for specta-
son from Sri Lanka. tors.
SRN (formerly in Britain) State Registered staff n, pl for senses 1 & 2 staffs; for senses
Nurse. 3 & 4 staffs or staves 1 the people em-
ployed in a company, school, or organiza-
SS 1 an organization in the Nazi party that tion. 2 Mil the officers appointed to assist a
provided Hitler’s bodyguard, security commander. 3 a stick with some special use,
forces, and concentration-camp guards. 2, such as a walking stick or an emblem of
steamship. authority. 4 Music a set of five horizontal
St 1 Saint. 2 Street. lines on which music is written and which,
st. stone. along with a clef, indicates pitch, —vb 5 to
stab vb stabbing, stabbed 1 to pierce with provide (a company, school, or organiza-
a sharp pointed instrument. 2 (often foil, by tion) with a staff.
at) to make a thrust (at); jab. 3 stab some- staff nurse n a qualified nurse ranking just
one in the back to do harm to someone by below* a sister or charge nurse.
betraying him or her. ~n 4 a stabbing. 5 a Staffs Staffordshire.
sudden, usually unpleasant, sensation: a staff sergeant n Mil a noncommissioned of-
stab of jealousy. 6 Informal an attempt: ficer in an army or in the US Air Force or
you’ve got to have a stab at it. 7 stab in the Marine Corps.
back an act of betrayal that harms a per- stag n the adult male of a deer.
son. stabbing n stag beetle n a beetle with large branched
stability n the quality of being stable: the jaws.
security and stability of married life. stage n 1 a step or period of development,
stabilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -lising, growth, or progress. 2 the platform in a
-lised to make or become stable or more theatre where actors perform. 3 the stage
stable, stabilization or -lisation n the theatre as a profession. 4 the scene of
stabilizer or -liser n 1 a device for stabiliz- an event or action. 5 a part of a journey: the
ing a child’s bicycle, an aircraft, or a ship. 2 last stage of his tour around France. 6 short
a substance added to food to preserve its for stagecoach. 7 Brit a division of a bus
texture. route for which there is a fixed fare, -vb
staging, staged 8 to present (a dramatic
stable1 n 1 a building where horses are kept. production) on stage: to stage “Hamlet”. 9
2 an organization that breeds and trains to organize and carry out (an event).
racehorses. 3 an organization that manages
or trains several entertainers or athletes. stagecoach n a large four-wheeled horse-
-vb -bling, -bled 4 to put or keep (a horse) drawn vehicle formerly used to carry pas-
in a stable. sengers and mail on a regular route.
stage direction n an instruction to an actor,
stable2 adj 1 steady in position or balance; written into the script of a play.
firm. 2 lasting and not likely to experience
any sudden changes: a stable environment. stage door n a door at a theatre leading
3 having a calm personality; not moody. 4 backstage.
Physics (of an elementary particle) not sub- stage fright n feelings of fear and nervous-
ject to decay. 5 Chem (of a chemical com- ness felt by a person about to appear in
pound) not easily decomposed. front of an audience.
staccato (stak-ah-toc) adj 1 Music (of notes) stagehand n a person who sets the stage
short and separate. 2 consisting of short ab- and moves props in a theatre.
rupt sounds: the staccato sound of high- stage-manage vb -managing, -managed to
heels on the stairs, -adv 3 in a staccato arrange (an event) from behind the scenes.
manner. stage manager n a person who supervises
stack n 1 a pile of things, one on top of the the stage arrangements of a production at a
other. 2 a large neat pile of hay or straw. 3 theatre.
stacks a large amount: there’s still stacks stage-struck adj having a great desire to
for us to do. 4 same as chimney stack or act.
smokestack. 5 an area in a computer stage whisper n 1 a loud whisper from an
memory for temporary storage, —vb 6 to actor, intended to be heard by the audience.
place (things) in a stack. 7 to load or fill 2 any loud whisper that is intended to be
(something) up with piles of objects: Henry overheard.
was watching her stack the dishwasher. 8 stagflation n inflation combined with stag-
to control (a number of aircraft) waiting to nant or falling output and employment.
stagger 802 stallion
stagger vb 1 to walk unsteadily. 2 to amaze horse race in which all owners of competing
or shock (someone): it staggered her that horses contribute to the prize. ~vb stak-
there was any liaison between them. 3 to ing, staked 5 to risk (something, such as
arrange (events) so as not to happen at the money) on a result. 6 to give financial sup-
same time: staggered elections. ~n 4 a port to (a business).
staggering, staggering adj staggeringly stakeout n 1 Slang, chiefly US & Canad a po-
adv lice surveillance of an area or house. ~vb
staggers n a disease of horses and other stake out 2 Slang, chiefly US & Canad to
domestic animals that causes staggering. keep an area or house under surveillance. 3
staging n a temporary support used in to surround (a piece of land) with stakes.
building. stalactite n an icicle-shaped mass of calcium
stagnant adj 1 (of water) stale from not carbonate hanging from the roof of a cave:
moving. 2 unsuccessful or dull from lack of formed by continually dripping water.
change or development. stalagmite n a large pointed mass of calcium
stagnate vb -nating, -nated to become inac- carbonate sticking up from the floor of a
tive or unchanging: people in old age only cave: formed by continually dripping water
stagnate when they have no interests. from a stalactite.
stagnation n stale adj 1 (esp. of food) no longer fresh,
stag night or party n a party for men only, having being kept too long. 2 (of air) stag-
held for a man who is about to get married. nant and having an unpleasant smell. 3
stagy or US stagey adj stagier, stagiest lacking in enthusiasm or ideas through
too theatrical or dramatic. overwork or lack of variety. 4 uninteresting
staid adj serious, rather dull, and old- from having been done or seen too many
fashioned in behaviour or appearance. times: such achievements now seem stale
stain vb 1 to discolour (something) with today. 5 no longer new: her war had become
marks that are not easily removed. 2 to dye stale news, stateness n
(something) with a lasting pigment. ~n 3 a stalemate n 1 a chess position in which any
mark or discoloration that is not easily re- of a player’s moves would place his king in
moved. 4 an incident in someone’s life that check: in this position the game ends in a
has damaged his or her reputation: a stain draw. 2 a situation in which further action
on his character. 5 a liquid used to pen- by two opposing forces is impossible or will
etrate the surface of a material, such as not achieve anything; deadlock.
wood, and colour it without covering up the Stalinism n the policies associated with Jo-
surface or grain. seph Stalin, general secretary of the Com-
stained glass n glass that has been coloured munist Party of the Soviet Union 1922-53,
for artistic purposes. which resulted in rapid industrialization,
stainless steel n a type of steel that does state terror as a means of political control,
not rust, as it contains large amounts of and the abolition of collective leadership.
chromium. Stalinist n, adj
stair n 1 one step in a flight of stairs. 2 a se- stalk1 n 1 the main stem of a plant. 2 a stem
ries of steps: he fled down the back stair. that joins a leaf or flower to the main stem
See also stairs. of a plant.
staircase n a flight of stairs, usually with a stalk2 vb 1 to follow (an animal or person)
handrail or banisters. quietly and secretly in order to catch or kill
stairs pl n a flight of steps going from one them. 2 to pursue persistently and, some-
level to another, usually indoors. times, attack (a person with whom one is
stairway n a staircase. obsessed, often a celebrity). 3 to spread
over (a place) in a menacing way: danger
stairwell n a vertical shaft in a building that stalked the streets. 4 to walk in an angry,
contains a staircase. arrogant, or stiff way.
stake1 n 1 a stick or metal bar driven into
stalking-horse n something or someone used
the ground as part of a fence or as a sup- to hide a true purpose; pretext.
port or marker. 2 be burned at the stake to
be executed by being tied to a stake in the stall1 n 1 a small stand for the display and
centre of a pile of wood that is then set on sale of goods. 2 a compartment in a stable
fire. ~vb staking, staked 3 to lay (a claim) or shed for a single animal. 3 any small
to land or rights. 4 to support (something, room or compartment: a shower stall. ~vb
such as a plant) with a stake. 4 to stop (a motor vehicle or its engine) or
stake2 n 1 the money that a player must risk (of a motor vehicle or its engine) to stop, by
in order to take part in a gambling game or incorrect use of the clutch or incorrect ad-
make a bet. 2 an interest, usually financial, justment of the fuel mixture.
held in something: a 50% stake in a new stall2 vb to employ delaying tactics towards
consortium. 3 at stake at risk. 4 stakes a (someone); be evasive.
the money that a player has available for stallion n an uncastrated male horse, usually
gambling, b a prize in a race or contest, c a used for breeding.
stalls 803 standardize
stalls n 1 Brit the seats on the ground floor structure stands sixty feet above the river.
of a theatre or cinema. 2 (in a church) a row 6 to be in a specified position: Turkey
of seats, divided by armrests or a small stands to gain handsomely. 7 to be in a
screen, for the choir or clergy. specified state or condition: how he stands
stalwart (stawl-wart) adj 1 strong and stur- in comparison to others. 8 to remain un-
dy. 2 loyal and reliable. ~n 3 a hard- changed or valid: the Conservatives were
working and loyal supporter. forced to let much of the legislation stand. 9
stamen n the part of a flower that produces stand at (of a score or an account) to be in
pollen. the specified position: now the total stands
stamina n energy and strength sustained at nine. 10 to tolerate or bear: Christopher
while performing an activity over a long can’t stand him. 11 to survive: stand the
time. test of time. 12 (often foil, by for) Chiefly
Brit to be a candidate: to stand for presi-
stammer vb 1 to speak or say (something) dent. 13 Informal to buy: to stand someone
with involuntary pauses or repetition, as a a drink. 14 stand a chance to have a
result of a speech disorder or through fear chance of succeeding. 15 stand one’s
or nervousness. ~n 2 a speech disorder ground to face a difficult situation bravely.
characterized by involuntary repetitions 16 stand trial to be tried in a law court.
and pauses. ~n 17 a stall or counter selling goods: the
stamp n 1 a printed paper label attached to hot dog stand. 18 a structure at a sports
a piece of mail to show that the required ground where people can sit or stand. 19
postage has been paid. 2 a token issued by a the act or an instance of standing. 20 a firm-
shop or business after a purchase that can ly held opinion: its firm stand on sanctions.
be saved and exchanged for other goods 21 US a place in a law court where a wit-
sold by that shop or business. 3 the action ness stands. 22 a rack on which coats and
or an act of stamping. 4 an instrument for hats may be hung. 23 a small table or piece
stamping a design or words. 5 a design, de- of furniture where articles may be placed
vice, or mark that has been stamped. 6 a or stored: an umbrella stand. 24 an effort to
characteristic feature: the stamp of inevi- defend oneself or one’s beliefs against at-
tability. 7 Brit informal a national insur- tack or criticism: a last stand against su-
ance contribution, formerly recorded by a perior forces. 25 Cricket a long period at
stamp on an official card. 8 type or class: the wicket by two batsmen. 26 See one-
men of his stamp. —vb 9 (often foil, by on) night stand. ~See also stand by, stand
to bring (one’s foot) down heavily. 10 to down, etc.
walk with heavy or noisy footsteps. 11 to
characterize: a performance that stamped standard n 1 a level of quality: cuisine of a
him as a star. 12 stamp on to subdue or re- high standard. 2 an accepted example of
strain: all of which have stamped on dis- something against which others are judged
sent. 13 to impress or mark (a pattern or or measured: the work was good by any
sign) on. 14 to mark (something) with an of- standard. 3 a moral principle of behaviour.
ficial seal or device. 15 to have a strong ef- 4 a flag of a nation or cause. 5 an upright
fect on: a picture vividly stamped on memo- pole or beam used as a support: a lamp
ry. 16 to stick a stamp on (an envelope or standard. 6 a song that has remained popu-
parcel). lar for many years. -adj 7 of a usual, me-
dium, or accepted kind: a standard cost. 8
stampede n 1 a sudden rush of frightened of recognized authority: a standard refer-
animals or of a crowd. -vb -peding, ence book. 9 denoting pronunciations or
-peded 2 to run away in a stampede. grammar regarded as correct and accept-
stamping ground n a favourite meeting able by educated native speakers.
place.
standard assessment tasks pl n national
stamp out vb 1 to put an end to (something) standardized tests for assessing school pu-
by force; suppress: an attempt to stamp out pils.
democracy. 2 to put out by stamping: I
stamped out my cigarette. standard-bearer n 1 a leader of a movement
stance n 1 an attitude towards a particular or party. 2 a person who carries a flag in
matter: a tough stance in the trade talks. 2 battle or in a march.
the manner and position in which a person standard gauge n 1 a railway track with a
stands. 3 Sport the position taken when distance of 56!^ inches (1.435 m) between
about to play the ball. the lines: used on most railways, -adj
stanch (stahnch) vb same as staunch2. standard-gauge 2 denoting a railway with
stanchion n a vertical pole or bar used as a a standard gauge.
support. Standard Grade n (in Scotland) 1 an exami-
stand vb standing, stood 1 to be upright. 2 nation designed to test skills and applica-
to rise to an upright position. 3 to place tion of knowledge, replacing the O Grade. 2
(something) upright. 4 to be situated: the a pass in an examination at this level.
property stands in a prime position. 5 to standardize or-ise vb-izing, -ized or-ising,
have a specified height when standing: the -ised to make (things) standard: to stand-
standard lamp 804 star-crossed
ardize the preparation process, standardi- standstill n a complete stoppage or halt: all
zation or -isation n traffic came to a standstill.
standard lamp n a tall electric lamp that has stand to vb 1 Mil to take up positions in
a shade and stands on a base. order to defend against attack. 2 stand to
standard of living n the level of comfort and reason to be obvious or logical: it stands to
wealth of a person, group, or country. reason you will play better.
standard time n the official local time of a stand up vb 1 to rise to one’s feet. 2 Infor-
region or country determined by the dis- mal to fail to keep a date with (a boyfriend
tance from Greenwich of a line of longitude or girlfriend): sometimes he would stand me
passing through the area. up. 3 to be accepted as satisfactory or true:
the decision would not stand up in court. 4
stand by vb 1 to be available and ready to stand up for to support or defend. 5 stand
act if needed: stand by for firing. 2 to be up to a to confront or resist (someone)
present as an onlooker or without taking bravely, b to withstand and endure (some-
any action: the military police stood by thing, such as criticism). —adj stand-up 6
watching idly. 3 to be faithful to: his wife (of a comedian) telling jokes alone to an
will stand by him. ~n stand-by 4 a person audience. 7 done while standing: a stand-up
or thing that is ready for use or can be breakfast. 8 (of a fight or row) angry and
relied on in an emergency. 5 on stand-by unrestrained.
ready for action or use. stand-by 6
not booked in advance but subject to avail- stank vb a past tense of stink.
ability: stand-by planes. stanza n Prosody a verse of a poem.
stand down vb to resign or withdraw, often staple1 n 1 a short length of wire bent into a
in favour of another. square U-shape, used to fasten papers or
stand for vb 1 to represent: AIDS stands for secure things. -vb -pling, -pled 2 to secure
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 2 (things) with staples.
to support and represent (an idea or a be- staple2 adj 1 of prime importance; principal:
lief): to stand for liberty and truth. 3 In- the staple diet of a country. ~n 2 some-
formal to tolerate or bear: I won’t stand for thing that forms a main part of the product,
this! consumption, or trade of a region. 3 a main
stand in vb 1 to act as a substitute: she
constituent of anything: the personal re-
stood in for her father. ~n stand-in 2 a flections which make up the staple of the
book.
person who acts as a substitute for another.
stapler n a devica used to fasten things to-
standing adj 1 permanent, fixed, or lasting: gether with a staple.
it was a standing joke. 2 used to stand in or
on: standing room only. 3 Athletics (of a star n 1 a planet or meteor visible in the
jump or the start of a race) begun from a clear night sky as a point of light. 2 a hot
standing position. ~n 4 social or financial gaseous mass, such as the sun, that radiates
status or reputation: her international energy as heat and light, or in some cases as
standing. 5 duration: a friendship of at least radio waves and x-rays. 3 stars same as
ten years' standing. horoscope (sense 1). 4 an emblem with five
or more radiating points, often used as a
standing order n 1 an instruction to a bank symbol of rank or an award: the RAC
to pay a fixed amount to a person or organi- awarded the hotel three stars. 5 same as as-
zation at regular intervals. 2 a rule or order terisk. 6 a famous person from the sports,
governing the procedure of an organization. acting, or music professions. 7 see stars to
standoff n 1 US & Canad the act or an in- see flashes of light after a blow on the head.
stance of standing off or apart. 2 a deadlock —vb starring, starred 8 to feature (an
or stalemate. — vb stand off 3 to stay at a actor or actress) or (of an actor or actress)
distance. to be featured as a star: Olivier starred in
standoffish adj behaving in a formal and “Hamlet”. 9 to mark (something) with a star
unfriendly way. or stars.
stand out vb 1 to be more impressive or im- starboard n 1 the right side of an aeroplane
portant than others of the same kind: his or ship when facing forwards. 2 of or
passing ability stood out in this game. 2 to on the starboard.
be noticeable because of looking different: starch n 1 a carbohydrate forming the main
her long fair hair made her stand out from food element in bread, potatoes, and rice: in
the rest. 3 to refuse to agree or comply: a solution with water it is used to stiffen fab-
hero who stood out against foreign domina- ric. 2 food containing a large amount of
tion. starch. -vb 3 to stiffen (cloth) with starch.
standpipe n a temporary vertical pipe in- starchy adj starchier, starchiest 1 of or
stalled in a street and supplying water containing starch. 2 (of a person’s behav-
when household water supplies are cut off. iour) very formal and humourless.
standpoint n a point of view from which a star-crossed adj (of lovers) destined to mis-
matter is considered. fortune.
stardom 805 state
stardom n the status of a star in the enter- for a start in the first place. -See also
tainment or sport world. start off, start on, etc.
stare vb staring, stared 1 (often foil, by at) starter n 1 Chiefly Brit the first course of a
to look at for a long time. 2 stare one in the meal. 2 for starters Slang in the first place.
face to be glaringly obvious. ~n 3 a long 3 a device for starting an internal-
fixed look. combustion engine. 4 a person who signals
starfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a star-shaped the start of a race. 5 a competitor in a race
sea creature with a flat body and five limbs. or contest. 6 under starter’s orders (of
star fruit n same as carambola. competitors in a race) waiting for the signal
stargazer n Informal an astrologer, star-
to start.
gazing n startle vb -tling, -tied to slightly surprise or
stark adj 1 harsh, unpleasant, and plain: a frighten someone, startling adj
stark choice. 2 grim, desolate, and lacking start off vb 1 to set out on a journey. 2 to be
any beautiful features: the stark or make the first step in (an activity): be-
landscapes. 3 utter; absolute: in stark con- ginners should start off with a walking pro-
trast. -adv 4 completely: stark staring gramme. 3 to cause (a person) to do some-
bonkers, starkly adv starkness n thing, such as laugh.
stark-naked adj completely naked. Also (in- start on vb Brit informal to pick a quarrel
formal): starkers with: they started on me.
starlet n a young actre'ss who has the poten- start out vb 1 to set out on a journey. 2 to
tial to become a star. take the first steps in a career or on a
starlight n the light that comes from the course of action: I started out as a beauti-
stars. cian; it started out as a joke.
starling n a common songbird with shiny start up vb 1 to come or cause (something,
blackish feathers and a short tail. such as a business) to come into being;
starlit adj lit by starlight. found. 2 to set (something) in motion: she
started up the car.
Star of David n a symbol of Judaism, con-
sisting of a star formed by two interlaced starve vb starving, starved 1 to die from
equilateral triangles. lack of food. 2 to deliberately prevent (a
person or animal) from having any food. 3
starry adj -rier, -riest 1 (of a sky or night) Informal to be very hungry: we’re both
full of or lit by stars. 2 of or like a star or starving. 4 starve of to deprive (someone)
stars: a starry cast. of something needed: the heart is starved of
starry-eyed adj full of unrealistic hopes and oxygen. 5 starve into to force someone into
dreams; naive. a specified state by starving: an attempt to
Stars and Stripes n the national flag of the starve him into submission, starvation n
United States of America. Star Wars n (in the US) a proposed system
star sign n Astrol the sign of the zodiac of artificial satellites armed with lasers to
under which a person was born. destroy enemy missiles in space.
Star-Spangled Banner n 1 the national an- stash vb 1 (often foil, by away) Informal to
them of the United States of America. 2 store (money or valuables) in a secret place
same as Stars and Stripes. for safekeeping. ~n 2 Informal, chiefly US
star-studded adj featuring many well- & Canad a secret store, usually of illegal
known performers: a star-studded premi- drugs, or the place where this is hidden.
ere. state n 1 the condition or circumstances of a
start vb 1 to begin (something or to do some- person or thing. 2 a sovereign political
thing): to start a war; we’ve already started power or community. 3 the territory of such
building. 2 to set or be set in motion: he a community. 4 the sphere of power in such
started the van. 3 to make a sudden invol- a community: matters of state. 5 (often cap)
untary movement from fright or surprise; one of a number of areas or communities
jump. 4 to establish; set up: to start a state having their own governments and forming
lottery. 5 to support (someone) in the first a federation under a sovereign government,
part of a career or activity. 6 Brit informal such as in the US. 6 (often cap) the govern-
to begin quarrelling or causing a disturb- ment, civil service, and armed forces. 7 in a
ance: don’t start with me. 7 to start with in state Informal in an emotional or very wor-
the first place. ~n 8 the first part of some- ried condition. 8 lie in state (of a body) to
thing. 9 the place or time at which some- be placed on public view before burial. 9
thing begins. 10 a signal to begin, such as in state of affairs circumstances or condi-
a race. 11 a lead or advantage, either in tion: this wonderful state of affairs. 10
time or distance, in a competitive activity: grand and luxurious lifestyle, as enjoyed by
he had an hour’s start on me. 12 a slight in- -royalty, aristocrats, or the wealthy: living
voluntary movement from fright or sur- in state, -adj 11 controlled or financed by
prise: I awoke with a start. 13 an opportun- a state: state ownership. 12 of or concern-
ity to enter a career or begin a project. 14 ing the State: state secrets. 13 involving
State Enrolled Nurse 806 stave
ceremony: a state visit. ~vb stating, stat- the place or position where a person is as-
ed 14 to express (something) in words. signed to stand: every man stood at this sta-
State Enrolled Nurse n a nurse who has tion. ~vb 9 to assign (someone) to a sta-
completed a two-year training course. tion.
state house n NZ a rented house built by stationary adj not moving: a line of station-
the government. ary traffic.
stateless adj not belonging to any country: stationer n a person or shop selling station-
stateless refugees. ery.
stately adj -tier, -liest having a dignified, stationery n writing materials, such as
impressive, and graceful appearance or paper, envelopes, and pens.
manner: the Rolls-Royce approached him at stationmaster n the senior official in charge
a stately speed, stateliness n of a railway station.
stately home n Brit a large old mansion, Stations of the Cross pl n RC Church 1 a
usually one open to the public. series of 14 crosses with pictures or carv-
statement n 1 something stated, usually a ings, arranged around the walls of a church,
formal prepared announcement or reply. 2 to commemorate 14 stages in Christ’s jour-
an account prepared by a bank at regular ney to Calvary. 2 a series of 14 prayers re-
intervals for a client to show all credits and lating to each of these stages.
debits and the balance at the end of the pe- station wagon n US an estate car.
riod. 3 an account containing a summary of statistic n a numerical fact collected and
bills or invoices and showing the total classified systematically, statistical adj
amount due. 4 the act of stating. statistically adv statistician n
state of the art n 1 the current level of statistics n 1 the science dealing with the
knowledge and development achieved in a collection, classification, and interpretation
technology, science, or art. ~adj state-of- of numerical information. ~pl n 2 numeri-
the-art 2 the most recent and therefore cal information which has been collected,
considered the best; up-to-the-minute: classified, and interpreted.
state-of-the-art computers. statuary n statues collectively.
State Registered Nurse n (formerly in statue n a sculpture of a human or animal
Britain) a nurse who has completed an ex- figure, usually life-size or larger.
tensive three-year training course. statuesque (stat-yoo-esk) adj (of a woman)
stateroom n 1 a private room on a ship. 2 tall and well-proportioned; like a classical
Chiefly Brit a large room in a palace, etc., statue.
used on ceremonial occasions. statuette n a small statue.
States pl n the States Informal the United stature n 1 height and size of a person. 2 the
States of America. reputation of a person or their achieve-
state school n a school funded by the state, ments: a batsman of international stature. 3
in which education is free. moral or intellectual distinction.
statesman n, pl -men an experienced and status n 1 a person’s position in society. 2
respected political leader, statesmanship the esteem in which people hold a person:
n priests feel they have lost some of their sta-
static adj 1 not active, changing, or moving; tus in society. 3 the legal or official stand-
stationary. 2 Physics (of a weight, force, or ing or classification of a person or country:
pressure) acting but causing no movement. the status of refugees; Ireland's non-aligned
3 Physics of forces that do not produce status. 4 degree of importance.
movement. ~n 4 hissing or crackling or a status quo n the existing state of affairs,
speckled picture caused by interference in status symbol n a possession regarded as a
the reception of radio or television mark of social position or wealth.
transmissions. 5 electric sparks or crackling
produced by friction. statute n 1 a law made by a government and
static electricity n same as static (sense 5).
expressed in a formal document. 2 a perma-
nent rule made by a company or other insti-
statics n the branch of mechanics concerned tution.
with the forces producing a state of equilib- statute law n 1 a law made by a govern-
rium.
ment. 2 such laws collectively.
station n 1 a place along a route or line at
which a bus or train stops to pick up pas- statutory adj 1 required or authorized by
law. 2 (of an offence) declared by law to be
sengers or goods. 2 the headquarters of an punishable.
organization such as the police or fire ser-
vice. 3 a building with special equipment staunch1 adj strong and loyal: a staunch
for some particular purpose: power station; supporter, staunchly adv
a filling station. 4 a television or radio staunch2 or stanch vb to stop the flow of
channel. 5 Mil a place of duty. 6 position in (blood) from someone’s body.
society: he had ideas above his station. 7 stave n 1 one of the long strips of wood
Austral & NZ a large sheep or cattle farm. 8 joined together to form a barrel or bucket. 2
stave off 807 steel-grey
a stick carried as a symbol of office. 3 a sion or unlawfully. 2 to use (someone else’s
verse of a poem. 4 Music same as staff. ideas or work) without acknowledgment. 3
-vb staving, stove 5 stave in to burst a to move quietly and carefully, not wanting
hole in something. to be noticed: my father stole up behind
stave off vb staving, staved to delay her. 4 steal the show (of a performer) to
(something) for a short time: to stave off draw the audience’s attention to oneself
political rebellion. and away from the other performers. 5 to
staves n a plural of staff or stave. obtain or do (something) stealthily: I stole a
Stay1 vb 1 to continue or remain in a place, glance behind. ~n 6 US & Canad informal
position, or condition: to stay away; to stay something acquired easily or at little cost.
inside. 2 to lodge as a guest or visitor tem- stealth n 1 moving carefully and quietly, so
porarily: we stay with friends. 3 Scot & S as to avoid being seen. 2 cunning or under-
African to reside permanently; live. 4 to hand behaviour, stealthy adj stealthily
endure (something testing or difficult): you adv
have stayed the course this long. ~n 5 the steam n 1 the vapour into which water
period spent in one place. 6 the postpone- changes when boiled. 2 the mist formed
ment of an order of a court of law: a stay of when such vapour condenses in the atmos-
execution. phere. 3 Informal power, energy, or speed.
stay2 n something that supports or steadies 4 let off steam Informal to release pent-up
something, such as a prop or buttress. energy or feelings. 5 pick up steam Infor-
stay3 n a rope or chain supporting a ship’s mal to gather momentum, -adj 6 operated,
mast or funnel. heated, or powered by steam: a steam train,
stay-at-home adj 1 (of a person) enjoying a -vb 7 to give off steam. 8 (of a vehicle) to
quiet, settled, and unadventurous life. ~n move by steam power. 9 Informal to pro-
2 a stay-at-home person. ceed quickly and often forcefully. 10 to
cook (food) in steam. 11 to treat (some-
staying power n endurance to complete thing) with steam, such as in cleaning or
something undertaken; stamina. pressing clothes. 12 steam open or off to
stays pl n old-fashioned corsets with bones use steam in order to open or remove (some-
in them. thing): let me steam open this letter. -See
staysail n a sail fastened on a stay. also steam up.
STD sexually transmitted disease. steam engine n an engine worked by steam,
STD code n Brit a code preceding a local steamer n 1 a boat or ship driven by steam
telephone number, allowing a caller to dial engines. 2 a container with holes in the bot-
direct without the operator’s help. tom, used to cook food by steam.
stead n 1 stand someone in good stead to
be useful to someone in the future. 2 Rare steam iron n an electric iron that uses steam
the function or position that should be to take creases out of clothes.
taken by another: I cannot let you rule in steamroller n 1 a steam-powered vehicle
my stead. with heavy rollers used for flattening road
steadfast adj dedicated and unwavering, surfaces during road-making, —vb 2 to
steadfastly adv steadfastness n make (someone) do what one wants by
steady adj steadier, steadiest 1 firm and overpowering force.
not shaking. 2 without much change or steamship n a ship powered by steam en-
variation: we’re on a steady course. 3 con- gines.
tinuous: a steady decline. 4 not easily excit- steam up vb 1 to cover (windows or glasses)
ed; sober. 5 regular; habitual: the steady or (of windows or glasses) to become cov-
drinking of alcohol. ~vb steadies, steady- ered with steam. 2 steamed up Slang excit-
ing, steadied 6 to make or become steady, ed or angry.
-adv 7 in a steady manner. 8 go steady In- steamy adj steamier, steamiest 1 full of
formal to date one person regularly. ~n, pl steam. 2 Informal (of books, films, etc.)
steadies 9 Informal one’s regular boyfriend erotic.
or girlfriend, -interj 10 a warning to keep
calm or be careful, steadily adv steadi- steatite (stee-a-tite) n same as soapstone,
ness n steed n Archaic or literary a horse.
steady state n Physics the condition of a steel n 1 an alloy of iron and carbon, often
system when all or most changes or with small quantities of other elements. 2 a
disturbances have been eliminated from it. steel rod used for sharpening knives. 3
steak n 1 a lean piece of beef for grilling or courage and mental toughness, -vb 4 to
frying. 2 a cut of beef for braising or stew- prepare (oneself) for coping with something
ing. 3 a thick slice of pork, veal, or fish. unpleasant: he had steeled himself to accept
steakhouse n a restaurant that specializes - the fact, steely adj
in steaks. steel band n Music a band of people playing
steal vb stealing, stole, stolen 1 to take on metal drums, popular in the West Indies.
(something) from someone without permis- steel-grey adj dark bluish-grey.
steel wool 808 step on
steel wool n a mass of fine steel fibres, used tern through which ink or paint passes to
for cleaning metal surfaces. form the pattern on the surface below. 2 a
steelworks n a factory where steel is made, design or letters made in this way. ~vb
steelworker n -cilling, -cilled or US -ciling, -ciled 3 to
steep1 adj 1 having a sharp slope. 2 Infor- make (a design or letters) with a stencil.
mal (of a fee, price, or demand) unreason- Sten gun n a light sub-machine-gun.
ably high; excessive, steeply adv steep- stenographer n US & Canad a shorthand
ness n typist.
steep2 vb 1 to soak or be soaked in a liquid stentorian adj (of the voice) very loud: a
in order to soften or cleanse. 2 steeped in stentorian tone.
filled with: an industry steeped in tradition. step n 1 the act of moving and setting down
steepen vb to become or cause (something) one’s foot, such as when walking. 2 the dis-
to become steep or steeper. tance covered by such a movement. 3 the
steeple n a tall ornamental tower on a sound made by such a movement. 4 one of a
church roof. sequence of foot movements that make up a
steeplechase n 1 a horse race over a course dance. 5 one of a sequence of actions taken
with fences to be jumped. 2 a track race in in order to achieve a goal. 6 a degree or
which the runners have to leap hurdles and rank in a series or scale. 7 a flat surface for
a water jump. -vb -chasing, -chased 3 to placing the foot on when going up or down.
race in a steeplechase. 8 manner of walking: he moved with a pur-
steeplejack n a person who repairs steeples
poseful step. 9 steps a a flight of stairs,
and chimneys. usually out of doors, b same as stepladder.
10 a short easily travelled distance: Mexico
steer1 vb 1 to direct the course of (a vehicle and Brazil were only a step away. 11 break
or vessel) with a steering wheel or rudder. 2 step to stop marching in step. 12 in step a
to direct the movements or course of (a per- marching or dancing in time or at the same
son, conversation, or activity). 3 to follow pace as other people, b Informal in agree-
(a specified course): the Dutch government ment: in step with the West on this issue. 13
steered a middle course. 4 steer clear of to out of step a not marching or dancing in
avoid. time or at the same pace as other people, b
Steer2 n a castrated male ox or bull. Informal not in agreement: out of step with
steerage n 1 the cheapest accommodation the political mood. 14 step by step gradual-
on a passenger ship. 2 steering. ly. 15 take steps to do what is necessary
steering committee n a committee set up to (to achieve something). 16 watch one’s
prepare and arrange topics to be discussed, step a Informal to behave with caution, b
and the order of business, for a govern- to walk carefully. —vb stepping, stepped
ment, etc. 17 to move by taking a step, such as in
steering wheel n a wheel turned by the walking. 18 to walk a short distance: please
driver of a vehicle in order to change direc- step this way. 19 step into to enter (a
tion. situation) apparently without difficulty:
steersman n, pl -men the person who steers
she stepped into a life of luxury. -See also
step down, step in, etc.
a vessel.
stepbrother n a son of one’s stepmother or
stein (stine) n an earthenware beer mug. stepfather.
stela (steal-a) or stele (steal-ee) n, pl ste- stepchild n, pl -children a stepson or step-
lae (steal-ee) or steles an upright stone
slab or column decorated with figures or daughter.
inscriptions, common in prehistoric times. stepdaughter n a daughter of one’s husband
stellar adj relating to the stars. or wife by an earlier relationship.
stem1 n 1 the long thin central part of a step down vb Informal to resign from a po-
plant. 2 a stalk that bears a flower, fruit, or sition.
leaf. 3 the long slender part of anything, stepfather n a man who has married one’s
such as a wineglass. 4 Linguistics the form mother after the death or divorce of one’s
of a word that remains after removal of father.
all inflectional endings. ~vb stemming, stephanotis (stef-fan-note-iss) n a tropical
stemmed 5 stem from originate from: this climbing shrub with sweet-smelling white
tradition stems from pre-Christian times. flowers.
stem2 vb stemming, stemmed to stop or step in vb Informal to intervene (in a quar-
hinder the spread of (something): to stem rel or difficult situation).
the flow of firearms. stepladder n a small folding portable ladder
stemmed adj having a stem: long-stemmed with a supporting frame.
roses. stepmother n a woman who has married
stench n a strong and very unpleasant one’s father after the death or divorce of
smell. one’s mother.
stencil n 1 a thin sheet with a cut-out pat- step on vb 1 to place or press one’s foot on
step out 809 stick
(something): he stepped on the brakes. 2 In- sterol n Biochem a natural insoluble alcohol
formal to behave badly towards (a person such as cholesterol and ergosterol.
in a less powerful position). 3 step on it In- stertorous adj (of breathing) laboured and
formal to go more quickly; hurry up. noisy.
step out vb 1 to leave a room briefly. 2 to stet vb stetting, stetted 1 used as an in-
walk quickly, taking long strides. struction to indicate to a printer that cer-
step-parent n a stepfather or stepmother, tain deleted matter is to be kept. 2 to mark
steppes pl n wide grassy plains without (matter) in this way.
trees. stethoscope n Med an instrument for listen-
stepping stone n 1 one of a series of stones ing to the sounds made inside the body,
acting as footrests for crossing a stream. 2 a consisting of a hollow disc that transmits
stage in a person’s progress towards a goal: the sound through hollow tubes to
it was a big stepping stone in his career. earpieces.
stepsister n a daughter of one’s stepmother stetson n a felt hat with a broad brim and
or stepfather. high crown, worn mainly by cowboys.
stepson n a son of one’s husband or wife by stevedore n Chiefly US a person employed
an earlier relationship. to load or unload ships.
step up vb Informal to increase (something) stew n 1 a dish of meat, fish, or other food,
by stages; accelerate. cooked slowly in a closed pot. 2 in a stew
Informal in a troubled or worried state.
stereo adj 1 (of a sound system) using two ~vb 3 to cook by long slow simmering in a
or more separate microphones to feed two closed pot. 4 Informal (of a person) to be
or more loudspeakers through separate too hot. 5 to cause (tea) to become bitter or
channels. ~n, pl stereos 2 a music system (of tea) to become bitter through infusing
in which sound is directed through two for too long. 6 stew in one’s own juice to
speakers. 3 sound broadcast or played in suffer, without help, the results of one’s ac-
stereo. tions.
stereophonic adj same as stereo (sense 1). steward n 1 a person who looks after pas-
stereoscopic adj having a three- sengers and serves meals on a ship or air-
dimensional effect. craft. 2 an official who helps to supervise a
stereotype n 1 a set of characteristics or a public event, such as a race. 3 a person who
fixed idea considered to represent a par- administers someone else’s property. 4 a
ticular kind of person. 2 an idea or conven- person who manages the eating arrange-
tion that has grown stale through fixed ments, staff, or service at a club or hotel. 5
usage. ~vb -typing, -typed 3 to form a See shop steward. ~vb 6 to act as a stew-
standard image or idea of (a type of per- ard (of).
son). stewardess n a female steward on an air-
sterile adj 1 free from germs. 2 unable to craft or ship.
produce offspring. 3 (of plants) not produc- stewed adj 1 (of food) cooked by stewing. 2
ing or bearing seeds. 4 lacking inspiration Brit (of tea) bitter through having been left
or energy; unproductive, sterility n to infuse for too long. 3 Slang drunk.
sterilize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -Using, stick1 n 1 a small thin branch of a tree. 2 a a
-lised to make sterile, sterilization or long thin piece of wood, b such a piece of
-lisation n wood shaped for a special purpose: a walk-
sterling n 1 British money: sterling fell by ing stick; a hockey stick. 3 a piece of some-
almost a pfennig. ~adj 2; genuine and reli- thing shaped like a stick: a stick of cinna-
able: first-class: he has a reputation for mon. 4 Slang verbal abuse, criticism: they
sterling honesty. gave me a lot of stick. 5 the sticks a coun-
sterling silver n 1 an alloy containing at try area considered backward or unsophis-
least 92.5 per cent of silver. 2 articles made ticated: places out in the sticks. 6 sticks
of sterling silver. pieces of furniture: these few sticks are all I
have. 7 Informal a person: not a bad old
stern1 adj 1 strict and serious: he’s a very stick. 8 get hold of the wrong end of the
stern taskmaster. 2 difficult and often un- stick to misunderstand a situation or an
pleasant: the stern demands of the day. 3 explanation completely.
(of a facial expression) severe and disap-
proving. sternly adv stick2 vb sticking, stuck 1 to push (a point-
ed object) or (of a pointed object) to be
stern2 n the rear part of a boat or ship. pushed into another object. 2 to fasten
sternum n, pl -na or -nums a long flat bone (something) in position by pins, nails, or
in the front of the body, to which the glue: she just stuck the label on. 3 to extend
collarbone and most of the ribs are at- beyond something else; protrude: he stuck
tached. his head out of the door. 4 Informal to place
steroid n Biochem an organic compound (something) in a specified position: stick it
containing a carbon ring system, such as in the oven. 5 to fasten or be fastened by or
sterols and many hormones. as if by an adhesive. 6 to come or be
stick around 810 stimulate
brought to a standstill: stuck in a rut; two stiffen vb to make or become stiff or stiffer,
army lorries stuck behind us. 7 to remain stiff-necked adj proud and stubborn.
for a long time: the room that sticks in my stifle vb -fling, -fled 1 to stop oneself from
mind the most. 8 Slang, chiefly Brit to tol- expressing (a yawn or cry). 2 to stop (some-
erate; abide: you couldn’t stick it for more thing) from continuing: the new leadership
than two days. 9 be stuck Informal to be at stifled all internal debate. 3 to feel discom-
a loss for; to be baffled or puzzled: I’m fort and difficulty in breathing. 4 to kill
stuck; stuck for words. ~See also stick (someone) by preventing him or her from
around, stick by, etc. breathing.
stick around vb Informal to remain in a stifling adj uncomfortably hot and stuffy.
place, often when waiting for something. stigma n, pl stigmas or stigmata 1 a mark
stick by vb to remain faithful to: she’s stuck of social disgrace: a stigma attached to
by me for sixty years. being redundant. 2 Bot the part of a flower
Sticker n a small piece of paper with a pic- that receives pollen. 3 stigmata Christian-
ture or writing on it that can be stuck to a ity marks resembling the wounds of the
surface. crucified Christ, believed to appear on the
sticking plaster n a piece of adhesive ma- bodies of certain people.
terial used for covering slight wounds. Stigmatize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or
stick insect n a tropical insect with a long -tising, -tised to regard as being shameful.
thin body and legs, which looks like a twig. stile n a set of steps in a wall or fence to
stick-in-the-mud n Informal a person who is allow people, but not animals, to pass over.
unwilling to try anything new or do any- stiletto n, pl -tos 1 Also called: spike heel,
thing exciting. stiletto heel a high narrow heel on a wom-
stickleback n a small fish with sharp spines an’s shoe or a shoe with such a heel. 2 a
along its back. small dagger with a slender tapered blade.
stickler n a person who insists on some- still1 adv 1 continuing now or in the future
thing: a stickler for punctuality. as in the past: she still loved the theatre. 2
stick out vb 1 to (cause to) project from up to this or that time; yet. 3 even or yet:
something else: she stuck her tongue out at still more pressure on the government. 4
me. 2 Informal to endure (something un- even then; nevertheless: the baby has been
pleasant): she would stick it out for a year. fed and still cries. 5 quietly or without
3 stick out a mile or like a sore thumb In- movement: keep still, -adj 6 motionless;
formal to be very obvious. 4 stick out for stationary. 7 undisturbed; silent and calm.
to continue to demand (something), refus- 8 (of a soft drink) not fizzy, —n 9 Poetic si-
ing to accept anything less. lence or tranquility: the still of night. 10 a
stick to vb 1 to adhere or cause (something) still photograph from a film, -vb 11 to
to adhere to: the soil sticks to the blade. 2 to make or become quiet or calm. 12 to relieve
remain faithful to (a person, promise, or or end: Fowler stilled his conscience, still-
ness n
rule). 3 not to move away from: stick to the
agreement. still2 n an apparatus for distilling spirits,
stick-up n Slang, chiefly US a robbery at stillborn adj 1 (of a baby) dead at birth. 2 (of
gunpoint; hold-up. an idea or plan) completely unsuccessful,
stillbirth n
stick up for vb Informal to support or de-
fend (oneself, another person, or a princi- still life n, pl still lifes 1 a painting or draw-
ple). ing of objects such as fruit or flowers. 2 this
kind of painting or drawing.
sticky adj stickier, stickiest 1 covered with
a substance that sticks to other things: still room n Brit 1 a room in which distilling
sticky little fingers. 2 intended to stick to a is carried out. 2 a room for storing food in a
surface: sticky labels. 3 Informal difficult large house.
or painful: a sticky meeting. 4 (of weather) stilt n 1 either of a pair of long poles with
unpleasantly warm and humid, stickiness footrests for walking raised from the
n ground. 2 a long post or column used with
sticky wicket n on a sticky wicket Infor- others to support a building above ground
mal in a difficult situation. level.
stiff adj 1 firm and not easily bent. 2 moving stilted adj (of speech, writing, or behaviour)
with pain or difficulty: stiff and aching formal or pompous; not flowing continuous-
joints. 3 not moving easily: the door is stiff. ly or naturally.
4 difficult or severe: a stiff challenge; stiff Stilton n Trademark a strong-flavoured
penalties. 5 formal and not relaxed. 6 fairly blue-veined cheese.
firm in consistency; thick. 7 powerful: a stimulant n 1 a drug, food, or drink that
stiff breeze. 8 (of a drink) containing a lot makes the body work faster, increases
of alcohol. —n 9 Slang a corpse. —adv 10 heart rate, and makes sleeping difficult. 2
completely or utterly: I was bored stiff. any stimulating thing, —adj 3 stimulating.
stiffly adv stiffness n stimulate vb -lating, -lated 1 to encourage
stimulating 811 stock
to start or progress further: a cut in interest stipple vb -pling, -pled to draw, engrave, or
rates should help stimulate economic re- paint (something) using dots or flecks.
covery. 2 to fill (a person) with ideas or en- stipulate vb -lating, -lated to specify (some-
thusiasm: books satisfy a part of the intel- thing) as a condition of an agreement,
lect that needs to be stimulated. 3 Physiol stipulation n
to excite (a nerve or organ) with a stimulus, stir1 vb stirring, stirred 1 to mix up (a liq-
stimulation n uid) by moving a spoon or stick around in it.
stimulating adj 1 inspiring new ideas or en- 2 to move slightly. 3 stir from to depart
thusiasm. 2 (of a physical activity) making (from one’s usual or preferred place). 4 to
one feel refreshed and energetic; invigorat- get up after sleeping. 5 to excite or move
ing. (someone) emotionally. 6 to move (oneself)
stimulus (stim-myew-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) 1 quickly or vigorously; exert (oneself). 7 to
something that acts as an incentive to wake up: to stir someone from sleep. ~n 8
(someone). 2 something, such as a drug or a stirring. 9 a strong reaction, usually of
electrical impulse, that is capable of caus- excitement: she created a stir wherever she
ing a response in a person or an animal. went. ~See also stir up.
Sting vb stinging, stung 1 (of certain ani- stir2 n Slang prison: in stir.
mals and plants) to inflict a wound on stir-crazy adj Slang, chiefly US & Canad
(someone) by the injection of poison. 2 to mentally disturbed as a result of being in
cause (someone) to feel a sharp physical prison.
pain: her hand was stinging. 3 to offend or stir-fry vb -fries, -frying, -fried 1 to cook
upset (someone) with a critical remark: I (food) quickly by stirring it in a wok or fry-
was stung by what he said. 4 to provoke (a ing pan over a high heat. ~n, pl -fries 2 a
response) by angering: the consulate would dish cooked in this way.
be stung into convulsive action. 5 Informal stirrer n Informal a person who deliberately
to cheat (someone) by overcharging. ~n 6 a causes trouble.
skin wound caused by stinging. 7 pain stirring adj causing emotion, excitement,
caused by or as if by a sting. 8 a mental and enthusiasm.
pain: the sting of memory. 9 the sharp
pointed organ of certain animals or plants stirrup n a metal loop attached to a saddle
used to inject poison. 10 Slang a deceptive for supporting a rider’s foot.
trick. 11 Slang a trap set up by the police to stirrup cup n a cup containing an alcoholic
entice a person to commit a crime, thereby drink offered to riders before a fox hunt.
producing evidence, stinging adj stirrup pump n a hand-operated pump, the
stinging nettle n same as nettle (sense 1). base of which is placed in a bucket of
water: used in fighting fires.
stingray n a flat fish with a jagged whiplike
tail capable of inflicting painful wounds. stir up vb 1 to cause (leaves or dust) to rise
up and swirl around. 2 to set (something) in
stingy adj -gier, -giest very mean, stingi- motion: that fact has stirred up resentment.
ness n
stitch n 1 a link made by drawing a thread
stink n 1 a strong unpleasant smell. 2 make, through material with a needle. 2 a loop of
create or kick up a stink Slang to make a yarn formed around a needle or hook in
fuss. ~vb stinking, stank or stunk; stunk knitting or crocheting. 3 a particular kind
3 to give off a strong unpleasant smell. 4 of stitch. 4 Informal a link of thread joining
Slang to be thoroughly bad or unpleasant: the edges of a wound together. 5 a sharp
the script stinks, the casting stinks. pain in the side caused by running or exer-
stink bomb n a small glass globe used by cising. 6 in stitches Informal laughing un-
practical jokers: it releases a liquid with a controllably. 7 not a stitch Informal no
strong unpleasant smell when broken. clothes at all. ~vb 8 to sew or fasten
stinker n Slang a difficult or very unpleas- (something) with stitches, stitching n
ant person or thing. stoat n a small brown N European mammal
stinking adj 1 having a strong unpleasant related to the weasels: in winter it has a
smell. 2 Informal unpleasant or disgusting. white coat and is then known as an ermine.
~adv 3 stinking rich Informal very stock n 1 the total amount of goods kept on
wealthy. the premises of a shop or business. 2 a sup-
stink out vb 1 to drive (people) away by a
ply of something stored for future use. 3
foul smell. 2 Brit to cause (a place) to stink: Finance a the money raised by a company
I won’t have it stinking the car out! through selling shares entitling their
holders to dividends, partial ownership,
stint vb 1 to be miserly with (something): and usually voting rights, b the proportion
don’t stint on paper napkins. ~n 2 a given of this money held by an individual share-
amount of work. 'holder. c the shares of a specified company
stipend (sty-pend) n a regular salary or al- or industry. 4 farm animals bred and kept
lowance, esp. that paid to a clergyman, sti- for their meat, skins, etc. 5 the original type
. pendiary adj from which a particular race, family, or
stockade 812 stomach
group is descended. 6 the handle of a rifle, stockroom n a room in which a stock of
held by the firer against the shoulder. 7 a goods is kept in a shop or factory.
liquid produced by simmering meat, fish, Stock route n Austral & NZ a route desig-
bones, or vegetables, and used to make nated for droving farm animals, so as to
soups and sauces. 8 a kind of plant grown avoid traffic.
for its brightly coloured flowers. 9 Old- stocks pl n History an instrument of pun-
fashioned the degree of status a person has. ishment consisting of a heavy wooden
10 See laughing stock. 11 in stock stored frame with holes in which the feet, hands,
on the premises or available for sale or use. or head of an offender were locked.
12 out of stock not immediately available stock-still adv absolutely still; motionlessly.
for sale or use. 13 take stock to think care-
fully about a situation before making a de- Stocktaking n 1 the counting and valuing of
cision. -adj 14 staple; standard: stock sizes goods in a shop or business. 2 a reassess-
in clothes. 15 being a cliche; hackneyed: the ment of a person’s current situation and
stock answer, —vb 16 to keep (goods) for prospects.
sale. 17 to obtain a store of (something) for Stocky adj stockier, stockiest (of a person)
future use or sale: to stock up on food. 18 to short but well-built, stockily adv stocki-
supply (a farm) with animals or (a lake or ness n
stream) with fish. -See also stocks. Stockyard n a large yard with pens or cov-
Stockade n an enclosure or barrier of large ered buildings where farm animals are sold.
wooden posts. stodge n Informal heavy and filling starchy
Stockbreeder n a person who breeds or food.
rears farm animals. Stodgy adj stodgier, stodgiest 1 (of food)
stockbroker n a person who buys and sells full of starch and very filling. 2 (of a per-
stocks and shares for customers and re- son) dull, serious, or excessively formal,
ceives a percentage of their profits, stock- stodginess n
broking n Stoep (stoop) n (in South Africa) a veran-
Stock car n a car that has been strengthened dah.
and modified for a form of racing in which Stoic (stow-ik) n 1 a person who suffers
the cars often collide. great difficulties without showing his or
Stock cube n a small solid cube made from her emotions, -adj 2 same as stoical.
dried meat or vegetables, used to add fla- Stoic n 1 a member of the ancient Greek
vouring to stew, soup, etc. school of philosophy which believed that
stock exchange n 1 a a highly organized virtue and happiness could be achieved
market for the purchase and sale of stocks only by calmly accepting Fate, —adj 2 of or
and shares, operated by professional relating to the Stoics. Stoicism n
stockbrokers and market makers according stoical adj suffering great difficulties with-
to fixed rules, b a place where stocks and out showing one’s feelings, stoically adv
shares are traded. 2 the prices or trading stoicism (stow-iss-iz-zum) n
activity of a stock exchange: the stock ex- Stoke vb stoking, stoked 1 to feed and tend
change has been rising. (a fire or furnace). 2 to excite or encourage
stockholder n an owner of some of a (a strong emotion) in oneself or someone
company’s stock. else.
Stockinette n a machine-knitted elastic fab- stokehold n Naut the hold for a ship’s boil-
ric. ers; fire room.
stocking n a long piece of close-fitting nylon Stokehole n a hole in a furnace through
or knitted yarn covering the foot and part which it is stoked.
or all of a woman’s leg. Stoker n a person employed to tend a fur-
stockinged adj in one’s stockinged feet nace on a ship or train powered by steam.
wearing stockings, tights, or socks but no stole1 vbthe past tense of steal.
shoes. stole2 n a long scarf or shawl, worn by
Stocking stitch n alternate rows of plain women.
and purl in knitting. Stolen vb the past participle of steal.
stock in trade n a person’s typical behav- Stolid adj showing little or no emotion or in-
iour or usual work: practicality is the farm- terest in anything, stolidity n stolidly adv
er’s stock in trade.
Stoma (stow-ma) n, pl stomata (stow-ma-
stockist n Commerce Brit a dealer who ta) 1 Bot a pore in a plant leaf that controls
stocks a particular product. the passage of gases into and out of the
Stock market n same as stock exchange, plant. 2 Zool a mouth or mouthlike part.
stockpile vb -piling, -piled 1 to store a large Stomach n 1 an organ inside the body in
quantity of (something) for future use. ~n which food is stored until it has been par-
2 a large store gathered for future use. tially digested. 2 the front of the body
stockpot n Chiefly Brit a pot in which stock around the waist. 3 desire or appetite: he
for soup is made. still has the stomach for a fight, -vb 4 to
stomachache 813 stoppage
put up with: liberals could not stomach the stony-broke adj Brit slang completely with-
rest of the package. out money.
Stomachache n pain in the stomach, such as Stood vb the past of stand.
from indigestion. Also called: stomach Stooge n 1 an actor who feeds lines to a co-
upset, upset stomach median or acts as the butt of his jokes. 2
Stomacher n History a decorative V-shaped Slang someone who is taken advantage of
panel of stiff material worn over the chest by someone in a superior position.
and stomach mainly by women. Stool n 1 a seat with legs but no back. 2
Stomach pump n Med a pump with a long waste matter from the bowels.
tube used for removing the contents of a Stool pigeon n an informer for the police.
person’s stomach, for instance after he or
she has swallowed poison. Stoop1 vb 1 to bend (the body) forward and
Stomp vb to tread or stamp heavily.
downward. 2 to stand or walk with head
and shoulders habitually bent forward. 3
Stompie n S African slang 1 a cigarette butt. stoop to to lower one’s normal standards of
2 a short man. behaviour; degrade oneself: no real journal-
stone n 1 the hard nonmetallic material of ist would stoop to faking. ~n 4 the act, po-
which rocks are made. 2 a small lump of sition, or habit of stooping, stooping adj
rock. 3 Also called: gemstone a precious or stoop2 n US an open porch or small platform
semiprecious stone that has been cut and with steps leading up to it at the entrance to
polished. 4 a piece of rock used for some a building.
particular purpose: gravestone; millstone. 5
the hard central part of fruits such as the Stop vb stopping, stopped 1 to cease from
peach or date. 6 (j >1 stone) Brit a unit of doing (something); discontinue. 2 to cause
weight equal to 14 pounds or 6.350 kilo- (something moving) to halt or (of something
grams. 7 Pathol a hard deposit formed in moving) to come to a halt. 3 to prevent the
the kidney or bladder. 8 heart of stone a continuance or completion of (something). 4
hard or unemotional personality. 9 leave (often foil, by from) to prevent or restrain: I
no stone unturned to do everything pos- stopped her from going on any further. 5 to
sible to achieve something, —adj 10 made keep back: no agreement to stop arms sup-
of stoneware: the polished stone planter, plies. 6 stop up to block or plug: to stop up
—vb stoning, stoned 11 to throw stones at a pipe. 7 to stay or rest: we stopped at a
(someone), for example as a punishment. 12 camp site for a change. 8 to instruct a bank
to remove the stones from (a fruit). not to honour (a cheque). 9 to deduct
Stone Age n a phase of human culture iden-
(money) from pay. 10 Informal to receive (a
blow or hit). 11 Music to alter the vibrating
tified by the use of tools made of stone. length of (a string on a violin, guitar, etc.)
stonechat n a songbird that has black by pressing down on it at some point with
feathers and a reddish-brown breast. the finger. 12 stop at nothing to be pre-
stone-cold adj 1 completely cold, -adv 2 pared to do anything; be ruthless. ~n 13
stone-cold sober completely sober. prevention of movement or progress: you
Stoned adj Slang under the influence of can put a stop to it quite easily. 14 the act
drugs or alcohol. of stopping or the state of being stopped:
stone-deaf adj completely deaf. the car lurched to a stop. 15 a place where
Stone fruit n same as drupe. something halts or pauses: a bus stop. 16
stoneground adj 1 (of flour) made by crush- the act or an instance of blocking or ob-
ing grain between two large stones. 2 made structing. 17 a device that prevents, limits,
with stoneground flour: stoneground or ends the motion of a mechanism or mov-
wholemeal bread. ing part. 18 Brit a full stop. 19 Music a knob
stonemason n a person who is skilled in on an organ that is operated to allow sets of
preparing stone for building. pipes to sound. 20 pull out all the stops to
make a great effort.
stone’s throw n a short distance.
Stopbank n NZ an embankment to prevent
stonewall vb 1 to deliberately prolong a dis- flooding.
cussion by being long-winded or evasive. 2
Cricket (of a batsman) to play defensively. Stopcock n a valve used to control or stop
Stoneware n a hard type of pottery, fired at the flow of a fluid in a pipe.
a very high temperature. stopgap n a thing that serves as a substitute
stonewashed adj (of clothes or fabric) for a short time until replaced by something
given a worn faded look by being washed more suitable.
with many small pieces of stone. stop off vb (often foil, by at) to halt and call
stonework n any structure or part of a somewhere on the way to another place.
building made of stone. Stopover n 1 a break in a journey, —vbstop
stony or stoney adj stonier, stoniest 1 (of 'over 2 to make a stopover.
ground) rough and covered with stones: the Stoppage n 1 the act of stopping something
stony path. 2 (of a face, voice, or attitude) or the state of being stopped: a heart stop-
. unfriendly and unsympathetic, stonily adv page. 2 a deduction of money, such as taxa-
stoppage time 814 straggle
tion, from pay. 3 an organized stopping of where pressure is lowest. 2 the centre of
work during industrial action. any disturbance or trouble.
stoppage time n same as injury time. storm door n an additional door outside an
stopper n a plug for closing a bottle, pipe, ordinary door, providing extra protection
etc. against wind, cold, and rain.
stop press n Brit news items inserted into a storm trooper n a member of the paramili-
newspaper after the printing has been tary wing of the Nazi Party.
started. stormy adj stormier, stormiest 1 (of
stopwatch n a watch which can be stopped weather) violent with dark skies, heavy
instantly for exact timing of a sporting rain or snow, and strong winds. 2 involving
event. violent emotions: a stormy affair.
stormy petrel or storm petrel n 1 a small
storage n 1 the act of storing or the state of sea bird with dark feathers and paler
being stored. 2 space for storing. 3 Comput- underparts. 2 a person who brings trouble.
ers the process of storing information in a
computer. story1 n, pl -ries 1 a description of a chain of
events told or written in prose or verse. 2
storage device n a piece of computer Also called: short story a piece of fiction,
equipment, such as a magnetic tape or a shorter and usually less detailed than a
disk in or on which information can be novel. 3 Also called: story line the plot of a
stored. book or film. 4 a news report. 5 the event or
storage heater n an electric device that material for such a report. 6 Informal a lie.
accumulates and radiates heat generated by story2 n, pl -ries Chiefly US same as storey,
cheap off-peak electricity. storybook n 1 a book containing stories for
store vb storing, stored 1 to keep, set aside, children, -adj 2 better or happier than in
or gather (things) for future use. 2 to place real life: a storybook romance.
furniture or other possessions in a ware- stoup or stoop (stoop) n a small basin in a
house for safekeeping. 3 to supply or stock church for holy water.
(certain goods). 4 Computers to enter or
keep (information) in a storage device. ~n stoush Austral & NZ slang —vb 1 to hit or
5 a shop (in Britain usually a large one). 6 a punch (someone). ~n 2 fighting or vio-
large supply or stock kept for future use. 7 lence.
short for department store. 8 a storage stout adj 1 solidly built or fat. 2 strong and
place, such as a warehouse. 9 Computers sturdy: stout footwear. 3 brave or deter-
chiefly Brit same as memory (sense 7). 10 mined: they were~held up by unexpectedly
in store about to happen; forthcoming: stout resistance. ~n 4 strong dark beer,
you’ve got a treat in store. 11 set great stoutly adv
store by something to value something as stouthearted adj Old-fashioned determined
important. -See also stores. or brave.
storehouse n 1 a building where goods are stove1 n 1 same as cooker (sense 1). 2 any
stored. 2 a collection of things or ideas: a apparatus for heating, such as a kiln.
storehouse of memories. stove2 vb a past tense and past participle of
storeroom n a room in which things are stave.
stored. stovepipe n a pipe that takes fumes and
stores pl n supply or stock of food and other smoke away from a stove.
essentials for a journey. stow vb (often foil, by away) to pack or
storey or esp US story n, pl -reys or -ries a store (something).
floor or level of a building. stowage n 1 space, room, or a charge for
stork n a large wading bird with very long
stowing goods. 2 the act of stowing.
legs, a long bill, and white-and-black feath- stowaway n 1 a person who hides aboard a
ers. ship or aircraft in order to travel free, —vb
stow away 2 to travel in such a way.
storm n 1 a violent weather condition of
strong winds, rain, hail, thunder, lightning, strabismus n Pathol same as squint (sense
etc. 2 a violent disturbance or quarrel: a 3).
storm of protest from the opposition. 3 straddle vb -dling, -died 1 to have one leg or
(usually foil, by of) a heavy discharge of part on each side of (something). 2 US &
bullets or missiles. 4 take a place by storm Canad informal to be in favour of both sides
a to capture or overrun a place by a violent of (an issue).
attack, b to surprise people, but receive Stradivarius n a violin manufactured in
their praise, by being extremely successful Italy by Antonio Stradivari (71644-1737)
at something. -vb 5 to attack or capture (a or his family.
place) suddenly and violently. 6 to shout Strafe vb strafing, strafed to machine-gun
angrily. 7 to move or rush violently or an- (an enemy) from the air.
grily: she stormed into the study. straggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to spread out in
storm centre n 1 the centre of a storm, an untidy and rambling way: the town
straight 815 strangulate
straggled off to the east. 2 to linger behind or work with violent effort (on something).
or wander from a main line or part, strag- 15 to draw (something) taut or be drawn
gler n straggly adj taut.
Straight adj 1 continuing in the same direc- strain2 n 1 a group of animals or plants with-
tion without bending; not curved or crook- in a species or variety, distinguished by one
ed. 2 even, level, or upright. 3 in keeping or more minor characteristics. 2 a trace or
with the facts; accurate. 4 outright or can- streak: a strain of ruthlessness in their
did: a straight rejection. 5 in continuous Play.
succession. 6 (of an alcoholic drink) undi- strained adj 1 (of an action, expression, etc.)
luted. 7 not wavy or curly: straight hair. 8 not natural or spontaneous. 2 (of an atmos-
in good order. 9 (of a play or acting style) phere, relationship, etc.) not relaxed; tense.
straightforward or serious. 10 honest, re- strainer n a sieve used for straining sauces,
spectable, or reliable. 11 Slang heterosex- vegetables, or tea.
ual. 12 Slang conventional in views, cus-
toms, or appearance. 13 Informal no longer strait n 1 (often pl) a narrow channel of the
owing or being owed something: if you buy sea linking two larger areas of sea. 2 straits
the next round we’ll be straight, -adv 14 a position of extreme difficulty: in desper-
in a straight line or direct course. 15 im- ate straits.
mediately; at once: get straight back here. straitened adj in straitened circumstances
16 in a level or upright position: he sat up not having much money.
straight. 17 continuously; uninterruptedly: straitjacket n 1 a strong canvas jacket with
we waited for three hours straight. 18 long sleeves used to bind the arms of a vio-
(often foil, by out) frankly; candidly: she lent person. 2 anything which holds back or
asked me straight out. 19 go straight In- restricts development or freedom: ex-
formal to reform after having been a crimi- porters are wrapped in a straitjacket of
nal. 20 straight away or straightaway at regulations.
once. ~n 21 a straight line, form, part, or strait-laced or straight-laced adj having a
position. 22 Brit a straight part of a race- strict code of moral standards; puritanical.
track.
Strand1 vb 1 to leave or drive (ships or fish)
straighten vb (sometimes foil, by up or out)
1 to make or become straight. 2 to make ashore. 2 to leave (someone) helpless, for
(something) neat or tidy. example without transport or money. ~n 3
Chiefly poetic a shore or beach.
straighten out vb to make (something) less
complicated or confused. Strand2 n 1 one of the individual fibres of
string or wire that form a rope, cord, or
straight face n a serious facial expression cable. 2 a single length of string, hair, wool,
which hides a desire to laugh, straight- or wire. 3 a string of pearls or beads. 4 a
faced adj part of something; element: the many dis-
straight fight n a contest between two can- parate strands of the Anglican Church.
didates only. stranded adj stuck somewhere and unable
straightforward adj 1 (of a person) honest, to leave.
frank, and open. 2 Chiefly Brit (of a task) strange adj 1 odd or unexpected. 2 not
easy to do. known, seen, or experienced before; unfa-
straight man n an actor who acts as the butt miliar. 3 strange to inexperienced (in) or
of a comedian’s jokes. unaccustomed (to): they are in some degree
strain1 n 1 tension or tiredness resulting strange to it. strangely adv strangeness n
from overwork or worry. 2 tension between stranger n 1 any person whom one does not
people or organizations: there are signs of know. 2 a person who is new to a particular
strain between the economic super-powers. place. 3 stranger to a person who is unfa-
3 an intense physical or mental effort. 4 the miliar with or new to something: Paul is no
damage resulting from excessive physical stranger to lavish spending.
exertion. 5 a great demand on the emotions, strangle vb -gling, -gled 1 to kill (someone)
strength, or resources. 6 a way of speaking: by pressing his or her windpipe; throttle. 2
he would have gone on in this strain for to prevent the growth or development of:
some time. 7 Physics the change in dimen- another attempt at strangling national iden-
sion of a body caused by outside forces. 8 tity. 3 to stifle (a voice, cry, or laugh) by
strains Music a theme, melody, or tune. swallowing suddenly: the words were
-vb 9 to subject (someone) to mental ten- strangled by sobs, strangler n
sion or stress. 10 to make an intense effort:
the rest were straining to follow the con- stranglehold n 1 a wrestling hold in which a
versation. 11 to use (resources) to, or be- wrestler’s arms are pressed against his op-
yond, their limits. 12 to injure or damage ponent’s windpipe. 2 complete power or
(oneself or a part of one’s body) by ^control over a person or situation.
overexertion: he appeared to have strained strangulate vb -lating, -lated 1 Pathol to
a muscle. 13 to pour (a substance) through constrict (a hollow organ or vessel) so as to
a sieve or filter. 14 strain at to push, pull, stop the flow of air or blood through it: a
strap 816 streetcar
badly strangulated hernia. 2 same as strawberry blonde adj 1 (of hair) reddish-
strangle, strangulation n blonde. —n 2 a woman with such hair.
strap n 1 a strip of strong flexible material strawberry mark n a red birthmark,
used for carrying, lifting, fastening, or hold- straw-coloured adj pale yellow: straw-
ing things in place. 2 a loop of leather or coloured hair.
rubber, hanging from the roof in a bus or straw poll or vote n an unofficial poll or
train for standing passengers to hold on to. vote taken to find out the opinion of a
3 short for shoulder strap. 4 the strap a group or the public on some issue.
beating with a strap as a punishment. -vb stray vb 1 to wander away from the correct
strapping, strapped 5 to tie or bind (some- path or from a given area. 2 to move away
thing) with a strap. from the point or lose concentration. 3 to
straphanger n Informal a passenger in a bus fail to live up to certain moral standards:
or train who has to travel standing and her man had strayed. ~n 4 a domestic ani-
holding on to a strap. mal that has wandered away from its home.
strapless adj (of women’s clothes) without 5 Old-fashioned a lost or homeless child.
straps over the shoulders. ~adj 6 (of a domestic animal) having
strapped adj strapped for Slang badly in wandered away from its home. 7 random or
need of: strapped for cash. separated from the main group of things of
strapping adj tall, strong, and healthy- their kind: stray bombs and rockets.
looking: a strapping young lad. streak n 1 a long thin stripe or trace of some
strata n the plural of stratum. contrasting colour. 2 (of lightning) a sudden
flash. 3 a quality or characteristic: a nasty
stratagem n a clever plan to deceive an streak. 4 a short stretch of good or bad luck:
enemy. a losing streak. 5 Informal an instance of
strategic (strat-ee-jik) adj 1 planned to running naked through a public place, -vb
achieve an advantage; tactical. 2 (of weap- 6 to mark (something) with a streak or
ons, esp. missiles) directed against an en- streaks: sweat streaking the grime of his
emy’s homeland rather than used on a face. 7 to move quickly in a straight line. 8
battlefield, strategically adv Informal to run naked through a public
strategy n, pl -gies 1 a long-term plan for place, streaked or streaky adj streaker n
success, such as in politics or business. 2 stream n 1 a small river. 2 any steady flow
the art of the planning and conduct of a of water or other liquid. 3 something that
war. strategist n resembles a stream in moving continuously
strath n Scot a flat river valley. in a line or particular direction: the stream
strathspey n 1 a Scottish dance with gliding of traffic. 4 a fast and continuous flow of
steps, slower than a reel. 2 music for this speech: the constant stream of jargon. 5
dance. Brit, Austral, & NZ a class of school chil-
stratified adj 1 (of rocks) formed in horizon- dren grouped together because of similar
tal layers of different materials. 2 Sociol (of ability. ~vb 6 to pour in a continuous flow:
a society) divided into different classes or rain streamed down her cheeks. 7 (of a
groups, stratification n crowd of people or traffic or a herd of ani-
mals) to move in unbroken succession. 8 to
stratocumulus (strat-oh-kew-myew-luss) n, float freely or with a waving motion: a
pl -li,(-lie) Meteorol an unbroken stretch of flimsy pink dress that streamed out behind
dark grey cloud. her. 9 Brit to group (school children) in
stratosphere n the atmospheric layer be- streams, streaming n streamlet n
tween about 15 and 50 km above the earth. streamer n 1 a long coiled ribbon of col-
stratum (strah-tum) n, pl -ta (-ta) 1 any of oured paper that unrolls when tossed. 2 a
the distinct layers into which certain rocks long narrow flag.
are divided. 2 a layer of ocean or atmos- streamline vb -lining, -lined 1 to improve
phere marked off naturally or decided arbi- (something) by removing the parts that are
trarily by man. 3 a social class. least useful or profitable. 2 to make (an air-
stratus (stray-tuss) n, pl -ti (-tie) a grey craft, boat, or vehicle) less resistant to
layer cloud. flowing air or water by improving its shape,
straw n 1 dried stalks of threshed grain, streamlined adj
such as wheat or barley. 2 a single stalk of street n 1 a public road that is usually lined
straw. 3 a long thin hollow paper or plastic with buildings, esp. in a town: Sauchiehall
tube, used for sucking up liquids into the Street. 2 the part of the road between the
mouth. 4 clutch at straws to turn in des- pavements, used by vehicles. 3 the people
peration to something with little chance of living in a particular street. 4 on the
success. 5 draw the short straw to be the streets homeless. 5 right up one’s street
person chosen to perform an unpleasant Informal just what one knows or likes best.
task, -adj 6 made of straw: straw baskets. 6 streets ahead of Informal superior to or
strawberry n, pl -ries a sweet fleshy red more advanced than.
fruit with small seeds on the outside. streetcar n US& Canad a tram.
street credibility 817 strike
street credibility or cred n a command of foil, by over) to extend in time: a dinner
the styles, knowledge, etc., associated with which stretched over three consecutive
urban youngsters who are respected by evenings. 9 to put a great strain upon (one’s
their contemporaries: having children was money or resources). 10 to make do with
the quickest way to lose your street cred. (limited resources): the Walkers decided to
street value n the price that would be paid stretch their budget. 11 to extend (some-
for goods, esp. illegal ones such as drugs, by one) to the limit of his or her abilities. 12 to
the final user: cocaine with a street value of extend (someone) to the limit of his or her
£2.5m was seized at Heathrow airport. tolerance. 13 stretch a point to make an
streetwalker n a prostitute who tries to find exception not usually made. ~n 14 the act
customers in the streets. of stretching. 15 a large or continuous ex-
streetwise adj knowing how to survive or panse or distance: this stretch of desert. 16
succeed in poor and often criminal sections extent in time. 17 a term of imprisonment.
18 at a stretch Chiefly Brit a with some
of big cities.
difficulty; by making a special effort, b at
strength n 1 the state or quality of being one time: for hours at a stretch they had no
physically or mentally strong. 2 the ability conversation, -adj 19 (of clothes) able to
to withstand great force, stress, or pres- be stretched without permanently losing
sure. 3 something regarded as valuable or a shape: a stretch suit, stretchy adj
source of power: his chief strength is rock-
etry. 4 potency or effectiveness, such as of stretcher n a frame covered with canvas, on
a drink or drug. 5 power to convince: the which an ill or injured person is carried.
strength of this argument. 6 degree of in- stretcher-bearer n a person who helps to
tensity or concentration of colour, light, carry a stretcher.
sound, or flavour: a strong cheese. 7 the strew vb strewing, strewed, strewn to
total number of people in a group: at full scatter (things) over a surface.
strength; 50 000 men below strength. 8 go strewth interj Informal an expression of
from strength to strength to have ever- surprise or alarm.
increasing success. 9 on the strength of on stria (strye-a) n, pl striae (strye-ee) Geol a
the basis of or relying upon. scratch or groove on the surface of a rock
strengthen vb to make (something) stronger crystal.
or become stronger. striation n 1 an arrangement or pattern of
strenuous adj requiring or involving the use striae. 2 same as stria, striated adj
of great energy or effort, strenuously adv stricken adj badly affected by disease, pain,
streptococcus (strep-toe-kok-uss) n, pl grief, etc.: flood-stricken areas.
-cocci (-kok-eye) a bacterium occurring in
chains and including many species that strict adj 1 severely correct in attention to
cause disease. behaviour or morality: a strict disciplinar-
ian. 2 following carefully and exactly a set
streptomycin n Med an antibiotic used in of rules: she is a strict vegetarian. 3 (of a
the treatment of tuberculosis and other rule or law) very precise and requiring total
bacterial infections. obedience: a strict code of practice. 4 (of a
stress n 1 mental, emotional, or physical meaning) exact: this is not, in the strictest
strain or tension. 2 special emphasis or sig- sense, a biography. 5 (of a punishment, etc.)
nificance. 3 emphasis placed upon a syllable harsh or severe. 6 complete; absolute: strict
by pronouncing it more loudly than those obedience, strictly adv strictness n
that surround it. 4 Physics force producing stricture n Formal a severe criticism.
a change in shape or volume. —vb 5 to give
emphasis to (a point or subject): she stride n 1 a long step or pace. 2 the length of
stressed how difficult it had been. 6 to pro- such a step. 3 a striding walk. 4 progress or
nounce (a word or syllable) more loudly development: he has made great strides in
than those surrounding it. stressful adj regaining his confidence. 5 a regular pace or
stressed-out adj Informal suffering from
rate of progress: it put me off my stride. 6
take something in one’s stride to do some-
anxiety or tension. thing without difficulty or effort, -vb
stretch vb 1 stretch over or for to extend striding, strode, stridden 7 to walk with
or spread over (a specified distance): the long steps or paces. 8 stride over or across
flood barrier stretches for several miles. 2 to cross (over a space or an obstacle) with a
to draw out or extend (something) or to be stride.
drawn out or extended in length or area. 3
to distort or lengthen (something) or to be strident adj 1 (of a voice or sound) loud and
distorted or lengthened permanently. 4 to harsh. 2 loud, persistent, and forceful: a
extend (the limbs or body), for example strident critic of the establishment, stri-
when one has just woken up. 5 (often foil, dency n
by out, forward, etc.) to reach or hold out (a strife n angry or violent struggle; conflict,
part of one’s body). 6 to reach or suspend (a strike vb striking, struck 1 (of employees)
rope, etc.) from one place to another. 7 to to stop work collectively as a protest
. draw (something) tight; tighten. 8 (usually against working conditions, low pay, etc. 2
strikebreaker 818 strip cartoon
to hit (someone). 3 to cause (something) to string of wins. 4 a tightly stretched wire or
come into sudden or violent contact with cord on a musical instrument, such as the
something. 4 strike at to attack (someone guitar, violin, or piano, that produces sound
or something). 5 to cause (a match) to light when vibrated. 5 the strings Music a
by friction. 6 to sound (a specific note) on a violins, violas, cellos, and double basses col-
musical instrument. 7 (of a clock) to indi- lectively. b the section of an orchestra con-
cate (a time) by the sound of a bell. 8 to af- sisting of such instruments. 6 a group of
fect (someone) deeply in a particular way: characters that can be treated as a unit by a
he never struck me as the supportive type. computer program. 7 with no strings at-
9 to enter the mind of: a brilliant thought tached (of an offer) without complications
struck me. 10 (of a poisonous snake) to in- or conditions. 8 pull strings Informal to use
jure by biting. 11 (past participle struck or one’s power or influence, esp. secretly or
stricken) to change into (a different state): unofficially. ~adj 9 composed of stringlike
struck blind. 12 to be noticed by; catch: the strands woven in a large mesh: a string bag.
heavy smell of incense struck my nostrils. ~vb stringing, strung 10 to hang or
13 to arrive at (something) suddenly or un- stretch (something) from one point to an-
expectedly: to strike on a solution. 14 to af- other. 11 to provide (something) with a
flict (someone) with a disease: she has been string or strings. 12 to thread (beads) on a
struck down by breast cancer. 15 to discov- string. 13 to extend in a line or series: towns
er a source of (gold, oil, etc.). 16 to reach strung out along the valley, stringlike adj
(something) by agreement: to strike a deal. string along vb Informal 1 string along
17 to take up (a posture or an attitude). 18 with to accompany: I’ll string along with
to take apart or pack up: to strike camp. 19 you. 2 to deceive (someone) over a period of
to make (a coin) by stamping it. 20 strike time: she had only been stringing him along.
home to achieve the desired effect. 21 string bean n same as runner bean.
strike it rich Informal to have an unexpec-
ted financial success. —n 22 a stopping of string course n Archit an ornamental proj-
work, as a protest against working condi- ecting band along a wall.
tions, low pay, etc.: a one-day strike. 23 an stringed adj (of musical instruments) hav-
act or instance of striking. 24 a military at- ing strings.
tack, esp. an air attack on a target on land stringent (strin-jent) adj requiring strict at-
or at sea: a pre-emptive strike. 25 Baseball tention to rules or detail, stringency n
a pitched ball swung at and missed by the stringer n 1 Archit a long horizontal timber
batter. 26 Tenpin bowling the knocking beam that connects upright posts. 2 a jour-
down of all the pins with one bowl. 27 the nalist employed by a newspaper on a part-
discovery of a source of gold, oil, etc. -See time basis to cover a particular town or
also strike off, strike out, strike up. area.
strikebreaker n a person who tries to make string quartet n Music 1 a group of musi-
a strike fail by working or by taking the cians consisting of two violins, one viola,
place of those on strike. and one cello. 2 a piece of music composed
strike off vb to remove the name of (a doc- for such a group.
tor or lawyer who has done something string up vb Informal to kill (a person) by
wrong) from an official register, preventing hanging.
him or her from practising again.
stringy adj stringier, stringiest 1 thin and
strike out vb 1 to score out (something writ- rough: stringy hair. 2 (of meat or other
ten). 2 to start out or begin: I’m going to food) tough and fibrous.
strike out for town.
strip1 vb stripping, stripped 1 to take (the
strike pay n money paid to strikers by a covering or clothes) off (oneself, another
trade union. person, or thing). 2 a to undress completely,
striker n 1 a person who is on strike. 2 Soc- b to perform a striptease. 3 to empty (a
cer an attacking player. building) of all furniture. 4 to take some-
strike up vb 1 to begin (a conversation or thing away from (someone): they were
friendship). 2 (of a band or an orchestra) to stripped of their possessions. 5 to remove
begin to play. (paint) from (a surface or furniture): she
striking adj 1 attracting attention; impres- stripped the plaster from the kitchen walls.
sive: her striking appearance. 2 very no- 6 (often foil, by down) to dismantle (an en-
ticeable: a striking difference, strikingly gine or a mechanism) into individual parts.
adv ~n 7 the act or an instance of undressing
Strine n a humorous transliteration of Aus- or of performing a striptease.
tralian pronunciation, as in Gloria Soame strip2 n 1 a long narrow piece of something.
for glorious home. 2 short for airstrip. 3 the clothes a football
string n 1 thin cord or twine used for tying, team plays in.
hanging, or binding things. 2 a group of ob- strip cartoon n a sequence of drawings in a
jects threaded on a single strand: a string of newspaper or magazine, telling an amusing
pearls. 3 a series of things or events: a story or an adventure.
strip club 819 structuralism
strip club n a club in which striptease per- a strong smell of explosive. 4 (of argu-
formances take place. ments) supported by evidence; convincing.
stripe1 n 1 a long band of colour that differs 5 concentrated; not weak or diluted. 6 hav-
from the surrounding material. 2 a chevron ing a powerful taste or smell: strong per-
or band worn on a uniform to indicate rank. fume. 7 (of language) using swear words. 8
~vb striping, striped 3 to mark (some- (of a person) self-confident: a strong per-
thing) with stripes, striped, stripy, or sonality. 9 committed or fervent: a strong
stripey adj believer in free trade. 10 important or hav-
stripe2 n a stroke from a whip, rod, or cane, ing a lot of power or influence: a strong pro-
strip lighting n a method of electric lighting
Europe faction in the party. 11 very compe-
that uses fluorescent lamps in long glass tent at a particular activity: they sent a
very strong team to the Olympics. 12 con-
tubes. taining or having a specified number: the
stripling n a teenage boy or young man. 700-strong workforce. 13 (of an accent) dis-
stripper n 1 a person who performs a strip- tinct and indicating where the speaker
tease. 2 a tool or liquid for removing paint comes from. 14 (of a relationship) stable
or varnish. and likely to last. 15 having an extreme or
strip-searching n the practice by police or drastic effect: strong discipline. 16 (of a
customs officials of stripping a prisoner or colour) very bright and intense. 17 (of a
suspect naked and searching him or her for wind, current, or earthquake) moving fast
drugs or smuggled goods. or intensely. 18 (of an economy, an indus-
striptease n an entertainment in which a try, a currency, etc.) growing, successful, or
person gradually undresses to music. increasing in value. ~adv 19 come on
strive vb striving, strove, striven to make a strong Informal a to show blatantly that
great effort: to strive for a peaceful settle- one is sexually attracted to someone, b to
ment. make a forceful or exaggerated impression.
20 going strong Informal working or per-
strobe n short for strobe lighting or stro- forming well; thriving, strongly adv
boscope.
strobe lighting n a flashing beam of very strong-arm adj Informal involving physical
bright light produced by a perforated disc force or violence: strong-arm tactics.
rotating in front of a light source. strongbox n a box in which valuables are
stroboscope n an instrument producing a locked for safety.
very bright flashing light which makes strong drink n alcoholic drink.
moving people appear stationary. stronghold n 1 an area in which a particular
strode vb the past tense of stride. belief is shared by many people: a Labour
Stroganoff n a dish of sliced beef cooked stronghold. 2 a place that is well defended;
with onions and mushrooms, served in a fortress.
sour-cream sauce. Also called: beef Stroga- strong-minded adj not easily persuaded to
noff change beliefs or opinions.
stroke vb stroking, stroked 1 to touch or strong point n something at which one is
brush lightly or gently. ~n 2 a light touch very good: diplomacy wasn’t his strong
or caress with the fingers. 3 Pathol rupture point.
of a blood vessel in the brain resulting in strongroom n a specially designed room in
loss of consciousness, often followed by pa- which valuables are locked for safety.
ralysis and damage to speech. 4 a blow,
knock, or hit. 5 an action or occurrence of strontium n Chem a soft silvery-white me-
the kind specified: a fantastic stroke of tallic element: the radioactive isotope
luck; a stroke of intuition. 6 a the striking strontium-90 is used in nuclear power
of a clock, b the hour registered by this: at sources and is a hazardous nuclear fallout
the stroke of twelve. 7 a mark made by a product. Symbol: Sr
pen or paintbrush. 8 same as solidus: used strop n a leather strap for sharpening ra-
esp. when dictating or reading aloud. 9 the zors.
hitting of the ball in sports such as golf or stroppy adj -pier, -piest Brit informal bad-
cricket. 10 any one of the repeated move- tempered or deliberately awkward.
ments used by a swimmer. 11 a particular
style of swimming, such as the crawl. 12 a strove vb the past tense of strive,
single pull on the oars in rowing. 13 at a struck vb a past of strike.
stroke with one action. 14 not a stroke (of structural adj 1 of or having structure or a
work) no work at all. structure. 2 of or forming part of the struc-
stroll vb 1 to walk about in a leisurely man- ture of a building. 3 Chem of or involving
ner. ~n 2 a leisurely walk. the arrangement of atoms in molecules: a
strong adj stronger, strongest 1 having 'structural formula, structurally adv
physical power. 2 not easily broken or in- structuralism n an approach to social sci-
jured; solid or robust. 3 great in degree or ences and to literature which sees changes
█ intensity; not faint or feeble: a strong voice; in the subject as caused and organized by a
structure 820 study
hidden set of universal rules, structuralist born dandruff, stubbornly adv stubborn-
n, adj ness n
structure n 1 something that has been built stubby adj -bier, -biest short and broad.
or organized. 2 the way the individual parts STUC Scottish Trades Union Congress,
of something are made, built, or organized stucco n 1 plaster used for coating or deco-
into a whole. 3 the pattern of inter- rating outside walls. ~vb -coing, -coed 2 to
relationships within an organization, so- apply stucco to (a building).
ciety, etc. 4 an organized method of work-
ing, thinking, or behaving. 5 Chem the ar- stuck vb 1 the past of stick2. —adj 2 Infor-
rangement of atoms in a molecule of a mal baffled by a problem or unable to find
chemical compound. 6 Geol the way in an answer to a question. 3 stuck on Slang
which a rock is made up of its component feel a strong attraction (to); infatuated
parts. ~vb -turing, -tured 7 to arrange with. 4 get stuck in Informal to perform a
(something) into an organized system or task with determination.
pattern: a structured school curriculum. stuck-up adj Informal proud or snobbish.
strudel n a thin sheet of filled dough rolled stud1 n 1 a small piece of metal attached to a
up and baked: apple strudel. surface for decoration. 2 a fastener consist-
struggle vb -gling, -gled 1 to work or strive: ing of two discs at either end of a short bar,
the old regime struggled for power; he usually used with clothes. 3 one of several
struggled to keep the conversation flowing. small round objects attached to the sole of a
2 to move about violently in an attempt to football boot to give better grip. —vb stud-
escape from something restricting. 3 to ding, studded 4 to decorate or cover (some-
fight with someone, often for possession of thing) with or as if with studs: apartment
something. 4 to go or progress with difficul- houses studded with satellite dishes.
ty. 5 struggle on to manage to do (some- stud2 n 1 a male animal, esp. a stallion kept
thing) with difficulty. ~n 6 something re- for breeding. 2 Also: stud farm a place
quiring a lot of exertion or effort to where animals are bred. 3 the state of being
achieve. 7 a fight or battle, struggling adj kept for breeding purposes. 4 Slang a virile
strum vb strumming, strummed 1 to play or sexually active man.
(a stringed instrument) by sweeping the student n 1 a person following a course of
thumb or a plectrum across the strings. 2 to study in a school, college, or university. 2 a
play (a tune) in this way. person who makes a thorough study of a
strumpet n Archaic a prostitute or promis- subject: a keen student of opinion polls.
cuous woman. studied adj carefully practised or planned:
strung vb the past of string. studied calm.
strung up adj Informal tense or nervous: studio n, pl -dios 1 a room in which an art-
you sound a bit strung up. ist, photographer, or musician works. 2 a
room used to record television or radio pro-
strut vb strutting, strutted 1 to walk in a grammes or to make films or records. 3 stu-
stiff proud way with head high and shoul- dios the premises of a radio, television,
ders back; swagger. ~n 2 a piece of wood record, or film company.
or metal that forms part of the framework
of a structure. studio couch n a backless couch that can be
converted into a double bed.
strychnine (strik-neen) n a very poisonous
drug used in small quantities as a stimulant. studio flat n a flat with one main room and,
usually, a small kitchen and bathroom. Also
Stuart adj of or relating to the royal house called: studio apartment
that ruled Scotland from 1371 to 1714 and
England from 1603 to 1714. studious (styoo-dee-uss) adj 1 serious,
thoughtful, and hard-working. 2 precise,
stub n 1 a short piece remaining after some- careful, or deliberate, studiously adv
thing has been used: a cigarette stub. 2 the
section of a ticket or cheque which the pur- study vb studies, studying, studied 1 to be
chaser keeps as a receipt. ~vb stubbing, engaged in the learning or understanding of
stubbed 3 to strike (one’s toe or foot) pain- (a subject). 2 to investigate or examine
fully against a hard surface. 4 stub out to (something) by observation and research. 3
put out (a cigarette or cigar) by pressing the to look at (something or someone) closely;
end against a surface. scrutinize. —n, pl studies 4 the act or pro-
cess of studying. 5 a room used for study-
stubble n 1 the short stalks left in a field ing, reading, or writing. 6 (often pl) work
where a crop has been harvested. 2 the relating to a particular area of learning: en-
short bristly hair on the chin of a man who vironmental studies. 7 an investigation and
has not shaved for a while, stubbly adj analysis of a particular subject. 8 a paper or
stubble-jumper n Canad slang a prairie book produced as a result of study. 9 a
grain farmer. work of art, such as a drawing, done for
stubborn adj 1 refusing to agree or give in. 2 practice or in preparation for another work.
persistent and determined. 3 difficult to 10 a musical composition designed to devel-
handle, treat, or overcome: the most stub- op playing technique.
stuff 821 style
stuff n 1 substance or material. 2 any collec- stunk vb a past of stink.
tion of unnamed things. 3 the raw material Stunner n Informal a person or thing of
of something. 4 subject matter, skill, etc.: great beauty.
this journalist knew his stuff. 5 woollen stunning adj Informal very attractive or im-
fabric. 6 do one’s stuff Informal to do what pressive. stunningly adv
is expected of one. ~vb 7 to pack or fill
(something) completely; cram. 8 to force, stunt1 vb to prevent or slow down (the
shove, or squeeze (something somewhere): I growth or development) of a plant, animal,
or person, stunted adj
stuffed it in my briefcase. 9 to fill (food
such as poultry or tomatoes) with a sea- stunt2 n 1 an acrobatic or dangerous piece of
soned mixture. 10 to fill (a dead animal’s action in a film or television programme. 2
skin) with material so as to restore the anything spectacular or unusual done to
shape of the live animal. 11 get stuffed! gain publicity. ~adj 3 of or relating to ac-
Brit slang an exclamation of anger or an- robatic or dangerous pieces of action in
noyance with someone. 12 stuff oneself or films or television programmes: a stunt
one’s face to eat a large amount of food. man.
stuffed shirt n Informal a pompous or old- stupefaction n the state of being unable to
fashioned person. think clearly because of tiredness or bore-
dom.
stuffed-up adj having the passages of one’s
nose blocked with mucus. stupefy vb -pefies, -pefying, -pefied 1 to
make (someone) feel so bored and tired that
stuffing n 1 a mixture of ingredients with he or she is unable to think clearly. 2 to
which poultry or meat is stuffed before confuse or astound (someone), stupefying
cooking. 2 the material used to fill and give adj
shape to soft toys, pillows, furniture, etc.; stupendous adj very large or impressive,
padding. stupendously adv
stuffy adj -ier, -iest 1 lacking fresh air. 2 stupid adj 1 lacking in common sense or in-
old-fashioned and very formal: she was telligence. 2 trivial, silly, or childish: we got
glad to escape stuffy Victorian England. into a stupid quarrel. 3 unable to think
stuffiness n clearly; dazed: stupid with tiredness, stu-
stultify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to dull (the pidity n stupidly adv
mind) by boring routine, stultifying adj stupor n a state of near unconsciousness in
stumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to trip and almost which a person is unable to behave normal-
fall while walking or running. 2 to walk in ly or think clearly.
an unsteady or unsure way. 3 to make mis- sturdy adj -dier, -diest 1 (of a person)
takes or hesitate in speech. 4 stumble healthy, strong, and unlikely to tire or be-
across, on or upon to encounter or discover come injured. 2 (of a piece of furniture,
(someone or something) by accident. ~n 5 shoes, etc.) strongly built or made, sturdily
an act of stumbling. adv
stumbling block n any obstacle that pre- sturgeon n a bony fish from which caviar is
vents something from taking place or pro- obtained.
gressing. stutter vb 1 to speak (a word or phrase)
stump n 1 the base of a tree trunk left stand- with involuntary repetition of initial con-
ing after the tree has been cut down or has sonants. ~n 2 the tendency to involuntari-
fallen. 2 the part of something, such as a ly repeat initial consonants while speaking,
tooth or limb, that remains after a larger stuttering n
part has been removed. 3 Cricket any of sty1 n, pl sties a pen in which pigs are kept.
three upright wooden sticks that, with two sty2 or stye n, pl sties or styes inflamma-
bails laid across them, form a wicket. ~vb
4 to baffle or confuse (someone). 5 Cricket tion of a gland at the base of an eyelash.
to dismiss (a batsman) by breaking his Stygian (stij-jee-an) adj Chiefly literary
wicket with the ball. 6 Chiefly US & Canad dark or gloomy.
to campaign or canvass (an area), by politi- style n 1 a form of appearance, design, or
cal speech-making. 7 to walk with heavy production: I like that style of dress. 2 the
steps; trudge. way in which something is done: a new
stump up vb Brit informal to give (the style of command. 3 elegance or refinement
money required). of manners and dress: he has bags of style.
4 a distinctive manner of expression in
stumpy adj stumpier, stumpiest short and words, music, painting, etc.: a painting in
thick like a stump; stubby. the Expressionist style. 5 popular fashion
stun vb stunning, stunned 1 to shock or in dress and looks: the old ones had gone
astonish (someone) so that he or she is un- out of style. 6 a fashionable or showy way
able to speak or act. 2 (of a heavy blow or "of life: the newly rich could dine in style. 7
fall) to make (a person or an animal) uncon- the particular kind of spelling, punctuation,
scious. and design followed in a book, journal, or
stung vb the past of sting. publishing house. 8 Bot the stemlike part of
styling mousse 822 subjugate
a flower that bears the stigma. —vb styl- subcontinent n a large land mass that is a
ing, styled 9 to design, shape, or tailor: distinct part of a continent, such as India is
neatly styled hair. 10 to name or call: of Asia.
Walsh, who styled himself the Memory subcontract n 1 a secondary contract by
Man. which the main contractor for a job puts
styling mousse n a light foam applied to the work out to another company. —vb 2 to let
hair before styling in order to hold the out (work) on a subcontract, subcontrac-
style. tor n
stylish adj smart, fashionable, and attract- subculture n a group of people within a so-
ing attention, stylishly adv ciety or class with a distinct pattern of be-
stylist n 1 a hairdresser who styles hair. 2 a haviour, beliefs, and attitudes.
person who performs, writes, or acts with subcutaneous (sub-cute-ayn-ee-uss) adj
great attention to the particular style he or Med beneath the skin.
she employs. subdivide vb -viding, -vided to divide (a
stylistic adj of the techniques used in creat- part of something) into smaller parts, sub-
ing or performing a work of art: there are division n
many stylistic problems facing the per- subdue vb -duing, -dued 1 to overcome and
formers of Baroque music, stylistically bring (a person or people) under control by
adv persuasion or force. 2 to make (feelings,
stylized or -ised adj conforming to an estab- colour, or lighting) less intense.
lished stylistic form. subeditor n a person who checks and edits
stylus n a needle-like device in the pick-up text for a newspaper or other publication.
arm of a record player that rests in the subgroup n a small group that is part of a
groove in the record and picks up the sound larger group.
signals.
subheading n the heading of a subdivision
stymie vb -mieing, -mied 1 to hinder or foil of a piece of writing.
(someone): the President was stymied by a
reluctant Congress. ~n, pl -mies 2 Golf subhuman adj lacking the intelligence or de-
(formerly) a situation in which an oppo- cency expected of a human being.
nent’s ball is blocking the line between the subject n 1 the person, thing, or topic being
hole and the ball about to be played. dealt with or discussed. 2 any branch of
styptic adj 1 used to stop bleeding: a styptic learning considered as a course of study. 3 a
pencil. ~n 2 a styptic drug. person, object, idea, or scene portrayed in a
suave (swahv) adj (esp. of a man) smooth, work of art. 4 Grammar a word or phrase
confident, and sophisticated, suavely adv that represents the person or thing per-
forming the action of the verb in a sentence;
sub n 1 short for subeditor, submarine, for example, the cat in the sentence The cat
subscription or substitute. 2 Brit informal catches mice. 5 a person or thing that
an advance payment of wages or salary. undergoes an experiment or treatment. 6 a
Formal term: subsistence allowance —vb person under the rule of a monarch or gov-
subbing, subbed 3 to act as a substitute. ernment: Zambian subjects. -adj 7 being
sub- or before r sur- prefix used with many under the rule or a monarch or government:
main words to mean: 1 situated under or a subject race. 8 subject to a showing a
beneath: subterranean. 2 secondary in rank; tendency towards: they are expensive and
subordinate: sublieutenant; surrogate. 3 subject to over-runs in cost and time, b ex-
falling short of; less than or imperfectly: posed or vulnerable to: subject to ridicule, c
subarctic; subhuman. 4 forming a subdivi- conditional upon: pay is subject to negotia-
sion or less important part: subcommittee. tion. —adv 9 subject to under the condi-
subaltern n any commissioned army officer tion that something takes place: my visit
below the rank of captain. was agreed subject to certain conditions,
subaqua adj of or relating to underwater —vb (sub-ject) 10 subject to a to
sport: subaqua swimming. cause (someone) to experience (some-
subatomic adj Physics of, relating to, or thing unpleasant): they were subjected to
being one of the particles making up an beatings, b to bring under the control or
atom. authority (of): to subject a soldier to disci-
subcommittee n a small committee consist-
pline. subjection n
ing of members of a larger committee and subjective adj 1 of or based on a person’s
which is set up to look into a particular emotions or prejudices, —n 2 Grammar the
matter. grammatical case in certain languages that
subconscious adj 1 happening or existing identifies the subject of a verb, subjective-
without one’s awareness. —n 2 Psychol the ly adv
part of the mind that contains memories sub judice (sub joo-diss-ee) adj before a
and motives of which one is not aware but court of law: he declined to comment on the
which can influence one’s behaviour, sub- case saying it was sub judice.
consciously adv subjugate vb -gating, -gated to bring (a
subjunctive 823 subsidize
group of people) under one’s control, sub- that functions as an adjective, an adverb, or
jugation n a noun rather than one that functions as a
subjunctive Grammar -adj 1 denoting a sentence in its own right.
mood of verbs used when the content of the suborn vb Formal to bribe or incite (a per-
clause is being doubted, supposed, or feared son) to commit a wrongful act.
true, for example were in the sentence I’d subplot n a secondary plot in a novel, play,
be careful if I were you. —n 2 the subjunc- or film.
tive mood. subpoena (sub-pee-na) n 1 a legal document
sublet vb -letting, -let to rent out (property requiring a person to appear before a court
which one is renting from someone else). of law at a specified time. -vb -naing,
sublieutenant n a junior officer in a navy, -naed 2 to summon (someone) with a sub-
sublimate vb -mating, -mated Psychol to di- poena.
rect the energy of (a strong desire, esp. a sub-post office n (in Britain) a post office
sexual one) into activities that are socially which is run by a self-employed agent for
more acceptable, sublimation n the Post Office.
sublime adj 1 causing deep emotions and sub rosa (sub rose-a) adv Literary in secret,
feelings of wonder or joy. 2 without equal; subroutine n a section of a computer pro-
supreme. 3 of great moral, artistic, or spiri- gram that is stored only once but can be
tual value. ~n 4 the sublime something used at several different points in the pro-
that is sublime. -vb -liming, -limed 5 gram.
Chem, physics to change directly from a
solid to a vapour without first melting, subscribe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 (usually
sublimely adv foil, by to) to pay (money) as a contribution
(to a charity, for a magazine, etc.) at regu-
subliminal adj resulting from or relating to lar intervals. 2 subscribe to to give support
mental processes of which the individual is or approval: I do not subscribe to this view.
not aware: the subliminal message. subscriber n
sub-machine-gun n a portable automatic or subscriber trunk dialling n Brit a system al-
semiautomatic gun with a short barrel. lowing telephone users to obtain trunk calls
submarine n 1 a vessel which can operate by dialling direct without the help of an op-
below the surface of the sea. -adj 2 exist- erator.
ing or located below the surface of the sea: subscript Printing -adj 1 (of a character)
submarine cables, submariner n written or printed below the line. ~n 2 a
submerge vb -merging, -merged 1 to put or subscript character.
go below the surface of water or another subscription n 1 a payment for issues of a
liquid. 2 to involve totally: she submerged publication over a specified period of time.
herself in her work, submersion n 2 money paid or promised, such as to a
submersible adj 1 capable of operating charity or the fund raised in this way. 3
under water. ~n 2 a small vessel designed Chiefly Brit the membership fees paid to a
to operate under water. society. 4 an advance order for a new prod-
submission n 1 an act or instance of submit- uct.
ting. 2 something submitted, such as a pro- subsection n any of the smaller parts into
posal. 3 the state in which someone has to which a section may be divided.
accept the control of another person.
subsequent adj occurring after; succeeding,
submissive adj showing quiet obedience, subsequently adv
submissively adv submissiveness n
subservient adj 1 overeager to carry out
submit vb -mitting, -mitted 1 to accept the someone else’s wishes. 2 of less importance
will of another person or a superior force. 2 or rank: the subservient role of women in
to send (an application or proposal) to society, subservience n
someone for judgment or consideration. 3 to
be voluntarily subjected (to medical or psy- subset n a mathematical set contained with-
chiatric treatment). in a larger set.
subnormal adj 1 less than the normal: sub- subside vb -siding, -sided 1 to become less
normal white blood cells. 2 No longer in loud, excited, or violent. 2 to sink to a lower
technical use having a lower than average level. 3 (of the surface of the earth) to cave
intelligence. ~n 3 No longer in technical in; collapse, subsidence n
use a subnormal person. subsidiarity n the principle of taking politi-
subordinate adj 1 of lesser rank or impor- cal decisions at the lowest practical level.
tance. ~n 2 a person or thing that is of subsidiary n, pl -aries 1 Also called: sub-
lesser rank or importance. -vb -nating, sidiary company a company which is at
-nated 3 (usually foil, by to) to regard least half owned by another company. 2 a
(something) as less important than another: -person or thing that is of lesser importance.
the army’s interests were subordinated to —adj 3 of lesser importance; subordinate,
those of the air force, subordination n subsidize or -dise vb -dizing, -dized or
subordinate clause n Grammar a clause -dising, -dised to aid or support (an indus-
subsidy 824 succeed
try, a person, a public service, or a venture) subtend vb Geom to be opposite (an angle or
with money. side).
subsidy n, pl -dies 1 financial aid supplied subterfuge n a trick or deception used to
by a government, for example to industry, achieve an objective.
or for public welfare. 2 any financial aid, subterranean adj 1 found or operating
grant, or contribution. below the surface of the earth. 2 existing or
subsist vb subsist on to manage to live: to working in a concealed or mysterious way:
subsist on a diet of sausage rolls, subsist- the resistance movement worked largely by
ence n subterranean methods.
subsistence farming n a type of farming in subtitle n 1 subtitles Films a written trans-
which most of the produce is consumed by lation at the bottom of the picture in a film
the farmer and his family. with foreign dialogue. 2 a secondary title
subsoil n the layer of soil beneath the sur- given to a book or play, —vb -tling, -tied 3
face soil. to provide subtitles for (a film) or a subtitle
subsonic adj being or moving at a speed for (a book or play).
below that of sound. subtle adj 1 not immediately obvious: a sub-
substance n 1 the basic matter of which a tle change in his views. 2 (of a colour, taste,
thing consists. 2 a specific type of matter or smell) delicate or faint: the subtle aroma.
with definite or fairly definite chemical 3 using shrewd and indirect methods to
composition: a fatty substance. 3 the essen- achieve an objective. 4 having or requiring
tial meaning of a speech, thought, or writ- the ability to make fine distinctions: a sub-
ten article. 4 important or meaningful qual- tle argument, subtly adv
ity: the only evidence of substance against subtlety n 1 (pl -ties) a fine distinction. 2
him. 5 material possessions or wealth: a the state or quality of being subtle.
woman of substance. 6 in substance with subtract vb 1 Maths to take (one number or
regard to the most important points. quantity) away from another. 2 to remove
substandard adj below an established or re- (a part of something) from the whole, sub-
quired standard. traction n
substantial adj 1 of a considerable size or subtropical adj of the region lying between
value: a substantial amount of money. 2 (of the tropics and temperate lands.
food or a meal) large and filling. 3 solid or suburb n a residential district on the out-
strong: substantial brick pillars. 4 Formal skirts of a city or town.
available to the senses; real: substantial suburban adj 1 <3f, in, or inhabiting a sub-
evidence. 5 of or relating to the basic ma- urb. 2 Mildly disparaging conventional and
terial substance of a thing, substantially unexciting.
adv suburbanite n a person who lives in a sub-
substantiate vb -ating, -ated to establish (a urb.
story) as genuine, substantiation n suburbia n suburbs or the people living in
substantive n 1 Grammar a noun or pronoun them considered as a distinct community or
used in place of a noun, -adj 2 having im- class in society.
portance or significance: substantive nego- subvention n Formal a grant or subsidy, for
tiations between management and staff. 3 example one from a government.
of or being the essential element of a thing. subversion n the act or an instance of
substitute vb -tuting, -tuted 1 (often foil, attempting to weaken or overthrow a gov-
by for) to take the place of or put in place of ernment or an institution.
another person or thing. 2 Chem to replace subversive adj 1 intended or intending to
(an atom or group in a molecule) with (an- weaken or overthrow a government or an
other atom or group). ~n 3 a person or institution, —n 2 a person engaged in sub-
thing that takes the place of another, such versive activities.
as a player who takes the place of a team- subvert vb to bring about the downfall of
mate. substitution n (something existing by a system of law,
substitution reaction n Chem the replacing such as a government).
of an atom or group in a molecule by anoth- subway n 1 Brit an underground passage for
er atom or group. pedestrians to cross a road or railway. 2 an
substructure n 1 a structure that forms a underground railway.
part of anything. 2 a structure that forms a subzero adj lower than zero: subzero tem-
foundation or framework for a building. peratures.
subsume vb -suming, -sumed Formal to in- succeed vb 1 to achieve an aim. 2 to turn
clude (something) under a larger classifica- out satisfactorily: Grandfather’s plan
tion or group: an attempt to subsume fas- succeeded. 3 to do well in a specified field:
cism and communism under a general con- how to succeed in show biz. 4 to come next
cept of totalitarianism. in order after (someone or something): the
subtenant n a person who rents property first shock had been succeeded by a differ-
from a tenant, subtenancy n ent kind of gloom. 5 to take over (a posi-
success 825 suffer
tion) from (someone): Henry VIII succeeded etc.) to draw (a thing or person somewhere)
to the throne in 1509; Clinton succeeded with a powerful force. ~n 7 a sucking.
Bush as President, succeeding adj sucker n 1 Slang a person who is easily de-
success n 1 the achievement of something ceived or swindled. 2 Slang a person who
attempted. 2 the attainment of wealth, cannot resist something: he’s a sucker for
fame, or position. 3 a person or thing that is fast cars. 3 Zool a part of the body of cer-
successful: I’ve got to be a success. tain animals that is used for sucking or
successful adj 1 having a favourable out- sticking to a surface. 4 a rubber cup-shaped
come. 2 having attained fame, wealth, or device attached to objects allowing them to
position, successfully adv stick to a surface by suction. 5 Bot a strong
succession n 1 a number of people or things shoot coming from a mature plant’s root or
following one another in order. 2 the act or the base of its main stem.
right by which one person succeeds another suck into vb to draw (someone) into (a
in a position. 3 in succession one after an- situation) by using a powerful pressure or
other: the third time in succession. inducement: to be sucked into a guerrilla
successive adj following another or others war.
without interruption: eleven successive vic- suckle vb -ling, -led to give (a baby or young
tories. successively adv animal) milk from the breast or udder or (of
successor n a person or thing that follows a baby or young animal) to suck milk from
another, esp. a person who takes over an- its mother’s breast or udder.
other’s job or position. suckling n a baby or young animal that is
succinct adj brief and clear: a succinct an- still sucking milk from its mother’s breast
swer to this question, succinctly adv or udder.
suck up to vb Informal to flatter (a person
succour or US succor n 1 help in time of in authority) in order to get something,
difficulty. —vb 2 to give aid to (someone in such as praise or promotion.
time of difficulty).
sucrose (soo-kroze) n Chem sugar.
succubus n, pl -bi a female demon fabled to
have sex with sleeping men. suction n 1 the act or process of sucking. 2
the force produced by drawing air out of a
succulent adj 1 (of food) juicy and delicious. space to make a vacuum that will suck in a
2 (of plants) having thick fleshy leaves or substance from another space.
stems. —n 3 a plant that can exist in very
dry conditions by using water stored in its Sudanese adj 1 of the Sudan, —n, pl -nese 2
fleshy tissues, succulence n a person from the Sudan.
succumb vb succumb to a to give way to sudden adj 1 occurring or performed quick-
the force of or desire for (something), b to ly and without warning, —n 2 all of a sud-
die of (a disease). den without warning; unexpectedly, sud-
denly adv suddenness n
such adj 1 of the sort specified or under-
stood: such places. 2 so great or so much: sudden death n Sport an extra period of
such a mess. ~adv 3 extremely: such a play to decide the winner of a tied competi-
powerful friend, -pron 4 a person or thing tion: the first player or team to go into the
of the sort specified or understood: such is lead is the winner.
the law of the land; fruitcakes and pud- sudden infant death syndrome n same as
dings and such. 5 as such in itself or them- cot death.
selves: the Nordic countries are not lifting sudorific (syoo-dor-if-ik) adj 1 causing
sanctions as such. 6 such as for example: sweating, —n 2 a drug that causes sweat-
other socialist groups, such as the Fabians. ing.
such and such adj 1 specific, but not known suds pl n the bubbles on the surface of
or named: such and such a percentage. —n water in which soap or detergent has been
2 a specific, but not known or named, per- dissolved; lather.
son or thing: you have not taken such and sue vb suing, sued to start fegal proceed-
such into account. ings (against): we want to sue the council;
suchlike n 1 such or similar things: sham- he sued for custody of the three children.
poos, talcs, and suchlike, —adj 2 of such a suede n a leather with a fine velvet-like
kind; similar: astrology and suchlike non- surface on one side.
sense. suet n a hard fat obtained from sheep and
suck vb 1 to draw (a liquid) into the mouth cattle and used for making pastry and pud-
through pursed lips. 2 to take (something) dings.
into the mouth and moisten, dissolve, or roll suffer vb 1 to undergo or be subjected to
it around with the tongue: suck a mint. 3 to (physical pain or mental distress). 2 suffer
extract liquid from (a solid food): he sat from to be badly affected by (an illness): he
sucking orange segments. 4 to draw in was suffering from severe depression. 3 to
(fluid) as if by sucking: the mussel sucks in become worse in quality; deteriorate: his
water. 5 to drink milk from (a mother’s work suffered during their divorce. 4 to tol-
breast); suckle. 6 (often foil, by down, in, erate: he suffers no fools. 5 to be set at a
sufferance 826 Sukkoth
disadvantage: the strongest of them suffers but probably not sincere: sugary sentiment.
by comparison, sufferer n suffering n sugariness n
sufferance n on sufferance tolerated with suggest vb 1 to put forward (a plan or an
reluctance: I was there on sufferance and idea) for consideration: he didn’t suggest a
all knew it. meeting. 2 to bring (a person or thing) to
suffice (suf-fice) vb -ficing, -ficed 1 to be the mind by the association of ideas: a man
enough or satisfactory for a purpose. 2 suf- whose very name suggests blandness. 3 to
fice it to say ... it is enough to say ...: suf- give a hint of: her grey eyes suggesting a
fice it to say that AIDS is on the increase. livelier mood than usual.
sufficiency n, pl-cies an adequate amount, suggestible adj easily influenced by other
sufficient adj enough to meet a need or pur- people’s ideas.
pose; adequate, sufficiently adv suggestion n 1 something that is suggested.
suffix Grammar ~n 1 a letter or letters 2 a hint or indication: the entire castle gave
added to the end of a word to form another no suggestion of period. 3 Psychol the pro-
word, such as -s and -ness in dogs and soft- cess whereby the presentation of an idea to
ness. ~vb 2 to add (a letter or letters) to a receptive individual leads to the accept-
the end of a word to form another word. ance of that idea.
suffocate vb -eating, -cated 1 to kill or die suggestive adj 1 (of remarks or gestures)
through lack of oxygen, such as by blockage causing people to think of sex. 2 suggestive
of the air passage. 2 to feel uncomfortable of communicating a hint of.
from heat and lack of air. suffocating adj suicidal adj 1 wanting to commit suicide. 2
suffocation n likely to lead to danger or death: a suicidal
suffragan n a bishop appointed to assist an attempt to rescue her son. 3 likely to de-
archbishop. stroy one’s own career or future: it would
suffrage n the right to vote in public elec- be suicidal for them to ignore public opin-
tions. ion.
suffragette n (in Britain at the beginning of suicide n 1 the act of killing oneself deliber-
the 20th century) a woman who cam- ately: he tried to commit suicide. 2 a person
paigned militantly for women to be who kills himself or herself intentionally. 3
given the right to vote in public elections. the self-inflicted ruin of one’s own career or
suffragist n (in Britain at the beginning of future: such a cut would be political sui-
the 20th century) a person who campaigned cide.
for women to be given the right to vote in suit n 1 a set of clothes of the same material
public elections. designed to be worn together, usually a
suffuse vb -fusing, -fused to spread through jacket with matching trousers or skirt. 2 an
or over (something): the dawn suffused the outfit worn for a specific purpose: a diving
sky with a cold grey wash, suffusion n suit. 3 a legal action taken against someone;
sugar n 1 a sweet carbohydrate, usually in lawsuit. 4 any of the four types of card in a
the form of white or brown crystals, which pack of playing cards: spades, hearts, dia-
is found in many plants and is used to monds, or clubs. 5 follow suit to act in the
sweeten food and drinks. 2 Informal, chief- same way as someone else. 6 strong suit or
ly US & Canad a term of affection. ~vb 3 to strongest suit something one excels in.
add sugar to (food or drink) to make it ~vb 7 to be fit or appropriate for: that col-
sweet. 4 to cover with sugar: sugared al- our suits you. 8 to be acceptable to (some-
monds. 5 sugar the pill to make something one). 9 suit oneself to do what one wants
unpleasant more tolerable by adding some- without considering other people, suited
thing pleasant, sugared adj adj
sugar beet n a beet grown for the sugar ob- suitable adj appropriate for a particular
tained from its roots. function or occasion; proper, suitability n
sugar cane n a tropical grass grown for the suitably adv
sugar obtained from its tall stout canes. suitcase n a large portable travelling case
sugar daddy n an elderly man who gives a for clothing.
young woman money and gifts in return for suite n 1 a set of connected rooms in a hotel.
her company. 2 a matching set of furniture, for example
sugaring off n Canad the boiling down of two armchairs and a settee. 3 Music a com-
maple sap to produce sugar, traditionally a position of several movements in the same
social event in early spring. key.
sugar loaf n a large cone-shaped mass of suitor n 1 Old-fashioned a man who wants to
hard refined sugar. marry a woman. 2 Law a person who starts
sugar maple n a North American maple legal proceedings against someone; plain-
tree, grown as a source of sugar, which is tiff.
extracted from the sap. Sukkoth (sook-oat) n an cight-day Jewish
sugary adj 1 of, like, or containing sugar. 2 harvest festival, commemorating the period
(of behaviour or language) very pleasant when the Israelites lived in the wilderness.
sulk 827 sumptuary
sulk vb 1 to be silent and moody as a way of multiplied, or divided. 3 a quantity of
showing anger or resentment: I went home money: they can win enormous sums. 4 in
and sulked for two days. ~n 2 a mood in sum as a summary; in short: in sum, it’s
which one shows anger or resentment by been a bad week for the government, -adj
being silent and moody: he was just in a 5 complete or final: the sum total, -vb
sulk. summing, summed 6 See sum up.
sulky adj sulkier, sulkiest moody or silent summarize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or
because of anger or resentment, sulkily -rising, -rised to give a short account of
adv sulkiness n (something).
sullen adj unwilling to talk or be sociable; summary n, pl -maries 1 a brief account giv-
sulky, sullenly adv sullenness n ing the main points of something, —adj 2
sully vb -lies, -lying, -lied 1 to ruin (some- performed quickly, without formality or at-
one’s reputation). 2 to spoil or make dirty: tention to details: a summary judgment.
the stream had been sullied by the smelter’s summarily adv
pollution. summation n 1 a summary of what has just
sulpha or US sulfa drug n Pharmacol any of been done or said. 2 the process of working
a group of sulphonamides that prevent the out a sum; addition. 3 the result of such a
growth of bacteria: used to treat bacterial process.
infections. summer n 1 the warmest season of the year,
sulphate or US sulfate n Chem a salt or between spring and autumn. 2 Literary a
ester of sulphuric acid. time of youth, success, or happiness, sum-
sulphide or US sulfide n Chem a compound mery adj
of sulphur with another element. summerhouse n a small building in a gar-
sulphite or US sulfite n Chem any salt or den, used for shade in the summer.
ester of sulphurous acid. summer school n an academic course held
sulphonamide or US sulfonamide (sulf- during the summer.
on-a-mide) n Pharmacol any of a class of summer solstice n the time, about June 21,
organic compounds that prevent the growth at which the sun is at its northernmost
of bacteria. point in the sky.
sulphur or US sulfur n Chem a light yellow, summertime n the period or season of sum-
highly inflammable, nonmetallic element mer.
used in the production of sulphuric acid, in summing-up n 1 a summary of the main
the vulcanization of rubber, and in medi- points of an argument, speech, or piece of
cine. Symbol: S sulphuric or US sulfuric writing. 2 concluding statements made by a
adj judge to the jury before they retire to con-
sulphur dioxide n Chem a strong-smelling sider their verdict.
colourless soluble gas, used in the manufac- summit n 1 the highest point or part of a
ture of sulphuric acid and in the preserva- mountain or hill. 2 the highest possible de-
tion of foodstuffs. gree or state; peak or climax: the summit of
sulphureous or US sulfureous (sulf- success. 3 a meeting of heads of govern-
yoor-ee-uss) adj same as sulphurous (sense ments or other high officials.
1). summon vb 1 to order (someone) to come. 2
sulphuric acid n Chem a colourless dense send for (someone) to appear in court. 3 to
oily corrosive liquid used in the manufac- call upon (someone) to do something: the
ture of fertilizers and explosives. authorities had summoned the relatives to
sulphurize or -rise or US sulfurize be available. 4 to convene (a meeting). 5
(sulf-yoor-rise) vb -rizing, -rized or -rising, (often foil, by up) to call into action (one’s
-rised Chem to combine with or treat (some- strength, courage, etc.); muster.
thing) with sulphur or a sulphur compound. summons n, pl -monses 1 a call or an order
sulphurous or US sulfurous adj Chem 1 of to attend a specified place at a specified
or resembling sulphur. 2 containing sul- time. 2 an official order requiring a person
phur, esp. with a valence of four. to attend court, either to answer a charge or
sultan n the sovereign of a Muslim country, to give evidence, —vb 3 to order (someone)
sultana n 1 the dried fruit of a small white to appear in court.
seedless grape. 2 a sultan’s wife, mother, sumo n the national style of wrestling of
daughter, or concubine. Japan, in which two contestants of great
sultanate n 1 the territory ruled by a sultan. height and weight attempt to force each
2 the office or rank of a sultan. other out of the ring.
sultry adj -trier, -triest 1 (of weather or cli- sump n 1 a container in an internal-
mate) very hot and humid. 2 suggesting combustion engine into which oil can drain.
hidden passion: a sultry brunette. 2 same as cesspool. 3 Mining a hollow at
sum n 1 the result of the addition of num- the bottom of a shaft where water collects.
bers or quantities. 2 one or more columns or sumptuary adj controlling expenditure or
rows of numbers to be added, subtracted, extravagant use of resources.
sumptuous 828 supercharge
sumptuous adj magnificent and very expen- rays, used for muscular therapy or for giv-
sive; splendid: sumptuous decoration. ing people an artificial suntan.
sum up vb 1 to give a short account of (the sunlight n the light that comes from the sun.
main points of an argument, speech, or sunlit adj
piece of writing). 2 to form a quick opinion sun lounge or US sun parlor n a room with
of: how well you have summed me up! large windows designed to receive as much
sun n 1 the star that is the source of heat sunlight as possible.
and light for the planets in the solar system. sunny adj -nier, -niest 1 full of or lit up by
2 any star around which a system of plan- sunshine. 2 cheerful and happy: a sunny
ets revolves. 3 the heat and light received nature.
from the sun; sunshine. 4 catch the sun to sunrise n 1 the daily appearance of the sun
become slightly sun-tanned. 5 under the above the horizon. 2 the time at which the
sun on earth; at all: there are no free sun rises.
lunches under the sun. ~vb sunning, sunrise industry n any of the fast-
sunned 6 sun oneself to lie, sit, or walk in developing high-technology industries, such
the sunshine on a warm day. sunless adj as electronics.
Sun.Sunday. sunroof n a panel in the roof of a car that
sunbathe vb -bathing, -bathed to lie or sit may be opened to let in air or sunshine.
in the sunshine, in order to get a suntan, sunset n 1 the daily disappearance of the
sunbather n sunbathing n sun below the horizon. 2 the time at which
sunbeam n a ray of sunlight. the sun sets.
sunburn n painful reddening of the skin sunshade n anything used to shade people
caused by overexposure to the sun. sun- from the sun, such as a parasol or awning.
burnt or sunburned adj sunshine n 1 the light and warmth from the
sundae n ice cream topped with a sweet sun. 2 Brit a light-hearted term of address.
sauce, nuts, whipped cream, and fruit. sunspot n 1 Informal a sunny holiday re-
Sunday n the first day of the week and the sort. 2 a dark cool patch on the surface of
Christian day of worship. the sun.
Sunday best n a person’s best clothes, sunstroke n a condition caused by spending
sometimes regarded as those most suitable too much time exposed to intensely hot sun-
for wearing at church. light and producing high fever and some-
Sunday school n a school for teaching chil- times loss of consciousness.
dren about Christianity, usually held in a suntan n a brownish colouring of the skin
church on Sunday. caused by exposure to the sun or a sun
sundial n a device used for telling the time lamp, suntanned adj
during the hours of sunlight, consisting of a sup1 vb supping, supped 1 to take (liquid)
pointer that casts a shadow onto a surface by swallowing a little at a time. ~n 2 a sip.
marked in hours. sup2 vb supping, supped Archaic to have
sundown n US sunset, supper.
sundries pl n several things of various sorts, super Informal -adj 1 very good or very
sundry adj 1 several or various; miscella- nice: they had a super holiday. ~n 2 Aus-
neous. -pron 2 all and sundry everybody. tral & NZ informal superannuation. 3 Aus-
tral & NZ informal superphosphate.
sunfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a large sea fish super- prefix used with many main words to
with a rounded body. mean: 1 above or over: superscript. 2 out-
sunflower n 1 a very tall plant with large standing: superstar. 3 of greater size, ex-
yellow flowers. 2 sunflower seed oil the oil tent, or quality: supermarket.
extracted from sunflower seeds, used as a superabundant adj existing in very large
salad oil and in margarine. numbers or amount, superabundance n
sung vb the past participle of sing, superannuated adj 1 discharged with a pen-
sunglasses pl n glasses with darkened sion, owing to age or illness. 2 too old to be
lenses that protect the eyes from bright useful; obsolete.
sunlight. superannuation n a a regular payment made
sun-god n the sun considered as a god. by an employee into a pension fund, b the
sunk vb a past tense and past participle of pension finally paid.
sink. superb adj extremely good or impressive,
sunken vb 1 a past participle of sink, -adj superbly adv
2 (of a person’s cheeks, eyes, or chest) curv- Super Bowl n American football the cham-
ing inward due to old age or bad health. 3 pionship game held annually between the
situated at a lower level than the surround- best team of the American Football Confer-
ing or usual one: the sunken garden. 4 situ- ence and that of the National Football Con-
ated under water; submerged: sunken ships. ference.
sun lamp n a lamp that gives off ultraviolet supercharge vb -charging, -charged 1 to in-
supercharger 829 supine
crease the power of (an internal- that expresses the highest degree of qual-
combustion engine) with a supercharger. 2 ity. ~n 3 the highest quality. 4 Grammar
to charge (the atmosphere, a remark, etc.) the superlative form of an adjective or ad-
with an excess amount of (tension, emotion, verb.
etc.). 3 to apply pressure to (a fluid); pres- superman n, pl -men any man with great
surize. physical or mental powers.
supercharger n a device that increases the supermarket n a large self-service shop sell-
power of an internal-combustion engine by ing food and household goods.
forcing extra air into it. supermodel n a famous and highly-paid
supercilious adj behaving in a superior and fashion model.
arrogant manner. superciliously adv supernatural adj 1 of or relating to things
superciliousness n that cannot be explained by science, such as
superconductivity n Physics the ability of clairvoyance, ghosts, etc. ~n 2 the super-
certain substances to conduct electric cur- natural forces, occurrences, and beings
rent with almost no resistance at very low that cannot be explained by science.
temperatures. superconducting adj supernova n, pl -vae or -vas a star that ex-
superconductor n plodes, and for a few days, becomes one
superego n, pl -gos Psychoanal that part of hundred million times brighter than the
the unconscious mind that governs a per- sun.
son’s ideas concerning what is right and supernumerary adj 1 exceeding the re-
wrong. quired or regular number; extra. 2 em-
supererogation n the act of doing more ployed as a substitute or assistant. ~n, pl
work than is required. -aries 3 a person or thing that exceeds the
superficial adj 1 not careful or thorough: a required or regular number. 4 a substitute
superficial analysis. 2 only outwardly ap- or assistant. 5 an actor who has no lines to
parent rather than genuine or actual: those say.
are merely superficial differences. 3 (of a superphosphate n a chemical fertilizer, esp.
person) lacking deep emotions or serious in- one made by treating rock phosphate with
terests; shallow. 4 of, near, or forming the sulphuric acid.
surface: the gash was superficial, superfi- superpower n a country of very great mili-
ciality n superficially adv tary and economic power, such as the US.
superfluous (soo-per-flew-uss) adj more superscript Printing ~adj 1 (of a character)
than is sufficient or required, superfluity written or printed above the line. ~n 2 a
n superscript character.
superglue n an extremely strong and quick- supersede vb -seding, -seded 1 to take the
drying glue. place of (something old-fashioned or less
supergrass n an informer who names a appropriate): cavalry was superseded by
large number of people as terrorists or armoured vehicles. 2 to replace (someone)
criminals, esp. one who gives this informa- in function or office.
tion in order to avoid being put on trial. supersonic adj being, having, or capable of
superhuman adj beyond normal human abil- a speed greater than the speed of sound.
ity or experience: a superhuman effort. superstar n an extremely popular and fa-
superimpose vb -posing, -posed to set or mous entertainer or sportsperson.
place (something) on or over something superstition n 1 irrational belief in magic
else. and the powers that supposedly bring good
superintend vb to supervise (a person or an luck or bad luck. 2 a belief or practice based
activity). on this, superstitious adj
superstore n a large supermarket,
superintendent n 1 a senior police officer. 2
a person who directs and manages an or- superstructure n 1 any structure or concept
ganization or office. built on something else. 2 Naut any struc-
ture above the main deck of a ship.
superior adj 1 greater in quality, quantity,
or usefulness. 2 higher in rank, position, or supertanker n a very large fast tanker,
status: he was reprimanded by a superior supertax n an extra tax on incomes above a
officer. 3 believing oneself to be better than certain level.
others. 4 of very high quality or respect- supervene vb -vening, -vened to happen as
ability: superior merchandise. 5 Formal an unexpected development, supervention
placed higher up: damage to the superior n
surface of the wing. 6 Printing (of a charac- supervise vb -vising, -vised 1 to direct the
ter) written or printed above the line. ~n 7 performance or operation of (an activity or
a person of greater rank or status. 8 See a process). 2 to watch over (people) so as to
mother superior, superiority n 'ensure appropriate behaviour, supervision
superlative (soo-per-lat-iv) adj 1 of out- n supervisor n supervisory adj
standing quality; supreme. 2 Grammar de- supine (soo-pine) adj Formal lying on one’s
. noting the form of an adjective or adverb back.
supper 830 sure
supper n an evening meal. pose you’re arrested on a misdemeanour. 3
supplant vb to take the place of (someone or (of a theory) to depend on the truth or ex-
something). istence of: this scenario supposes that he
supple adj 1 (of a person) moving and bend- would do so.
ing easily and gracefully. 2 (of a material or supposed adj 1 supposed to expected to:
object) soft and bending easily without spies aren’t supposed to be nice. 2 pre-
breaking, suppleness n sumed to be true without certain knowl-
supplement n 1 an addition designed to edge; doubtful: the supposed wonders of
make something more adequate. 2 a maga- drug therapy, supposedly adv
zine distributed free with a newspaper. 3 a supposition n 1 an idea or a statement be-
section added to a publication to supply lieved or assumed to be true. 2 the act of
further information or correct errors. 4 (of supposing: much of it is based on supposi-
money) an additional payment to obtain tion.
special services. -vb 5 to provide an addi- suppositious adj deduced from an idea or
tion to (something), esp. in order to make statement believed or assumed to be true;
up for an inadequacy: a Saturday Job to hypothetical.
supplement her grant, supplementary adj suppository n, pl -ries Med a medicine in
supplementary benefit n (in Britain) an solid form that is inserted into the vagina or
earlier form of income support. rectum and left to dissolve.
supplicant n Formal a person who makes a suppress vb 1 to put an end to (something)
humble request. by physical or legal force. 2 to prevent the
supplication n Formal a humble request for circulation or publication of (information or
help. books). 3 to hold (an emotion or a response)
supply vb -plies, -plying, -plied 1 to provide in check; restrain: he could barely suppress
with something required: Nigeria may sup- a groan. 4 Electronics to reduce or eliminate
ply them with oil. —n, pl -plies 2 the act of (interference) in a circuit, suppression n
providing something. 3 an amount available suppressant n a drug that suppresses an ac-
for use; stock: electricity supply. 4 supplies tion: a cough suppressant.
food and equipment needed for a trip or suppurate vb -rating, -rated Pathol (of a
military campaign. 5 Econ the amount of a wound or sore) to produce or leak pus.
commodity that producers are willing and supremacy n 1 supreme power; dominance.
able to offer for sale at a specified price: 2 the state or quality of being superior.
supply and demand. 6 a person who acts as supreme adj 1 of highest status or power:
a temporary substitute, —adj 7 acting as a the Supreme Council. 2 of highest quality or
temporary substitute: supply teachers. importance: a supreme player. 3 greatest in
supplier n degree; extreme: supreme happiness, su-
support vb 1 to carry the weight of (a thing premely adv
or person). 2 to provide the necessities of supremo n, pl -mos Brit informal a person in
life for (a family or person). 3 to give prac- overall authority.
tical or emotional help to (someone). 4 to
give approval to (a cause, idea, or political sur-1 prefix over; above; beyond: surcharge;
party). 5 to take an active interest in and be surrealism.
loyal to (a particular football or other sport sur-2 prefix See sub-.
team). 6 to establish the truthfulness or ac- surcharge n 1 a charge in addition to the
curacy of (a theory or statement) by pro- usual payment pr tax. 2 an excessive sum
viding new facts. 7 to speak in a debate in charged, often unlawfully, —vb -charging,
favour of (a motion). 8 (in a concert) to per- -charged 3 to charge (someone) an addi-
form earlier than (the main attraction). 9 tional sum or tax. 4 to overcharge (some-
Films, theatre to play a less important role one) for something.
to (the leading actor or actress). ~n 10 the surd Maths —n 1 an irrational number.
act of supporting or the condition of being -adj 2 of or relating to a surd.
supported. 11a thing that bears the weight sure adj 1 free from doubt or uncertainty (in
of an object from below. 12 a person who regard to a belief): she was sure that she
gives someone practical or emotional help. was still at home; I am sure he didn’t mean
13 the means of providing the necessities of it. 2 sure of having no doubt, such as of the
life for a family or person. 14 a band or en- occurrence of a future state or event: sure
tertainer not topping the bill, supportive of winning the point. 3 reliable or accurate:
adj a sure sign of dry rot. 4 bound inevitably
supporter n a person who supports a sports (to be or do something); certain: his aggres-
team, politician, etc. sive style is sure to please the American
suppose vb -posing, -posed 1 to presume fans. 5 sure of or about happy to put one’s
(something) to be true without certain trust in (someone): I’m still not quite sure
knowledge: I suppose it will be in the pa- about her. 6 sure of oneself confident in
pers. 2 to consider (something) as a possible one’s own abilities and opinions. 7 not open
suggestion for the sake of discussion: sup- to doubt: sure proof. 8 bound to be or occur;
sure-fire 831 surrender
inevitable: victory is sure. 9 physically se- surgeon n a medical doctor who specializes
cure: a sure footing. 10 be sure to be care- in surgery.
ful or certain: be sure to label each jar. 11 surgery n, pl -geries 1 medical treatment in
for sure without a doubt. 12 make sure to which a person’s body is cut open by a sur-
make certain: make sure there is no-one in geon in order to treat or remove the prob-
the car. 13 sure enough Informal in fact: lem part. 2 Brit a place where, or time
sure enough, this is happening. 14 to be when, a doctor or dentist can be consulted.
sure it has to be acknowledged; admittedly. 3 Brit a time when an MP or councillor can
—adv 15 US & Canad informal without be consulted.
question; certainly: it sure is bad news, surgical adj involving or used in surgery,
—interj 16 US & Canad informal willingly; surgically adv
yes. sureness n
surgical spirit n methylated spirit used
sure-fire adj Informal certain to succeed: a medically for cleaning wounds and steriliz-
sure-fire cure. ing equipment.
sure-footed adj 1 unlikely to fall, slip, or surly adj -tier, -liest bad-tempered and rude,
stumble. 2 unlikely to make a mistake.
surmise vb -mising, -mised 1 to guess
surely adv 1 am I not right in thinking that?;
I am sure that: surely you can see that? 2 (something) from incomplete or uncertain
without doubt: without support they will evidence. ~n 2 a conclusion based on in-
surely fail. 3 slowly but surely gradually complete or uncertain evidence.
but noticeably, —interj 4 Chiefly US & surmount vb 1 to overcome (a problem). 2 to
Canad willingly; yes. be situated on top of (something): the island
surety n, pl -ties 1 a person who takes legal is surmounted by a huge black castle, sur-
responsibility for the fulfilment of anoth- mountable adj
er’s debt or obligation. 2 security given as a surname n a family name as opposed to a
guarantee that an obligation will be met. Christian name.
surf n 1 foam caused by waves breaking on surpass vb 1 to be greater in extent than or
the shore or on a reef, —vb 2 to take part in superior in achievement to (something or
surfing, surfer n someone). 2 surpass oneself or expecta-
surface n 1 the outside or top of an object. 2 tions to go beyond the limit of what was
the size of such an area. 3 material covering expected.
the surface of an object. 4 the outward ap- surplice n a loose knee-length garment with
pearance as opposed to the real or hidden wide sleeves, worn by clergymen and chor-
nature of something: on the surface the idea isters.
seems attractive. 5 Geom a the complete surplus n 1 a quantity or amount left over in
boundary of a solid figure, b something that excess of what is required. 2 Accounting an
has length and breadth but no thickness. 6 excess of income over spending, -adj 3
the uppermost level of the land or sea. 7 being in excess; extra: surplus to require-
come to the surface to become apparent ments.
after being hidden, —vb -facing, -faced 8 surprise n 1 the act of taking someone una-
to become apparent or widely known. 9 to wares: the element of surprise. 2 a sudden
rise to the surface of water. 10 to give (an or unexpected event, gift, etc.: this is a nice
area) a particular kind of surface. 11 In- surprise. 3 the feeling of being surprised;
formal to get up out of bed. astonishment: to our great surprise. 4 take
surface tension n Physics a property of liq- someone by surprise to capture someone
uids, caused by molecular forces, that leads unexpectedly or catch someone unprepared.
to the apparent presence of a surface film —adj 5 causing surprise: a surprise attack,
and to rising and falling in contact with —vb -prising, -prised 6 to cause (someone)
solids. to feel amazement or wonder. 7 to come
surfboard n a long narrow board used in upon or discover (someone) unexpectedly
surfing. or suddenly. 8 to capture or attack (some-
surfeit n Formal 1 an excessive amount. 2 one) suddenly and without warning. 9 sur-
excessive eating or drinking. 3 an uncom- prise into to provoke (someone) to unin-
fortably full or sickened feeling caused by tended action by a trick or deception, sur-
eating or drinking too much. prised adj surprising adj surprisingly
surfing n the sport of riding towards shore adv
on the crest of a wave by standing or lying surreal adj very strange or dreamlike; bi-
on a surfboard. zarre.
surge n 1 a sudden powerful increase: a surrealism n a movement in art and litera-
surge in spending. 2 a strong rolling move- ture in the 1920s, involving the combina-
ment of the sea. 3 a heavy rolling motion or tion of images that would not normally be
sound: a great surge of people, —vb surg- found together, as if in a dream, surrealist
ing, surged 4 to move forward strongly and n, adj surrealistic adj
suddenly. 5 (of the sea) to rise or roll with a surrender vb 1 to give oneself up physically
. heavy swelling motion. to an enemy after defeat. 2 to give (some-
surreptitious 832 suspicion
thing) up to another, under pressure or on sushi (soo-shee) n a Japanese dish consist-
demand: the rebels surrendered their arms. ing of small cakes of cold rice with a top-
3 to give (something) up voluntarily to an- ping of raw fish.
other: he was surrendering his own chance suspect vb 1 to believe (someone) to be
for the championship. 4 to give in to a guilty without having any proof. 2 to think
temptation or an influence. ~n 5 the act or (something) to be false or doubtful: he sus-
instance of surrendering. pected her intent. 3 to believe (something)
surreptitious adj done in secret or without to be the case; think probable: I suspect he
permission: surreptitious moments of bliss. had another reason, —n 4 a person who is
surreptitiously adv believed guilty of a specified offence, -adj
surrogate n 1 a person or thing acting as a 5 not to be trusted or relied upon: her com-
substitute, —adj 2 acting as a substitute: a mitment to the cause has always been sus-
surrogate father. pect.
surrogate mother n a woman who gives suspend vb 1 to hang (something) from a
birth to a child on behalf of a couple who high place. 2 to cause (something) to remain
cannot have a baby themselves, usually by floating or hanging: a huge orange sun sus-
artificial insemination, surrogate mother- pended above the horizon. 3 to cause (some-
hood or surrogacy n thing) to stop temporarily: the discussions
surround vb 1 to encircle or enclose (some- have been suspended. 4 to remove (some-
thing or someone). 2 to exist around (some- one) temporarily from a job or position,
one or something): the family members who usually as a punishment.
surround him. —n 3 Chiefly Brit a border, suspended animation n a state in which the
such as the area of uncovered floor between body’s functions are slowed down to a
the walls of a room and the carpet, sur- minimum for a period of time, such as by
rounding adj freezing or hibernation.
surroundings pl n the area and environment suspended sentence n a sentence of im-
around a person, place, or thing. prisonment that is not served by an offend-
surtax n an extra tax on incomes above a er unless he or she commits a further of-
certain level. fence during a specified time.
surveillance n close observation of a person suspender belt n a belt with suspenders
suspected of being a spy or a criminal. hanging from it for holding up women’s
survey vb 1 to view or consider (something) stockings.
as a whole: she surveyed her purchases suspenders pl n'l Brit a elastic straps at-
anxiously. 2 to make a detailed map of (an tached to a belt or corset, with fasteners for
area of land) by measuring or calculating holding up women’s stockings, b similar
distances and height. 3 Brit to inspect (a fasteners attached to garters for holding up
building) to assess its condition and value. 4 men’s socks. 2 US& Canad braces.
to make a detailed investigation of the be-
haviour, opinions, etc., of (a group of peo- suspense n 1 a state of anxiety or uncer-
ple). —n 5 a detailed investigation of the tainty: Sue and I stared at each other in
behaviour, opinions, etc., of a group of peo- suspense. 2 excitement felt at the approach
ple. 6 the act of making a detailed map of an of the climax of a book, film, or play: action
area of land by measuring or calculating and suspense abound in this thriller, sus-
distance and height. 7 Brit an inspection of penseful adj
a building to assess its condition and value, suspension n 1 the delaying or stopping
surveying n surveyor n temporarily of something: the suspension of
survival n 1 the condition of having survived the talks. 2 temporary removal from a job
something. 2 a person or thing that con- or position, usually as a punishment. 3 the
tinues to exist in the present despite being act of suspending or the state of being sus-
from an earlier time, such as a custom. pended. 4 a system of springs and shock
-adj 3 of, relating to, or assisting the act of absorbers that supports the body of a vehi-
surviving: survival suits. cle. 5 a device, usually a wire or spring, that
survive vb -viving, -vived 1 to continue to suspends or supports something, such as
live or exist after (a passage of time or a the pendulum of a clock. 6 Chem a mixture
difficult or dangerous experience). 2 to live in which fine solid or liquid particles are
after the death of (another), survivor n suspended in a fluid.
susceptibility n, pl -ties 1 the quality or suspension bridge n a bridge suspended
condition of being easily affected or influ- from cables that hang between two towers
enced by something. 2 susceptibilities and are secured at both ends.
emotional feelings. suspicion n 1 the act or an instance of sus-
susceptible adj 1 susceptible to a giving in pecting; belief without sure proof that
easily to: susceptible to political pressure, b something is wrong. 2 a feeling of mistrust.
vulnerable to (a disease or injury): suscep- 3 a slight trace: the merest suspicion of a
tible to pneumonia. 2 easily affected emo- threat. 4 above suspicion not possibly
tionally; impressionable. guilty of anything, through having a good
suspicious 833 swastika
reputation. 5 under suspicion suspected of ach. 2 Informal to believe (something)
doing something wrong. trustingly: I was supposed to swallow the
suspicious adj 1 causing one to suspect lie. 3 not to show: I believe they should
something is wrong: suspicious activities. 2 swallow their pride. 4 to make a gulping
unwilling to trust: I’m suspicious of his mo- movement in the throat, such as when
tives. suspiciously adv nervous. 5 to put up with (an insult) with-
suss out vb Brit & NZ slang to work out (a out answering back. 6 be swallowed up to
situation or a person’s character), using be taken into and made a part of something:
one’s intuition. the old centre was being swallowed up by
sustain vb 1 to maintain or continue for a new estates. ~n 7 the act of swallowing. 8
period of time: I managed to sustain a con- the amount swallowed at any single time;
versation. 2 to keep up the strength or en- mouthful.
ergy of (someone): one mouthful of water to swallow2 n a small migratory bird with long
sustain him; the merest drop of comfort to pointed wings and a forked tail.
sustain me. 3 to suffer (an injury or loss): swallow dive n a dive in which the legs are
he sustained a spinal injury. 4 to support kept straight and the arms outstretched
(something) from below. 5 to support or while in the air, with entry into the water
agree with (a decision or statement): objec- made headfirst.
tion sustained, sustained adj swallowtail n 1 a butterfly with a long tail-
sustained-release adj (of a pill or tablet) like part on each hind wing. 2 the forked
coated with a chemical substance that con- tail of a swallow or similar bird.
trols the dosage released into a patient’s swam vb the past tense of swim.
system. swami (swah-mee) n a Hindu religious
sustenance n means of maintaining health teacher.
or life; food and drink. swamp n 1 an area of permanently water-
suture (soo-tcher) n Surgery a stitch made logged land; bog. ~vb 2 Naut to cause (a
with catgut or silk thread, to join the edges boat) to sink or fill with water. 3 to over-
of a wound together. whelm (a person or place) with more than
suzerain n 1 a state or sovereign that has can be dealt with or accommodated,
some degree of control over a dependent swampy adj
state. 2 (formerly) a person who had power swan n 1 a large, usually white, water bird
over many people, suzerainty n with a long neck. ~vb swanning, swanned
svelte adj attractively or gracefully slim; 2 swan around or about Informal to wan-
slender. der about without purpose, but with an air
SW 1 southwest(ern). 2 short wave. of superiority.
swab n 1 Med a small piece of cotton wool swank Informal ~vb 1 to show off or boast.
used for applying medication or cleansing a ~n 2 showing off or boasting, swanky adj
wound. ~vb swabbing, swabbed 2 to clean swan song n the last public act of a person
or apply medication to (a wound) with a before retirement or death.
swab. 3 to clean (the deck of a ship) with a swap or swop vb swapping, swapped 1 to
mop. exchange (something) for something else.
swaddle vb -dling, -died to wrap (a baby) in ~n 2 an exchange.
swaddling clothes. SWAPO or Swapo South-West Africa Peo-
swaddling clothes pl n long strips of cloth ple’s Organization.
formerly wrapped round a newborn baby. sward n a stretch of turf or grass.
swag n 1 Slang stolen property. 2 Austral & swarm1 n 1 a group of bees, led by a queen,
NZ informal a swagman’s pack containing that has left the hive to make a new home. 2
personal belongings. a large mass of insects or other small ani-
swagger vb 1 to walk or behave in an arro- mals. 3 a moving mass of people. ~vb 4 to
gant manner. ~n 2 an arrogant walk or move quickly and in large numbers. 5 to be
manner. overrun: the place is swarming with cops.
swagger stick n a short cane carried by swarm2 vb swarm up to climb (a ladder or
army officers. rope) by gripping it with the hands and
swagman n, pl -men Austral & NZ informal feet: the boys swarmed up the rigging.
a tramp who carries his possessions on his swarthy adj swarthier, swarthiest having a
back. dark complexion.
Swahili (swah-heel-ee) n a language of E Af- swash (swosh) n the rush of water up a
rica that is an official language of Kenya beach following each break of the waves.
and Tanzania. swashbuckling adj having the exciting
swain n Archaic or poetic 1 a male lover or manner or behaviour of pirates, esp. those
admirer. 2 a young man from the country- ' depicted in films, swashbuckler n
side. swastika n 1 a primitive religious symbol in
swallow1 vb 1 to pass (food, drink, etc.) the shape of a Greek cross with the ends of
. through the mouth and gullet to the stom- the arms bent at right angles. 2 this symbol
swat 834 sweeping
with clockwise arms as the emblem of Nazi sweat off vb Informal to get rid of (weight)
Germany. by doing exercises.
swat vb swatting, swatted 1 to hit sharply: sweat out vb sweat it out Informal to en-
swatting the ball with confidence. ~n 2 a dure an unpleasant situation for a time,
sharp blow. hoping for an improvement.
swatch n 1 a sample of cloth. 2 a collection sweats pl n sweatshirts and sweat suit
of such samples. trousers collectively.
swath (swawth) n same as swathe. sweatshirt n a long-sleeved casual top made
swathe vb swathing, swathed 1 to wrap a of knitted cotton or cotton mixture.
bandage, garment, or piece of cloth around sweatshop n a workshop where employees
(a person or part of the body). ~n 2 a long work long hours in poor conditions for low
strip of cloth wrapped around something. 3 Pay.
the width of one sweep of a scythe or of the sweat suit n a suit worn by athletes for
blade of a mowing machine. 4 the strip cut training, consisting of a sweatshirt and
in one sweep. 5 the quantity of cut crops trousers made of the same material.
left in one sweep. 6 a long narrow strip of swede n a round root vegetable with a
land. purplish-brown skin and yellow flesh.
sway vb 1 to swing to and fro: red poppies Swede n a person from Sweden.
swayed in the faint breeze. 2 to lean to one Swedish adj 1 of Sweden. ~n 2 the lan-
side and then the other: entire rows swayed guage of Sweden.
in time. 3 to be unable to decide between sweep vb sweeping, swept 1 to clean (a
two or more opinions. 4 to influence (some- floor or chimney) with a brush. 2 (often
one) in his or her opinion or judgment. ~n foil, by upj to remove or collect (dirt or
5 power or influence. 6 a swinging or lean- rubbish) with a brush. 3 to move smoothly
ing movement. 7 hold sway to have power and quickly: the car swept into the drive. 4
or influence. to spread rapidly across or through (a
swear vb swearing, swore, sworn 1 to use place): the wave of democracy that had
words considered obscene or blasphemous. swept through Eastern Europe. 5 to move in
2 to promise solemnly on oath; vow: Sally a proud and majestic fashion: the boss him-
and Peter swore to love and cherish each self swept into the hall. 6 to direct (one’s
other. 3 swear by to have complete confi- eyes, line of fire, etc.) over (a place or tar-
dence in (something). 4 to state (something) get). 7 sweep away or off to overwhelm
earnestly: I swear he was all right. 5 to give (someone) emotionally: I’ve been swept
evidence on oath in a law court. away by my fears. 8 to brush or lightly
swear in vb to make (someone) take an oath touch (a surface): the dress swept along the
when taking up an official position or enter- ground. 9 to clear away or get rid of (some-
ing the witness box to give evidence in thing) suddenly or forcefully: these doubts
court: a new federal president was sworn were quickly swept aside; bridges have
in. been swept away by the floods. 10 to
swear off vb to promise to give up: I lived stretch out gracefully or majestically, esp.
with memories of the gooey sundaes I’ve in a wide circle: the hills swept down into
sworn off. the green valley. 11 to win overwhelmingly
in an election: the umbrella party which
swearword n a word considered rude or swept these elections. 12 sweep the board
blasphemous. to win every event or prize in a contest. ~n
sweat n 1 the salty liquid that comes out of 13 the act or an instance of sweeping. 14 a
the skin’s pores during strenuous activity in swift or steady movement: the wide sweep
excessive heat or when afraid. 2 the state of the shoulders. 15 a wide expanse: the
or condition of sweating: he worked up a whole sweep of the bay. 16 any curving line
sweat. 3 Slang hard work or effort: climbing or contour, such as a driveway. 17 short for
to the crest of Ward Hill was a sweat. 4 in a sweepstake. 18 Chiefly Brit same as chim-
sweat Informal in a state of worry. 5 no ney sweep. 19 make a clean sweep to win
sweat Slang no problem. ~vb sweating, an overwhelming victory.
sweat or sweated 6 to have sweat come sweeper n 1 a device used to sweep carpets,
through the skin’s pores, as a result of consisting of a long handle attached to a re-
strenuous activity, excessive heat, nerv- volving brush. 2 Informal soccer a defen-
ousness, or fear. 7 Informal to suffer anxi- sive player usually positioned in front of
ety or distress. 8 sweat blood Informal a to the goalkeeper.
work very hard, b to be filled with anxiety. sweeping adj 1 affecting many people to a
-See also sweats, sweaty adj great extent: sweeping financial reforms.
sweatband n a piece of cloth tied around 2 (of a statement) making general as-
the forehead or around the wrist to absorb sumptions about an issue without consid-
sweat during strenuous physical activity. ering the details. 3 decisive or overwhelm-
sweater n a warm knitted piece of clothing ing: to suffer sweeping losses. 4 taking in a
covering the upper part of the body. wide area: a sweeping view of the area.
sweepstake 835 swimming costume
sweepstake or esp US sweepstakes n 1 a in size as a result of being filled with air or
lottery in which the stakes of the liquid: a balloon swells if you force in more
participants make up the prize. 2 a horse air. 3 to grow or cause (something) to grow
race involving such a lottery. in size, numbers, amount, or degree: Israel’s
sweet adj 1 tasting of or like sugar. 2 kind population is swelling. 4 (of an emotion) to
and charming: that was really sweet of you. become more intense: his anger swelled
3 attractive and delightful: a sweet child. 4 within him. 5 (of the seas) to rise in waves.
(of a sound) pleasant and tuneful: sweet 6 (of a sound) to become gradually louder
music. 5 (of wine) having a high sugar con- and then die away. ~n 7 the waving
tent; not dry. 6 fresh, clear, and clean: movement of the surface of the open sea. 8
sweet water; sweet air. 7 sweet on some- an increase in size, numbers, amount, or de-
one fond of or infatuated with someone. gree. 9 a bulge. 10 Old-fashioned, informala
~n 8 Brit a shaped piece of confectionery person who is wealthy, upper class, and
consisting mainly of sugar. 9 Brit a dessert, fashionably dressed. 11 Music an increase
sweetly adv sweetness n in sound followed by an immediate dying
sweet-and-sour adj (of food) cooked in a away. ~adj 12 Slang, chiefly US excellent
sauce made from sugar and vinegar and or fine.
other ingredients. swelling n an enlargement of a part of the
sweetbread n the meat obtained from the body as the result of injury or infection.
pancreas of a calf or lamb. swelter vb 1 to feel uncomfortable under ex-
sweetbrier n a wild rose with sweet- treme heat. ~n 2 a hot and uncomfortable
smelling leaves and pink flowers. condition: they left the city swelter for the
beach.
sweet corn n 1 a kind of maize with sweet
yellow kernels, eaten as a vegetable when sweltering adj uncomfortably hot: a swel-
young. 2 the sweet kernels removed from tering summer.
the maize cob, cooked as a vegetable. swept vb the past of sweep.
sweeten vb 1 to make (food or drink) sweet swerve vb swerving, swerved 1 to turn
or sweeter. 2 to be nice to (someone) in aside from a course sharply or suddenly.
order to ensure cooperation. 3 to make (an ~n 2 the act of swerving.
offer or a proposal) more acceptable. swift adj 1 moving or able to move quickly;
sweetener n 1 a sweetening agent that does fast. 2 happening or performed quickly or
not contain sugar. 2 Slang a bribe. suddenly: a swift glance this way. 3 swift
sweetheart n 1 an affectionate name to call to prompt to (do something): swift to re-
someone. 2 Old-fashioned one’s boyfriend taliate. ~n 4 a small fast-flying insect-
or girlfriend. 3 Informal a lovable or gener- eating bird with long wings, swiftly adv
ous person. swiftness n
sweetie n Informal 1 an affectionate name swig Informal ~n 1 a large swallow or deep
to call someone. 2 Brit same as sweet (sense drink, esp. from a bottle. ~vb swigging,
8). 3 Chiefly Brit a lovable or generous per- swigged 2 to drink (some liquid) in large
son. swallows, esp. from a bottle.
sweetmeat n Old-fashioned a small delicacy swill vb 1 to drink large quantities of (an al-
preserved in sugar. coholic drink). 2 (often foil, by out) Chiefly
Brit to rinse (something) in large amounts
sweet pea n a climbing plant with sweet- of water. ~n 3 a liquid mixture containing
smelling pastel-coloured flowers. waste food, fed to pigs. 4 a deep drink, esp.
sweet pepper n the large bell-shaped fruit of beer.
of the pepper plant, which is eaten unripe swim vb swimming, swam, swum 1 to move
(green pepper) or ripe (red pepper) as a along in water by movements of the arms
vegetable. and legs, or (in the case of fish) tail and
sweet potato n a root vegetable, grown in fins. 2 to cover (a stretch of water) in this
the tropics, with pinkish-brown skin and way: to swim the English Channel. 3 to float
yellow flesh. on a liquid: flies swimming on the milk. 4 to
sweet-talk Informal ~vb 1 to persuade be affected by dizziness: his head was
(someone) by flattery: I thought I could swimming. 5 (of the objects in someone’s vi-
sweet-talk you into teaching me. ~n sweet sion) to appear to spin or move around: the
talk 2 insincere flattery intended to per- faces of the nurses swam around her. 6
suade. (often foil, by in or with) to be covered or
sweet tooth n a strong liking for sweet flooded with liquid: a steak swimming in
foods. gravy, —n 7 the act, an instance, or a peri-
sweet william n a garden plant with clusters od of swimming. 8 in the swim Informal
of white, pink, red, or purple flowers. fashionable or active in social or political
swell vb swelling, swelled; swollen or _ activities, swimmer n swimming n
swelled 1 (of a part of the body) to grow in swimming bath n an indoor swimming pool,
size as a result of injury or infection: his swimming costume or bathing costume n
face swelled and became pale. 2 to increase Chiefly Brit same as swimsuit.
swimmingly 836 swoosh
swimmingly adv successfully, effortlessly, Swiss adj 1 of Switzerland. ~n, pl Swiss 2 a
or well: everything went swimmingly. person from Switzerland.
swimming pool n a large hole in the ground, Swiss roll n a sponge cake spread with jam
tiled and filled with water for swimming in. or cream and rolled up.
swimsuit n a woman’s swimming garment switch n 1 a device for opening or closing an
that leaves the arms and legs bare. electric circuit. 2 a sudden quick change. 3
swindle vb -dling, -died 1 to cheat (some- an exchange or swap. 4 a flexible rod or
one) out of money. 2 to obtain (money) from twig, used for punishment. 5 US & Canad a
someone by fraud. ~n 3 an instance of pair of movable rails for diverting moving
cheating someone out of money, swindler n trains from one track to another. -vb 6 to
change quickly and suddenly. 7 to exchange
swine n 1 a mean or unpleasant person. 2 (pl (places) or swap (something for something
swine) same as pig. swinish adj else). 8 Chiefly US & Canad to transfer
swing vb swinging, swung 1 to move back- (rolling stock) from one railway track to
wards and forwards; sway. 2 to pivot or another. 9 See switch off, switch on.
cause (something) to pivot from a fixed switchback n a steep mountain road, rail-
point such as a hinge: the door swung open. way, or track with very sharp bends.
3 to move in a sweeping curve: the head- switchboard n the place in a telephone ex-
lights swung along the street. 4 to alter change or office building where telephone
one’s opinion or mood suddenly. 5 to hang calls are connected.
so as to be able to turn freely. 6 Old-
fashioned, slang to be hanged: you 'll swing switch off vb 1 to cause (a device) to stop
for this! 7 Informal to manipulate or influ- operating by moving a switch or lever: she
ence successfully: it may help to swing the switched off the television. 2 Informal to
election. 8 (often foil, by at) to hit out with become bored and stop paying attention:
a sweeping motion. 9 Old-fashioned to play when the conversation turned to house
(music) in the style of swing. 10 Old- prices I switched off.
fashioned, slang to be lively and modern. switch on vb 1 to cause (a device) to operate
~n 11 the act of swinging. 12 a sweeping by moving a switch or lever. 2 Informal to
stroke or punch. 13 a seat hanging from two produce (a certain type of behaviour or
chains or ropes on which a person may emotion) suddenly or automatically: she
swing back and forth. 14 popular dance was good at switching on the charm.
music played by big bands in the 1930s and swither Scot -vb 1 to hesitate or be indeci-
1940s. 15 Informal the normal pace at sive. —n 2 a sta(e of hesitation or uncer-
which an activity, such as work, happens: tainty.
I’m into the swing of things now. 16 a sud- swivel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 1
den or extreme change, for example in some to turn on or swing round on a central
business activity or voting pattern. 17 go point. ~n 2 a coupling device which allows
with a swing to go well; be successful. 18 in an attached object to turn freely.
full swing at the height of activity. swivel chair n a chair, whose seat is joined
swingboat n a boat-shaped carriage for to the legs by a swivel, enabling it to be
swinging in at a fairground. spun round.
swing bridge n a bridge that can be swung swizz n Brit informal a swindle or disap-
open to let ships pass through. pointment.
swingeing (swin-jing) adj Chiefly Brit se- swizzle stick n a small stick used to stir
vere or causing hardship: swingeing spend- cocktails.
ing cuts. swollen vb 1 a past participle of swell.
swipe vb swiping, swiped 1 Informal to try -adj 2 enlarged by swelling.
to hit (someone or something) with a sweep- swoon vb 1 Literary to faint because of
ing blow: he swiped at a boy who ran for- shock or strong emotion. 2 to be deeply af-
ward. 2 Slang to steal (something). 3 to pass fected by passion for (someone): you've
(a credit or debit card) through a machine swooned over a string of rotten men. ~n 3
which electronically interprets the informa- Literary a faint, swooning adj
tion stored in the card. ~n 4 Informal a swoop vb 1 (usually foil, by down) to move
hard blow. quickly through the air in a downward
swirl vb 1 to turn round and round with a curve: an owl swooped down from its perch.
twisting motion. ~n 2 a twisting or spin- 2 (usually foil, by on) to move suddenly and
ning motion. 3 a twisting shape, swirling quickly towards (a place) in order to attack,
adj arrest, or question the people inside: Inland
swish vb 1 to move with or cause (some- Revenue officials swooped on the UK of-
thing) to make a whistling or hissing sound. fices of the bankrupt tycoon. ~n 3 the act
~n 2 a hissing or rustling sound or move- of swooping.
ment: she turned with a swish of her skirt. swoosh vb 1 to make a swirling or rustling
~adj 3 Informal, chiefly Brit smart and sound when moving or pouring out. ~n 2 a
fashionable. swirling or rustling sound or movement.
swop 837 symphony
swop vb swopping, swopped, n same as are fascinating; so some temples are fasci-
swap. nating. syllogistic adj
sword n 1 a weapon with a long sharp blade sylph n 1 a slender graceful girl or young
and a short handle. 2 the sword a military woman. 2 an imaginary creature believed to
power, b death; destruction: we will put live in the air. sylphlike adj
them to the sword. 3 cross swords to have sylvan or silvan adj Chiefly poetic of or con-
a disagreement with someone. sisting of woods or forests.
sword dance n a dance in which the per- symbiosis n 1 Biol a close association of two
former dances over swords on the ground. different animal or plant species living to-
swordfish n, pl -fish or -fishes a large fish gether to their mutual benefit. 2 a similar
with a very long upper jaw that resembles a relationship between different individuals
sword. or groups: the symbiosis of the coal and
Sword of Damocles (dam-a-kleez) n a dis- railway industries, symbiotic adj
aster that is about to take place. symbol n 1 something that represents or
stands for something else, usually an object
swordplay n the action or art of fighting used to represent something abstract. 2 a
with a sword. letter, figure, or sign used in mathematics,
swordsman n, pl -men a person who is music, etc., to represent a quantity, opera-
skilled in the use of a sword, swordsman- tion, function, etc.
ship n symbolic adj 1 of or relating to a symbol or
swordstick n a hollow walking stick that symbols. 2 being a symbol of something,
contains a short sword. symbolically adv
swore vb the past tense of swear. symbolism n 1 the representation of some-
sworn vb 1 the past participle of swear. thing by the use of symbols. 2 an art move-
-adj 2 bound by or as if by an oath: a ment involving the use of symbols to ex-
sworn enemy. press mystical or abstract ideas, symbolist
swot1 Brit informal —vb swotting, swotted adj, n
1 (often foil, by up) to study (a subject) symbolize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
very hard, esp. for an exam; cram. ~n 2 a -ised 1 to be a symbol of (something). 2 to
person who works or studies hard. represent with a symbol, symbolization or
swot2 vb swotting, swotted, n same as -isation n
swat. symmetry n, pl -tries 1 the state of having
swum vb the past participle of swim, two halves that are mirror images of each
other. 2 beauty resulting from a balanced
swung vb the past of swing. arrangement of parts, symmetrical adj
sybarite (sib-bar-ite) n 1 a lover of luxury symmetrically adv
and pleasure, -adj 2 luxurious or sensu- sympathetic adj 1 feeling or showing kind-
ous. sybaritic adj ness and understanding. 2 (of a person)
sycamore n 1 a tree with five-pointed likeable and appealing: the film’s only sym-
leaves and two-winged fruits. 2 US & Canad pathetic character. 3 sympathetic to show-
an American plane tree. ing agreement with or willing to lend sup-
sycophant n a person who uses flattery to port to: sympathetic to the movement.
win favour from people with power or in- sympathetically adv
fluence. sycophancy n sycophantic adj sympathize or -thise vb -thizing, -thized or
syllabic adj of or relating to syllables, -thising, -thised sympathize with a to feel
syllabify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to divide (a
or express sympathy for: I sympathized
word) into syllables, syllabification n with this fear, b to agree with or support:
Pitt sympathized with these objectives.
syllable n 1 a part of a word which is pro- sympathizer or -thiser n
nounced as a unit, which contains a single sympathy n, pl -thies 1 (often foil, by for)
vowel sound, and which may or may not understanding of other people’s problems;
contain consonants: for example, “paper” compassion. 2 sympathy with agreement
has two syllables. 2 the least mention: with someone’s feelings or interests: we
without a syllable about what went on. 3 in have every sympathy with how she felt. 3
words of one syllable simply and plainly. (often pl) feelings of loyalty or support for
syllabub n Brit a dessert made from milk or an idea or a cause: was this where her sym-
cream beaten with sugar, wine, and lemon pathies lay? 4 mutual affection or under-
juice. standing between two people or a person
syllabus (sill-lab-buss) n, pl -buses or -bi and an animal.
(-bye) a the subjects studied for a particu- symphony n, pl -nies 1 a large-scale orches-
lar course, b a list of these subjects. tral composition with several movements. 2
► The usual plural is syllabuses. -an orchestral movement in a vocal work
syllogism n a form of reasoning consisting such as an oratorio. 3 short for symphony
of two premises and a conclusion, for ex- orchestra. 4 anything that has a pleasing
ample some temples are in ruins; all ruins arrangement of colours or shapes: the gar-
symphony orchestra 838 syringe
den was a symphony of coloured bunting. syndrome n 1 Med a combination of signs
symphonic adj and symptoms that indicate a particular
symphony orchestra n Music a large or- disease. 2 a set of characteristics indicating
chestra that performs symphonies. the existence of a particular condition or
symposium n, pi -sia or -siums 1 a confer- problem.
ence at which experts or academics discuss synecdoche (sin-neck-dock-ee) n a figure of
a particular subject. 2 a collection of essays speech in which a part is substituted for a
on a particular subject. whole or a whole for a part, as in 50 head of
symptom n 1 Med a sign indicating the pres- cattle for 50 cows.
ence of an illness or disease. 2 anything that synergy n the potential ability for individu-
is taken as an indication that something is als or groups to be more successful working
wrong: a growing symptom of grave social together than on their own.
injustice, symptomatic adj synod n a special church council which
synagogue n a building for Jewish religious meets regularly to discuss church affairs.
services and religious instruction. synonym n a word that means the same as
sync or synch Films, television, computers another word, such as bucket and pail.
informal ~vb 1 to synchronize. ~n 2 syn- synonymous adj synonymous with a hav-
chronization: the film and sound are in ing the same meaning, b closely associated
sync. with: a family whose name had been syn-
synchromesh adj 1 (of a gearbox) having a onymous with fine jewellery.
system of clutches that synchronizes the synopsis (sin-op-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) a
speeds of the gearwheels before they en- brief review or outline of a subject; sum-
gage. ~n 2 a gear system having these fea- mary.
tures. synoptic adj 1 of or relating to a synopsis. 2
synchronism n the quality or condition of Bible of or relating to the Gospels of Mat-
occurrence at the same time or rate. thew, Mark, and Luke, synoptically adv
synchronize or -nise vb -nizing, -nized or synovia (sine-oh-vee-a) n Med a clear thick
-nising, -nised 1 (of two or more people) to fluid that lubricates the body joints, syno-
perform (an action) at the same time: a vial adj
synchronized withdrawal of Allied forces. 2 syntax n the grammatical rules of a lan-
to cause (two or more clocks or watches) to guage and the way in which words are ar-
show the same time. 3 Films to match (the ranged to form phrases and sentences, syn-
soundtrack and the action of a film) pre- tactic or syntactical adj
cisely. synchronization or -nisation n synthesis (sinth-iss-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) 1
synchronous adj occurring at the same time the process of combining objects or ideas
and rate. into a complex whole. 2 the combination
syncline n Geol a downward slope of strati- produced by such a process. 3 Chem the
fied rock in which the layers dip towards process of producing a compound by one or
each other from either side. more chemical reactions, usually from sim-
syncopate vb -pating, -pated Music to
pler starting materials.
stress the weak beats in (a rhythm or a synthesize or -sise vb -sizing, -sized or
piece of music) instead of the strong beats, -sising, -sised 1 to combine (objects or
syncopation n ideas) into a complex whole. 2 to produce (a
compound) by synthesis.
syncope (sing-kop-ee) n 1 Med a faint. 2
Linguistics the omission of sounds or letters synthesizer n a keyboard instrument in
from the middle of a word, as in ne’er for which speech, music, or other sounds are
never. produced electronically.
syndic n Brit a business or legal agent of synthetic adj 1 (of a substance or material)
some universities or other institutions. made artificially by chemical reaction. 2 not
sincere or genuine: synthetic compassion.
syndicalism n a movement advocating sei- ~n 3 a synthetic substance or material,
zure of economic and political power by the synthetically adv
industrial working class by means of indus-
trial action, esp. general strikes, syndical- syphilis n a sexually transmitted disease
ist n that causes sores on the genitals and even-
tually on other parts of the body, syphilit-
Syndicate n 1 a group of people or firms or- ic adj
ganized to undertake a joint project. 2 an
association of individuals who control or- syphon n, vb same as siphon.
ganized crime. 3 a news agency that sells Syrian adj 1 of Syria. ~n 2 a person from
articles and photographs to a number of Syria.
newspapers for simultaneous publication. syringa n same as mock orange or lilac.
~vb -eating, -cated 4 to sell (articles and syringe n 1 Med a device used for withdraw-
photographs) to several newspapers for ing or injecting fluids, consisting of a hol-
simultaneous publication. 5 to form a syn- low cylinder of glass or plastic, a tightly fit-
dicate of (people), syndication n ting piston, and a hollow needle. ~vb
syrup 839 systole
-ringing, -ringed 2 to wash out, inject, or network of communications, transporta-
spray with a syringe: a harmless blue dye is tion, or distribution. 8 Biol an animal con-
syringed into the uterus. sidered as a whole. 9 Biol a set of organs or
syrup n 1 a solution of sugar dissolved in structures that together perform some
water and often flavoured with fruit juice: function: the immune system. 10 one’s
used for sweetening fruit, etc. 2 a thick physical or mental constitution: the intru-
sweet liquid food made from sugar or mo- sion of the ME virus into my system; to get
lasses: maple syrup. 3 a liquid medicine the hate out of my system. 11 an assembly
containing a sugar solution: cough syrup. of electronic or mechanical parts forming a
syrupy adj 1 (of a liquid) thick or sweet. 2 self-contained unit: an alarm system.
excessively sentimental: a soundtrack of systematic adj following a fixed plan and
syrupy violins. done in an efficient and methodical way: a
systematic approach to teaching, system-
system n 1 a method or set of methods for atically adv
doing or organizing something: a new sys-
tem of production or distribution. 2 orderli- systematize or -tise vb -tizing, -tized or
ness or routine; an ordered manner: there is -tising, -tised to arrange (information) in a
no system in his work. 3 the manner in system, systematization or -tisation n
which an institution or aspect of society systemic adj Biol (of a poison, disease, etc.)
has been arranged: the Scottish legal sys- affecting the entire animal or body, sys-
tem. 4 the system the government and temically adv
state regarded as exploiting, restricting, systems analysis n the analysis of the re-
and repressing individuals. 5 the manner in quirements of a task and the expression of
which the parts of something fit or function these in a form that enables a computer to
together; structure: disruption of the perform the task, systems analyst n
earth’s weather system. 6 any scheme or set systole (siss-tol-ee) n Physiol contraction of
of rules used to classify, explain, or calcu- the heart, during which blood is pumped
late: the Newtonian system of physics. 7 a into the arteries, systolic adj
 T
t or T n, pj t’s, T’s, or Ts 1 the 20th letter of price. ~n, pl tables d’hote (tah-bla dote) 2
the English alphabet. 2 to a T a in every de- a table d’hote meal or menu.
tail: that’s her toa T. b perfectly: that dress tableland n a flat area of high ground; plat-
suits you to a T. eau.
t tonne(s). table licence n a licence permitting the sale
T 1 Chem tritium. 2 tera-. of alcohol with meals only.
t. 1 temperature. 2 ton(s). tablespoon n 1 a spoon, larger than a
ta interj Brit informal thank you. dessertspoon, used for serving food. 2 Also
called: tablespoonful the amount con-
Ta Chem tantalum. tained in such a spoon. 3 a unit of capacity
TA (in Britain) Territorial Army. used in cooking, equal to half a fluid ounce.
tab1 n 1 a small flap of material, esp. one on tablet n 1 a pill consisting of a compressed
a garment for decoration or for fastening to medicinal substance. 2 a flattish cake of
a button. 2 any similar flap, such as a piece some substance, such as soap. 3 a slab of
of paper attached to a file for identifica- stone, wood, etc., used for writing on before
tion. 3 Chiefly US & Canad a bill, esp. for a the invention of paper. 4 an inscribed piece
meal or drinks. 4 keep tabs on Informal to of stone, wood, etc., that is fixed to a wall
keep a watchful eye on. as a memorial: a tablet in memory of those
tab2 n short for tabulator. who died.
tabard n 1 a sleeveless jacket, esp. one worn table tennis n a game resembling a minia-
by a medieval knight over his armour. 2 a ture form of tennis played on a table with
short coat bearing the coat of arms of the bats and a small light ball.
sovereign, worn by a herald. table wine n 1 fairly cheap wine for every-
Tabasco n Trademark a very hot red sauce day drinking with meals. 2 ordinary wine,
made from peppers. as opposed to fortified wine such as sherry
tabby n, pl -bies 1 a cat whose fur has dark
or port.
stripes or wavy markings on a lighter back- tabloid n a newspaper with fairly small
ground. —adj 2 having dark stripes or pages, usually with many photographs and
wavy markings on a lighter background. a concise and often sensational style.
tabernacle n 1 the Tabernacle Bible the taboo or tabu n, pl -boos or -bus 1 a restric-
portable sanctuary in which the ancient Is- tion or prohibition resulting from social or
raelites carried the Ark of the Covenant. 2 other conventions. 2 a ritual prohibition,
any place of Christian worship that is not esp. of something that is considered holy or
called a church. 3 RC Church a receptacle in unclean, —adj 3 forbidden or disapproved-
which the Blessed Sacrament is kept. of: a taboo subject.
tabla n, pl -bla or -bias one of a pair of In- tabor n a small drum used esp. in the Middle
dian drums played with the hands. Ages, struck with one hand while the other
held a pipe.
table n 1 a piece of furniture consisting of a
tabular adj arranged in parallel columns so
flat top supported by legs: a coffee table. 2 as to form a table.
a set of facts or figures arranged in rows
and columns: a league table. 3 a group of tabulate vb dating, dated to arrange (in-
people sitting round a table for a meal, formation) in rows and columns, tabula-
game, etc.: the whole table laughed. 4 For- tion n
mal the food provided at a meal or in a par- tabulator n a key on a typewriter or word
ticular house: he keeps a good table. 5 turn processor that sets stops so that data can be
the tables to cause a complete reversal of arranged in columns.
circumstances. -vb -bling, -bled 6 Brit to tachograph n a device that measures the
submit (a motion) for discussion by a meet- speed of a vehicle and the distance that it
ing. 7 US to suspend discussion of (a propo- covers, and produces a record (tachogram)
sal) indefinitely. of its readings.
tableau (tab-loh) n, pl -leaux (-loh) a silent tachometer n a device for measuring speed,
motionless group of people arranged to rep- esp. that of a revolving shaft.
resent a scene from history, legend, or lit- tacit (tass-it) adj understood or implied
erature. without actually being stated: tacit support.
tablecloth n a cloth for covering the top of a taciturn (tass-it-turn) adj habitually silent,
table, esp. during meals. reserved, or uncommunicative, taciturnity
table d’hote (tah-bla dote) adj 1 (of a meal) n
consisting of a set number of courses with a tack1 n 1 a short sharp-pointed nail with a
limited choice of dishes offered at a fixed large flat head. 2 Brit a long loose tempo-
tack 841 tail
rary stitch used in dressmaking. ~vb 3 to tactile adj of or having a sense of touch: the
fasten (something) with a tack or tacks: the tactile sense.
carpet needs to be tacked down. 4 Brit to tadpole n the aquatic larva of a frog or toad,
sew (something) with long loose temporary which develops from a limbless tailed form
stitches. ~See also tack on. with external gills into a form with internal
tack2 n 1 Naut the course of a boat sailing gills, limbs, and a reduced tail.
obliquely into the wind, expressed in terms taffeta n a thin shiny silk or rayon fabric
of the side of the boat against which the used esp. for women’s clothes.
wind is blowing: on the port tack. 2 a course taffrail n Naut a rail at the back of a ship or
of action or a policy: telling her to get off boat.
my back hadn’t worked, so I took a differ- tag1 n 1 a piece of paper, leather, etc., for at-
ent tack. ~vb 3 Naut to steer (a boat) on a taching to something as a mark or label: the
zigzag course, so as to make progress price tag. 2 a point of metal or plastic at the
against the wind. end of a cord or lace. 3 a brief trite quota-
tack3 n riding harness for horses, including tion. 4 an electronic device worn by a pris-
saddles and bridles. oner under house arrest so that his or her
tackies or takkies pin, sing tacky S African movements can be monitored. ~vb tag-
informal tennis shoes or plimsolls. ging, tagged 5 to mark with a tag. ~See
also tag along, tag on.
tackle vb -ling, -led 1 to deal with (a prob-
lem or task) in a determined way. 2 to con- tag2 n 1 a children’s game in which one
front (someone) about something: I intend player chases the others in an attempt to
to tackle both management and union on touch one of them, who will then become
this issue. 3 to attack and fight (a person or the chaser. ~vb tagging, tagged 2 to catch
animal). 4 Sport to attempt to get the ball and touch (another child) in the game of
away from (an opposing player). ~n 5 tag. ~Also: tig
Sport an attempt to get the ball away from Tagalog (tag-gah-log) n a language spoken
an opposing player. 6 the equipment re- in the Philippines.
quired for a particular sport or occupation: tag along vb to accompany someone, esp.
fishing tackle. 7 a set of ropes and pulleys when uninvited: I tagged along behind the
for lifting heavy weights. 8 Naut the ropes gang.
and other rigging aboard a ship. tag end n the last part of something: at the
tack on vb to attach or add (something) to tag end of the Ice Age.
something that is already complete: an el- tagetes (taj-eat-eez) n, pl -tes any of a
egant mansion with a modern extension genus of plants with yellow or orange flow-
tacked on at the back. ers, including the French and African
tacky1 adj tackier, tackiest slightly sticky, marigolds.
tackiness n tagliatelle (tal-yat-tell-ee) n a form of pasta
tacky2 adj tackier, tackiest Informal 1 vul- made in narrow strips.
gar and tasteless: tacky commercialism. 2 tag on vb to add at the end of something: a
shabby or shoddy: tacky streets, tackiness throwaway remark, tagged on at the end of
n a casual conversation.
tact n 1 a sense of the best and most consid- tahini (tah-hee-nee) n a paste made from
erate way to deal with people so as not to ground sesame seeds, used esp. in Middle
upset them. 2 skill in handling difficult Eastern cookery.
situations, tactful adj tactfully adv tact- t’ai chi (tie chee) n a Chinese system of ex-
less adj tactlessly adv tactlessness n ercises and self-defence characterized by
slow rhythmic movements.
tactic n a move or method used to achieve
an aim or task: he has perfected dissent as a taiga (tie-ga) n the belt of coniferous forest
tactic to further his career. See also tactics. extending across much of subarctic North
America, Europe, and Asia.
tactical adj 1 of or employing tactics: a tac-
tical advantage. 2 (of missiles, bombing, tail1 n 1 the rear part of an animal’s body,
etc.) for use in limited military operations, usually forming a long thin flexible part at-
tactically adv
tached to the trunk. 2 any long thin part
projecting or hanging from the back or end
tactical voting n (in an election) the practice of something: the waiter produced menus
of voting for a candidate or party one from beneath the tail of his coat. 3 the last
would not normally support in an attempt part: the tail of the procession. 4 the rear
to prevent an even less acceptable candi- part of an aircraft. 5 Astron the luminous
date or party being elected. stream of gas and dust particles driven
tactics n 1 Mil the science of the detailed di- from the head of a comet when it is close to
rection of forces in battle to achieve an aim ~the sun. 6 Informal a person employed to
or task. ~pl n 2 the plans and methods follow and spy upon another. 7 turn tail to
used to achieve a particular short-term aim. run away. 8 with one’s tail between one’s
tactician n legs completely defeated and demoralized.
tail 842 take against
—adj 9 at the back: tail feathers. -vb 10 they had taken everything most precious to
Informal to follow (someone) stealthily. us. 6 to seize or capture: her husband had
~See also tail off, tails, tailless adj been taken by the rebels. 7 (in games such
tail2 n Law the limitation of an estate or in- as chess or cards) to win or capture (a
terest to a person and his or her descend- piece, trick, etc.). 8 to choose or select
ants. (something to use or buy): I’ll take the
tailback n a queue of traffic stretching back green one, please. 9 to put an end to: he
from an obstruction. took his own life. 10 to require (time, re-
tailboard n a removable or hinged rear sources, or ability): this would have taken
board on a lorry or trailer. years to set up. 11 to use as a particular
case: take a friend of mine for example. 12
tail coat n a man’s black coat which stops at to find and make use of (a seat, flat, etc.).
the hips at the front and has a long back 13 to accept the duties of: two days after
split into two below the waist. Mr Major took office. 14 to receive in a
tailgate n 1 same as tailboard. 2 a door at specified way: my mother took it calmly. 15
the rear of a hatchback vehicle. to receive and make use of: she took the op-
tail-light or tail-lamp n US & Canad a red portunity to splash her heated face. 16 to
light, usually one of a pair, attached to the eat or drink: all food substances are toxic if
rear of a vehicle. taken in excess. 17 to perform (an action,
tail off or away vb 1 to decrease gradually: esp. a beneficial one): she took a deep
orders tailed off. 2 (of someone’s voice) to breath. 18 to accept (something that is of-
become gradually quieter and then silent. fered or given): she took a job as a waitress.
tailor n 1 a person who makes, repairs, or 19 to put into effect: taking military action
alters outer garments, esp. menswear. —vb simply. 20 to make (a photograph). 21 to
2 to cut or style (a garment) to satisfy spe- write down or copy: taking notes. 22 to
cific requirements. 3 to adapt (something) work at or study: taking painting lessons.
so as to make it suitable: activities are 23 to do or sit (a test, exam, etc.). 24 to
tailored to participants’ capabilities, tai- begin to experience or feel: he took an in-
lored adj terest in psychoanalysis. 25 to accept (re-
tailorbird n a tropical Asian warbler that sponsibility, blame, or credit). 26 to accept
builds a nest by sewing together large as valid: I take your point. 27 to stand up to
leaves using plant fibres. or endure: I can’t take this harassment any
tailor-made adj 1 (of clothing) made by a more. 28 to wear a particular size of shoes
tailor to fit exactly. 2 perfect for a particu- or clothes: what size of shoes do you take?
lar purpose: I’m tailor-made for the role. 29 to have a cap'acity of or room for: the
Concert Hall can take about 2500 people. 30
tailpiece n 1 a piece added at the end of to ascertain by measuring: she comes after
something, for example a report. 2 a deco- breakfast to take her pulse and tempera-
rative design at the end of a chapter. 3 a ture. 31 to subtract or deduct: take seven
piece of wood to which the strings of a from eleven. 32 to aim or direct: he took a
stringed musical instrument are attached at few steps towards the door. 33 (of a shop,
its lower end. club, etc.) to make (a specified amount of
tailpipe n a pipe from which exhaust gases money) from sales, tickets, etc.: we can take
are discharged, esp. in a motor vehicle. over £5000 on a good night. 34 to have or
tailplane n a small horizontal wing at the produce the intended effect: the dye hasn’t
tail of an aircraft to help keep it stable. taken on your shoes. 35 (of seedlings) to
tails pl n 1 Informal same as tail coat. start growing successfully. 36 take ac-
—interj, adv 2 with the side of a coin count of or take into account See account
uppermost that does not have a portrait of (sense 9). 37 take advantage of See advan-
a head on it. tage (sense 4). 38 take care See care (sense
tailspin n 1 Aeronautics same as spin (sense 10). 39 take care of See care (sense 11). 40
9). 2 Informal a state of confusion or panic. take it to assume or believe: I take it that
tailwind n a wind blowing from behind an means they don’t want to leave. 41 take
aircraft or vehicle. part in See part (sense 17). 42 take place
taint vb 1 to spoil or contaminate by an un- See place (sense 20). 43 take upon oneself
desirable quality: tainted by corruption, to assume the right or duty (to do some-
—n 2 a defect or flaw. 3 a trace of contami- thing). 44 take your time use as much time
nation or infection, tainted adj as you need, —n 45 Films, music one of a
series of recordings from which the best
take vb taking, took, taken 1 to remove will be selected. ~See also take after, take
from a place, usually by grasping with the against, etc.
hand: he took a fifty-dollar note from his
wallet. 2 to accompany or escort: he took take after vb to resemble in appearance or
me home. 3 to use as a means of transport: character: he takes after his grandfather.
we took a taxi. 4 to conduct or lead: that take against vb Informal to start to dislike,
road takes you to Preston. 5 to obtain pos- esp. for no good reason: I took against her
session of (something), often dishonestly: right from the start.
take apart 843 tale
take apart vb 1 to separate (something) into treasurer. 4 to compete against: we must
its component parts: once I’d taken the take on our foreign competitors.
clock apart I couldn’t fit the bits together take out vb 1 to remove (something) from a
again. 2 Informal to criticize severely. place: she took a comb out of her bag. 2 to
take away vb 1 to remove or subtract: the obtain: she took out American citizenship in
lymph glands are taken away and examined 1937. 3 to escort or go out with (someone)
under a microscope. 2 to detract from or on a social trip: can I take you out for a
lessen the value of (something): the fact meal some time? 4 Informal to kill, destroy,
that he beat his wife doesn’t take away or maim: most of the enemy’s air defences
from his merits as a writer. -prep 3 minus: have been taken out. 5 take it or a lot out
six take away two is four. ~adj takeaway of Informal to sap the energy or vitality of.
4 Brit, Austral, & NZ sold for consumption 6 take it out on Informal to vent one’s
away from the premises: takeaway food. anger on. —adj, n takeout 7 US & Canad
~n takeaway Brit, Austral, & NZ 5 a shop same as takeaway (senses 4, 5, 6).
or restaurant that sells such food. 6 a meal take over vb 1 to gain control or manage-
sold for consumption away from the prem- ment of. 2 to become responsible for (a job)
ises. after another person has stopped doing it:
take back vb 1 to retract or withdraw I’ll take over the driving if you want a
(something said or promised): I take back break. 3 take over from to become more
what I said about him. 2 to regain posses- successful or important than (something),
sion of. 3 to return for exchange or a re- and eventually replace it: CDs have more or
fund: shopkeepers are often reluctant to less taken over from records. ~n takeover
take back unsatisfactory goods. 4 to accept 4 the act of gaining control of a company by
(someone) back into one’s home, affections, buying its shares. 5 the act of seizing and
etc.: I’ll only take you back if you promise taking control of something: the rebel take-
to behave. 5 to remind (one) of the past: over in Ethiopia.
this takes me back to my childhood. taker n a person who agrees to take some-
take down vb 1 to record in writing. 2 to thing that is offered: there’s only one sweet
dismantle or remove. 3 to reduce (someone) left - any takers?
in power or arrogance: I do think he needed take to vb 1 to form a liking for. 2 to start
taking down a peg or two. using or doing (something) as a habit: I took
take for vb Informal to consider or suppose to studying the published records of his life.
to be, esp. mistakenly: what kind of mug do
you take me for? take up vb 1 to occupy or fill (space or
time): looking after the baby takes up most
take-home pay n the remainder of one’s of my time. 2 to adopt the study, practice,
pay after income tax and other compulsory or activity of: I took up architecture. 3 to
deductions have been made. shorten (a garment). 4 to accept (an offer):
take in vb 1 to understand: I was too tired to I’d like to take up your offer of help. 5 take
take in all of what was being said. 2 Infor- up on a to accept what is offered by (some-
mal to cheat or deceive: don't be taken in by one): I might just take you up on that offer.
his charming manner. 3 to include: this tour b to discuss (something) further with
takes in the romance and history of Salz- (someone): I’d like to take you up on that
burg, Vienna, and Munich. 4 to receive into last point. 6 take up with a to discuss (an
one’s house: his widowed mother lived by issue) with (someone): take up the matter
taking in boarders. 5 to make (clothing) with the District Council more seriously, b
smaller by altering the seams. 6 US to go to: to begin to be friendly and spend time with
taking in a movie. (someone): he’s already taken up with the
taken vb 1 the past participle of take, —adj woman he would marry.
2 taken with enthusiastically impressed taking adj charming, fascinating, or intrigu-
by- ing.
take off vb 1 to remove (a garment). 2 (of an takings pl n receipts; earnings.
aircraft) to become airborne. 3 Informal to
set out on a journey: taking off for the High- talc or talcum n 1 same as talcum powder. 2
lands. 4 Informal to become successful or a soft mineral, consisting of magnesium sili-
popular: the record took off after being cate, used in the manufacture of ceramics,
used in a film. 5 to deduct (an amount) from paints, and talcum powder.
a price or total. 6 to withdraw or put an end talcum powder n a powder made of purified
to: the bus service has been taken off be- talc, usually scented, used to dry or per-
cause of lack of demand. 7 Informal to fume the body.
mimic (someone). ~n takeoff 8 the act or tale n 1 a report, account, or story: everyone
process of making an aircraft airborne. 9 had their own tale to tell about the flood. 2
Informal an act of mimicry. -a malicious piece of gossip. 3 tell tales a to
take on vb 1 to employ or hire. 2 to assume tell fanciful lies, b to report malicious sto-
or acquire: his eyes took on a strange inten- ries or trivial complaints, esp. to someone in
sity. 3 to agree to do: he took on the job of authority. 4 tell a tale to reveal something
talent 844 tame
important. 5 tell its own tale to be self- something by talking to him or her: don't let
evident. anyone talk you into buying things you
talent n 1 a natural ability to do something don’t want.
well: the boy has a real talent for writing. 2 talk out vb 1 to resolve (a problem) by talk-
a person or people with such ability: he is ing: we won’t reach a compromise unless we
the major talent in Italian fashion. 3 Infor- can talk out our differences. 2 Brit to block
mal attractive members of the opposite sex (a bill) in parliament by discussing it for so
collectively: there’s always lots of talent in long that there is no time to vote on it. 3
that pub. 4 any of various ancient units of talk out of to dissuade (someone) from
weight and money, talented adj doing something by talking to him or her.
talent scout n a person whose occupation is talk round vb 1 to persuade (someone) to
the search for talented people, such as agree with one’s opinion or suggestion: he
sportsmen or performers, for work as didn’t want to go, but I talked him round. 2
professionals. to discuss (a subject) without coming to a
talisman n, pl -mans a stone or other small conclusion.
object, usually inscribed or carved, believed tall adj 1 of greater than average height. 2
to protect the wearer from evil influences, having a specified height: five feet tall.
talismanic adj tallboy n a high chest of drawers made in
talk vb 1 to express one’s thoughts or feel- two sections placed one on top of the other.
ings by means of spoken words. 2 to ex- tall order n Informal a difficult or unrea-
change ideas or opinions about something: sonable request.
they were talking about where they would tallow n a hard fatty animal fat used in mak-
go on holiday. 3 to give voice to; utter: he ing soap and candles.
was talking rubbish. 4 to discuss: the politi- tall ship n a large square-rigged sailing ship,
cal leaders were talking peace. 5 to reveal tall Story n Informal an unlikely and prob-
information: she was ready to talk. 6 to be ably untrue tale.
able to speak (a language or style) in con- tally vb -lies, -lying, -lied 1 to agree with or
versation: the ferry was full of people talk- be consistent with something else: this de-
ing French. 7 to spread rumours or gossip. 8 scription didn’t seem to me to tally with
to be effective or persuasive: money talks. 9 what we saw. 2 to keep score. —n, pl -lies 3
to get into a particular condition or state of any record of debit, credit, the score in a
mind by talking: I had talked myself hoarse. game, etc. 4 an identifying label or mark. 5
10 now you’re talking Informal at last
you’re saying something agreeable. 11 you a stick used (esp. formerly) as a record of
can or can’t talk Informal you are in no po-
the amount of a debt according to the
sition to comment or criticize. ~n 12 a notches cut in it.
speech or lecture: a talk on local govern- tally-ho interj the cry of a participant at a
ment reform. 13 an exchange of ideas or hunt when the quarry is sighted.
thoughts: we had a talk about our holiday Talmud n Judaism the primary source of
plans. 14 idle chatter, gossip, or rumour. 15 Jewish religious law. Talmudic adj Tal-
(often pl) a conference, discussion, or nego- mudist n
tiation. -See also talk back, talk down, talon n a sharply hooked claw, such as that
etc. talker n of a bird of prey.
talkative adj given to talking a great deal, tamarillo n, pl -los a shrub with a red oval
talk back vb to answer (someone) rudely or edible fruit.
cheekily. tamarind n a tropical evergreen tree with
talk down vb 1 talk down to to speak to fruit whose acid pulp is used as a food and
(someone) in a patronizing manner. 2 to to make beverages and medicines.
give instructions to (an aircraft) by radio to tamarisk n a tree or shrub of the Mediterra-
enable it to land. nean region and S Asia, with scalelike
talkie n Informal an early film with a sound- leaves, slender branches, and feathery
track. flower clusters.
Talking Book n Trademark a recording of a tambour n an embroidery frame, consisting
book, designed to be used by the blind. of two hoops over which the fabric is
stretched while being worked.
talking head n (on television) a person, tambourine n Music a percussion instrument
shown only from the shoulders up, who consisting of a single drum skin stretched
speaks without illustrative material. over a circular wooden frame with pairs of
talking point n something that causes dis- metal discs that jingle when it is struck or
cussion or argument: his appointment as shaken.
manager was a major talking point in foot- tame adj 1 (of an animal) a changed by hu-
ball circles. mans from a wild state into a domesticated
talking-to n Informal a scolding or telling- state, b not afraid of or aggressive towards
off. humans. 2 (of a person) tending to do what
talk into vb to persuade (someone) to do one is told without questioning or criticizing
Tamil 845 tantrum
it. 3 mild and unexciting: the love scenes with a sweet juicy flesh, of an Asian tree.
are fairly tame by modern standards. ~vb —adj 2 reddish-orange.
taming, tamed 4 to make (an animal) tame; tangi (tang-ee) n NZ 1 a Maori funeral cer-
domesticate. 5 to bring under control; make emony. 2 Informal a lamentation.
less extreme or dangerous: many previously tangible adj 1 able to be touched; material or
deadly diseases have been tamed by physical. 2 real or substantial: tangible re-
antibiotics. sults. tangibility n tangibly adv
Tamil n 1 (pl -ils or-il) a member of a people tangle n 1 a confused or complicated mass
of S India and Sri Lanka. 2 the language of of things, such as hair or fibres, knotted or
the Tamils. -adj 3 of the Tamils. coiled together. 2 a complicated problem or
tam-o’-shanter n a Scottish brimless wool- situation, -vb -gling, -gled 3 to twist
len cap with a bobble in the centre. (things, such as hair or fibres) together in a
tamp vb to force or pack (something) down confused mass. 4 to come into conflict: the
by tapping it several times: he tamped the last thing she wanted was to tangle with
bowl of his pipe. the police. 5 to catch or trap in a net, ropes,
tamper vb (foil, by with) 1 to interfere or etc.: the string of the kite had got tangled in
meddle with without permission: someone the branches, tangled adj
has been tampering with the locks. 2 to at- tango n, pl -gos 1 a Latin-American dance
tempt to influence someone, esp. by brib- characterized by long gliding steps and
ery: an attempt to tamper with the Jury. sudden pauses. 2 music for this dance, -vb
tampon n an absorbent plug of cotton wool -going, -goed 3 to perform this dance.
inserted into the vagina during menstrua- tank n 1 a large container for storing liquids
tion. or gases. 2 an armoured combat vehicle
tan1 n 1 a brown coloration of the skin moving on tracks and armed with guns. 3
caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, esp. Also called: tankful the quantity contained
those of the sun. -vb tanning, tanned 2 in a tank.
(of a person or his or her skin) to go brown tankard n a large one-handled beer-mug,
after exposure to ultraviolet rays. 3 to con- sometimes fitted with a hinged lid.
vert (a skin or hide) into leather by treating tanked up adj Slang, chiefly Brit very
it with a tanning agent. 4 Slang to beat or drunk.
flog, -adj 5 yellowish-brown. tanker n a ship or lorry for carrying liquid
tan2 Maths tangent. in bulk: an oil tanker.
tandem n 1 a bicycle with two sets of pedals tank farming n same as hydroponics, tank
and two saddles, arranged one behind the farmer n
other for two riders. 2 in tandem together tannery n, pl -neries a place or building
or in conjunction: the two drugs work in where skins and hides are tanned.
tandem to combat the disease, -adv 3 one tannic adj of, containing, or produced from
behind the other: Jim and Ruth arrived, rid- tannin or tannic acid.
ing tandem. tannie (tun-nee) n S African a title of re-
tandoor n a type of Indian clay oven, spect used to refer to an elderly woman.
tandoori adj cooked in a tandoor: tandoori tannin n a yellowish compound found in
chicken. many plants, such as tea and grapes, and
tang n 1 a strong sharp taste or smell: we used in tanning and dyeing. Also called:
could already smell the tang of the distant tannic acid
sea. 2 a trace or hint of something: there Tannoy n Trademark a type of public-
was a tang of cloves in the apple pie. 3 the address system.
pointed end of a tool, such as a knife or tansy n, pl -sies a plant with yellow flowers
chisel, which fits into the handle, tangy adj in flat-topped clusters.
tangent n 1 a line, curve, or plane that tantalize or -lise vb -lizing, -lized or -Using,
touches another curve or surface at one -lised to tease or make frustrated, for ex-
point but does not cross it. 2 (in trigonom- ample by tormenting (someone) with the
etry) the ratio of the length of the opposite sight of something that he or she wants but
side to that of the adjacent side of a right- cannot have, tantalizing or -lising adj
angled triangle. 3 go off at a tangent sud- tantalizingly or -lisingly adv
denly take a completely different line of tantalum n Chem a hard greyish-white me-
thought or action, -adj 4 of or involving a tallic element that resists corrosion. Sym-
tangent. 5 touching at a single point. bol: Ta
tangential adj 1 only having an indirect or tantalus n Brit a case in which bottles of
superficial relevance: Hitler’s vegetarian- wine and spirits may be locked with their
ism only has a tangential link with the poli- contents tantalizingly visible.
cies of the Nazis. 2 of or being a tangent: a tantamount adj tantamount to equivalent
street tangential to the market square. in effect to: the raid was tantamount to a
tangentially adv declaration of war.
tangerine n 1 the small orange-like fruit, tantrum n a childish outburst of bad temper.
Taoiseach 846 tarantella
Taoiseach (tee-shack) n the Prime Minister which supports the spools or cassettes, and
of the Irish Republic. contains the motor and the playback, re-
Taoism (rhymes with Maoism) n a Chinese cording, and erasing heads. 2 the unit in a
system of religion and philosophy advocat- hi-fi system which fulfils the same func-
ing a simple honest life and noninterference tion.
with the course of natural events. Taoist n, tape drive n a machine for storing or trans-
adj ferring information from a computer onto
tap1 vb tapping, tapped 1 to knock lightly tape.
and usually repeatedly: she tapped gently tape measure n a tape or length of metal
on the door. 2 to make a rhythmic sound marked off in centimetres or inches, used
with the hands or feet by lightly and re- for measuring.
peatedly hitting a surface with them: he taper vb 1 to become narrower towards one
was tapping one foot to the music. ~n 3 a end. 2 taper off to become gradually less:
light blow or knock, or the sound made by treatment should be tapered off gradually.
it. 4 the metal piece attached to the toe or ~n 3 a long thin fast-burning candle. 4 a
heel of a shoe used for tap-dancing. 5 same narrowing.
as tap-dancing. tape recorder n an electrical device used
tap2 n 1 Chiefly Brit a valve by which the for recording and reproducing sounds on
flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe can be magnetic tape.
controlled. Usual US word: faucet 2 a stop- tape recording n 1 the act of recording
per to plug a cask or barrel. 3 a concealed sounds on magnetic tape. 2 the magnetic
listening or recording device connected to a tape used for this: a tape recording of the
telephone. 4 Med the withdrawal of fluid interview. 3 the sounds so recorded.
from a bodily cavity: a spinal tap. 5 on tap tapestry n, pl -tries 1 a heavy woven fabric,
a Informal ready for use. b (of drinks) on often in the form of a picture, used for wall
draught rather than in bottles. ~vb tap- hangings or furnishings. 2 same as needle-
ping, tapped 6 to listen in on (a telephone point (sense 1). 3 a colourful and compli-
conversation) secretly by making an illegal cated situation that is made up of many dif-
connection. 7 to obtain something useful or ferent kinds of things: the rich tapestry of
desirable from (something): a new way of London life.
tapping the sun’s energy. 8 to withdraw tapeworm n a long flat parasitic worm that
liquid from (something) as if through a tap: inhabits the intestines of vertebrates, in-
to tap a cask of wine. 9 to cut into (a tree) cluding man.
and draw off sap from it. 10 Brit informal
to obtain (money or information) from tapioca n a beadlike starch made from cas-
(someone). sava root, used in puddings.
tapir (tape-er) n a piglike mammal of South
tapas (tap-ass) pl n (in Spanish cookery)
and Central America and SE Asia, with a
light snacks or appetizers, usually eaten long snout, three-toed hind legs, and four-
with drinks. toed forelegs.
tap-dancing n a style of dancing in which tappet n a short steel rod in an engine which
the performer wears shoes with metal moves up and down transferring movement
plates at the heels and toes that make a from one part of the machine to another.
rhythmic sound on the stage as he or she
dances, tap-dancer n tap dance n taproom n Old-fashioned the public bar in a
hotel or pub.
tape n 1 a long thin strip of cotton or linen
taproot n the main root of plants such as the
used for tying or fastening: a parcel tied dandelion, which grows straight down and
with pink tape. 2 a short for magnetic bears smaller lateral roots.
tape, b a spool or cassette containing mag-
netic tape, and used for recording or play- tar1 n 1 a dark sticky substance obtained by
ing sound or video signals: he put a tape distilling organic matter such as coal, wood,
into his stereo, c the music, speech, or pic- or peat. 2 same as coal tar. ~vb tarring,
tures which have been recorded on a par- tarred 3 to coat with tar. 4 tar and feather
ticular cassette or spool of magnetic tape. 3 to cover (someone) with tar and feathers as
a narrow strip of plastic which has one side a punishment. 5 tarred with the same
coated with an adhesive substance and is brush having, or regarded as having, the
used to stick paper, etc., together: sticky same faults, tarry adj
tape. 4 a string stretched across the track at tar2 n Informal a seaman.
the end of a race course. 5 short for tape tarakihi (tarr-a-kee-hee) orterakihi (terr-a-
measure. ~vb taping, taped 6 Also: tape- kce-hee) n a common edible sea fish of New
record to record (speech, music, etc.) on Zealand waters.
magnetic tape. 7 to bind or fasten with tape. taramasalata n a creamy pale pink pate,
8 have a person or situation taped Brit in- made from the eggs of fish, esp. smoked
formal to have full understanding and con- cod’s roe, and served as an hors d’oeuvre.
trol of a person or situation. tarantella n 1 a peasant dance from S Italy.
tape deck n 1 the part of a tape recorder 2 music for this dance.
tarantula 847 Tasmanian devil
tarantula n 1 a large hairy spider of tropical to delay or linger: I have no plans to tarry
America with a poisonous bite. 2 a large longer than necessary. 2 to stay briefly:
hairy spider of S Europe. most people tarried only a few hours before
tarboosh n a felt or cloth brimless cap, usu- moving on.
ally red and often with a silk tassel, former- tarsal Anat ~adj 1 of the tarsus or tarsi.
ly worn by Muslim men. —n 2 a tarsal bone.
tardy adj -dier, -diest 1 occurring later than tarseal n NZ 1 the bitumen surface of a road.
it is expected to or than it should: he spent 2 the tarseal the main highway.
the weekend writing tardy thank-you let- tarsier n a small nocturnal primate of the E
ters. 2 slow in progress, growth, etc.: we Indies, which has very large eyes.
made tardy progress across the ice. tardily
adv tardiness n tarsus n, pl -si 1 the bones of the ankle and
heel collectively. 2 the corresponding part
tare1 n 1 the weight of the wrapping or con- in other mammals and in amphibians and
tainer in which goods are packed. 2 the un- reptiles.
laden weight of a vehicle.
tart1 n 1 Chiefly Brit a pastry case, often
tare2 n 1 any of various vetch plants of having no top crust, with a sweet filling,
Eurasia and N Africa. 2 Bible a weed, such as jam or custard. 2 Chiefly US a small
thought to be the darnel. open pie with a fruit filling.
target n 1 the object or person that a weap- tart2 adj 1 (of a flavour) sour or bitter. 2
on, ball, etc., is aimed at: the station was an sharp and hurtful: he made a rather tart
easy target for an air attack. 2 an object at comment, tartly adv tartness n
which an archer or marksman aims, usually
a round flat surface marked with circles. 3 tart3 n Informal a sexually provocative or
a fixed goal or objective: our sales figures promiscuous woman. See also tart up.
are well below target. 4 a person or thing at tartan n 1 a design of straight lines, crossing
which criticism or ridicule is directed: the at right angles to give a chequered appear-
Chancellor has been the target of much of ance, esp. one associated with a Scottish
the criticism. -vb -geting, -geted 5 to di- clan. 2 a fabric with this design.
rect: an advertising campaign targeted at tartar1 n 1 a hard deposit on the teeth. 2 a
gay men. 6 to aim (a missile). brownish-red substance deposited in a cask
tariff n 1 a a tax levied by a government on during the fermentation of wine.
imports or occasionally exports, b a list of tartar2 n a fearsome or formidable person.
such taxes. 2 a list of fixed prices, for ex- Tartar or Tatar n 1 a member of a Mongoloid
ample in a hotel. 3 Chiefly Brit a method of people who established a powerful state in
charging for services such as gas and elec- central Asia in the 13th century, now scat-
tricity by setting a price per unit. tered throughout Russia and central Asia.
Tarmac n 1 Trademark a paving material —adj 2 of the Tartars.
made of crushed stone bound with a mix- tartaric adj of or derived from tartar or tar-
ture of tar and bitumen, used for a road or taric acid.
airport runway. 2 the tarmac the area of
an airport where planes wait, taxi, and take tartaric acid n a colourless crystalline acid
off or land: we had to wait for an hour on which is found in many fruits.
the tarmac. ~vb tarmac, -macking, tartar sauce n a mayonnaise sauce mixed
-macked 3 to apply Tarmac to (a surface). with chopped herbs and capers, served with
tarn n a small mountain lake. seafood.
tarnish vb 1 (of a metal) to become stained tartrazine (tar-traz-zeen) n an artificial yel-
or less bright, esp. by exposure to air or low dye used as a food additive.
moisture. 2 to damage or taint: the affair tart up vb Brit informal 1 to decorate in a
could tarnish the reputation of the prime cheap and flashy way: the shops were tart-
minister. ~n 3 a tarnished condition, sur- ed up for Christmas. 2 to try to make (one-
face, or film on a surface, tarnished adj self) look smart and attractive.
taro n, pl -ros an Asian plant with a large ed- Tarzan n Informal, often ironical a man with
ible rootstock. great physical strength, agility, and virility.
tarot (tarr-oh) n 1 a special pack of cards, task n 1 a specific piece of work required to
now used mainly for fortune-telling. 2 a be done. 2 an unpleasant or difficult job or
card in a tarot pack with a distinctive sym- duty. 3 take to task to criticize or rebuke.
bolic design. task force n 1 a temporary grouping of mili-
tarpaulin n 1 a heavy waterproof canvas tary units formed to undertake a specific
coated with tar, wax, or paint. 2 a sheet of mission. 2 any organization set up to carry
this canvas, used as a waterproof covering. out a continuing task.
tarragon n a European herb with narrow taskmaster n a person who enforces hard or
leaves, which are used as seasoning in cook- continuous work.
ing. Tasmanian devil n a small ferocious flesh-
tarry vb -ries, -rying, -ried Old-fashioned 1 eating marsupial of Tasmania.
Tass 848 tax disc
Tass n (formerly) the principal news agency tattle vb -tling, -tied 1 to gossip or chatter.
of the Soviet Union. ~n 2 gossip or chatter, tattler n
tassel n a tuft of loose threads secured by a tattletale n Chiefly US & Canad a scandal-
knot or knob, used to decorate a cushion, monger or gossip.
piece of clothing, etc. tattoo1 n, pl -toos 1 a picture or design made
taste n 1 the sense by which the flavour of a on someone’s body by pricking small holes
substance is distinguished by the taste in the skin and filling them with indelible
buds. 2 the sensation experienced by means dye. ~vb -tooing, -tooed 2 to make pic-
of the taste buds. 3 a small amount eaten, tures or designs on (a person’s skin) by
sipped, or tried on the tongue. 4 a brief ex- pricking and staining it with indelible col-
perience of something: a taste of the ours. tattooed adj tattooist n
planter’s life. 5 a liking for something: a tattoo2 n, pl -toos 1 (formerly) a signal by
taste for puns. 6 the ability to appreciate drum or bugle ordering soldiers to return to
what is beautiful and excellent: she’s got their quarters. 2 a military display or pag-
very good taste in clothes. 7 a person’s eant. 3 any drumming or tapping.
typical preferences as displayed by what tatty adj -tier, -tiest Chiefly Brit worn out,
they choose to buy, enjoy, etc.: the film was shabby, or unkempt.
good but a bit violent for my taste. 8 the taught vb the past of teach.
quality of not being offensive or bad-
mannered: that remark was in rather poor taunt vb 1 to tease or provoke (someone)
taste. ~vb tasting, tasted 9 to distinguish with jeering remarks. ~n 2 a jeering re-
the taste of (a substance) by means of the mark. taunting adj
taste buds: I’ve got a stinking cold and can’t Taurus n Astrol the second sign of the zodi-
taste anything. 10 to take a small amount of ac; the Bull.
(a food or liquid) into the mouth, esp. in taut adj 1 stretched tight: the cable must be
order to test the flavour. 11 to have a fla- taut. 2 showing nervous strain: he was look-
vour or taste as specified: the pizza tastes ing taut and anxious. 3 (of a film or piece of
delicious. 12 to have a brief experience of writing) having no unnecessary or irrel-
(something): they have tasted democracy evant details: a taut thriller.
and they won’t let go. tauten vb to make or become taut.
taste bud n any of the cells on the surface of tautology n, pl -gies the use of words which
the tongue, by means of which the sensa- merely repeat something already stated, as
tion of taste is experienced. in reverse back, ~ tautological or tautolo-
tasteful adj having or showing good social gous adj
or aesthetic taste: tasteful decor, tasteful- tavern n 1 Old-fashioned a pub. 2 US, Canad,
ly adv & NZ a place licensed for the sale and con-
tasteless adj 1 lacking in flavour: the can- sumption of alcoholic drink.
teen serves cold, tasteless pizzas. 2 lacking tawdry adj-drier, -driest cheap, showy, and
social or aesthetic taste: a room full of of poor quality: tawdry Christmas decora-
tasteless ornaments; a tasteless remark. tions.
tastelessly adv tastelessness n tawny adj brown to brownish-orange.
taster n 1 a person employed to test the tawny owl n a European owl having a
quality of food or drink by tasting it. 2 a reddish-brown plumage and a round head.
sample of something intended to indicate tawse n Scot a leather strap with one end
what the entire thing is like: the entrance cut into thongs, formerly used by
hall was filled with flowers, giving a taster schoolteachers to hit children who had mis-
of the splendours in the main exhibition. behaved.
tasty adj tastier, tastiest having a pleasant tax n 1 a compulsory payment to a govern-
flavour. ment to raise revenue, levied on income,
tat n tatty or tasteless articles, property, or goods and services. ~vb 2 to
ta-ta interj Brit informal goodbye. levy a tax on (people, companies, etc.). 3 to
make heavy demands on: the task taxed his
Tatar n, adj same as Tartar. ingenuity and patience. 4 tax someone
tater n Dialect a potato. with to accuse someone of: he was taxed
tattered adj 1 ragged or torn: a tattered old with parochialism and meanness, taxable
book. 2 wearing ragged or torn clothing: the adj taxing adj
tattered refugees. taxation n the levying of taxes or the condi-
tatters pl n 1 torn ragged clothing. 2 in tat- tion of being taxed.
ters a (of clothing) torn in several places, b tax avoidance n reduction of tax liability
(of an argument, plan, etc.) completely de- by lawful methods.
stroyed. tax-deductible adj legally deductible from
tatting n 1 an intricate type of lace made by income or wealth before tax assessment.
looping a thread of cotton or linen with a tax disc n (in Britain) a small disc of paper
hand shuttle. 2 the work of producing this. which must be displayed on a vehicle to
tax evasion 849 tear
show that the tax due on it for that year tea ball n Chiefly US a perforated metal ball
has been paid. filled with tea leaves, used to make tea.
tax evasion n reduction of tax liability by il- teacake n Brit a flat bun, usually eaten
legal methods. toasted and buttered.
tax-free adj not needing to have tax paid on teach vb teaching, taught 1 to tell or show
it: a tax-free Jump sum. (someone) how to do something. 2 to give
tax haven n a country or state having a instruction or lessons in (a subject) to (stu-
lower rate of taxation than elsewhere. dents). 3 to cause to learn or understand:
life has taught me to seize the day. 4 teach
taxi n, pl taxis 1 Also called: cab, taxicab a someone a lesson to warn or punish some-
car that may be hired, along with its driver, one: there are occasions when a bully has to
to carry passengers to any specified desti- be taught a lesson, teachable adj
nation. ~vb taxiing, taxied 2 (of an air-
craft) to move along the ground, esp. before teacher n a person whose job is to teach
takeoff and after landing. others, esp. children.
tea chest n a large light wooden box used
taxidermy n the art of preparing, stuffing, for exporting tea or storing things in.
and mounting animal skins so that they
have a lifelike appearance, taxidermist n teaching n 1 the art or profession of a
teacher. 2 teachings the ideas and princi-
taximeter n a meter fitted to a taxi to regis- ples taught by a person, school of thought,
ter the fare, based on the length of the etc.: the teachings of the Catholic Church.
journey. teaching hospital n a hospital attached to a
taxi rank n a place where taxis wait to be medical school, in which students are
hired. taught and given supervised practical ex-
taxonomy n 1 the branch of biology con- perience.
cerned with the classification of plants and tea cloth n same as tea towel.
animals into groups based on their similar- tea cosy n a covering for a teapot to keep
ities and differences. 2 the science or prac- the contents hot.
tice of classification, taxonomic adj tax- teacup n 1 a cup out of which tea may be
onomist n drunk. 2 Also called: teacupful the amount
taxpayer n a person or organization that a teacup will hold.
pays taxes. teahouse n a restaurant, esp. in Japan or
tax relief n a reduction in the amount of tax China, where tea and light refreshments are
a person or company has to pay. served.
tax return n a declaration of personal in- teak n the hard yellowish-brown wood of an
come used as a basis for assessing an indi- East Indian tree, used for furniture making.
vidual’s liability for taxation. teal n, pl teals or teal a small freshwater
tax year n a period of twelve months used duck related to the mallard.
by a government as a basis for calculating tea leaves pl n, sing tea leaf the dried and
taxes. shredded leaves of the tea shrub, esp. those
Tb Chem terbium. left behind in a cup or teapot after tea has
TB tuberculosis. been made and drunk.
team n 1 a group of players forming one of
T-bone Steak n a large choice steak cut the sides in a sporting contest. 2 a group of
from the sirloin of beef, containing a T- people organized to work together: a team
shaped bone. of scientists. 3 two or more animals work-
tbs. ortbsp. tablespoon(ful). ing together: a sledge pulled by a team of
Tc Chem technetium. dogs. ~vb 4 team up with to join with
te n Music (in tonic sol-fa) the seventh note (someone) in order to work together. 5
of any ascending major scale. team with to match (something) with some-
Te Chem tellurium. thing else: navy skirts teamed with various
coloured blouses.
tea n 1 a a drink made by infusing the dried team-mate n a fellow member of a team,
chopped leaves of an Asian shrub in boiling
water: would you like a cup of tea? b the team spirit n willingness to cooperate as
dried chopped leaves of an Asian shrub part of a team.
used to make this drink: could you get some teamster n 1 US & Canad a truck driver. 2
tea at the grocer’s? c the Asian shrub on (formerly) a driver of a team of horses.
which these leaves grow. 2 Brit, Austral, & teamwork n the cooperative work done by a
NZ the main evening meal. 3 Chiefly Brit a team.
light meal eaten in mid-afternoon, usually teapot n a container with a lid, spout, and
consisting of tea and cakes, sometimes with handle, in which tea is made and from
sandwiches. 4 a drink like tea made from ' which it is served.
other plants: mint tea. tear1 n 1 Also called: teardrop a drop of
tea bag n a small bag containing tea leaves, salty fluid appearing in and falling from the
. infused in boiling water to make tea. eye. 2 in tears weeping.
tear 850 teddy
tear2 vb tearing, tore, torn 1 to rip a hole in tech n Informal a technical college,
(something): I tore my jumper on a nail. 2 to tech. 1 technical. 2 technology,
pull apart or to pieces: eagles have power- technetium (tek-neesh-ee-um) n Chem a
ful beaks for tearing flesh. 3 to hurry or silvery-grey metallic element, produced ar-
rush. 4 to remove or take by force: the sa- tificially, esp. by the fission of uranium.
cred things torn from the temples of Inca Symbol: Tc
worshippers. 5 tear at someone’s heart- technical adj 1 of or specializing in indus-
strings to cause someone distress or an- trial, practical, or mechanical arts and ap-
guish. 6 to injure (a muscle or ligament) by plied sciences: a technical school. 2 skilled
moving or twisting it violently. ~n 7 a hole in practical activities rather than abstract
or split. —See also tear away, tear down, thinking. 3 relating to a particular field of
tear into. activity: technical jargon. 4 according to the
tear away vb 1 to persuade (oneself or letter of the law: a last-minute penalty
someone else) to leave: she stood and awarded to the Irish for a technical offence.
watched, unable to tear herself away from 5 showing technique: technical perfection.
the room. ~n tearaway 2 Brit a wild or un- technically adv
ruly person. technical college n Brit an institution for
tear down vb to destroy or demolish: it will further education that provides courses in
be cheaper to tear down the old house and art and technical subjects.
build a new one than to repair it. technical drawing n drawing done by a
tear duct n a short tube in the inner corner draughtsman with compasses, T-squares,
of the eyelid, through which tears drain etc.
into the nose. technicality n, pl -ties 1 a petty formal point
tearful adj weeping or about to weep, tear- arising from a strict interpretation of the
fully adv law or a set of rules: the case was dismissed
tear gas n a gas that stings the eyes and on a legal technicality. 2 a detail of the
causes temporary blindness, used in war- method used to do something: the technical-
fare and to control riots. ities of making a recording.
technical knockout n Boxing a judgment of
tearing adj very urgent: I had been in a tear-
ing hurry to leave the camp. a knockout given when a boxer is, in the
referee’s opinion, too badly beaten to con-
tear into vb Informal to attack vigorously tinue without risk of serious injury.
and damagingly. technician n a person skilled in a particular
tear-jerker n Informal an excessively senti- technical field: oil technicians.
mental film or book. Technicolor n Trademark a process of pro-
tearoom n Brit a restaurant where tea and ducing colour film for the cinema by super-
light refreshments are served. imposing synchronized films of the same
tease vb teasing, teased 1 to make fun of scene, each having a different colour filter.
(someone) in a provocative and often play- technique n 1 a method or skill used for a
ful manner. 2 to arouse sexual desire in particular task: modern management tech-
(someone) with no intention of satisfying it. niques. 2 proficiency in a practical or me-
3 to raise the nap of (a fabric) with a teasel. chanical skill: he lacks the technique to be a
—n 4 a person who teases. 5 a piece of teas- good player.
ing behaviour, teaser n teasing adj techno n a type of very fast disco music,
teasel, teazel, or teazle n 1 a plant of Eura- using electronic sounds and having a strong
sia and N Africa, with prickly heads of yel- technological influence.
low or purple flowers. 2 the dried flower techno- combining form of or relating to
head of a teasel, used, esp. formerly, for technology: technocrat.
raising the nap of cloth. technocracy n, pl -cies government by
tease out vb 1 to comb (hair, flax, or wool) scientists, engineers, and other experts,
so as to remove any tangles. 2 to extract in- technocrat n technocratic adj
formation with difficulty: it’s not easy to technology n, pl -gies 1 the application of
tease out the differences between anxiety practical or mechanical sciences to industry
and depression. or commerce. 2 the scientific methods or
teaspoon n 1 a small spoon used for stirring devices used in a particular field: the latest
tea or coffee. 2 Also called: teaspoonful aircraft technology. technological adj
the amount contained in such a spoon. 3 a technologist n
unit of capacity used in cooking etc., equal tectonics n Geol the study of the earth’s
to 5 ml. crust and the forces that produce changes
teat n 1 the nipple of a breast or udder. 2 in it.
something resembling a teat such as the ted1 vb tedding, tedded to shake out (hay),
rubber mouthpiece of a feeding bottle. so as to dry it.
tea towel or tea cloth n a towel for drying ted2 n Informal short for teddy boy.
dishes. teddy1 n, pl -dies short for teddy bear.
teddy 851 telephone directory
teddy2 n, pl -dies a woman’s one-piece te-hee interj same as tee-hee.
undergarment incorporating a camisole top tel. telephone.
and French knickers. tele- combining form 1 at or over a distance:
teddy bear n a stuffed toy bear. telecommunications. 2 television: telegenic.
teddy boy n (in Britain, esp. in the 3 via telephone or television: tele-
mid-1950s) a youth who wore mock Ed- conference.
wardian fashions. telecast vb -casting, -cast or -casted 1 to
Te Deum (tee dee-um) n Christianity an an- broadcast by television. ~n 2 a television
cient Latin hymn beginning Te Deum broadcast, telecaster n
Laudamus (we praise thee, O God). telecommunications n communications
tedious adj boring and uninteresting, tedi- using electronic equipment, such as
ously adv tediousness n telephones, radio, and television.
tedium n the state of being bored or the telegram n (formerly) a message transmit-
quality of being boring: the tedium of a ted by telegraph.
nine-to-five white-collarjob.
tee n 1 a support for a golf ball, usually a telegraph n 1 (formerly) a system by which
small wooden or plastic peg, used when tee- information could be transmitted over a
ing off. 2 an area on a golf course from distance, using electrical signals sent along
which the first stroke of a hole is made. 3 a a cable. -vb 2 (formerly) to send (a mes-
mark used as a target in certain games such sage) by telegraph. 3 to give advance notice
as curling and quoits. -See also tee off. of (something), esp. unintentionally: the
twist in the plot was telegraphed long in
tee-hee or te-hee interj an exclamation of advance. 4 Canad informal to cast (a vote)
mocking laughter. illegally by impersonating a registered
teem1 vb teem with to have a great number voter, telegraphist n telegraphic adj
of: the woods were teeming with snakes and telegraphy n (formerly) the science or use
bears. of a telegraph.
teem2 vb (of rain) to pour down in torrents,
telekinesis n movement of a body by
teen adj Informal same as teenage, thought or willpower, without the applica-
teenage adj 1 (of a person) aged between 13 tion of a physical force, telekinetic adj
and 19. 2 typical of or designed for people Telemessage n Brit trademark a message
aged between 13 and 19: teenage fashions. sent by telephone or telex and delivered in
teenager n a person between the ages of 13 printed form.
and 19.
telemetry n the use of electronic devices to
teens pl n 1 the years of a person’s life be- record or measure a distant event and
tween the ages of 13 and 19. 2 all the num- transmit the data to a receiver, telemetric
bers that end in -teen. adj
teeny adj -nier, -niest extremely small,
teleology n 1 Philosophy the doctrine that
teenybopper n Old-fashioned slang a young there is evidence of purpose or design in the
teenager, usually a girl, who is a keen fol- universe. 2 Biol the belief that natural phe-
lower of fashion and pop music. nomena have a predetermined purpose and
tee off vb teeing, teed Golf to hit (the ball) are not determined by mechanical laws,
from a tee at the start of a hole. teleological adj teleologist n
teepee n same as tepee. telepathy n the direct communication of
teeter vb to wobble or move unsteadily, thoughts and feelings between minds with-
teeth n 1 the plural of tooth. 2 the power to out the need to use normal means such as
produce a desired effect: resolution 672 had speech, writing, or touch, telepathic adj
no teeth. 3 armed to the teeth very heavily telepathically adv
armed. 4 get one’s teeth into to become telephone n 1 a piece of equipment for
engrossed in. 5 in the teeth of in spite of: transmitting speech, consisting of a micro-
trying to run a business in the teeth of the phone and receiver mounted on a handset:
recession. the telephone was ringing. 2 the worldwide
teethe vb teething, teethed (of a baby) to system of communications using tele-
grow his or her first teeth. phones: reports came in by telephone,
teething ring n a hard ring on which babies —vb -phoning, -phoned 3 to call or talk to
may bite while teething. (a person) by telephone, -adj 4 of or using
teething troubles pl n problems arising dur- a telephone: a telephone call, telephonic
ing the early stages of a project. adj
teetotal adj never drinking alcohol, teeto- telephone box n a soundproof enclosure
taller n from which a paid telephone call can be
TEFL Teaching of English as a Foreign Lan- ~ made.
guage. telephone directory n a book listing the
Teflon n Trademark a substance used for names, addresses, and telephone numbers
. nonstick coatings on saucepans etc. of subscribers in a particular area.
telephonist 852 temperate
telephonist n Brit a person who operates a discover, distinguish, or discern: she could
telephone switchboard. tell that he was not sorry. 6 to have or pro-
telephony n a system of telecommunications duce an impact or effect: the pressure had
for the transmission of speech or other begun to tell on him. 7 Informal to reveal
sounds. secrets or gossip. 8 tell the time to read the
telephoto lens n a lens fitted to a camera to time from a clock. 9 you’re telling me
produce a magnified image of a distant ob- Slang 1 know that very well.
ject. tell apart vb to distinguish between: they’re
teleprinter n an apparatus, similar to a different colours, otherwise how would you
typewriter, by which typed messages are tell them apart?
sent and received by wire. teller n 1 a narrator. 2 a bank cashier. 3 a
Teleprompter n Trademark a device for person appointed to count votes.
displaying a script under a television cam- telling adj having a marked effect or impact:
era, so that a speaker can read it while ap- to inflict telling damage on the enemy.
pearing to look at the camera. tell off vb Informal to reprimand or scold
telesales n the selling of a commodity or (someone), telling-off n
service by telephone. telltale n 1 a person who tells tales about
telescope n 1 an optical instrument for others. -adj 2 giving away information:
making distant objects appear closer by use examining the hands for telltale signs of
of a combination of lenses. 2 See radio age.
telescope. -vb -scoping, -scoped 3 to tellurian adj of the earth.
shorten (something) while still keeping the tellurium n Chem a brittle silvery-white
important parts: a hundred years of change nonmetallic element. Symbol: Te
has been telescoped into five years, tele-
scopic adj telly n, pl -lies Informal, chiefly Brit short
telescopic sight n a sight on a rifle, etc.,
for television.
consisting of a telescope, used for aiming at temerity (tim-merr-it-tee) n boldness or
distant objects. audacity.
Teletext n Trademark a Videotex service in temp Informal -n 1 a person, esp. a secre-
which information is broadcast by a televi- tary, employed on a temporary basis. -vb
sion station and received on a specially 2 to work as a temp.
equipped television set. temp. 1 temperature. 2 temporary.
Teletype n Trademark a type of teleprinter, temper n 1 a sudden outburst of anger: she
televangelist n US an evangelical preacher stormed out in a temper. 2 a tendency to
who appears regularly on television, have sudden outbursts of anger: you’ve got
preaching the gospel and appealing for do- a temper all right. 3 a mental condition of
nations from viewers. moderation and calm: he lost his temper. 4 a
televise vb -vising, -vised to show (a pro- person’s frame of mind: he was in a bad
gramme or event) on television. temper. —vb 5 to modify so as to make less
extreme or more acceptable: past militancy
television n 1 the system or process of pro- has been tempered with compassion and
ducing a moving image with accompanying caring. 6 to reduce the brittleness of (a har-
sound on a distant screen. 2 Also called: dened metal) by reheating it and allowing it
television set a device for receiving broad-
to cool. 7 Music to adjust the frequency dif-
cast signals and converting them into sound ferences between the notes of a scale on (a
and pictures. 3 the content of television keyboard instrument).
programmes: some people think that televi-
sion is too violent nowadays. -adj 4 of or tempera n a painting medium for powdered
relating to television: a television inter- pigments, consisting usually of egg yolk and
view. televisual adj water.
telex n 1 an international communication temperament n a person’s character or dis-
service which sends messages by teleprint- position.
er. 2 a teleprinter used in such a service. 3 a temperamental adj 1 (of a person) tending
message sent by telex. -vb4 to transmit (a to be moody and have sudden outbursts of
message) by telex. anger. 2 Informal working erratically and
Telidori n Trademark a Canadian interactive inconsistently; unreliable: the temperamen-
viewdata service. tal microphone. 3 of or relating to a per-
tell vb telling, told 1 to make known in son’s temperament: we discussed tempera-
words; notify: I told her what had hap- mental and developmental differences.
pened. 2 to order or instruct (someone to do temperamentally adv
something): he had been told to wait. 3 to temperance n 1 restraint or moderation,
give an account (of an event or situation): esp. in yielding to one’s appetites or desires.
the President had been told of the develop- 2 abstinence from alcoholic drink.
ments. 4 to communicate by words: he was temperate adj 1 of a climate which is never
woken at 5 a.m. to be told the news. 5 to extremely hot or extremely cold. 2 mild or
Temperate Zone 853 tender
moderate in quality or character: try to be state of being tempted. 2 a person or thing
more temperate in your statements. that tempts.
Temperate Zone n those parts of the tempting adj attractive or inviting: it’s
earth’s surface lying between the Arctic tempting to say I told you so. temptingly
Circle and the tropic of Cancer and between adv
the Antarctic Circle and the tropic of Capri- ten n 1 the cardinal number that is the sum
corn. of one and nine. 2 a numeral, 10 or X, repre-
temperature n 1 the hotness or coldness of senting this number. 3 something represent-
something, as measured on a scale that has ing or consisting of ten units, -adj 4
one or more fixed reference points. 2 In- amounting to ten: ten years, tenth adj, n
formal an abnormally high body tempera- tenable adj 1 able to be upheld or main-
ture. 3 the strength of feeling among a tained: a tenable strategy. 2 (of a job) in-
group of people: his remarks are likely to tended to be held by a person for a particu-
raise the political temperature consider- lar length of time: the post will be tenable
ably. for three years in the first instance, ten-
tempest n Literary a violent wind or storm, ability n tenably adv
tempestuous adj 1 violent or stormy. 2 ex- tenacious adj 1 holding firmly: a tenacious
tremely emotional or passionate: a tempes- grasp. 2 stubborn or persistent: tenacious
tuous relationship. tempestuously adv support, tenaciously adv tenacity n
template n a wood or metal pattern, used to tenancy n, pl -cies 1 the temporary posses-
help cut out shapes accurately. sion or use of lands or property owned by
temple1 n a building or place used for the somebody else, in return for payment. 2 the
worship of a god or gods. period of holding or occupying such proper-
temple2 n the region on each side of the ty-
head in front of the ear and above the cheek tenant n 1 a person who pays rent for the
bone. use of land or property. 2 any holder or oc-
tempo (tem-po) n, pl -pi (-pee) or-pos 1 rate cupant.
or pace: the slow tempo of change in an tenant farmer n a person who farms land
overwhelmingly rural country. 2 the speed rented from somebody else.
at which a piece of music is played or meant tenantry n Old-fashioned tenants collective-
to be played. ly-
temporal1 adj 1 of or relating to time. 2 of tench n a European freshwater game fish of
secular as opposed to spiritual or religious the carp family.
affairs: in the Middle Ages the Pope had Ten Commandments pl n Bible the com-
temporal as well as spiritual power. 3 not mandments given by God to Moses on
permanent or eternal: a temporal view of Mount Sinai, summarizing the basic obliga-
drugs as the No. 1 social problem. tions of people towards God and their fel-
temporal2 adj Anat of or near the temple or low humans.
temples. tend1 vb to be inclined (to take a particular
temporal bone n either of two compound kind of action or to be in a particular condi-
bones forming the sides of the skull. tion) as a rule: she tends to be rather
temporary adj lasting only for a short time; absent-minded.
not permanent: temporary accommodation. tend2 vb 1 to take care of: it is she who tends
temporarily adv his wounds. 2 tend to to attend to: excuse
temporize or -rise vb -rizing, -rized or me, I have to tend to the other guests.
-rising, -rised 1 to delay, act evasively, or tendency n, pl -cies 1 an inclination to act in
protract a negotiation in order to gain time a particular way. 2 the general course or
or avoid making a decision: “Well,” I drift of something. 3 a faction, esp. within a
temporized, “I’ll have to ask your mother. ” political party.
2 to adapt oneself to circumstances, as by tendentious adj expressing a particular
temporary or apparent agreement. viewpoint or opinion, esp. a controversial
tempt vb 1 to entice (someone) to do some- one, in very strong terms: a somewhat ten-
thing, esp. something morally wrong or un- dentious reading of French history, ten-
wise: can I tempt you to have another dentiously adv
whisky? 2 to allure or attract: she was tender1 adj 1 (of cooked food) having sof-
tempted by the glamour of a modelling ca- tened and become easy to chew or cut. 2
reer. 3 be tempted to want to do something gentle and kind: tender loving care. 3 vul-
while knowing it would be wrong or inap- nerable or sensitive: at the tender age of 9.
propriate to do so: many youngsters are 4 painful when touched: his wrist was swol-
tempted to experiment with drugs. 4 tempt len and tender, tenderly adv tenderness n
fate or providence to take foolish or un- tender2 vb 1 to present or offer: he tendered
necessary risks, tempter n temptress fem his resignation. 2 to make a formal offer or
n estimate for a job or contract: contractors
temptation n 1 the act of tempting or the tendering for government work. ~n 3 a
tender 854 terbium
formal offer to supply specified goods or make or become tense, tensely adv tense-
services at a stated cost or rate: the gov- ness n
ernment invited tenders to run television tense2 n Grammar the form of a verb that
and radio services, tenderer n tendering indicates whether the action referred to in
n the sentence is located in the past, the pres-
tender3 n 1 a small boat that brings supplies ent, or the future: “ate” is the past tense of
to larger vessels in a port. 2 a wagon at- “to eat”.
tached to the rear of a steam locomotive tensile adj of or relating to tension or being
that carries the fuel and water. stretched: the addition of linseed oil im-
tenderfoot n, pl -foots or -feet a newcomer proved the tensile strength of the cricket
to a particular activity. bat.
tenderize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, tensile strength n a measure of the ability
-ised to make (meat) tender, by pounding it of a material to withstand lengthwise
or adding a substance to break down the fi- stress, expressed as the greatest stress that
bres. tenderizer or -iser n the material can stand without breaking.
tenderloin n a tender cut of pork from be- tension n 1 a situation or condition of hostil-
tween the sirloin and ribs. ity, suspense, or uneasiness: a renewed
tendon n a band of tough tissue that state of tension between old enemies. 2
attaches a muscle to a bone. mental or emotional strain: nervous ten-
tendril n a threadlike leaf or stem by which sion. 3 a force that stretches or the state or
a climbing plant attaches itself to a support, degree of being stretched tight: keep ten-
tenement n a large building divided into sion on the line until the fish comes within
several different flats. range of the net. 4 Physics a force that
tends to produce an elongation of a body or
tenet (ten-nit) n a principle on which a be- structure. 5 Physics voltage, electromotive
lief or doctrine is based. force, or potential difference.
tenfold adj 1 having ten times as many or as tent n 1 a portable shelter made of canvas or
much. 2 composed of ten parts, —adv 3 by other fabric supported on poles, stretched
ten times as many or as much. out, and fastened to the ground by pegs and
ten-gallon hat n (in the U.S.) a cowboy’s ropes. 2 See oxygen tent.
broad-brimmed felt hat with a very high tentacle n 1 a flexible organ that grows near
crown. the mouth in many invertebrates and is
tenner n Informal 1 a ten-pound or ten- used for feeding, grasping, etc. 2 tentacles
dollar note. 2 the sum of ten pounds or ten the unseen metho'ds by which an organiza-
dollars: it’s worth a tenner at least. tion or idea, esp. a sinister one, influences
tennis n a game played between two players people and events: the tentacles of the se-
or pairs of players who use a racket to hit a cret police, tentacled adj
ball to and fro over a net on a rectangular tentative adj 1 provisional or unconfirmed:
court. —See also lawn tennis, real tennis, a tentative agreement. 2 hesitant, uncer-
table tennis. tain, or cautious: their rather tentative ap-
tennis elbow n inflammation of the elbow, proach. tentatively adv tentativeness n
typically caused by exertion in playing ten- tenterhooks pl n on tenterhooks in a state
nis. of tension or suspense.
tenon n a projecting end of a piece of wood, tenth adj, n See ten.
formed to fit into a corresponding slot in tenuous adj insignificant or flimsy: there is
another piece. only the most tenuous evidence for it.
tenor n 1 a the second highest male voice, tenuously adv
between alto and baritone, b a singer with
tenure n 1 the holding of an office or posi-
such a voice, c a saxophone, horn, or other tion. 2 the length of time an office or posi-
musical instrument between the alto and tion lasts. 3 the holding of a teaching posi-
baritone or bass. 2 a general meaning or tion at a university on a permanent basis. 4
character: it was clear from the tenor of the
meeting that the chairman’s actions are the legal right to live in a place or to use
very unpopular, -adj 3 denoting a musical land or buildings for a period of time.
instrument between alto and baritone: a tepee or teepee (tee-pee) n a cone-shaped
tenor saxophone. 4 of or relating to the sec- tent of animal skins, formerly used by
ond highest male voice: his voice lacks the American Indians.
range needed for the tenor role. tepid adj 1 slightly warm. 2 lacking enthusi-
tenpin bowling n a game in which players asm: tepid applause, tepidity n tepidly
try to knock over ten skittles by rolling a adv
ball at them. tequila n a Mexican alcoholic spirit distilled
tense1 adj 1 having, showing, or causing from the agave plant.
mental or emotional strain: the tense at- tera- combining form denoting one million
mosphere. 2 stretched tight: tense muscles, million (1012): terameter.
—vb tensing, tensed 3 Also: tense up to terbium n Chem a soft silvery-grey element
tercentenary 855 terrible
of the lanthanide series of metals. Symbol: bahnhof is the terminus for trains to
Tb France.
tercentenary or tercentennial adj 1 mark- termite n a whitish antlike insect of warm
ing a 300th anniversary. ~n, pl -tenaries and tropical regions that destroys timber.
or-tennials 2 a 300th anniversary. terms pl n 1 the actual language or mode of
teredo (ter-ree-doh) n, pl -dos or -dines presentation used: the test is carried out in
(-din-eez) a marine mollusc that bores into plain non-engineering terms. 2 the condi-
and destroys submerged timber. tions of an agreement. 3 mutual relation-
tergiversate (tur-jiv-verse-ate) vb -sating, ship or standing of a specified nature: he is
-sated Formal 1 to be evasive or ambiguous. on first-name terms with many of the direc-
2 to change sides or loyalties, tergiversa- tors. 4 come to terms with to learn to ac-
tion n tergiversator n cept (an unpleasant or difficult situation). 5
in terms of as expressed by; with regard to:
term n 1 a word or expression, esp. one used he is the best cricketer we have got in fact
in a specialized field of knowledge: he in terms of pure ability.
coined the term “inferiority complex”. 2 a
period of time: a four-year prison term. 3 tern n a gull-like sea bird with a forked tail
one of the periods of the year when a and long narrow wings.
school, university, or college is open or a ternary adj 1 consisting of three items or
lawcourt holds sessions. 4 the period of groups of three items. 2 Maths (of a number
pregnancy when childbirth is imminent. 5 system) to the base three.
Maths any distinct quantity making up a Terpsichorean (turp-sick-or-ee-an) adj
fraction or proportion, or contained in a se- Often used facetiously of or relating to
quence, series, etc. 6 Logic any of the three dancing.
subjects or predicates occurring in a syllo- Terr. 1 terrace. 2 territory.
gism. 7 full term the end of a specific peri- terrace n 1 a row of houses, usually identi-
od of time: the agony of carrying the child cal and joined together by common dividing
to full term. ~vb 8 to name, call, or de- walls, or the street onto which they face. 2
scribe as being: social workers tend to be a paved area alongside a building. 3 a hori-
termed lefties. -See also terms. zontal flat area of ground, often one of a se-
termagant n Literary an unpleasant, ag- ries in a slope. 4 the terraces or terracing
gressive, and overbearing woman. Brit a tiered area in a stadium where spec-
terminable adj capable of being terminated: tators stand, -vb -racing, -raced 5 to make
his terminable interest in the property. into terraces.
terminability n terraced house n Brit a house that is part
terminal adj 1 (of an illness) ending in death. of a terrace.
2 situated at an end, terminus, or boundary: terracotta n 1 a hard unglazed brownish-red
the terminal joints of the fingers. 3 Infor- earthenware used for pottery, -adj 2 made
mal extreme or severe: terminal boredom. of terracotta. 3 brownish-orange.
~n 4 a place where vehicles, passengers, or terra firma n the ground, as opposed to the
goods begin or end a journey: the ferry ter- sea.
minal. 5 a point at which current enters or terrain n an area of ground, esp. with refer-
leaves an electrical device. 6 Computers a ence to its physical character: mountainous
device, usually a keyboard and a visual dis- terrain.
play unit, having input/output links with a terra incognita (terr a in-kog-nit-a) n an
computer, terminally adv unexplored region.
terminal velocity n Physics the maximum terrapin n a small turtle-like reptile of N
velocity reached by a body falling under America that lives in fresh water and on
gravity through a liquid or gas, esp. the at- land.
mosphere. terrarium n 1 an enclosed area or container
terminate vb -nating, -nated 1 to bring or where small land animals are kept. 2 a glass
come to an end: his flying career was termi- container in which plants are grown.
nated by this crash. 2 to put an end to (a terrazzo n, pl -zos a floor made by setting
pregnancy) by inducing an abortion. 3 (of marble chips into a layer of mortar and pol-
the route of a train, bus, etc.) to stop at a ishing the surface.
particular place and not go any further: this terrestrial adj 1 of the planet earth. 2 of the
train terminates at Leicester, termination land as opposed to the sea or air. 3 (of ani-
n mals and plants) living or growing on the
terminology n, pl -gies the specialized land. 4 Television denoting or using a signal
words and expressions relating to a particu- sent over land from a transmitter on land,
lar subject, terminological adj termi- rather than by satellite.
nologist n terrible adj 1 very serious or extreme: war is
terminus (term-in-nuss) n, pl -ni (-nye) or a terrible thing. 2 Informal very bad, un-
-nuses the station or town at one end of a pleasant, or unsatisfactory: terrible books.
railway line or bus route: Vienna’s West- 3 causing fear, terribly adv
terrier 856 testator
terrier n any of several small active breeds terse adj 1 neatly brief and concise. 2 curt
of dog, originally trained to hunt animals or abrupt, tersely adv terseness n
living underground. tertiary (tur-shar-ee) adj 1 third in degree,
terrific adj 1 very great or intense: a terrific order, etc. 2 (of education) at university or
blow on the head. 2 Informal very good; ex- college level. 3 (of an industry) involving
cellent: a terrific book, terrifically adv services, such as transport and financial
terrify vb -fies, -fying, -fied to frighten services, as opposed to manufacture.
greatly, terrified adj terrifying adj terri- Tertiary adj Geol of the period of geological
fyingly adv time lasting from about 65 million years ago
terrine (terr-reen) n 1 an oval earthenware to 600 000 years ago.
cooking dish with a tightly fitting lid. 2 the Terylene n Trademark a synthetic polyester
food cooked or served in such a dish, esp. fibre or fabric.
pate. TESL Teaching of English as a Second Lan-
territorial adj 1 of or relating to a territory guage.
or territories. 2 of or concerned with the TESSA (in Britain) Tax Exempt Special Sav-
ownership and control of an area of land or ings Account.
water: a territorial dispute. 3 (of an animal
or bird) establishing and defending an area tessellated adj paved or inlaid with a mosa-
which it will not let other animals or birds ic of small tiles.
into: the baboon is a territorial species. 4 of tessera n, pl -serae a small square tile used
or relating to a territorial army, territori- in mosaics.
ally adv territoriality n test1 vb 1 to try (something) out to ascertain
Territorial n a member of a Territorial its worth, safety, or endurance: the compa-
Army. ny has never tested its products on animals.
Territorial Army n (in Britain) a reserve 2 to carry out an examination on (a sub-
army whose members are not full-time sol- stance, material, or system) in order to dis-
diers but undergo military training in their cover whether a particular substance, com-
spare time so that they can be called upon ponent, or feature is present: baby foods
in an emergency. are regularly tested for pesticides. 3 to
make heavy demands on: his behaviour re-
territorial waters pl n the part of the sea ally tests my patience. 4 to achieve a result
near to a country’s coast, which is under in a test which indicates the presence or ab-
the control of the government of that coun- sence of something: he tested positive for
try. cocaine. ~n 5 a method, practice, or ex-
territory n, pl -ries 1 any tract of land; dis- amination designed to test a person or
trict: mountainous territory. 2 the geo- thing. 6 a series of questions or problems
graphical area under the control of a par- designed to test a specific skill or knowl-
ticular government: the islands are Japa- edge. 7 a chemical reaction or physical pro-
nese territory. 3 an area inhabited and de- cedure for testing the composition or other
fended by a particular animal or pair of qualities of a substance. 8 Sport short for
animals. 4 an area of knowledge or experi- Test match. 9 put to the test to use (some-
ence: all this is familiar territory to readers thing) in order to gauge its usefulness or ef-
of her recent novels. 5 a country or region fectiveness. testable adj testing adj
under the control of a foreign country: a test2 n the hard outer covering of certain
French Overseas Territory. 6 a region of a invertebrates.
country, esp. of a federal state, that enjoys
less autonomy and a lower status than most testa (tess-ta) n, pl -tae (-tee) the hard
constituent parts of the state. outer layer of a seed.
terror n 1 very great fear, panic, or dread. 2 testaceous (test-ay-shuss) adj Biol of or
a person or thing that inspires great dread. having a hard continuous shell.
3 Informal a troublesome person, esp. a testament n 1 something which provides
child. proof of a fact about someone or something:
terrorism n the systematic use of violence the size of the audience was an immediate
and intimidation to achieve political ends, testament to his appeal. 2 Law a formal
terrorist n, adj statement of how a person wants his or her
terrorize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising,
property to be disposed of after his or her
-ised 1 to control or force (someone) to do
death: last will and testament, testamen-
tary adj
something by violence, fear, threats, etc.:
he was terrorized into withdrawing his ac- Testament n either of the two main parts of
cusations. 2 to make (someone) very fright- the Bible, the Old Testament or the New
ened. terrorization or -isation n terror- Testament.
izer or -iser n testate Law —adj 1 having left a legally
terry n a fabric covered on both sides with valid will at death, —n 2 a person who dies
small uncut loops, used for towelling and and leaves a legally valid will, testacy n
nappies. testator (test-tay-tor) or fem testatrix (test-
test card 857 Thai
tay-triks) n Law a person who has made a tience or endurance, -vb 3 to tie with a
will, esp. one who has died testate. tether.
test card n a complex pattern used to test tetra- combining form four: tetrapod.
the characteristics of a television transmis- tetrad n a group or series of four,
sion system. tetraethyl lead n a colourless oily insoluble
test case n a legal action that serves as a liquid used in petrol to prevent knocking.
precedent in deciding similar succeeding tetragon n a shape with four angles and
cases. four sides, tetragonal adj
testicle n either of the two male reproduc- tetrahedron (tet-ra-heed-ron) n, pl -drons
tive glands, in most mammals enclosed or -dra a solid figure with four triangular
within the scrotum, that produce plane faces, tetrahedral adj
spermatozoa. tetralogy n, pl -gies a series of four related
testify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 Law to de- books, dramas, operas, etc.
clare or give evidence under oath, esp. in tetrameter (tet-tram-it-er) n 1 Prosody a
court. 2 testify to to be evidence of: a piece line of verse consisting of four metrical
of paper testifying to their educational feet. 2 verse consisting of such lines.
qualifications. Teuton (tew-tonn) n 1 a member of an an-
testimonial n 1 a recommendation of the cient Germanic people of N Europe. 2 a
character or worth of a person or thing. 2 a member of any people speaking a Germanic
tribute given for services or achievements. language, esp. a German, -adj 3 Teutonic.
~a<V 3 of a testimony or testimonial: a tes- Teutonic (tew-tonn-ik) adj 1 characteristic
timonial match. of or relating to the Germans. 2 of the an-
► A testimonial is an open letter of recom- cient Teutons.
mendation about someone. A reference is a Tex-Mex ac(j 1 combining elements of Texan
confidential report that is not read by the and Mexican culture, —n 2 Tex-Mex music
person who is the subject. or cooking.
testimony n, pl -nies 1 a declaration of truth text n 1 the main body of a printed or writ-
or fact. 2 Law evidence given by a witness, ten work as distinct from items such as
esp. in court under oath. 3 evidence proving notes or illustrations. 2 any written ma-
or supporting something: that they are still terial, such as words displayed on a visual
talking is a testimony to their 20-year display unit. 3 the written version of the
friendship. words of a speech, broadcast or recording:
testis n, pl -tes same as testicle. an advance text of the remarks the presi-
Test match n (in various sports, esp. crick- dent will deliver tonight. 4 a short passage
et) any of a series of international matches. of the Bible used as a starting point for a
testosterone n a steroid male sex hormone sermon. 5 a book required as part of a
secreted by the testes. course of study: shelves full of sociology
test paper n 1 the question sheet of a test. 2 texts.
Chem paper impregnated with an indicator textbook n 1 a book of facts about a subject
for use in chemical tests. used by someone who is studying that sub-
ject. —adj 2 perfect or exemplary: a text-
test pilot n a pilot who flies aircraft of new book example of an emergency descent.
design to test their performance in the air.
textile n 1 any fabric or cloth, esp. a woven
test tube n a cylindrical round-bottomed one. —adj 2 of or relating to fabrics or their
glass tube open at one end, which is used in production: the world textile market.
scientific experiments. textual adj of, based on, or relating to, a text
test-tube baby n 1 a fetus that has devel- or texts, textually adv
oped from an ovum fertilized in an artificial texture n 1 the structure, appearance, and
womb. 2 a baby conceived by artificial in- feel of a substance: curtains of many
semination. textures and colours. 2 the overall sound of
testy adj -tier, -tiest irritable or touchy, a piece of music, resulting from the way the
testily adv testiness n different instrumental parts in it are com-
tetanus n an acute infectious disease in bined: a big orchestra weaving rich
which toxins released from a bacterium textures, —vb -turing, -tured 3 to give a
cause muscular spasms and convulsions. distinctive texture to (something), textur-
tetchy adj tetchier, tetchiest cross, irri- al adj
table, or touchy, tetchily adv tetchiness n TGV n (in France) a high-speed passenger
tete-a-tete n, pl -tetes or -tete 1 a private train.
conversation between two people, -adv 2 TGWU Transport and General Workers
together in private: they dined tete-a-tete. Union.
tether n 1 a rope or chain for tying an ani- Th Chem thorium.
mal to a fence, post, etc., so that it cannot Thai adj 1 of Thailand. ~n 2 (pl Thais or
move away from a particular place. 2 at the Thai) a person from Thailand. 3 the main
end of one’s tether at the limit of one’s pa- language of Thailand.
thalidomide 858 the
thalidomide (thal-lid-oh-mide) n a drug has to be overcome. 6 and all that or and
formerly used as a sedative and hypnotic that Informal and similar or related things:
but withdrawn from use when found to import cutting and all that. 7 that is a to be
cause abnormalities in developing fetuses. precise, b in other words. 8 that’s that
thallium n Chem a soft highly toxic white there is no more to be said or done, —conj 9
metallic element. Symbol: T1 used to introduce a noun clause: he denied
than cotv, prep 1 used to introduce the sec- that the country was suffering from fam-
ond element of a comparison, the first el- ine. 10 used, usually after so, to introduce a
ement of which expresses difference: men clause of purpose: he turns his face away
are less observant than women and chil- from her so that she shall not see his tears.
dren. 2 used to state a number, quantity, or 11 used to introduce a clause of result: a
value in approximate terms by contrasting scene so sickening and horrible that it is
it with another number, quantity, or value: impossible to describe it. -adv 12 Also: all
temperatures lower than 25 degrees. 3 used that Informal very or particularly: the
after the adverbs rather and sooner to fines imposed have not been that large.
introduce a rejected alternative: fruit is ex- ► The relative pronoun that may often be
amined by hand, rather than by faster but used interchangeably with which in defin-
less fussy machines. ing clauses: the coat that/which you
bought. Some people, however, prefer to re-
thane n 1 (in Anglo-Saxon England) a serve which for the type of clause (called
nobleman who held land from the king or nondefining) that contains explanations
from a superior nobleman in return for cer-
tain services. 2 (in medieval Scotland) a and amplifications and is divided by a
person of rank holding land from the king. comma from the rest of the sentence: he
found the book, which was a start.
thank vb 1 to convey feelings of gratitude
thatch n 1 Also called: thatching a roofing
to: he thanked the nursing staff for saving material that consists of straw or reeds. 2 a
his life. 2 to hold responsible: he has his fa- roof made of such a material. 3 a mass of
ther to thank for his familiarity with the
film world. 3 thank you a polite response thick untidy hair on someone’s head, —vb
4 to cover with thatch. thatched adj
or expression of gratitude. 4 thank good- thatcher n
ness, thank heavens, or thank God an ex-
clamation of relief. thaw vb 1 to melt or cause to melt: snow
► When thank you is used to express grati- thawing in the gutter. 2 (of frozen food) to
tude it should be written as two words: become or cause to become unfrozen; de-
thank you for the gift. When it is used as frost. 3 (of weather) to be warm enough to
an adjective, use a hyphen: a thank-you cause ice or snow to melt: it’s not freezing,
note. it’s thawing again. 4 to become more re-
thankful adj grateful and appreciative,
laxed or friendly: only with Llewelyn did he
thankfully adv
thaw, let his defences down, —n 5 the act
or process of thawing. 6 a spell of relatively
thankless adj unrewarding or unappreciat- warm weather, causing snow or ice to melt.
ed: she took on the thankless task of organ- the1 adj (definite articlej 1 used preceding a
izing the office Xmas lunch, thanklessly
adv thanklessness n noun that has been previously specified or
is a matter of common knowledge: those in-
thanks pl n 1 an expression of appreciation volved in the search. 2 used to indicate a
or gratitude. 2 thanks to because of: the particular person or object: the man called
birth went very smoothly, thanks to the Frank turned to look at it. 3 used preceding
help of the GHQ medical officer, -interj 3 certain nouns associated with one’s culture,
Informal an exclamation expressing grati- society, or community: to comply with the
tude. law. 4 used preceding an adjective that is
thanksgiving n a formal public expression functioning as a collective noun: the unem-
of thanks to God. ployed. 5 used preceding titles and certain
Thanksgiving Day n (in North America) an proper nouns: the Middle East. 6 used pre-
annual holiday celebrated on the fourth ceding an adjective or noun in certain
Thursday of November in the United States names or titles: Alexander the Great. 7 used
and on the second Monday of October in preceding a noun to make it refer to its
Canada. class as a whole: cultivation of the coca
that adj 1 used preceding a noun that has plant. 8 used instead of my, your, her, etc.,
been mentioned or is already familiar: he’d with parts of the body: swelling of tissues
have to give up on that idea. 2 used preced- in the brain. 9 the best or most remarkable:
ing a noun that denotes something more it’s THE place in town for good Mexican
remote: that book on the top shelf, -pron 3 food.
used to denote something already men- the2 adv used in front of each of two things
tioned or understood: that’s right. 4 used to which are being compared to show how
denote a more remote person or thing: is they increase or decrease in relation to each
that him over there? 5 used to introduce a other: the smaller the baby, the lower its
restrictive relative clause: a problem that chances of survival.
theatre 859 therapeutic
theatre or US theater n 1 a building de- themselves. 2 their normal or usual selves:
signed for the performance of plays, ope- they don’t seem themselves these days.
ras, etc. 2 a large room or hall with tiered then adv 1 at that time: he was then at the
seats for an audience: a lecture theatre. 3 a height of his sporting career. 2 after that:
room in a hospital equipped for surgical op- let’s eat first and then we can explore the
erations. 4 the theatre drama and acting in town. 3 in that case: then why did he work
general. 5 a region in which a war or con- for you? —pron 4 that time: since then the
flict takes place: a potential theatre of war list of grievances has steadily grown, -adj
close to Russian borders. 6 US, Austral, & 5 existing or functioning at that time: the
NZ same as cinema (sense 1). then Defence Minister.
theatrical adj 1 of or relating to the theatre thence adv Formal 1 from that place: the
or dramatic performances. 2 exaggerated train went south into Switzerland, and
and affected in manner or behaviour, the- thence on to Italy. 2 for that reason; there-
atricality n theatrically adv fore.
theatricals pl n dramatic performances, esp. thenceforth or thenceforward adv Formal
as given by amateurs. from that time on.
thee pron Old-fashioned the objective form theocracy n, pl -cies 1 government by a god
of thou1. or by priests. 2 a community under such
theft n 1 the act or an instance of stealing: government, theocrat n theocratic adj
he reported the theft of his passport. 2 the theocratically adv
crime of stealing: he had a number of con- theodolite (thee-odd-oh-lite) n an instru-
victions for theft. ment used in surveying for measuring hori-
their adj of or associated with them: owning zontal and vertical angles.
their own land; two girls on their way to theologian n a person versed in the study of
school. theology.
► Be careful not to confuse their with there. theology n, pl -gies 1 the systematic study
Their is used for possession: their new of religions and religious beliefs. 2 a specif-
baby. There indicates place and has a simi- ic system, form, or branch of this study:
lar “-ere” spelling pattern to here and Muslim theology, theological adj theo-
where. logically adv
theirs pron 1 something or someone belong- theorem n a proposition, esp. in maths, that
ing to or associated with them: it was his can be proved by reasoning from the basic
fault, not theirs. 2 of theirs belonging to principles of a subject.
them. theoretical or theoretic adj 1 based on or
theism (thee-iz-zum) n 1 belief in one God as concerned with the ideas and abstract prin-
the creator of everjdhing in the universe. 2 ciples relating to a particular subject rather
belief in the existence of a God or gods, than its practical uses: theoretical physics.
theist n, adj theistic adj 2 existing in theory but perhaps not in real-
them pron (objective) refers to things or ity: the secret service is under the theoreti-
people other than the speaker or people ad- cal control of the government, theoretical-
dressed: I want you to give this to them. ly adv
► Them may be used after a singular to theoretician n a person who develops or
avoid the clumsy him or her. if you see a studies the theory of a subject rather than
person looking lost, help them. its practical aspects.
theme n 1 the main idea or topic in a discus- theorize or-rise vb-rizing, -rized or-rising,
sion or lecture. 2 (in literature, music, or -rised to produce or use theories; speculate,
art) an idea, image, or motif, repeated or theorist n
developed throughout a work or throughout theory n, pl -ries 1 a set of ideas, based on
an artist’s career. 3 Music a group of notes evidence and careful reasoning, which of-
forming a recognizable melodic unit, used as fers an explanation of how something
the basis of part or all of a composition. 4 a works or why something happens, but has
short essay, esp. one set as an exercise for a not been completely proved: the theory of
student, thematic adj thematically adv cosmology. 2 the ideas and abstract knowl-
theme park n an area planned as a leisure edge relating to something: political theory.
attraction in which all the displays and ac- 3 an idea or opinion: it’s only a theory, ad-
tivities are based on a particular theme, mittedly, but I think it’s worth pursuing. 4
story, or idea: a Wild West theme park. in theory in an ideal or hypothetical situa-
theme tune or theme song n a tune or song tion: in theory, the tax is supposed to limit
used to introduce or identify a television or inflation.
radio programme or performer. theosophy n a religious or philosophical
themselves pron 1 a the reflexive form of _ system claiming to be based on an intuitive
they or them: two men barricaded them- insight into the divine nature, theosophi-
selves into a cell, b used for emphasis: cal adj theosophist n
among the targets were police officers therapeutic (ther-rap-pew-tik) adj of or re-
therapeutics 860 thiamine
lating to the treatment and cure of disease, thermocouple n a device for measuring
therapeutically adv temperature, consisting of a pair of wires of
therapeutics n the branch of medicine con- different metals joined at both ends.
cerned with the treatment of disease. thermodynamics n the branch of physical
therapy n, pl -pies the treatment of physi- science concerned with the relationship be-
cal, mental, or social disorders or disease, tween heat and other forms of energy.
therapist n thermoelectric or thermoelectrical adj of
there adv 1 in, at, or to that place or posi- or relating to the conversion of heat energy
tion: he won’t be there. 2 in that respect: to electrical energy.
you’re right there. 3 there and then im- thermometer n an instrument used to
mediately and without delay: he walked out measure temperature, esp. one in which a
there and then, —adj 4 not all there In- thin column of liquid, such as mercury,
formal mentally defective or silly. ~pron 5 expands and contracts within a sealed tube
that place: to return from there. 6 used as a marked with a temperature scale.
grammatical subject when the true subject thermonuclear adj 1 (of a nuclear reaction)
follows the verb, esp. the verb “to be”: there involving a nuclear fusion reaction of a
are no children in the house. 7 so there! an type which occurs at very high tempera-
exclamation, used esp. by children, that tures. 2 (of a weapon) giving off energy as
usually follows a declaration of refusal or the result of a thermonuclear reaction. 3
defiance: you can’t come, so there! 8 there involving thermonuclear weapons.
you are or go a an expression used when thermoplastic adj 1 (of a material, esp. a
handing a person something, b an exclama- synthetic plastic) becoming soft when heat-
tion of satisfaction or vindication, -interj ed and rehardening on cooling. ~n 2 a syn-
9 an expression of sympathy, for example thetic plastic or resin, such as polystyrene.
when consoling a child: there, there, pet!
► Be careful not to confuse there with their. Thermos or Thermos flask n Trademark a
There indicates place and has a similar type of stoppered vacuum flask used to
“-ere” spelling pattern to here and where. preserve the temperature of its contents.
Their indicates possession: their new baby. thermosetting adj (of a material, esp. a syn-
thereabouts or US thereabout adv near thetic plastic) hardening permanently after
that place, time, amount, etc.: meet me at one application of heat and pressure.
three o’clock or thereabouts. thermostat n a device which automatically
thereafter adv Formal from that time on- regulates the temperature of central heat-
wards. ing, an oven, etc.' by switching it off or on
when it reaches or drops below a particular
thereby adv Formal by that means or con- temperature, thermostatic adj thermo-
sequently. statically adv
therefore adv for that reason: the training thesaurus (thiss-sore-uss) n, pl -ruses or -ri
is long, and therefore expensive. a book containing lists of synonyms and re-
therein adv Formal in or into that place or lated words.
thing. these adj, pron the plural of this.
thereof adv Formal of or concerning that or thesis (theess-siss) n, pl -ses (-seez) 1 a
it. written work resulting from original re-
thereto adv Formal 1 to that or it. 2 Also: search, esp. one submitted for a higher de-
thereunto in addition to that. gree in a university. 2 an opinion supported
thereupon adv Formal immediately after by reasoned argument: it is the author’s
that; at that point. thesis that Britain has yet to come to terms
therm n Brit a unit of heat equal to with the loss of its Empire. 3 Logic an un-
1.055 056 X 108 joules. proved statement put forward as a premise
thermal adj 1 of, caused by, or generating in an argument.
heat. 2 hot or warm: thermal springs. 3 (of Thespian n 1 Often facetious an actor or ac-
garments) specially made so as to have ex- tress. —a.dj 2 of or relating to drama and
ceptional heat-retaining qualities: thermal the theatre.
underwear. ~n 4 a column of rising air they pron (subjective) refers to: 1 people or
caused by uneven heating of the land sur- things other than the speaker or people ad-
face, and used by gliders and birds to gain dressed: they both giggled. 2 people in gen-
height. eral: they say he beats his wife. 3 Informal
thermionic valve or esp US & Canad ther- an individual person, whose sex is either
mionic tube n an electronic valve in which not known or not regarded as important:
electrons are emitted from a heated rather someone could have a nasty accident if they
than a cold cathode. tripped over that.
thermistor (therm-mist-or) n Physics a ► They may be used after a singular to avoid
metal-oxide rod whose resistance falls as the clumsy he or she: if a person is bom
temperature rises, used in electronic cir- gloomy, they cannot help it.
cuits and as a thermometer. thiamine or thiamin n vitamin Bb a vitamin
thick 861 think up
found in the outer coat of rice and other things: thin hair. 5 not dense: a thin film of
grains, a deficiency of which leads to nerv- dust. 6 unconvincing because badly thought
ous disorders and to beriberi. out or badly presented: the evidence
thick adj 1 having a relatively great distance against him was extremely thin. 7 (of a
between opposite surfaces: thick slices. 2 voice) high-pitched and not very loud: a
having a specified distance between oppo- thin squeaky voice, —adv 8 in order to
site surfaces: fifty metres thick. 3 having a produce something thin: roll the dough very
dense consistency: thick fog. 4 consisting of thin, —vb thinning, thinned 9 to make or
a lot of things grouped closely together: become thin or sparse, thinly adv thin-
thick forest. 5 (of clothes) made of heavy ness n
cloth or wool: a thick jumper. 6 Informal thine Old-fashioned —adj 1 (preceding a
stupid, slow, or insensitive. 7 (of an accent) vowel) of or associated with you (thou): if
very noticeable: each word was pronounced thine eye offend thee, pluck it out! -pron 2
in a thick Dutch accent. 8 Also: thick as something belonging to you (thou): the vic-
thieves Informal very friendly. 9 a bit tory shall be thine.
thick Brit informal unfair or unreasonable: thing n 1 any physical object that is not
£2 an hour, that’s a bit thick! 10 thick with alive: there are very few jobs left where
a covered with a lot of: glass panels thick people actually make things. 2 an object,
with dust, b (of a voice) throaty and hard to fact, circumstance, or concept considered as
make out: his voice was thick with emotion. being a separate entity: that would be a ter-
~adv 11 in order to produce something rible thing to do. 3 an object or entity that
thick: the machine sliced the potatoes too cannot or need not be precisely named:
thick. 12 lay it on thick Informal a to exag- squares and circles and things. 4 Informal a
gerate a story, b to flatter someone exces- person or animal: pretty little thing, isn’t
sively. 13 thick and fast quickly and in she? 5 a possession, article of clothing, etc.:
large numbers: theories were flying thick have you brought your swimming things? 6
and fast. —n 14 the thick the most intense Informal a preoccupation or obsession: they
or active part: in the thick of the fighting. have this thing about policemen. 7 do one’s
15 through thick and thin in good times own thing to engage in an activity or mode
and bad. thickly adv of behaviour satisfying to one’s personal-
thicken vb 1 to make or become thick or ity. 8 make a thing of to exaggerate the
thicker. 2 to become more complicated: the importance of. 9 the thing the latest fash-
plot thickens, thickener n ion.
thickening n 1 something added to a liquid thingumabob or thingamabob n Informal a
to thicken it. 2 a thickened part or piece. person or thing the name of which is un-
thicket n a dense growth of small trees or known, temporarily forgotten, or deliber-
shrubs. ately overlooked. Also: thingumajig,
thickhead n Slang a stupid or ignorant per- thingamajig, or thingummy
son. thickheaded adj think vb thinking, thought 1 to consider,
thickness n 1 the state or quality of being judge, or believe: I think that it is scandal-
thick. 2 the dimension through an object, as ous. 2 to make use of the mind, for example
opposed to length or width. 3 a layer: sev- in order to make a decision: I’ll need to
eral thicknesses of brown paper. think about what I’m going to do. 3 to en-
thickset adj 1 stocky in build. 2 planted or
gage in conscious thought: that made me
think. 4 to be considerate enough or re-
placed close together. member (to do something): no other compa-
thick-skinned adj insensitive to criticism or ny had thought to bring high tech down to
hints; not easily upset. the user. 5 think much or a lot of to have a
thief n, pl thieves a person who steals some- favourable opinion of: I don’t think much of
thing from another, thievish adj the new design. 6 think of a to remember or
thieve vb thieving, thieved to steal other recollect: I couldn’t think of your surname.
people’s possessions, thieving adj b to conceive of or formulate: for a long
thigh n the part of the human leg between time he couldn’t think of a response. 7
the hip and the knee. think twice to consider something carefully
before making a decision, -n 8 Informal a
thighbone n same as femur. careful open-minded assessment: she had a
thimble n a small metal or plastic cap used long hard think, thinker n
to protect the end of the finger from the thinking n 1 opinion or judgment: contrary
needle when sewing. to all fashionable thinking. 2 the process of
thin adj thinner, thinnest 1 having a rela- thought, -adj 3 using intelligent thought:
tively small distance between opposite sur- the thinking man’s sport.
faces: a thin mattress. 2 much narrower think over vhto ponder or consider,
than it is long: push a thin stick up the pipe'
in order to clear it. 3 (of a person or animal) think-tank n Informal a group of experts
having no excess body fat. 4 made up of employed to study specific problems.
only a few, widely separated, people or think up vb to invent or devise.
thinner 862 thorn
thinner n a solvent, such as turpentine, something representing or consisting of
added to paint or varnish to dilute it. thirty units, —adj 4 amounting to thirty:
thin-skinned adj sensitive to criticism or thirty miles, thirtieth adj, n
hints; easily upset. Thirty-nine Articles pl n a set of formulas
third adj 1 of or being number three in a se- defining the doctrinal position of the
ries. 2 rated, graded, or ranked below the Church of England.
second level. 3 denoting the third lowest this adj 1 used preceding a noun referring to
forward gear in a motor vehicle. —n 4 one something or someone that is closer: on this
of three equal parts of something. 5 the side of the Channel. 2 used preceding a
fraction equal to one divided by three (jAj. 6 noun that has just been mentioned or is
the third lowest forward gear in a motor understood: this text has two chief goals. 3
vehicle. 7 Brit an honours degree of the used to refer to something about to be men-
third and usually the lowest class. 8 Music tioned: NPR’s Anne Garrets has this report.
the interval between one note and the note 4 used to refer to the present time or occa-
four semitones (major third) or three semi- sion: this week’s edition of the newspaper.
tones (minor third) higher or lower than it. 5 Informal used instead of a or the in telling
—adv 9 Also: thirdly in the third place. a story: see, it’s about this bird who fancies
third class n 1 the class or grade next in you. -pron 6 used to denote a person or
value, rank, or quality to the second, -adj thing that is relatively close: black coral
third-class 2 of the class or grade next in like this. 7 used to denote something al-
value, rank, or quality to the second. ready mentioned or understood: this didn’t
third degree n Informal torture or bullying, seem fair to me. 8 used to denote something
esp. as used to extort confessions or infor- about to be mentioned: just say this: collect
mation. Standish from the top of the fire escape. 9
third-degree burn n a burn in which both the present time or occasion: after this it
the surface and the underlying layers of the was impossible to talk to him about his feel-
skin are destroyed. ings. 10 this and that various unspecified
and trivial events or facts.
third man n Cricket a fielding position on
the off side, near the boundary behind the thistle n a plant with prickly-edged leaves,
batsman’s wicket. dense flower heads, and feathery hairs on
the seeds, thistly adj
third party n 1 a person who is involved in
an event, legal proceeding, agreement, or thistledown n the mass of feathery plumed
other transaction only by chance or indi- seeds produced by a thistle.
rectly. —adj 2 Insurance providing protec- thither adv Formahto or towards that place,
tion against liability caused by accidental tho or tho’ conj, adv US or poetic same as
injury or death of other people: third-party though.
cover. thole1 or tholepin n one of a pair of wooden
third person n the form of a pronoun or pins set upright in the gunwale on either
verb used to refer to something or someone side of a rowing boat to serve as a fulcrum
other than the speaker or the person or in rowing.
people being addressed. thole2 vb tholing, tholed Scot & N English
third-rate adj mediocre or inferior. to bear or put up with.
Third Reich n See Reich. thong n 1 a thin strip of leather or other ma-
Third World n the developing countries of terial. 2 US, Canad, & Austral same as flip-
Africa, Asia, and Latin America collective- flop. 3 a skimpy article of beachwear con-
iy- sisting of thin strips of leather or cloth at-
thirst n 1 a desire to drink, accompanied by tached to a piece of material that covers the
a feeling of dryness in the mouth and genitals while leaving the buttocks bare.
throat. 2 a craving or yearning: a thirst for thorax (thaw-racks) n, pl thoraxes or tho-
knowledge. ~vb3 to feel a thirst. races (thaw-rass-seez) 1 the part of the
thirsty adj thirstier, thirstiest 1 feeling a human body enclosed by the ribs. 2 the part
desire to drink. 2 causing thirst: morris of an insect’s body between the head and
dancing is thirsty work. 3 thirsty for feel- abdomen, thoracic adj
ing an eager desire for: thirsty for informa- thorium n Chem a silvery-white radioactive
tion. thirstily adv metallic element. It is used in electronic
thirteen n 1 the cardinal number that is the equipment and as a nuclear power source.
sum of ten and three. 2 a numeral, 13 or Symbol: Th
XIII, representing this number. 3 something thorn n 1 a sharp pointed woody projection
representing or consisting of thirteen units. from a stem or leaf. 2 any of various trees
-adj 4 amounting to thirteen: thirteen or shrubs having thorns, esp. the hawthorn.
people, thirteenth adj, n 3 a thorn in one’s side or flesh a source of
thirty n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number that irritation: he was sufficiently bright at
is the product of ten and three. 2 a numeral, school to become a thorn in the side of his
30 or XXX, representing this number. 3 maths teacher, thornless adj
thorny 863 threefold
thorny adj thornier, thorniest 1 covered about in a wild manner: his legs stuck and
with thorns. 2 difficult or unpleasant: a he fell sideways, thrashing about wildly. 4
thorny issue. same as thresh, —n 5 Informal a party.
thorough adj 1 carried out completely and ~See also thrash out.
carefully: he needs a thorough checkup by thrashing n a severe beating.
the doctor. 2 (of a person) painstakingly thrash out vb to discuss (a problem or diffi-
careful: he is very thorough if rather unim- culty) fully in order to come to an agree-
aginative. 3 great in extent or degree; utter: ment or decision about it: we must arrange
a thorough disgrace. thoroughly adv a meeting to thrash out the details of the
thoroughness n scheme.
thoroughbred adj 1 obtained through suc- thread n 1 a fine strand or fibre of some ma-
cessive generations of selective breeding: terial. 2 a fine cord of twisted yarns, esp. of
thoroughbred horses. ~n 2 a pedigree ani- cotton, used in sewing or weaving. 3 some-
mal, esp. a horse. thing acting as the continuous link or theme
thoroughfare n a way through from one of a whole: the thread of the story. 4 the
place to another: the great thoroughfare spiral ridge on a screw, bolt, or nut. 5 a
from the Castle to the Palace of Holyrood. very small amount (of something): there
thoroughgoing adj 1 extremely thorough. 2 was a thread of nervousness in his voice. 6
absolute or complete: a thoroughgoing ha- a very thin seam of coal or vein of ore. —vb
tred. 7 to pass thread through the eye of (a nee-
those adj, pron the plural of that.
dle) before sewing with it. 8 to string to-
gether: plastic beads threaded on lengths of
thou1 pron Old-fashioned same as you: used nylon line. 9 to make (one’s way) through a
when talking to one person. crowd of people or group of objects: she
thou2 n, pl thou Informal 1 one thousandth threaded and pushed her way through the
of an inch. 2 a thousand. crowds, threadlike adj
though conj 1 despite the fact that: he was threadbare adj 1 (of cloth, clothing, or a
smiling with relief and happiness though carpet) having the nap worn off so that the
the tears still flowed down his cheeks, threads are exposed. 2 having been used or
-adv 2 nevertheless or however: he can’t expressed so often as to be no longer inter-
dance - he sings well, though. esting: threadbare ideas. 3 wearing shabby
thought vb 1 the past of think, —n 2 the act worn-out clothes.
or process of thinking. 3 a concept or idea. 4 threadworm n a small threadlike worm that
ideas typical of a particular time or place: is a parasite of humans.
the development of Western intellectual threat n 1 a declaration of an intention to in-
thought. 5 detailed consideration: he flict harm: they carried out their threat to
appeared to give some sort of thought to the kill the hostages. 2 a strong possibility of
question. 6 an intention, hope, or reason for something dangerous or unpleasant hap-
doing something: his first thought was to pening: the wet weather will bring a threat
call the guard and have the man arrested. of flooding. 3 a person or thing that is re-
thoughtful adj 1 considerate in the treat- garded as dangerous and likely to inflict
ment of other people. 2 showing careful harm: unemployment is a serious threat to
thought: a thoughtful and scholarly book. 3 the social order.
quiet, serious, and deep in thought: she threaten vb 1 to express a threat to (some-
looked thoughtful. thoughtfully adv one): he threatened John with the sack. 2 to
thoughtfulness n be a threat to: he was worried about any-
thoughtless adj not considerate of the feel- thing that might threaten the health of his
ings of other people, thoughtlessly adv child. 3 to be a menacing indication of
thoughtlessness n (something): the early summer threatened
thousand n, pl -sands or -sand 1 the cardi- drought, threatening adj threateningly
nal number that is the product of ten and adv
one hundred. 2 a numeral, 1000 or 103, rep- three n 1 the cardinal number that is the
resenting this number. 3 a very large but sum of one and two. 2 a numeral, 3 or III,
unspecified number: thousands of bees representing this number. 3 something rep-
swarmed out of the hive. 4 something rep- resenting or consisting of three units, -adj
resenting or consisting of 1000 units, -adj 4 amounting to three: three days.
5 amounting to a thousand: a thousand three-decker n 1 a warship with guns on
members, thousandth adj, n three decks. 2 anything that has three lev-
thrall n the state of being completely in the els, layers, or tiers.
power of, or spellbound by, a person or three-dimensional or 3-D adj 1 having three
thing: he was held in thrall by her almost dimensions. 2 lifelike: all the characters are
supernatural beauty. three-dimensional.
thrash vb 1 to beat (someone), esp. with a threefold adj 1 having three times as many
stick or whip. 2 to defeat totally: the All or as much. 2 composed of three parts,
Blacks thrashed England 24-3. 3 to move -adv 3 by three times as many or as much.
three-legged race 864 through
three-legged race n a race in which pairs of sect with piercing mouthparts that feeds on
competitors run with their adjacent legs plant sap.
tied together. thrive vb thriving; thrived or throve;
three-ply adj made of three thicknesses, thrived or thriven 1 to do well; be success-
layers, or strands. ful: Munich has thrived as a centre of Euro-
three-point turn n a complete turn of a pean commerce. 2 to grow strongly and vig-
motor vehicle using forward and reverse orously: the vine can thrive in the most un-
gears alternately, and completed after only likely soils.
three movements. thro’ or thro prep, adv Informal same as
three-quarter adj 1 amounting to three out through.
of four equal parts of something. 2 being throat n 1 the passage from the mouth and
three quarters of the normal length: a nose to the stomach and lungs. 2 the front
three-quarter-length coat. ~n 3 Rugby one part of the neck. 3 at each other’s throats
of the four players between the fullback quarrelling or fighting with each other. 4
and the halfbacks, whose role is mainly to cut one’s own throat to bring about one’s
run with the ball when it is passed to them. own ruin. 5 cut someone’s throat to kill
three Rs pl n reading, writing, and arithme- someone. 6 ram or force something down
tic regarded as the three fundamental skills someone’s throat to insist that someone
to be taught in primary schools. listen to or accept something. 7 stick in
threescore adj Archaic sixty. one’s throat to be hard to accept: his arro-
threesome n a group of three people, gance really sticks in my throat.
threnody n, pl threnodies Formal a lament throaty adj throatier, throatiest 1 hoarse
for the dead, threnodic adj threnodist n and suggestive of a sore throat: a throaty
thresh vb 1 to beat (stalks of ripe corn, rice, 40 fags-a-day bark. 2 deep, husky, or gut-
etc.), either with a hand tool or by machine tural: she gives a deliciously throaty laugh.
to separate the grain from the husks and throb vb throbbing, throbbed 1 to pulsate
straw. 2 thresh about to toss and turn. or beat repeatedly, esp. with abnormally
thresher n any of a genus of large sharks strong force: her eardrums were throbbing
occurring in tropical and temperate seas. with pain. 2 (of engines, drums, etc.) to
They have a very long whiplike tail. have a strong rhythmic vibration or beat.
~n 3 the act or sensation of throbbing: he
threshold n 1 the lower horizontal part of an felt a throb of fear; the throb of the engines.
entrance or doorway, esp. one made of throbbing adj, n
stone or hardwood. 2 any doorway or en-
trance: he had never been over the thresh- throes pl n 1 violent pangs, pain, or convul-
old of a pub before. 3 the starting point of sions: an animal in its death throes. 2 in the
an experience, event, or venture: she was throes of struggling to cope with (some-
on the threshold of a glorious career. 4 the thing difficult or disruptive): in the throes
point at which something begins to take ef- of a civil war.
fect or be noticeable: the threshold for basic thrombosis (throm-boh-siss) n, pl -ses
rate tax; he has a low boredom threshold. (-seez) coagulation of the blood in the heart
threw vb the past tense of throw. or in a blood vessel, forming a blood clot.
thrice adv Literary 1 three times: he was throne n 1 the ceremonial seat occupied by a
thrice mayor of Birmingham. 2 three times monarch or bishop on occasions of state. 2
as big, much, etc.: his vegetables are thrice the rank or power of a monarch: she came
the size of mine. to the throne after her father was mur-
thrift n 1 wisdom and caution with money. 2 dered.
a low-growing plant of Europe, W Asia, and throng n 1 a great number of people or
North America, with narrow leaves and things crowded together. ~vb 2 to gather
round heads of pink or white flowers, in or fill (a place) in large numbers; the
thriftless adj streets were thronged with shoppers.
thrifty adj thriftier, thriftiest not wasteful throstle n Poetic a song thrush.
with money, thriftily adv thriftiness n throttle n 1 a device that controls the fuel-
thrill n 1 a sudden sensation of excitement and-air mixture entering an engine, -vb
and pleasure: he felt a thrill of excitement. -tling, -tied 2 to kill or injure (someone) by
2 a situation producing such a sensation: all squeezing his or her throat. 3 to suppress or
the thrills of rafting the meandering Dor- censor: the government is trying to throttle
dogne. 3 a sudden trembling sensation dissent.
caused by fear or emotional shock. ~vb 4 throttle back vb to reduce the speed of a
to feel or cause to feel a thrill. 5 to vibrate vehicle or aircraft by reducing the quantity
or quiver, thrilling adj of fuel entering the engine: throttling back
thriller n a book, film, or play depicting the engine failed to bring the plane under
crime, mystery, or espionage in an atmos- control.
phere of excitement and suspense. through prep 1 going in at one side and com-
thrips n, pl thrips a small slender-bodied in- ing out at the other side of: he drove
throughout 865 thrush
through the West of the city. 2 occupying or throwing. 18 the distance thrown. 19 (in
visiting several points scattered around in sports such as wrestling or judo) a move
(an area): a Journey through the Scottish which causes one’s opponent to fall to the
Highlands. 3 as a result of: diminished re- floor. 20 a throw each: we drank our way
sponsibility through temporary insanity. 4 through a couple of bottles of claret at
during: driving for five hours through the £12.50 a throw. -See also throwaway,
night. 5 for all of (a period): it rained all throwback, etc.
through that summer. 6 Chiefly US up to throwaway adj 1 Chiefly Brit said or done
and including: from Monday through Satur- incidentally: a throwaway line. 2 designed
day. —adj 7 finished: I’m through with his- to be discarded after use: throwaway cups,
tory. 8 having completed a specified -vb throw away 3 to get rid of or discard:
amount of an activity: he tried to stop the try to recycle glass bottles instead of simply
investigation halfway through. 9 (on a tele- throwing them away. 4 to fail to make good
phone line) connected. 10 no longer able to use of: she threw away the chance of a bril-
function successfully in some specified ca- liant career when she got married.
pacity: they are through, they haven’t got a throwback n 1 a person or thing that is like
chance. 11 (of a train, plane flight, etc.) something that existed or was common long
going directly to a place, so that passengers ago: his ideas were a throwback to old colo-
do not have to change: there’s no through nial attitudes, —vb throw back 2 to remind
train from Edinburgh to Sheffield, -adv 12 someone of (something he or she said or did
through a thing, place, or period of time: previously) in order to upset him or her: he
the script gives up around halfway threw back at me everything I’d said the
through. 13 extremely or absolutely: I’m week before.
soaked through. 14 through and through throw in vb 1 to add at no additional cost:
to the greatest possible extent: the boards he’d got good at bargaining them down,
are rotten through and through. making them throw in variations for free. 2
throughout prep 1 through the whole of (a to contribute (a remark) in a discussion. 3
place or a period of time): radio stations throw in the towel Informal to give in; ac-
throughout the UK. -adv 2 throughout a cept defeat. ~n throw-in 4 Soccer etc the
place or a period of time: I led both races act of putting the ball back into play when
throughout. it has gone over one of the sidelines, by
throughput n the amount of material pro- throwing it over one’s head with both
cessed in a given period, esp. by a comput- hands.
er. throw off vb 1 to take off (clothing) hurried-
throve vb a past tense of thrive. ly. 2 Literary to free oneself of: Vietnamese
throw vb throwing, threw, thrown 1 to hurl farmers threw off their dependency on
(something) through the air, esp. with a European seed potatoes.
rapid motion of the arm. 2 to put or move throw out vb 1 to discard or reject: the
suddenly, carelessly, or violently: she House of Lords threw out the proposed re-
threw her arms round his neck. 3 to bring forms. 2 to expel or dismiss, esp. forcibly:
into a specified state or condition, esp. sud- her parents threw her out when they dis-
denly: the invasion threw the region into covered she was pregnant.
turmoil. 4 to move (a switch or lever) so as throw over vb Old-fashioned to leave or re-
to engage or disengage a mechanism. 5 to ject (a lover).
cause (someone) to fall: I’m riding the horse throw together vb 1 to assemble (some-
that threw me. 6 a to tip (dice) out onto a thing) hurriedly. 2 (of a set of circum-
flat surface, b to obtain (a specified num- stances) to cause (people) to meet and get to
ber) in this way: one throws a 3 and the know each other.
other throws a 5.1 to shape (pottery) on a throw up vb 1 Informal to vomit. 2 to give
potter’s wheel. 8 to give (a party). 9 Infor- up or abandon: he would threaten to throw
mal to confuse or disconcert: the question up his job. 3 to construct (a building or
threw me. 10 to direct or cast (a look, light, structure) hastily. 4 to produce: these links
etc.): the lamp threw a shadow on the ceil- are throwing up fresh opportunities.
ing. 11 to project (the voice) so as to make it
appear to come from somewhere else. 12 In- thru prep, adv, adj Chiefly US same as
formal to lose (a contest) deliberately. 13 through.
throw a punch to strike, or attempt to thrum vb thrumming, thrummed 1 to strum
strike, someone with one’s fist. 14 throw rhythmically but without expression on (a
oneself at to behave in a way which makes musical instrument). 2 to make a low beat-
it clear that one is trying to win the affec- ing or humming sound: the air conditioner
tion of (someone). 15 throw oneself into to thrummed. ~n 3 a repetitive strumming.
involve oneself enthusiastically in. 16 thrush1 n any of a large group of songbirds,
throw oneself on to rely entirely upon esp. one having a brown plumage with a
(someone’s goodwill, etc.): the president spotted breast, such as the mistle thrush
threw himself on the mercy of the Ameri- and song thrush.
can people. ~n 17 the act or an instance of thrush2 n 1 a fungal disease, esp. of infants,
thrust 866 thymol
in which whitish spots form on the mouth, is aggressive. 4 to hit or punch (someone):
throat, and lips. 2 a vaginal infection stop that at once or I’ll thump you! 5 to
caused by the same fungus. throb or beat violently: he could feel his
thrust vb thrusting, thrust 1 to push heart thumping.
(someone or something) with force: he took thumping adj Slang huge or excessive: a
him by the arm and thrust him towards the th umping majority.
door. 2 to force (someone) into some condi- thunder n 1 a loud cracking or deep rum-
tion or situation: the unemployed have been bling noise caused by the rapid expansion
thrust into the frontline of politics. 3 to of atmospheric gases that are suddenly
force (one’s way) through a crowd, forest, heated by lightning. 2 any loud booming
etc.: Edward thrust his way towards them. sound: the thunder of heavy gunfire. 3
4 to stick out or up: she thrust out her lower steal someone’s thunder to lessen the ef-
lip. ~n 5 a forceful drive, push, stab, or fect of someone’s idea or action by antici-
lunge: the thrust of his spear. 6 a force, esp. pating it. —vb 4 to make a loud noise like
one that produces motion. 7 the propulsive thunder: an explosion thundered through
force produced by the pressure of air and the shaft. 5 to speak in a loud, angry man-
gas forced out of a jet engine or rocket en- ner: “Get out of here this instant!" he
gine. 8 the essential or most forceful part: thundered. 6 to move fast, heavily, and
the main thrust of the report. 9 Physics a noisily: a lorry thundered by. thundery adj
continuous pressure exerted by one part of thunderbolt n 1 a flash of lightning accom-
an object against another. 10 Informal intel- panying thunder. 2 something sudden and
lectual or emotional drive; forcefulness: unexpected: his career has been no
thanks to the ingenuity and enterprising thunderbolt. 3 Myth a weapon thrown to
thrust of this company. earth by certain gods. 4 Sport a very fast-
thrusting adj ambitious and having great moving shot or serve.
drive: a thrusting young executive. thunderclap n 1 a loud outburst of thunder.
thud n 1 a dull heavy sound. 2 a blow or fall 2 something as violent or unexpected as a
that causes such a sound. —vb thudding, clap of thunder.
thudded 3 to make or cause to make such a
thundercloud n a large dark electrically
sound. charged cloud associated with thun-
thug n a tough and violent man, esp. a derstorms.
criminal, thuggery n thuggish adj
thundering adj, adv Old-fashioned slang ex-
thulium n Chem a silvery-grey element of treme or extremely: a thundering disgrace;
the lanthanide series. Symbol: Tm thundering good ntusic.
thumb n 1 the short thick finger of the hand thunderous adj 1 resembling thunder in
set apart from the others. 2 the part of a loudness: thunderous applause. 2 threaten-
glove shaped to fit the thumb. 3 all thumbs ing or angry: a thunderous scowl.
very clumsy. 4 thumbs down an indication
of refusal or disapproval. 5 thumbs up an thunderstorm n a storm with thunder and
indication of encouragement or approval. 6 lightning and usually heavy rain or hail.
under someone's thumb completely under thunderstruck adj amazed or shocked,
someone else’s control. -vb 7 to touch, thurible (thyoor-rib-bl) n same as censer.
mark, or move with the thumb: he thumbed Thurs. Thursday.
the volume switch to maximum. 8 to at- Thursday n the fifth day of the week.
tempt to obtain (a lift in a motor vehicle) by
signalling with the thumb: he thumbed a lift thus adv 1 as a result or consequence: the
to the station. 9 thumb one’s nose at to be- platforms provided a new floor and thus
have in a way that shows one’s contempt or improved and enlarged the premises. 2 in
disregard for: her mother had always this manner: I sat thus for nearly half an
thumbed her nose at convention. 10 thumb hour. 3 to such a degree: the competition
through to flip the pages of (a book or has been almost bereft of surprise thus far.
magazine) in order to glance at the con- thwack vb 1 to beat with something flat.
tents. —n 2 a a blow with something flat, b the
thumb index n a series of notches cut into sound made by it.
the fore-edge of a book to facilitate quick thwart vb 1 to prevent or foil: they inflicted
reference. such severe losses that they thwarted the
thumbnail n 1 the nail of the thumb, -adj 2 invasion. ~n 2 the seat across a boat where
concise and brief: a thumbnail sketch. the rower sits.
thumbscrew n (formerly) an instrument of thy adj Old-fashioned belonging to or associ-
torture that pinches or crushes the thumbs. ated in some way with you (thou): love thy
thump n 1 the sound of something heavy neighbour.
hitting a comparatively soft surface. 2 a thyme (time) n a small shrub with white,
heavy blow with the hand, —vb 3 to place pink, or red flowers and scented leaves
(something) on or bang against (something) used for seasoning food.
with a loud dull sound: thumping the table thymol n a white crystalline substance ob-
thymus 867 tidy
tained from thyme, used as a fungicide and tickle vb -ling, -led 1 to touch or stroke
an antiseptic. (someone), so as to produce laughter or a
thymus (thigh-muss) n, pl -muses or -mi twitching sensation. 2 to itch or tingle. 3 to
(-my) Anat a small gland situated near the amuse or please. 4 tickled pink or to death
base of the neck. Informal greatly pleased. 5 tickle some-
thyroid Anat -adj 1 of or relating to the one’s fancy to appeal to or amuse someone.
thyroid gland. 2 of or relating to the largest —n 6 a sensation of light stroking or itch-
cartilage of the larynx, which forms the ing: a tickle in the throat. 7 the act of tick-
Adam’s apple in men. ~n 3 the thyroid ling. 8 Canad (in the Atlantic Provinces) a
gland. narrow strait.
thyroid gland n Anat an endocrine gland ticklish adj 1 sensitive to being tickled. 2
that secretes hormones that control metabo- delicate or difficult: a ticklish problem.
lism and body growth. tick off vb 1 to mark with a tick, esp. to
thyself pron Archaic the reflexive form of show that an item on a list has been dealt
thou1. with. 2 Informal, chiefly Brit to reprimand
ti n Music same as te.
or scold (someone), ticking-off n
Ti Chem titanium. tick over vb 1 Brit (of an engine) to run at
low speed with the transmission disen-
tiara n 1 a semicircular jewelled headdress gaged. 2 to run smoothly without any major
worn by some women on formal occasions. changes: the business is just ticking over.
2 the triple-tiered crown sometimes worn
ticktack n Brit a system of sign language,
by the pope. mainly using the hands, by which book-
tibia (tib-ee-a) n, pl tibiae (tib-ee-ee) or makers transmit their odds to each other at
tibias the inner and thicker of the two race courses.
bones of the human leg below the knee; ticktock n a ticking sound made by a clock,
shinbone, tibial adj
tidal adj 1 (of a river, lake, or sea) having
tic n a spasmodic muscular twitch.
tides. 2 of or relating to tides: a tidal surge.
tick1 n 1 a mark (>/) used to check off or indi-
tidal wave n 1 Not in technical use same as
cate the correctness of something. 2 a re- tsunami. 2 an unusually large incoming
current metallic tapping or clicking sound, wave, often caused by high winds and
such as that made by a clock. 3 Brit infor- spring tides. 3 a forceful and widespread
mal a moment or instant: won’t be a tick, movement in public opinion, action, etc.: a
—vb 4 to mark or check with a tick. 5 to
produce a recurrent tapping sound or indi- tidal wave of scandals and embezzlement.
cate by such a sound: the clock ticked away. tiddler n Brit informal 1 a very small fish,
6 what makes someone tick Informal the esp. a stickleback. 2 a small child.
basic motivation of a person. —See also tiddly1 ac(/-dlier, -dliest Brit very small.
tick off, tick over. tiddly2 adj -dlier, -dliest Informal, chiefly
tick2 n a small parasitic creature typically Brit slightly drunk.
living on the skin of warm-blooded animals tiddlywinks n a game in which players try to
and feeding on the blood and tissues of flick discs of plastic into a cup.
their hosts. tide n 1 the alternate rise and fall of sea
tick3 n Brit informal account or credit: a level caused by the gravitational pull of the
spending spree that was financed on tick. sun and moon. 2 the current caused by
ticker n Slang the heart. these changes in level: I got caught by the
ticker tape n (formerly) a continuous paper tide and almost drowned. 3 a widespread
tape on which current stock quotations tendency or movement: the rising tide of
were printed by machine. nationalism. 4 Literary or old-fashioned a
ticket n 1 a printed piece of paper or card- season or time: Yuletide.
board showing that the holder is entitled to tideline n the mark or line left by the tide
certain rights, such as travel on a train or when it retreats from its highest point.
bus or entry to a place of public entertain- tidemark n 1 a mark left by the highest or
ment. 2 a label or tag attached to an article lowest point of a tide. 2 Chiefly Brit a line
showing information such as its price and of dirt left round a bath after the water has
size. 3 an official notification of a parking been drained away. 3 Informal, chiefly Brit
or traffic offence. 4 the declared policy of a a dirty mark on the skin, indicating the ex-
political party. 5 that’s (just) the ticket tent to which someone has washed.
Informal that’s the right or appropriate tide over vb tiding, tided to help (someone)
thing, -vb -eting, -eted 6 to issue or attach to get through a period of difficulty or dis-
a ticket or tickets to. tress: they need some form of Social Secu-
tickets pl n S African informal death or rity to tide them over.
ruin; the end. tidings pl n information or news.
ticking n a strong cotton fabric, often tidy adj -dier, -diest 1 neat and orderly. 2
striped, used esp. for mattress and pillow Informal quite large: a tidy sum of money,
covers. —vb -dies, -dying, -died 3 to put (things) in
tie 868 tilde
their proper place; make neat: I’ve tidied up is unavailable for other uses: people don't
the toys under the bed. ~n, pl -dies 4 a want to tie up their savings for a long peri-
small container for odds and ends, tidily od. ~n tie-up 4 a link or connection.
adv tidiness n tiff n a minor quarrel.
tie vb tying, tied 1 to fasten or be fastened tiffin n (in India) a light meal, esp. at mid-
with string, rope, etc. 2 to make a knot or day.
bow in (something): hang on while I tie my tiger n 1 a large Asian mammal of the cat
laces. 3 to restrict or limit: they had chil- family which has a tawny yellow coat with
dren and were consequently tied to the black stripes. 2 a dynamic, forceful, or cruel
school holidays. 4 to equal the score of a person.
competitor or fellow candidate: three play- tiger lily n a lily of China and Japan with
ers tied for second place. ~n 5 a long nar- black-spotted orange flowers.
row piece of material worn, esp. by men,
under the collar of a shirt, tied in a knot tiger moth n a moth with conspicuously
close to the throat with the ends hanging striped and spotted wings.
down the front. 6 a bond or link: he still has tight adj 1 stretched or drawn taut:
close ties to the town where he grew up. 7 a loosening-up of tight muscles. 2 closely fit-
string, wire, etc., with which something is ting: wearing a jacket that was too tight for
tied. 8 Brit sport a match in a knockout him. 3 made, fixed, or closed firmly and se-
competition: whoever wins the tie will play curely: a tight band. 4 constructed so as to
Australia in the semifinals. 9 a a result in a prevent the passage of water, air, etc.:
match or competition in which the scores or watertight. 5 cramped and allowing very
times of some of the competitors are the little room for movement: they squeezed
same: a tie for second place, b the match or him into the tight space. 6 unyielding or
competition in which the scores or results stringent: tight security. 7 (of a situation)
are equal. 10 a regular commitment that difficult or dangerous. 8 allowing only the
limits a person’s freedom: it’s a bit of a tie minimum time or money for doing some-
having to visit my mother every day. 11 thing: a tight schedule. 9 Informal mean or
something which supports or links parts of miserly. 10 (of a match or game) very close
a structure. 12 US & Canad a sleeper on a or even. 11 Informal drunk. 12 (of a corner
railway track. 13 Music a curved line con- or turn) turning through a large angle in a
necting two notes of the same pitch indicat- short distance: the boat skidded round in a
ing that the sound is to be prolonged for tight turn. ~adv 13 in a close, firm, or se-
their joint time value. -See also tie in, tie cure way: they held each other tight, tight-
up. ly adv tightness n
tie beam n a horizontal beam that holds two tighten vb to make or become tight or tight-
parts of a structure together, such as one er.
that connects two corresponding rafters in tightfisted adj unwilling to spend money;
a roof. mean.
tie-break or tie-breaker n an extra game or tightknit adj closely integrated: a tightknit
question that decides the result of a contest community.
that has ended in a draw. tight-lipped adj 1 unwilling to give any in-
tied adj Brit 1 (of a public house) allowed to formation; secretive: the Minister remained
sell beer from only one particular brewery. tight-lipped when it came to answering the
2 (of a house) rented out to the tenant for press’s questions. 2 with the lips pressed
as long as he or she is employed by the tightly together, as through anger: tight-
owner. lipped determination.
tie-dye, tie-dyed, or tie and dye adj (of a tightrope n a rope stretched taut on which
garment or fabric) dyed in a pattern by acrobats perform.
tying sections of the cloth together so that tights pl n a one-piece clinging garment cov-
they will not absorb the dye: a tie-dye T- ering the body from the waist to the feet,
shirt. worn by women and also by acrobats, danc-
tie in vb 1 to have or cause to have a close ers, etc.
link or connection: there's no evidence to tie tigress n 1 a female tiger. 2 a fierce, cruel,
this killing in with the murder of Mrs or passionate woman.
McGowan. ~n tie-in 2 a link or connection. tike n same as tyke.
3 a book or other product that is linked tiki (tee-kee) n a Maori greenstone neck or-
with a film or TV programme. nament in the form of a fetus.
tiepin n an ornamental pin used to pin the tikka adj Indian cookery (of meat) marinat-
two ends of a tie to a shirt. ed in spices and then dry-roasted: chicken
tier n one of a set of rows placed one above tikka.
and behind the other, such as theatre seats. tilde n a mark (') used in some languages to
tie up vb 1 to bind (someone or something) indicate that the letter over which it is
securely with string or rope. 2 to moor (a placed is pronounced in a certain way, as in
vessel). 3 to commit (money etc.) so that it Spanish sehor.
tile 869 time and a half
tile n 1 a thin piece of ceramic, plastic, etc., specific point in time expressed in hours
used with others to cover a surface, such as and minutes: what time are you going? 4 a
a floor or wall. 2 a rectangular block used system of reckoning for expressing time:
as a playing piece in mah jong and other the deadline is 5:00 Eastern Time today. 5
games. 3 on the tiles Informal out having a an unspecified interval; a while: some reco-
good time and drinking a lot. —vb tiling, ver for a time and then relapse. 6 an in-
tiled 4 to cover (a surface) with tiles, tiled stance or occasion: when was the last time
adj tiler n you saw it? 7 a sufficient interval or period:
tiling n 1 tiles collectively. 2 something made I need time to think. 8 an occasion or period
of or surfaced with tiles. of specified quality: they’d had a lovely
till1 cory, prep same as until. time. 9 a suitable moment: the time has
come to make peace. 10 a period or point
till2 vb to cultivate (land) for the raising of marked by specific attributes or events: in
crops: a constant round of sowing, tilling Victorian times. 11 Brit the time at which
and harvesting, tillable adj tiller n licensed premises are required by law to
till3 n a box or drawer into which money stop selling alcoholic drinks. 12 the rate of
taken from customers is put, now usually pay for work done in normal working
part of a cash register. hours: you get double time for working on a
tillage n 1 the act, process, or art of tilling. 2 Sunday. 13 a the system of combining beats
tilled land. in music into successive groupings by which
tiller n Naut a handle used to turn the rudder the rhythm of the music is established, b a
when steering a boat. specific system having a specific number of
tilt vb 1 to move into a sloping position with beats in each grouping or bar: duple time.
one end or side higher than the other: Dave 14 against time in an effort to complete
tilted his chair back on two legs. 2 to move something in a limited period. 15 ahead of
(part of the body) slightly upwards or to time before the deadline. 16 at one time a
the side: Marie tilted her head back. 3 to be- once or formerly, b simultaneously. 17 at
come more influenced by a particular idea the same time a simultaneously, b never-
or group: the party is tilting more and more theless or however. 18 at times sometimes.
to the right. 4 to compete against someone 19 beat time to indicate the tempo of a
in a jousting contest. ~n 5 a slope or angle: piece of music by waving a baton, hand, etc.
a tilt to one side. 6 the act of tilting. 7 (esp. 20 do time Informal to serve a term in jail.
in medieval Europe) a a jousting contest, b 21 for the time being for the moment;
a thrust with a lance delivered during a temporarily. 22 from time to time at inter-
tournament. 8 an attempt to do or win vals; occasionally. 23 have no time for to
something: a tilt at the world title. 9 at full have no patience with. 24 in no time very
tilt at full speed or force. quickly. 25 in one’s own time a outside
tilth n 1 the tilling of land. 2 the condition of paid working hours, b at the speed of one’s
land that has been tilled. choice. 26 in time a early or at the appoint-
ed time: he made it to the hospital in time
timber n 1 wood as a building material. 2 for the baby’s arrival, b eventually: in time,
trees collectively. 3 a wooden beam in the the children of intelligent parents will come
frame of a house, boat, etc. -adj 4 made to dominate, c Music at a correct metrical or
out of timber: timber houses. 5 of or in- rhythmical pulse. 27 make time to find an
volved in the production or sale of wood as opportunity. 28 on time at the expected or
a building material: a timber merchant. scheduled time. 29 pass the time to occupy
timbered adj timbering n oneself when there is nothing else to do:
timber limit n Canad 1 the area to which they pass their time watching game shows
rights of cutting timber, granted by a gov- on television. 30 pass the time of day to
ernment licence, are limited. 2 same as tim- have a short casual conversation (with
ber line. someone). 31 time and again frequently. 32
timber line n the geographical limit beyond time of one’s life a memorably enjoyable
which trees will not grow. time. 33 time out of mind from long before
timbre (tam-bra) n the distinctive quality of anyone can remember, —vb timing, timed
sound produced by a particular voice or 34 to measure the speed or duration of: my
musical instrument. Porsche was timed at 128 mph. 35 to set a
timbrel n Chiefly biblical a tambourine. time for: the attack was timed for 6 a.m. 36
to do (something) at a suitable time: her
Timbuktu or Timbuctoo (tim-buck-too) n entry could not have been better timed,
any distant or outlandish place: we could —adj 37 operating automatically at or for a
run our office from Timbuktu as long as set time: an electrical time switch, —interj
there was a good fax line. 38 the word called out by a publican signal-
time n 1 the past, present, and future re- ling that it is closing time. -See also times.
garded as a continuous whole. 2 Physics a
quantity measuring duration, measured time and a half n a rate of pay one and a
with reference to the rotation of the earth half times the normal rate, often offered for
or from the vibrations of certain atoms. 3 a overtime work.
time-and-motion study 870 tinfoil
time-and-motion study n the analysis of minals of a computer can communicate
work procedures to work out the most effi- with it at the same time.
cient methods of operation. time signature n Music a sign, usually con-
time bomb n 1 a bomb containing a timing sisting of two figures placed after the key
mechanism that is set so that the bomb will signature, that indicates the number and
explode at a specified time. 2 something length of beats in the bar.
that will have a large, often damaging, ef- timetable n 1 a plan of the times when a job
fect at a later date: the decline of the manu- or activity should be done: the timetable for
facturing industry is a political time bomb. the Royal Visit. 2 a list of departure and ar-
time capsule n a container holding articles rival times of trains or buses: a timetable
representative of the current age, buried hung on the wall beside the ticket office. 3 a
for discovery in the future. plan of the times when different subjects or
time clock n a clock with a device for re- classes are taught in a school or college: a
cording the time of arrival or departure of heavy timetable of lectures and practical
an employee. classes. ~vb -tabling, -tabled 4 to set a
time when a particular thing should be
time-consuming adj taking up a great deal done: the meeting is timetabled for 3
of time. o’clock.
time exposure n a photograph produced by time value n Music the duration of a note
exposing film for a relatively long period, relative to other notes in a composition and
usually a few seconds. considered in relation to the basic tempo.
time-honoured adj having been used or time warp n an imagined distortion of the
done for a long time and established by cus- progress of time, so that, for instance,
tom. events from the past seem to be happening
timekeeper n 1 a person or thing that keeps in the present.
or records time, for instance at a sporting timeworn adj 1 showing the adverse effects
event. 2 an employee with a record of punc- of overlong use or of old age: a timeworn
tuality as specified: a poor timekeeper. cafe. 2 having been used so often as to be no
timekeeping n longer interesting: a timeworn cliche.
time lag n a gap or delay between one event time zone n a region throughout which the
and a related event that happens after it: same standard time is used.
the time lag between the development and
the marketing of new products. timid adj 1 lacking courage or self-
confidence: a timid youth. 2 indicating shy-
timeless adj 1 unaffected by time or by ness or fear: a timid and embarrassed smile.
changes in fashion, society, etc.: the time- timidity n timidly adv
less appeal of tailored wool jackets. 2 eter- timing n the ability to judge when to do or
nal and everlasting: the timeless universal say something so as to make the best effect,
reality behind all religions, timelessness n for instance in the theatre, in playing an in-
timely adj -lier, -liest, adv at the right or an strument, or in hitting a ball in sport.
appropriate time. timorous (tim-mor-uss) adj Literary lacking
time-out n 1 Sport chiefly US & Canad an in- courage or self-confidence: a reclusive tim-
terruption in play during which players orous creature, timorously adv
rest, discuss tactics, etc. 2 take time out to timpani or tympani (tim-pan-ee) pin a set of
take a break from a job or activity. kettledrums, timpanist or tympanist n
timepiece n a device, such as a clock or tin n 1 a soft silvery-white metallic element.
watch, which measures and indicates time. Symbol: Sn 2 a sealed airtight metal con-
timer n a device for measuring time, esp. a tainer used for preserving and storing food
switch or regulator that causes a mecha- or drink: a cupboard full of packets and
nism to operate at a specific time. tins. 3 any metal container: a tin of paint. 4
times prep multiplied by: ten times four is the contents of a tin. 5 Brit, Austral, & NZ
forty. galvanized iron, used to make roofs. ~vb
timescale n the period of time within which tinning, tinned 6 to put (food) into tins.
events occur or are due to occur. tin can n a metal food container.
time-served adj having successfully com- tincture n a medicine consisting of a small
pleted an apprenticeship or period of train- amount of a drug dissolved in alcohol.
ing: a time-served electrician. tinder n dry wood or other easily-burning
timeserver n a person who changes his or material used to start a fire, tindery adj
her views in order to gain support or fa- tinderbox n (formerly) a small box for tin-
vour. der, esp. one fitted with a flint and steel
time sharing n 1 a system of part ownership which could be used to make a spark.
of a property for use as a holiday home tine n a slender prong of a fork or a deer’s
whereby each participant owns the proper- antler, tined adj
ty for a particular period every year. 2 a tinfoil n a paper-thin sheet of metal, used for
system by which users at different ter- wrapping foodstuffs.
ting 871 tireless
ting n a high metallic sound such as that ting scuffed, -vb tipping, tipped 3 to
made by a small bell. make or form a tip on: the long strips that
ting-a-ling n the sound of a small bell. hang down are tipped with silver cones.
tinge n 1 a slight tint or colouring: his skin tipped adj
had an unhealthy greyish tinge. 2 a very tip2 n 1 an amount of money given to some-
small amount: both goals had a tinge of for- one, such as a waiter, in return for service.
tune. ~vb tingeing or tinging, tinged 3 to 2 a helpful hint or warning: here are some
colour or tint faintly: the sunset tinged the sensible tips to help you avoid sunburn. 3 a
lake with pink. 4 tinged with having a piece of inside information, esp. in betting
small amount of a particular quality: the or investing, —vb tipping, tipped 4 to give
victory was tinged with sadness. a tip to.
tingle vb -gling, -gled 1 to feel a mild prick- tip3 vb tipping, tipped 1 to tilt: he tipped
ling or stinging sensation, as from cold or back his chair. 2 tip over to tilt so as to
excitement, -n 2 a mild prickling or sting- overturn or fall: the box tipped over and
ing feeling, tingling adj tingly adj the clothes in it spilled out. 3 Brit to dump
tin god n a self-important person. (rubbish). 4 to pour out (the contents of a
tinker n 1 (esp. formerly) a travelling mend- container): he tipped the water from the
er of pots and pans. 2 Scot & Irish a Gypsy. basin down the sink. ~n 5 Brit a rubbish
3 a mischievous child. -vb 4 tinker with dump.
to try to repair or improve (something) by tip-off n 1 a warning or hint, esp. one given
making lots of minor adjustments. confidentially and based on inside informa-
tinker’s damn or cuss n not give a tinker’s tion. —vb tip off 2 to give a hint or warn-
damn or cuss Slang not to care at all. ing to: the police had been tipped off about
tinkle vb -kling, -kled 1 to ring with a high the robbery.
tinny sound like a small bell. ~n 2 a high tippet n a scarflike piece of fur, often made
clear ringing sound. 3 Brit informal a tele- from a whole animal skin, worn, esp. for-
phone call, tinkly adj merly, round a woman’s shoulders.
tinned adj (of food) preserved by being tipple vb -pling, -pled 1 to drink alcohol
sealed in a tin. regularly, esp. in small quantities. ~n 2 an
tinny adj -nier, -niest 1 (of a sound) high, alcoholic drink, tippler n
thin, and metallic: the tinny sound of a tipstaff n 1 a court official. 2 a metal-tipped
transistor radio. 2 cheap or shoddy: a tinny staff formerly used as a symbol of office.
East European car. tipster n a person who sells tips to people
tin-opener n a small tool for opening tins. betting on horse races or speculating on the
Tin Pan Alley n the popular music industry, stock market.
esp. the more commercial aspects of it. tipsy adj -sier, -siest slightly drunk, tipsi-
tin plate n thin steel sheet coated with a ness n
layer of tin to protect it from corrosion. tiptoe vb -toeing, -toed 1 to walk quietly
tinpot adj Brit informal worthless or unim- with the heels off the ground. ~n 2 on tip-
portant: a tinpot dictator. toe on the tips of the toes or on the ball of
tinsel n 1 a decoration consisting of a piece the foot and the toes.
of metallic thread with thin strips of metal tiptop adj, adv of the highest quality or con-
foil attached along its length. 2 anything dition.
cheap, showy, and gaudy: all their tinsel tip-up adj able to be turned upwards around
and show counts for nothing, -adj 3 made a hinge or pivot: tip-up seats.
of or decorated with tinsel. 4 cheap, showy, TIR International Road Transport.
and gaudy, tinselly adj tirade n a long angry speech or denuncia-
Tinseltown n Informal Hollywood, the cen- tion.
tre of the US film industry. tire1 vb tiring, tired 1 to reduce the energy
tinsmith n a person who works with tin or of, as by exertion: she could still do things
tin plate. that would tire women half her age. 2 to be-
tint n 1 a shade of a colour, esp. a pale one: come wearied or bored: he simply stopped
his eyes had a yellow tint. 2 a colour that is talking when he tired of my questions, tir-
softened by the addition of white: a room ing adj
decorated in pastel tints. 3 a dye for the tire2 n US same as tyre.
hair, -vb 4 to give a tint to (something, tired adj 1 weary or exhausted: they were
such as hair). tired after their long journey. 2 bored of or
tintinnabulation n the ringing or pealing of no longer interested in something: I’m tired
bells. of staying in watching TV every night. 3
tiny adj tinier, tiniest very small. having been used so often as to be no longer
tip1 n 1 a narrow or pointed end of some- - interesting: you haven’t fallen for that tired
thing: the northern tip of Japan. 2 a small old line, have you? tiredness n
piece attached to the end or bottom of tireless adj energetic and determined: a tire-
something: boot tips keep boots from get- less worker for charity, tirelessly adv
tiresome 872 toad-in-the-hole
tiresome adj boring and irritating. titleholder n a person who holds a title, esp.
’tis Poetic or dialect it is. a sporting championship.
tissue n 1 a group of cells in an animal or title page n the page in a book that gives the
plant with a similar structure and function: title, author, publisher, etc.
muscular tissue forms 42% of the body tis- title role n the role of the character after
sue. 2 a thin piece of soft absorbent paper whom a play or film is named.
used as a disposable handkerchief, towel, titmouse n, pl-mice same as tit1.
etc. 3 short for tissue paper. 4 an inter-
woven series: a tissue of lies. titrate (tite-rate) vb -trating, -trated Chem
to measure the volume or concentration of
tissue paper n very thin soft delicate paper (a solution) by titration.
used esp. to wrap breakable goods.
tit1 n any of various small European song- titration n Chem an operation in which a
birds, such as the bluetit, that feed on in- measured amount of one solution is added
sects and seeds. to a known quantity of another solution
until the reaction between the two is com-
tit2 n 1 Slang a female breast. 2 a teat or nip- plete. If the concentration of one solution is
ple. known, that of the other can be calculated.
titan n a person of great strength, impor-
titter vb 1 to snigger, esp. derisively or in a
tance, or size: one of the titans of the com-
puterindustry. suppressed way. —n 2 a suppressed laugh
or snigger.
titanic adj having or requiring colossal
strength: a titanic struggle. tittle n a very small amount: it doesn’t mat-
ter one jot or tittle what you think.
titanium n Chem a strong white metallic el-
ement used in the manufacture of strong tittle-tattle n 1 idle chat or gossip. -vb
lightweight alloys, esp. aircraft parts. Sym- -tattling, -tattled 2 to chatter or gossip.
bol: Ti tittup vb -tupping, -tupped or US -tuping,
titbit or esp US tidbit n 1 a tasty small piece -tuped 1 to prance or frolic. —n 2 a caper.
of food. 2 a pleasing scrap of scandal: an in- titular adj 1 in name only: titular head of
teresting titbit of gossip. state. 2 of or having a title.
titter n Old-fashioned, Brit slang a hat. tizzy n, pl -zies Informal a state of confusion
tit-for-tat adj done in return or retaliation or excitement.
for a similar act: a spate of tit-for-tat T-junction n a junction where one road joins
killings. another at right angles but does not cross it.
tithe n 1 one tenth of one’s income or pro- TI Chem thallium.
duce paid to the church as a tax. 2 a tenth
or very small part of anything: he had ac- Tm Chem thulium.
complished only a tithe of his great dream, TN Tennessee.
-vb tithing, tithed 3 to demand a tithe TNT n 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene: a type of pow-
from. 4 to pay a tithe or tithes, tithable adj erful explosive.
tithe barn n a large barn where, formerly, to prep 1 used to indicate the destination of
the agricultural tithe of a parish was the subject or object of an action: he went to
stored. the theatre. 2 used to introduce the indirect
Titian (tish-un) adj (of hair) reddish-yellow, object of a verb: talk to him. 3 used to
titillate vb -lating, -lated to arouse or excite introduce the infinitive of a verb: I’m going
pleasurably, esp. in a sexual way. titillat- to lie down. 4 as far as or until: from Sep-
ing adj titillation n tember 11 to October 25. 5 used to indicate
titivate vb -vating, -vated to make smarter that two things have an equivalent value:
or neater, titivation n there are 16 ounces to the pound. 6 against
title n 1 the distinctive name of a book, film, or onto: I put my ear to the door. 7 before
record, etc.: his first album bore the title the hour of: 17 minutes to midnight. 8 ac-
“Safe as Milk”. 2 a descriptive name or companied by: dancing to a live band. 9 as
heading of a section of a book, speech, etc. 3 compared with: four goals to nil. 10 used to
a book or periodical: publishers were aver- indicate a resulting condition: burnt to
aging a total of 500 new titles annually. 4 a death. 11 working for or employed by:
name or epithet signifying rank, office, or Chaplain to the Nigerian Chaplaincy in
function: the job bears the title Assistant Britain. 12 in commemoration of: a memo-
Divisional Administrator. 5 a formal desig- rial to the victims of the disaster, -adv 13
nation, such as Mrs or Dr. 6 Sport a champi- towards a closed position: push the door to.
onship: the British heavyweight title. 7 Law toad n 1 an amphibian which resembles a
the legal right to possession of property. frog, but has a warty skin and spends more
titled adj having a title such as “Lady” or time on dry land. 2 a loathsome person.
“Sir” which indicates a high social rank. toadflax n a plant with narrow leaves and
title deed n a document containing evidence yellow-orange flowers.
of a person’s legal right or title to property, toad-in-the-hole n Brit a dish made of sau-
esp. a house or land. sages baked in a batter.
toadstool 873 togetherness
toadstool n any of various poisonous fun- toddy n, pl -dies a drink made from spirits,
guses consisting of a caplike top on a stem. esp. whisky, hot water, sugar, and usually
toady n, pl toadies 1 a person who flatters lemon juice.
and ingratiates himself or herself in a fawn- to-do n, pl -dos a commotion, fuss, or quar-
ing way. -vb toadies, toadying, toadied rel.
2 to fawn on and flatter (someone), toady- toe n 1 any one of the digits of the foot. 2
ism n the part of a shoe or sock covering the toes.
to and fro adv, adj also to-and-fro 1 back 3 on one’s toes alert. 4 tread on some-
and forth: he moved his head to and fro as one’s toes to offend a person, esp. by
if dodging blows. 2 from one place to anoth- trespassing on his or her field of respon-
er then back again: the ferry sailed to and sibility. -vb toeing, toed 5 to touch or
fro across the river, toing and froing n kick with the toe. 6 toe the line to conform
toast1 n 1 sliced bread browned by exposure to expected attitudes or standards.
to heat. —vb 2 to brown (bread) under a toecap n a reinforced covering for the toe of
grill or over a fire. 3 to warm or be warmed: a boot or shoe.
toasting his feet at the fire. toehold n 1 a small space on a rock, moun-
toast2 n 1 a proposal of health or success tain, etc., which can be used to support the
given to a person or thing and marked by toe of the foot in climbing. 2 any means of
people raising glasses and drinking togeth- gaining access or advantage: the French car
er. 2 a person or thing that is honoured: his industry has lost its last toehold in Ameri-
success made him the toast of the British ca.
film industry. ~vb 3 to propose or drink a toenail n a thin hard clear plate covering
toast to (a person or thing). part of the upper surface of the end of each
toaster n an electrical device for toasting toe.
bread. toerag n Brit slang a contemptible or des-
toastmaster n a person who introduces picable person.
speakers and proposes toasts at public toff n Brit slang a well-dressed or upper-
dinners. class person.
tobacco n, pl -cos or -coes an American toffee n 1 a sticky chewy sweet made by
plant with large leaves which are dried for boiling sugar with water and butter. 2 can’t
smoking, or chewing, or made into snuff. (do something) for toffee Informal is not
tobacconist n Chiefly Brit a person or shop competent or talented at (doing something):
that sells tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, etc. she couldn’t dance for toffee.
-to-be adj about to be; future: the bride-to- toffee-apple n an apple fixed on a stick and
be. coated with a thin layer of toffee.
toboggan n 1 a long narrow sledge used for toffee-nosed adj Slang, chiefly Brit snob-
sliding over snow and ice. -vb 2 to ride on bish or conceited.
a toboggan. tofu n a food with a soft cheeselike consist-
toby n, pl -bies NZ a water stopcock at the ency made from unfermented soya-bean
boundary of a street and house section. curd.
toby jug n a beer mug or jug in the form of a tog n unit for measuring the insulating
stout seated man wearing a three-cornered power of duvets.
hat and smoking a pipe.
toga (toe-ga) n a garment worn by citizens
toccata (tok-kah-ta) n a piece of fast music of ancient Rome, consisting of a piece of
for the organ, harpsichord, or piano, usual- cloth draped around the body, togaed adj
ly in a rhythmically free style.
together adv 1 with cooperation between
Toe H n a society formed after World War I people or organizations: we started a com-
to encourage Christian comradeship. pany together. 2 in or into contact with
tocsin n 1 a warning signal. 2 an alarm bell, each other: he clasped his hands together. 3
tod n on one’s tod Brit slang by oneself; in or into one place: the family gets together
alone. to talk. 4 at the same time: “Disgusting,”
today n 1 this day, as distinct from yester- said Julie and Alice together. 5 considered
day or tomorrow. 2 the present age: in collectively: together the two estates are
today’s world, -adv 3 during or on this likely to be worth more than £2.5 billion. 6
day: I hope you’re feeling better today. 4 Old-fashioned continuously: working for
nowadays: this is one of the most reliable eight hours together. 7 together with in
cars available today. addition to. -adj 8 Slang self-possessed,
toddle vb -dling, -died 1 to walk with short competent, and well-organized.
unsteady steps, like a young child. 2 toddle ► Two nouns linked by together with do not
off Jocular to depart: he toddled off to bed. make a plural subject so the following verb
~n 3 the act or an instance of walking with must be singular: Jones, together with his
short unsteady steps. partner, has had great success.
toddler n a young child who has only just togetherness n a feeling of closeness to and
learned how to walk. affection for other people.
togged up 874 Tommy gun
togged up adj Informal dressed up in smart tolerance n 1 the quality of accepting other
clothes. Also: togged out people’s rights to their own opinions, be-
toggle n 1 a bar-shaped button inserted liefs, or actions. 2 capacity to endure some-
through a loop for fastening coats etc. 2 thing, esp. pain or hardship. 3 the ability of
Computers a key on a keyboard which, a substance to withstand heat, stress, etc.,
when pressed, will turn a function or fea- without damage. 4 Med the capacity to en-
ture on if it is currently off, and turn it off dure the effects of a continued or increasing
if it is currently on. 3 short for toggle dose of a drug, poison, etc. 5 an acceptable
switch (sense 1). degree of variation in a measurement or
toggle switch n 1 an electric switch with a value: the bodywork of the car is precision-
projecting lever that is moved in a particu- engineered with a tolerance of 0.01 milli-
lar way to open or close a circuit. 2 same as metres.
toggle (sense 2). tolerant adj 1 accepting of the beliefs, ac-
togs pl n Informal clothes. tions, etc., of other people. 2 tolerant of
toheroa (toe-a-roe-a) n a large edible mol- able to withstand (heat, stress, etc.) with-
lusc of New Zealand with a distinctive fla- out damage.
vour. tolerate vb -ating, -ated 1 to allow some-
tohunga (toe-hung-a) n NZ a Maori priest, thing to exist or happen, even although one
does not approve of it: you must learn to
toil n 1 hard or exhausting work: hours of tolerate opinions other than your own. 2 to
toil beneath the Catalan sun. -vb 2 to put up with (someone or something): he
work hard: workers toiling in the fields to found the pain hard to tolerate, toleration
produce tea for westerners to drink. 3 to n
move slowly and with difficulty, for in-
stance because of exhaustion or the steep- toll1 vb 1 to ring (a bell) slowly and regular-
ness of a slope: Joanna toiled up the steps ly. 2 to announce by tolling: the bells tolled
to the church. the Queen's death. ~n 3 the slow regular
ringing of a bell.
toilet n 1 a a bowl fitted with a water-
flushing device and connected to a drain, toll2 n 1 a charge for the use of certain roads
for receiving and disposing of urine and and bridges. 2 loss or damage from a disas-
faeces, b a room with such a fitment. 2 the ter: the annual death toll on the roads is
act of dressing and preparing oneself. about 4500. 3 take a or its toll to have a
severe and damaging effect: the continued
toilet paper n thin absorbent paper used for stress had taken a toll on her health.
cleaning oneself after defecation or urina-
tion. tollgate n a gate across a toll road or bridge
at which travellers must pay.
toilet roll n a long strip of toilet paper
wound around a cardboard tube. tolu (tol-loo) n a sweet-smelling balsam ob-
tained from a South American tree, used in
toiletry n, pl -ries an object or cosmetic used medicine and perfume.
in making up, dressing, etc.
toluene n a flammable liquid obtained from
toilette (twah-let) n same as toilet (sense petroleum and coal tar and used as a sol-
2). vent and in the manufacture of dyes, explo-
toilet water n liquid perfume lighter than sives, etc.
cologne. tom n 1 a male cat. -adj 2 (of an animal)
toilsome adj Literary requiring hard work: male: a tom turkey.
a most toilsome Job. tomahawk n a fighting axe used by the
token n 1 a symbol, sign, or indication of North American Indians.
something: as a token of respect. 2 a gift tomato n, pl -toes 1 a red fleshy juicy fruit
voucher that can be used as payment for with many edible seeds, eaten in salads, as
goods of a specified value. 3 a metal or plas- a vegetable, etc. 2 the plant, originally from
tic disc, such as a substitute for currency South America, on which this fruit grows.
for use in a slot machine. 4 by the same
token in the same way as something men- tomb n 1 a place for the burial of a corpse. 2
tioned previously, —adj 5 intended to cre- a monument over a grave. 3 the tomb Poet-
ate an impression but having no real impor- ic death.
tance: as a token gesture of goodwill. tombola n Brit a type of lottery, in which
tokenism n the practice of making only a tickets are drawn from a revolving drum.
token effort or doing no more than the tomboy n a girl who behaves or dresses like
minimum, esp. in order to comply with a a boy.
law. tokenist adj tombstone n a gravestone,
token strike n a brief stoppage of work in- tome n a large heavy book,
tended to convey strength of feeling on a tomfoolery n foolish behaviour.
disputed issue. Tommy n, pl -mies Brit old-fashioned, in-
told vb the past of tell. formal a private in the British Army.
tolerable adj 1 able to be put up with; bear- Tommy gun n a type of light sub-machine-
able. 2 Informal fairly good, tolerably adv gun.
tommyrot 875 tonsil
tommyrot n Old-fashioned, informal utter joined with a hinge or flexible metal strip at
nonsense. one end.
tomorrow n 1 the day after today: tongue n 1 a movable mass of muscular tis-
tomorrow’s meeting has been cancelled. 2 sue attached to the floor of the mouth, used
the future: the struggle to build a better for tasting, eating, and speaking. 2 a lan-
tomorrow, -adv 3 on the day after today: guage, dialect, or idiom: the Scots tongue. 3
the festival starts tomorrow. 4 at some time the ability to speak: taken aback, she could
in the future: they live today as millions not find her tongue. 4 a manner of speaking:
more will live tomorrow. a sharp tongue. 5 the tongue of certain ani-
tomtit n Brit a small European bird that eats mals used as food. 6 a narrow strip of some-
insects and seeds. thing that extends outwards: a narrow
tom-tom n a long narrow drum beaten with tongue of flame shot from between the logs.
the hands. 7 a flap of leather on a shoe. 8 the clapper
of a bell. 9 a projecting strip along an edge
ton1 n 1 Brit a unit of weight equal to 2240 of a board that is made to fit a groove in
pounds or 1016.046 909 kilograms. 2 US & another board. 10 hold one’s tongue to
Canad a unit of weight equal to 2000 keep quiet. 11 on the tip of one’s tongue
pounds or 907.184 kilograms. 3 See metric about to come to mind. 12 with (one’s)
ton. 4 come down on someone like a ton tongue in one’s cheek with insincere or
of bricks to scold someone very severely. ironical intent.
-adv 5 tons a lot: I’ve got tons of things to
do before going on holiday. tongue-tie n a congenital condition in which
movement of the tongue is limited as the re-
ton2 n Slang, chiefly Brit a hundred miles sult of the fold of skin under the tongue ex-
per hour. tending too close to the front of the tongue.
tonal adj 1 Music written in a key. 2 of or re- tongue-tied adj speechless, esp. with em-
lating to tone or tonality. barrassment or shyness.
tonality n, pl -ties 1 Music the presence of a tongue twister n a sentence or phrase that
musical key in a composition. 2 the overall is difficult to say clearly and quickly, such
scheme of colours and tones in a painting. as the sixth sick sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick.
tone n 1 sound with reference to its pitch, tonguing n a technique of playing a wind in-
timbre, or volume. 2 US & Canad same as strument by obstructing and uncovering the
note (sense 6). 3 Music an interval of two air passage through the lips with the
semitones, such as that between doh and tongue.
ray in tonic sol-fa. 4 the quality or charac- tonic n 1 a medicine that improves the func-
ter of a sound: her tone was angry. 5 gener- tioning of the body or increases the feeling
al aspect, quality, or style: the tone of the of wellbeing. 2 anything that enlivens or
conversation made him queasy. 6 high qual- strengthens: his dry humour was a stimu-
ity or style: my car with its patches of rust lating tonic. 3 Also called: tonic water a
lowered the tone of the neighbourhood. 7 carbonated beverage containing quinine
the quality of a given colour, as modified by and often mixed with alcoholic drinks: gin
mixture with white or black; shade or tint. and tonic. 4 Music the first note of a major
8 Physiol the natural firmness of the tissues or minor scale and the tonal centre of a
and normal functioning of bodily organs in piece composed in a particular key. -adj 5
health, -vb toning, toned 9 to be of a having an invigorating or refreshing effect:
matching or similar tone. 10 to give a tone a tonic bath. 6 Music of the first note of a
to or correct the tone of. toneless adj major or minor scale.
tonelessly adv
tonic sol-fa n a method of teaching music,
tone-deaf adj unable to distinguish subtle by which syllables are used as names for
differences in musical pitch. the notes of the major scale in any key.
tone down vb to moderate in tone: I sensed tonight n 1 the night or evening of this pres-
some reserve in his manner, so I toned down ent day: tonight’s programme examines the
my enthusiasm. rise of poverty in the 1990s. —adv 2 in or
tone poem n Music an extended orchestral during the night or evening of this day: I
composition based on nonmusical material, want to go out dancing tonight.
such as a work of literature or a fairy tale. toning table n an exercise table parts of
toner n 1 a cosmetic applied to the skin to which move mechanically to exercise spe-
reduce oiliness. 2 a powdered chemical that cific parts of the body of the person lying
forms the image produced by a photocopier. on it.
tone up vb to make or become more vigor- tonnage n 1 the capacity of a merchant ship
ous, healthy, etc.: muscle tissue can be expressed in tons. 2 the weight of the cargo
toned up. of a merchant ship. 3 the total amount of
tong n (formerly) a secret society of Chinese shipping of a port or nation.
Americans. ~ tonne (tunn) n a unit of mass equal to 1000
tongs pl n a tool for grasping or lifting, con- kg or 2204.6 pounds.
sisting of two long metal or wooden arms, tonsil n either of two small oval lumps of
tonsillectomy 876 tope
spongy tissue situated one on each side of toothsome adj delicious or appetizing in
the back of the mouth, tonsillar adj appearance, flavour, or smell.
tonsillectomy n, pl -mies surgical removal toothy adj toothier, toothiest having or
of the tonsils. showing numerous, large, or prominent
tonsillitis n inflammation of the tonsils, teeth: a toothy grin.
causing a sore throat and fever. tootle vb -tling, -tied 1 to hoot softly or re-
tonsorial adj Often facetious of a barber or peatedly. ~n 2 a soft hoot or series of
his trade. hoots.
tonsure n 1 (in certain religions and monas- top1 n 1 the highest point or part of any-
tic orders) a the shaving of the head or the thing: the top of the stairs. 2 the most im-
crown of the head only, b the part of the portant or successful position: at the top of
head left bare by shaving. -vb -suring, the agenda. 3 a lid or cap that fits on to one
-sured 2 to shave the head of. tonsured adj end of something, esp. to close it: he
too adv 1 as well or also: I’ll miss you, too. 2 unscrewed the top from a quart of ale. 4 the
in or to an excessive degree: it’s too noisy in highest degree or point: the two people at
here. 3 extremely: you're too kind. 4 US & the top of the Party. 5 the most important
Canad informal used to emphasize contra- person or people in an organization: the top
diction of a negative statement: You didn’t! of the military establishment. 6 the loudest
-1 did too! or highest pitch: she cheered and sang at
took vb the past tense of take. the top of her voice. 7 a garment, esp. for a
woman, that extends from the shoulders to
tool n 1 a an implement, such as a hammer, the waist or hips. 8 the part of a plant that
saw, or spade, that is used by hand to help is above ground: nettle tops. 9 same as top
do a particular type of work, b a power- gear. 10 off the top of one’s head without
driven instrument: machine tool. 2 the cut- previous preparation or careful thought. 11
ting part of such an instrument. 3 a person on top of a in addition to: the average
used to perform dishonourable or unpleas- member of staff will get 25% on top of sala-
ant tasks for another: the government is ry. b Informal in complete control of: we’re
acting as a tool of big business. 4 any object, on top of our costs and expenses and look-
skill, etc., used for a particular task or in a ing for other opportunities. 12 over the top
particular job: a skilled therapist can use a lacking restraint or a sense of proportion:
photographs as tools. -vb 5 to work, cut, you went over the top when you called her
or form (something) with a tool. a religious maniac, b Mil over the edge of a
tool-maker n a person who specializes in the trench, -adj 13 jit, of, or being the top:
production or reconditioning of machine men still hold most of the top jobs in indus-
tools, tool-making n try. —vb topping, topped 14 to put on top
tool-pusher n a person who supervises drill- of (something): top your salad with a mild
ing operations on an oil rig. dressing. 15 to reach or pass the top of. 16
toot n 1 a short hooting sound. -vb 2 to to be at the top of: her biggest hit topped
give or cause to give a short blast, hoot, or the charts for six weeks. 17 to exceed or
whistle: motorists tooted their car horns. surpass: his estimated fortune tops £2 bil-
tooth n, pl teeth 1 one of the bonelike pro- lion. -See also top off, top out, tops, etc.
jections in the jaws of most vertebrates that top2 n 1 a toy that is spun on its pointed
are used for biting, tearing, or chewing. 2 base. 2 sleep like a top to sleep very sound-
one of the sharp projections on the edge of a ly-
comb, saw, zip, etc. 3 long in the tooth old topaz (toe-pazz) n a hard glassy yellow,
or ageing. 4 a sweet tooth a liking for pink, or colourless mineral used in making
sweet food. 5 tooth and nail with great jewellery.
vigour and determination: the union would top brass pl n the most important or high-
oppose compulsory redundancies tooth and ranking officials or leaders.
nail. -See also teeth.
toothache n a pain in or near a tooth, topcoat n 1 an overcoat. 2 a final coat of
paint applied to a surface.
toothbrush n a small brush with a long han-
dle, for cleaning the teeth. top dog n Informal the leader or chief of a
group.
toothless adj 1 having no teeth. 2 having no
real power: the proposed Commission will top drawer n Old-fashioned, informal peo-
not be as toothless as scoffers suggest. ple of the highest social standing.
toothpaste n a paste used for cleaning the top dressing n a layer of fertilizer or ma-
teeth, applied with a toothbrush. nure spread on the surface of land, top-
toothpick n a small wooden or plastic stick dress vb
used for extracting pieces of food from be- tope1 vb toping, toped to drink (alcohol),
tween the teeth. usually in large quantities, toper n
tooth powder n a powder used for cleaning tope2 n a small grey shark of European
the teeth, applied with a toothbrush. coastal waters.
topee 877 torpid
topee or topi (toe-pee) n same as pith hel- top-secret adj (of military or government
met. information) classified as needing the high-
top-flight adj of very high quality, est level of secrecy and security.
topgallant n 1 a mast or sail above a top- topside n Brit & NZ a lean cut of beef from
mast. -adj 2 of or relating to a topgallant. the thigh containing no bone.
top gear n the highest forward ratio of a topsoil n the surface layer of soil,
gearbox in a motor vehicle. topsy-turvy adj 1 upside down. 2 in a state
top hat n a man’s hat with a tall cylindrical of confusion, —adv 3 in a topsy-turvy
crown and narrow brim, now only worn for manner.
some formal occasions. top up Brit -vb 1 to refill (a container),
top-heavy adj unstable through being over- usually to the brim: I topped up his glass. 2
loaded at the top. to add to (an amount) in order to make it
topiary (tope-yar-ee) n 1 the art of trimming sufficient: the grant can be topped up by a
trees or bushes into artificial decorative student loan, —n top-up 3 another serving
shapes. 2 trees or bushes trimmed into of a drink in the glass that was used for the
decorative shapes, -adj 3 of or relating to first one: anyone want a top-up? -adj top-
topiary, topiarist n up 4 serving to top something up: a top-up
topic n a subject of a speech, book, conver- loan.
sation, etc. toque (toke) n 1 a woman’s small round
topical adj of or relating to current affairs, brimless hat. 2 Canad a knitted cap with a
topicality n topically adv round tassel on top.
topknot n a crest, tuft, decorative bow, etc., tor n a high hill, esp. a bare rocky one.
on the top of the head. Torah n the whole body of traditional Jew-
topless adj of or relating to women wearing ish teaching, including the Oral Law.
costumes that do not cover the breasts: top- torch n 1 a small portable electric lamp
less bars. powered by batteries. 2 a wooden shaft
top-level adj of, involving, or by those with dipped in wax or tallow and set alight. 3
the highest level of influence or ability: a anything regarded as a source of enlight-
top-level meeting. enment, guidance, etc.: a torch of hope. 4
topmast n the mast next above a lower mast carry a torch for to be in love with (some-
on a sailing vessel. one), esp. unrequitedly. —vb 5 Informal to
topmost adj at or nearest the top.
deliberately set (a building) on fire.
topnotch adj Informal excellent or superb: tore vb the past tense of tear2.
topnotch entertainment. toreador (torr-ee-a-dor) n a bullfighter, esp.
top off vb to finish or complete, esp. with one on horseback.
some decisive action. torero (tor-air-oh) n, pl -ros a bullfighter,
topography n, pl -phies 1 the surface fea- esp. one on foot.
tures of a region, such as its hills, valleys, torment vb 1 to cause (someone) great pain
or rivers: the islands are fragile, with a to- or suffering. 2 to tease or pester (a person
pography constantly changed by wind and or animal) in an annoying or cruel way. -n
wave. 2 the study or description of such 3 physical or mental pain. 4 a source of pain
surface features. 3 the representation of or suffering, tormentor n
these features on a map. topographer n tormentil n a creeping plant with yellow
topographical adj four-petalled flowers.
topology n a branch of geometry describing torn vb 1 the past participle of tear2, -adj
the properties of a figure that are unaffect- 2 split or cut. 3 divided or undecided, as in
ed by continuous distortion, topological preference: torn between two lovers.
adj tornado n, pl -dos or -does a rapidly whirl-
top out vb to place the highest stone on (a ing column of air, usually characterized by
building). a dark funnel-shaped cloud causing damage
topper n Informal a top hat. along its path.
topping n a sauce or garnish for food, torpedo n, pl -does 1 a cylindrical self-
topple vb -pling, -pled 1 to fall over or cause propelled weapon carrying explosives that
(something) to fall over, esp. from a height: is launched from aircraft, ships, or subma-
he staggered back against the railing and rines and follows an underwater path to hit
toppled over into the river. 2 to overthrow its target, -vb -doing, -doed 2 to attack or
or oust: few believe the scandal will topple hit (a ship) with one or a number of torpe-
the government. does. 3 to destroy or wreck: the Prime Min-
tops Slang ~n 1 the tops a person or thing ister warned his party against torpedoing
of top quality, —adj 2 excellent: Pacino’s the bill-
no-holds-barred performance is tops. torpedo boat n (formerly) a small high-
topsail n a square sail carried on a yard set speed warship for torpedo attacks.
on a topmast. torpid adj 1 sluggish or dull: he has a rather
torpor 878 totter
torpid intellect. 2 (of a hibernating animal) technique for tossing Caesar salad. 4 (of a
dormant. horse) to throw (its rider). 5 to move (one’s
torpor n drowsiness and apathy. head) suddenly backwards, as in impa-
torque (tork) n 1 a force that causes rota- tience. 6 to throw up (a coin) to decide be-
tion around a central point such as an axle. tween alternatives by guessing which side
2 an ancient Celtic necklace or armband will land uppermost. 7 toss and turn to be
made of twisted metal. restless when trying to sleep, —n 8 the act
or an instance of tossing. 9 the act of decid-
torr n, pl torr a unit of pressure equal to one
ing between alternatives by throwing up a
millimetre of mercury (133.3 newtons per coin and guessing which side will land
square metre). uppermost: Essex won the toss and decided
torrent n 1 a fast or violent stream, esp. of to bat first. 10 argue the toss to waste time
water. 2 a rapid flow of questions, abuse, and energy arguing about an unimportant
etc. point. 11 not give a toss Informal not to
torrential adj (of rain) very heavy. care at all.
torrid adj 1 (of weather) so hot and dry as to toss off vb 1 to do or produce (something)
parch or scorch. 2 (of land) arid or parched. quickly and easily: the tales my sister
3 highly charged emotionally: a torrid af- tossed off so lightly over the dusting. 2 to
fair. finish (a drink) in one swallow.
torsion n the twisting of a part by equal toss up vb 1 to spin (a coin) in the air in
forces being applied at both ends but in op- order to decide between alternatives by
posite directions, torsional adj guessing which side will land uppermost.
torso n, pl -sos 1 the trunk of the human ~n toss-up 2 an instance of tossing up a
body. 2 a statue of a nude human trunk, coin. 3 Informal an even chance or risk: if
esp. without the head or limbs. it’s a toss-up for a top position, he gives it
tort n Law a civil wrong or injury, for which to the woman.
an action for damages may be brought. tot n 1 a very young child. 2 a small drink of
tortilla n Mexican cookery a kind of thin spirits.
pancake made from corn meal. total n 1 the whole, esp. regarded as the sum
tortoise n a land reptile with a heavy dome- of a number of parts. 2 in total overall: the
shaped shell into which it can withdraw its company employs over 700 people in total,
head and legs. -adj 3 complete: a total ban on alcohol. 4
tortoiseshell n 1 the horny yellow-and- being or related to a total: the total number
brown mottled shell of a sea turtle, used for of deaths. -vb. -tailing, -tailed or US
making ornaments and jewellery. 2 a do- -taling, -taled 5 to amount to: the firm’s
mestic cat with black, cream, and brownish losses totalled more than $2 billion. 6 to add
markings. 3 a butterfly which has orange- up: purchases are totalled with a pencil and
brown wings with black markings, -adj 4 a notepad, totally adv
made of tortoiseshell. totalitarian adj of a political system in
tortuous adj 1 twisted or winding: a tortu- which there is only one party, which allows
ous route. 2 devious or cunning: months of no opposition and attempts to control
tortuous negotiations. everything: a totalitarian state, totalitari-
torture vb -turing, -tured 1 to cause (some- anism n
one) extreme physical pain, esp. to extract totality n, pl -ties 1 the whole amount. 2 the
information, etc.: suspects were regularly state of being total.
tortured and murdered by the secret police. totalizator, totalizer, or totalisator, totalis-
2 to cause (someone) mental anguish, —n 3 er n a machine to operate a system of bet-
physical or mental anguish. 4 the practice ting on a racecourse in which money is paid
of torturing a person. 5 something which out to the winners in proportion to their
causes great mental distress: she was going stakes.
through the torture of a collapsing mar- tote1 vb toting, toted Informal 1 to carry or
riage. tortured adj torturer n torturous wear (a gun). 2 to haul or carry.
adj
tote2 n the tote Informal short for totaliza-
Tory n, pl -ries 1 a member of the Conserva- tor.
tive Party in Great Britain or Canada. 2
History a member of the English political tote bag n a large handbag or shopping bag.
party that supported the Church and totem n 1 (esp. among North American In-
Crown and traditional political structures dians) an object or animal symbolizing a
and opposed the Whigs, -adj 3 of or relat- clan or family. 2 a representation of such an
ing to a Tory or Tories. Toryism n object, totemic adj totemism n
toss vb 1 to throw (something) lightly. 2 to totem pole n a pole carved or painted with
fling or be flung about, esp. in an violent totemic figures set up by certain North
way: the salty sea breeze tossing the American Indians as a tribal symbol.
branches of the palms. 3 to coat (food) with totter vb 1 to move in an unsteady manner.
a dressing by gentle stirring or mixing: her 2 to sway or shake as if about to fall. 3 to be
tot up 879 tough
failing, unstable, or precarious: the world or trend. -See also touchdown, touch off,
was tottering on the edge of war. touch up.
tot up vb totting, totted Chiefly Brit to add touch and go adj risky or critical: it was
(numbers) together: I’ll just tot up what you touch and go whether the mission would
owe me. succeed.
toucan n a tropical American fruit-eating touchdown n 1 the moment at which a land-
bird with a large brightly coloured bill. ing aircraft or spacecraft comes into con-
touch vb 1 to cause or permit a part of the tact with the landing surface. 2 American
body to come into contact with (someone or football a scoring move in which an attack-
something): the baking tin is too hot to ing player takes the ball into the area be-
touch. 2 to tap, feel, or strike (someone or hind his opponents’ goal. -vb touch down
something): he touched me on the shoulder. 3 (of an aircraft or spacecraft) to land.
3 to come or bring (something) into contact touche (too-shay) interj 1 an acknowledg-
with (something else): the plane’s wheels ment that a remark or witty reply has been
touched the runway. 4 to move or disturb effective. 2 an acknowledgment of a scoring
by handling: we shouldn’t touch anything hit in fencing.
before the police arrive. 5 to have an effect touched adj 1 moved to sympathy or emo-
on: millions of people’s lives had been tion: I was touched by her understanding. 2
touched by the music of the Beatles. 6 to slightly mad: she’s a bit touched.
produce an emotional response in: the pain- touching adj 1 arousing tender feelings.
ful truth of it touched her. 7 to eat or drink: —prep 2 relating to or concerning: she
she hardly ever touched alcohol. 8 to com- might talk about matters touching both of
pare to in quality or attainment; equal or them.
match: when Clough and Taylor were in touch judge n one of the two linesmen in
tandem no-one could touch them. 9 Slang to rugby.
ask (someone) for a loan or gift of money.
10 to fondle in a sexual manner: I wouldn’t touchline n either of the lines marking the
let him touch me unless I was in the mood. side of the playing area in certain games,
11 to strike, harm, or molest: I never such as rugby.
touched him! 12 touch on or upon to allude touch off vb to cause (a disturbance, vio-
to briefly or in passing: these two issues lence, etc.) to begin: the death of a teenager
may be touched upon during the talks. —n in police custody touched off a night of
13 the sense by which the texture and other riots.
qualities of objects can be experienced touchpaper n a fuse of dark blue paper on a
when they come in contact with a part of firework.
the body surface, esp. the tips of the fin- touchstone n a standard by which judgment
gers. 14 the feel or texture of an object as is made: this restaurant is the touchstone
perceived by this sense: she enjoyed the for genuine Italian cookery in Leeds.
touch of the damp grass on her feet. 15 the touch-type vb -typing, -typed to type with-
act or an instance of something coming into out looking at the keyboard, touch-typist n
contact with the body: he remembered the touch up vb to enhance, renovate, or falsify
touch of her hand. 16 a gentle push, tap, or (a picture) by adding extra touches to.
caress: the switch takes only the merest
touch to operate. 17 a small amount; trace: touchwood n something, esp. dry wood,
a touch of luxury. 18 a particular manner used as tinder.
or style of doing something: his songs al- touchy adj touchier, touchiest 1 easily
ways reveal his keen melodic touch. 19 a upset or irritated: he is a touchy and quick-
detail of some work: final touches were now tempered man. 2 requiring careful and tact-
being put to the plans. 20 a slight attack: a ful handling: a touchy subject, touchiness
touch of dysentery. 21 (in sports such as n
football or rugby) the area outside the lines tough adj 1 strong and difficult to break,
marking the side of the pitch: he kicked the cut, or tear: this fabric is tough and water-
ball into touch. 22 the technique of finger- resistant. 2 (of meat or other food) difficult
ing a keyboard instrument. 23 a touch to cut and chew; not tender. 3 physically or
slightly or marginally: it’s nice, but a touch mentally strong and able to cope with hard-
expensive. 24 in touch a regularly speaking ship: a tough uncompromising woman, un-
to, writing to, or visiting someone, b having willing to take no for an answer. 4 rough or
up-to-date knowledge or understanding of a violent: a tough and ruthless mercenary. 5
situation or trend. 25 lose touch a to strict and firm: the country's tough drugs
gradually stop speaking to, writing to, or laws. 6 difficult or troublesome to do or
visiting someone, b to stop having up-to- deal with: a tough task. 7 tough luck! In-
date knowledge or understanding of a formal an expression of lack of sympathy
situation or trend. 26 out of touch a no _ for someone else’s problems. ~n 8 a rough,
longer speaking to, writing to, or visiting vicious, or violent person. — vb 9 tough it
someone, b no longer having up-to-date out Informal to endure a difficult situation
knowledge or understanding of a situation until it improves: criticism of his perfor-
toughen 880 townie
/nance has reinforced his desire to tough it towards or US toward prep 1 in the direc-
out. toughness n tion of: towards the lake. 2 with regard to:
toughen vb to make or become tough or hostility towards the President. 3 as a con-
tougher. tribution to: the profits will go towards
toupee (too-pay) n a hairpiece worn by men three projects. 4 just before: towards eve-
to cover a bald place. ning.
tour n 1 an extended journey visiting places
► Towards is usual. The form toward is
chiefly American.
of interest along the route. 2 a trip, by a
band, theatre company, etc., to perform in towbar n a rigid metal bar attached to the
several places. 3 an overseas trip made by a back of a vehicle, from which a trailer or
cricket team, rugby team, etc., to play in caravan can be towed.
several places. 4 Mil a period of service, towel n 1 a piece of absorbent cloth or paper
esp. in one place: the regiment has served used for drying things. 2 throw in the
several tours in Northern Ireland. ~vb 5 to towel See throw in (sense 3). ~vb -elling,
make a tour of (a place). -elled US -eling, -eled 3 to dry or wipe with
tour de force n, pl tours de force a master- a towel.
ly or brilliant stroke or achievement. towelling or US toweling n a soft, fairly
tourism n tourist travel, esp. when regarded thick fabric used to make towels and dress-
as an industry. ing gowns.
tourist n 1 a person who travels for pleas- tower n 1 a tall, usually square or circular
ure, usually sightseeing and staying in ho- structure, sometimes part of a larger build-
tels. 2 a member of a sports team which is ing and usually built for a specific purpose.
visiting a country to play a series of 2 tower of strength a person who supports
matches: the tourists were bowled out for or comforts someone else at a time of diffi-
135. 3 the lowest class of accommodation on culty. ~vb 3 tower over to be much taller
a passenger ship. ~adj 4 of or relating to than: sheer walls of limestone towered over
tourists or tourism: a popular tourist at- us.
traction. 5 of the lowest class of accommo- tower block n a very tall building divided
dation on a passenger ship or aircraft. into flats or offices.
touristy adj Informal, often disparaging full towering adj 1 very tall. 2 very impressive
of tourists or tourist attractions. or important: his towering presence on
tourmaline n a hard crystalline mineral used stage. 3 very intense: in a towering rage.
in jewellery and electrical equipment.. towheaded adj having blonde or yellowish
tournament n 1 a sporting competition in hair.
which contestants play a series of games to town n 1 a large group of houses, shops, fac-
determine an overall winner. 2 Also: tour- tories, etc., smaller than a city and larger
ney Medieval history a contest in which than a village. 2 the nearest town or the
mounted knights fought for a prize. chief town of an area: people from town
tournedos (tour-ned-doh) n, pl -dos (-doze) rarely went out to the farm. 3 the central
a thick round steak of beef. area of a town where most of the shops and
tourniquet (tour-nick-kay) n Med a strip of offices are: we’re going to a pub in town to-
cloth tied tightly round an arm or leg to night. 4 the people of a town: the town is
stop bleeding from an artery. split over the plans for a bypass. 5 built-up
tousle (rhymes with arousal) vb -sling,
areas in general, as opposed to the country-
-sled to make (hair or clothes) ruffled and
side: migration from the country to the
untidy, tousled adj town. 6 go to town to make a supreme or
unrestricted effort. 7 on the town visiting
tout (rhymes with shout) vb 1 to seek (busi- nightclubs, restaurants, etc.: we'd a night
ness, customers, etc.) or try to sell (goods), on the town to celebrate her promotion.
esp. in a persistent or direct manner: he
went from door to door touting for busi- town clerk n (in Britain until 1974) the chief
ness. 2 to put forward or recommend (a administrative officer of a town.
person or thing) as a good or suitable ex- town crier n (formerly) a person employed
ample or candidate: the plant was once to make public announcements in the
touted as a showcase factory. ~n 3 a per- streets.
son who sells tickets for a heavily booked town hall n a large building in a town often
event at inflated prices. containing the council offices and a hall for
tow1 vb 1 to pull or drag (a vehicle), esp. by public meetings.
means of a rope or cable. ~n 2 the act or an town house n 1 a terraced house in an urban
instance of towing. 3 in tow Informal in area, esp. an up-market one. 2 a person’s
one’s company or one’s charge or under town residence as distinct from his or her
one’s influence: she had an older man in country residence.
tow. 4 on tow (of a vehicle) being towed. townie or townee n Informal, often dispar-
tow2 n fibres of hemp, flax, jute, etc., pre- aging a resident in a town, esp. as distinct
pared for spinning. from country dwellers.
town planning 881 track
town planning n the comprehensive plan- chinery. 4 to copy (a design, map, etc.) by
ning of the physical and social development putting a piece of transparent paper over it
of a town. and following the lines which show through
township n 1 a small town. 2 (in South Afri- the paper with a pencil. 5 to make the out-
ca) a planned urban settlement of Black Af- line of (a shape or pattern): his index finger
ricans or Coloureds. 3 (in the US and Cana- was tracing circles on the arm of the chair,
da) a small unit of local government, often —n 6 a mark, footprint, or other sign that
consisting of a town and the area surround- shows that a person, animal, or thing has
ing it. 4 (in Canada) a land-survey area, been in a particular place: the police could
usually 36 square miles (93 square kilo- find no trace of the missing van. 7 an
metres). amount of something so small that it is
townsman n, pl -men an inhabitant of a barely noticeable: I detected a trace of jeal-
town, townswoman fem n ousy in her voice. 8 a remnant of something:
traces of an Iron-Age fort remain visible. 9
townspeople or townsfolk pl n the people a pattern made on a screen or a piece of
who live in a town. paper by a device that is measuring or de-
towpath n a path beside a canal or river, tecting something: a baffling radar trace.
formerly used by horses pulling barges. traceable adj
towrope n a rope or cable used for towing a trace element n a chemical element that oc-
vehicle or vessel. curs in very small amounts in soil, water,
toxaemia or US toxemia (tox-seem-ya) n 1 etc. and is essential for healthy growth.
a form of blood poisoning caused by toxins tracer n 1 a projectile that can be observed
released by bacteria at a wound or other when in flight by the burning of chemical
site of infection. 2 a condition in pregnant substances in its base. 2 Med an element or
women characterized by high blood pres- other substance introduced into the body to
sure. toxaemic or US toxemic adj study metabolic processes.
toxic adj 1 poisonous: toxic fumes. 2 caused tracer bullet n a round of small-arms am-
by poison: toxic effects, toxicity n munition containing a tracer.
toxicology n the branch of science con- tracery n, pl -eries 1 a pattern of interlacing
cerned with poisons and their effects, lines, esp. one in a stained glass window. 2
toxicological adj toxicologist n any fine lacy pattern resembling this.
toxin n 1 any of various poisonous sub- traces pl n 1 the two side straps that con-
stances produced by microorganisms and nect a horse’s harness to the vehicle being
causing certain diseases. 2 any other poi- pulled. 2 kick over the traces to escape or
sonous substance of plant or animal origin. defy control.
toy n 1 an object designed for children to trachea (track-kee-a) n, pl -cheae (-kee-ee)
play with, such as a doll or model car. 2 an Anat, zool the tube that carries inhaled air
object that adults use for entertainment ra- from the throat to the lungs.
ther than for a serious purpose: 1 do use my tracheotomy (track-ee-ot-a-mee) n, pl -mies
computer: it’s not just a toy. -adj 3 being surgical incision into the trachea, as per-
an imitation or model of something for chil- formed when the air passage has been
dren to play with: a toy aeroplane. 4 (of a blocked.
dog) of a variety much smaller than is nor- trachoma (track-oh-ma) n a chronic conta-
mal for that breed: a toy poodle. gious disease of the eye characterized by in-
toy boy n the much younger male lover of flammation of the inner surface of the lids
an older woman. and the formation of scar tissue.
toy-toy or toyi-toyi S African ~n 1 a dance tracing n 1 a copy of something, such as a
expressing defiance and protest, -vb 2 to map, made by tracing. 2 a line traced by a
dance in this way. recording instrument.
toy with vb 1 to consider an idea without track n 1 a rough road or path: a farm track.
being serious about it or being able to de- 2 the mark or trail left by something that
cide about it: I’ve been toying with the idea has passed by: the fox didn’t leave any
of setting up my own firm. 2 to keep moving tracks. 3 a rail or pair of parallel rails on
(an object) about with one’s fingers, esp. which a vehicle, such as a train, runs. 4 a
when thinking about something else: course for running or racing on: a running
Jessica sat toying with her glass. track. 5 a separate song or piece of music on
trace vb tracing, traced 1 to locate or work a record, tape, or CD: Dolphy switches back
out (the cause or source of something): he to bass clarinet for the final track. 6 a
traced the trouble to a faulty connection. 2 course of action, thought, etc.: I don’t think
to find (something or someone that was you’re on the right track at all. 7 an endless
missing): the police were unable to trace her band on the wheels of a tank, bulldozer, etc.
missing husband. 3 to discover or describe to enable it to move across rough ground. 8
the progress or development of (some- ' keep or lose track of to follow or fail to
thing): throughout the 19th century we can follow the course or progress of. 9 off the
trace the development of more complex ma- beaten track in an isolated location: the
track down 882 traduce
village where she lives is a bit off the beat- (with), tradable or tradeable adj trading
en track. ~vb 10 to follow the trail of (a n trader n
person or animal). 11 to follow the flight trade-in n 1 a used article given in part
path of (a satellite etc.) by picking up sig- payment for the purchase of a new article.
nals transmitted or reflected by it. 12 Films ~vb trade in 2 to give (a used article) as
to follow (a moving object) while filming. part payment for a new article.
~See also tracks, tracker n trademark n 1 a the name or other symbol
track down vb to find (someone or some- used by a manufacturer to distinguish his
thing) by tracking or pursuing. or her products from those of competitors,
tracker dog n a dog specially trained to b Registered Trademark one that is offi-
search for missing people. cially registered and legally protected. 2
track event n a competition in athletics, any distinctive sign or mark of a person or
such as sprinting, that takes place on a run- thing: the designer bars which have become
ning track. the trademark of the city.
track record n Informal the past record of trade name n 1 the name used by a trade to
the accomplishments and failures of a per- refer to a product or range of products. 2
son or organization. the name under which a commercial enter-
tracks pl n 1 marks, such as footprints, left prise operates in business.
by someone or something that has passed. 2 trade-off n an exchange, esp. as a compro-
in one’s tracks on the very spot where one mise: there is often a trade-off between
is standing: those words stopped her in her manpower costs and computer costs.
tracks. 3 make tracks to leave or depart: it trade on vb to exploit or take advantage of:
was time to start making tracks. a demanding woman who traded on her
track shoe n a light running shoe fitted with poor health to get her own way.
steel spikes for better grip. tradescantia (trad-dess-kan-shee-a) n a
tracksuit n a warm loose-fitting suit worn widely cultivated plant with striped leaves.
by athletes etc., esp. during training. trade secret n a secret formula, technique,
tract1 n 1 a large area, esp. of land: an ex- or process known and used to advantage by
tensive tract of moorland. 2 Anat a system only one manufacturer.
of organs or glands that has a particular tradesman n, pl -men 1 a skilled worker,
function: the urinary tract. such as an electrician or painter. 2 a shop-
tract2 n a pamphlet, esp. a religious one. keeper. tradeswoman fem n
tractable adj Formal easy to control, man- Trades Union Congress n the major asso-
age, or deal with: he could easily manage ciation of British-trade unions, which in-
his tractable and worshipping younger cludes all the larger unions.
brother, tractability n trade union or trades union n a society of
traction n 1 pulling, esp. by engine power: workers formed to protect and improve
the increased use of electric traction. 2 Med their working conditions, pay, etc. trade
the application of a steady pull on an in- unionism or trades unionism n trade un-
jured limb using a system of weights and ionist or trades unionist n
pulleys or splints: he was in traction for trade wind n a wind blowing steadily to-
weeks following the accident. 3 the grip wards the equator either from the north-
that the wheels of a vehicle have on the east in the N hemisphere or the southeast in
ground: four-wheel drive gives much better the S hemisphere.
traction in wet or icy conditions. trading estate n Chiefly Brit a large area in
traction engine n a heavy steam-powered which a number of commercial or industrial
vehicle used, esp. formerly, for drawing firms are situated.
heavy loads along roads or over rough tradition n 1 the handing down from genera-
ground. tion to generation of customs, beliefs, etc. 2
tractor n a motor vehicle with large rear the unwritten body of beliefs, customs, etc.
wheels, used to pull heavy loads, esp. farm handed down from generation to genera-
machinery. tion. 3 a custom or practice of long stand-
trade n 1 the buying and selling of goods and
ing. 4 in the tradition of having many fea-
services. 2 a person’s job, esp. a craft re- tures similar to those of a person or thing in
quiring skill: he’s a plumber by trade. 3 the the past: a thriller writer in the tradition of
Chandler.
people and practices of an industry, craft,
or business. 4 amount of custom or com- traditional adj of, relating to, or being a tra-
mercial dealings: a brisk trade in second- dition. traditionally adv
hand weapons. 5 a specified market or traditionalist n a person who supports es-
business: the wool trade. 6 trades the trade tablished customs or beliefs, traditional-
winds. ~vb trading, traded 7 to buy and ism n
sell (goods). 8 to exchange: he traded a job traduce vb -ducing, -duced Formal to speak
in New York for a life as a cowboy. 9 to en- badly of (someone), traducement n tra-
gage in trade. 10 to deal or do business ducer n
traffic 883 tram
traffic n 1 the vehicles travelling on roads. 2 trailer n 1 a road vehicle, usually two-
the movement of vehicles or people in a wheeled, towed by a motor vehicle and used
particular place or for a particular purpose: for carrying goods, transporting boats, etc.:
air traffic. 3 trade, esp. of an illicit kind: ahead of us was a tractor, drawing a trailer
drug traffic. 4 the exchange of ideas be- laden with dung. 2 the rear section of an ar-
tween people or organizations: a lively traf- ticulated lorry. 3 an extract or series of ex-
fic in ideas. — vb -ficking, -ficked 5 to tracts from a film, TV or radio programme,
carry on trade or business, esp. of an illicit used to advertise it. 4 US & Canad same as
kind: he confessed to trafficking in gold and caravan (sense 1).
ivory, trafficker n trailing adj (of a plant) having a long stem
traffic island n a raised area in the middle of which spreads over the ground or hangs
a road designed as a guide for traffic flow loosely: trailing ivy.
and to provide a stopping place for pedes- train vb 1 to instruct (someone) in a skill:
trians crossing. soldiers are trained to obey orders
traffic light n one of a set of coloured lights unquestioningly. 2 to learn the skills needed
placed at a junction to control the flow of to do a particular job or activity: she was
traffic. training to be a computer programmer. 3 to
traffic warden n Brit a person employed to do exercises and prepare for a specific pur-
supervise road traffic and report traffic of- pose: he was training for a marathon. 4 to
fences. focus on or aim at (something): the warship
tragedian (traj-jee-dee-an) or fem tragedi- kept its guns trained on the trawler. 5 to
enne (traj-jee-dee-enn) n 1 an actor who discipline (an animal) to obey commands or
specializes in tragic roles. 2 a writer of perform tricks. 6 to tie or prune (a plant) so
tragedy. that it grows in a particular way: he had
trained the roses to grow up the wall. ~n 7
tragedy n, pl -dies 1 a shocking or sad a line of railway coaches or wagons coupled
event. 2 a serious play, film, or opera in together and drawn by a engine. 8 a se-
which the main character is destroyed by a quence or series: following an earlier train
combination of a personal failing and ad- of thought. 9 the long back section of a
verse circumstances. dress that trails along the floor. 10 in its
tragic adj 1 sad and distressing because it train as a consequence: economic misman-
involves death or suffering: she was agement brought unemployment and infla-
blinded in a tragic accident. 2 of or like a tion in its train. 11 in train actually hap-
tragedy: a tragic hero. 3 sad or mournful: a pening or being done: the programme of re-
tragic melody, tragically adv forms set in train by the new government,
tragicomedy n, pl -dies a play or other writ- -adj 12 of or by a train: the long train
ten work having both comic and tragic el- journey North.
ements. tragicomic adj trainbearer n an attendant who holds up the
trail n 1 a rough path across open country or train of a dignitary’s robe or bride’s gown.
through a forest. 2 a route along a series of trainee n 1 a person undergoing training.
roads or paths that has been specially -adj 2 (of a person) undergoing training: a
planned to let people see or do particular trainee journalist.
things: a nature trail through the woods. 3 a trainer n 1 a person who coaches a person or
print, mark, or scent left by a person, ani- team in a sport. 2 a person who trains race-
mal, or object: a trail of blood was found horses. 3 an aircraft used for training pi-
down three flights of stairs. 4 something lots. 4 a flat-soled sports shoe of the style
that trails behind: a vapour trail. 5 a se- used by athletes when training.
quence of results from an event: a trail of training n the process of bringing a person to
mishaps. ~vb 6 to drag or stream along the an agreed standard of proficiency by prac-
ground or through the air behind someone tice and instruction.
or something: part of her sari trailed behind
her on the floor. 7 to lag behind (a person or train spotter n a person who collects the
thing): Max had arrived as well, trailing be- numbers of railway locomotives.
hind the others. 8 to follow or hunt (an traipse Informal -vb traipsing, traipsed 1
animal or person), usually secretly, by fol- to walk heavily or tiredly. ~n 2 a long or
lowing the marks or tracks he, she, or it has tiring walk.
made: the police had trailed him the length trait n a characteristic feature or quality of
and breadth of the country. 9 to be falling a person or thing.
behind in a race, match or competition: they traitor n a person who betrays friends, coun-
trailed 2-1 at half-time. 10 to move wearily try, a cause, etc. traitorous adj traitress
or slowly: we spent the afternoon trailing fem n
round the shops. trajectory n, pl -ries the path described by
trail away or off vb to become fainter, quiet- an object moving in air or space, esp. the
er, or weaker: his voice trailed away. - curved path of a projectile.
trailblazer n a pioneer in a particular field, tram n an electrically driven public trans-
trailblazing adj, n port vehicle that runs on rails laid into the
tramlines 884 transfer
road and takes its power from an overhead transact vb to do, conduct, or negotiate (a
cable. business deal).
tramlines pl n 1 the tracks on which a tram transaction n 1 something that is transact-
runs. 2 the outer markings along the sides ed, esp. a business deal. 2 transactions the
of a tennis or badminton court. records of the proceedings of a society etc.:
trammel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled an article on land use in the Niagara area
1 to hinder or restrict: trammelled by fami- taken from the “Transactions of the Royal
ly responsibilities. ~-n 2 trammels things Canadian Institute”.
that hinder or restrict someone: the tram- transalpine adj beyond the Alps, esp. as
mels of social respectability. viewed from Italy.
tramp vb 1 to walk long and far; hike. 2 to transatlantic adj 1 on or from the other side
walk heavily or firmly across or through (a of the Atlantic. 2 crossing the Atlantic.
place): she tramped slowly up the beach, transceiver n a combined radio transmitter
—n 3 a homeless person who travels about and receiver.
on foot, living by begging or doing casual transcend vb 1 to go above or beyond what
work. 4 a long hard walk; hike: we went for is expected or normal: a vital party issue
a long tramp over the downs. 5 the sound of that transcends traditional party loyalties.
heavy regular footsteps: we could hear the 2 to overcome or be superior to: to trans-
tramp of the marching soldiers. 6 a small cend all difficulties.
cargo ship that does not run on a regular transcendent adj 1 above or beyond what is
schedule. 7 Slang, chiefly US & Canad a expected or normal. 2 Theol (of God) having
promiscuous woman. existence outside the created world, tran-
tramping n NZ the leisure activity of walk- scendence n
ing in the bush, tramper n transcendental adj 1 above or beyond what
trample vb -pling, -pled 1 Also: trample on is expected or normal. 2 Philosophy based
to tread on and crush: three children were on intuition or innate belief rather than ex-
trampled to death when the crowd panicked perience. 3 supernatural or mystical, tran-
and ran. 2 trample on to treat (a person or scendentally adv
his or her rights or feelings) with disregard transcendentalism n any system of phi-
or contempt. losophy that seeks to discover the nature of
trampoline n 1 a tough canvas sheet sus- reality by examining the processes of
pended by springs or cords from a frame, thought rather than the things thought
which acrobats, gymnasts, etc., bounce on. about, or that emphasizes intuition as a
~vb -lining, -lined 2 to exercise on a tram- means to knowledge, transcendentalist n,
poline. adj
trance n 1 a hypnotic state resembling sleep transcendental meditation n a technique,
in which a person is unable to move or act based on Hindu traditions, for relaxing and
of his or her own will. 2 a dazed or stunned refreshing the mind and body through the
state. silent repetition of a special formula of
tranche (trahnsh) n an instalment or por- words.
tion of something large, esp. a sum of transcribe vb -scribing, -scribed 1 to write,
money: the new shares will be offered in type, or print out (a text) fully from a
four tranches around the world. speech or notes. 2 to make an electrical re-
trannie or tranny n, pl -nies Informal, chief-
cording of (a programme or speech) for a
ly Brit a transistor radio. later broadcast. 3 Music to rewrite (a piece
of music) for an instrument other than that
tranquil adj calm, peaceful, or quiet, tran- originally intended, transcriber n
quilly adv transcript n 1 a written, typed, or printed
tranquillity or US sometimes tranquility n a copy made by transcribing. 2 Chiefly US &
state of calmness or peace. Canad an official record of a student’s
tranquillize, -lise or US tranquilize vb school progress.
-lizing, -lized or -Using, -lised 1 to make or transcription n 1 the act of transcribing. 2
become calm or calmer. 2 to give (someone) something transcribed.
a drug to make them calm or calmer, tran- transducer n any device, such as a micro-
quillization, -lisation, or US tran- phone or electric motor, that converts one
quilization n tranquillizing, -Using, form of energy into another.
or US tranquilizing adj transect n Biol a sample strip of land used
tranquillizer, -liser or US tranquilizer n a to monitor plant distribution and animal
drug that calms someone suffering from populations within a given area.
anxiety, tension, etc. transept n either of the two shorter wings of
trans. 1 transitive. 2 translated. a cross-shaped church.
trans- prefix 1 across, beyond, crossing, or transfer vb -ferring, -ferred 1 to change or
on the other side of: transnational. 2 chang- move from one thing, person, place, etc., to
ing thoroughly: transliterate. another: he was transferred from prison to
transfiguration 885 transliterate
hospital. 2 to move (money or property) transient population of the inner city. ~n 3
from the control of one person or organiza- a transient person or thing, transience n
tion to that of another: £10 000 has been transistor n 1 a semiconductor device used
transferred into your account. 3 (of a foot- to amplify and control electric currents. 2
ball club) to sell or release (a player) to an- Informal a small portable radio containing
other club: he was transferred to Norwich transistors.
in 1988. 4 to move (a drawing or design) transistorized or -ised adj (of an electronic
from one surface to another. ~n 5 the act, device) using transistors.
process, or system of transferring, or the transit n 1 the moving or carrying of goods
state of being transferred. 6 a person or
thing that transfers or is transferred. 7 a or people from one place to another. 2 a
design or drawing that is transferred from route or means of transport: transit by
one surface to another. 8 the moving of road. 3 Astron the apparent passage of a ce-
(money or property) from the control of one lestial body across the meridian. 4 in trans-
it while travelling or being taken from one
person or organization to that of another, place to another: in transit the fruit can be
transferable or transferrable adj trans- damaged. ~adj 5 indicating a place or
ference n building where people wait or goods are
transfiguration n a transfiguring or being kept between different stages of a journey:
transfigured. a transit lounge for passengers who are
Transfiguration n 1 New Testament the changing planes.
change in the appearance of Christ on the transit camp n a camp in which refugees,
mountain. 2 the Church festival held in soldiers, etc., live temporarily.
commemoration of this on August 6. transition n 1 the process of changing from
transfigure vb -uring, -ured 1 to change or one state or stage to another: the transition
cause to change in appearance. 2 to become from dictatorship to democracy. 2 Music a
or cause to become more exalted. movement from one key to another, transi-
transfix vb -fixing, -fixed or -fixt 1 to make tional adj
(someone) motionless, esp. with horror or transition element or metal n Chem any el-
shock: they stood transfixed and revolted ement belonging to one of three series of el-
by what they saw. 2 to pierce (a person or ements with atomic numbers between 21
animal) through with a pointed object: the and 30, 39 and 48, and 57 and 80 (transi-
Pharaoh is shown transfixing enemies with tion series). They tend to have more than
arrows from a moving chariot. one valency and to form complexes.
transform vb 1 to change completely in form transitive adj Grammar denoting a verb that
or function: the last forty years have seen requires a direct object.
the country transformed from a peasant transitory adj lasting only for a short time,
economy to a major industrial power. 2 to translate vb -lating, -lated 1 a to change
change so as to make better or more attrac- (something spoken or written in one lan-
tive: most religions claim to be able to guage) into another, b to be capable of
transform people’s lives. 3 to convert (one being changed from one language into an-
form of energy) to another. 4 Maths to other: puns do not translate well. 2 to ex-
change the form of (an equation, expres- press (something) in a different way, for in-
sion, etc.) without changing its value. 5 to stance by using a different measurement
change (an alternating current or voltage) system or less technical language: the tem-
using a transformer, transformation n perature is 30° Celsius, or if we translate
transformer n a device that transfers an al- into Fahrenheit, 86°. 3 to transform or con-
ternating current from one circuit to one or vert, for instance by putting an idea into
more other circuits, usually with a change practice: cheap crops translate into lower
of voltage. feed prices. 4 to interpret the significance
transfuse vb -fusing, -fused 1 to inject of (a gesture, action, etc.): I gave him what I
(blood or other fluid) into a blood vessel. 2 hoped would be translated as a thoughtful
Literary to transmit or instil. look. 5 to act as a translator: I had to trans-
transfusion n 1 the injection of blood, blood late for a party of visiting Greeks, trans-
plasma, etc., into the blood vessels of a pa- latable adj translator n
tient. 2 the act of transferring something: a translation n 1 a piece of writing or speech
transfusion of new funds. that has been translated into another lan-
transgress vb Formal 1 to break (a law or guage. 2 the act of translating something. 3
rule). 2 to overstep (a limit): he had never the expression of something in a different
before been known to transgress the very way or form: the book’s plot was radically
slowest of walks, transgression n trans- altered during its translation to film. 4
gressor n Maths a transformation in which the origin
transient adj 1 lasting for a short time only:_ of a coordinate system is moved to another
she had a number of transient relationships position so that each axis retains the same
with fellow students. 2 (of a person) not direction, translational adj
remaining in a place for a long time: the transliterate vb -ating, -ated to write or
translucent 886 trap
spell (a word etc.) into corresponding let- or transfer (esp. a plant) from one place to
ters of another alphabet, transliteration n another. ~n 3 Surgery a the procedure in-
translucent adj allowing light to pass volved in transferring an organ or tissue, b
through, but not transparent, translucen- the organ or tissue transplanted, trans-
cy or translucence n plantation n
transmigrate vb -grating, -grated (of a transponder n a type of radio or radar
soul) to pass from one body into another at transmitter-receiver that transmits signals
death, transmigration n automatically when it receives predeter-
transmission n 1 the sending or passing of mined signals.
something, such as a message or disease transport vb 1 to carry or move (people or
from one place or person to another. 2 goods) from one place to another, esp. over
something that is transmitted, esp. a radio some distance. 2 History to exile (a crimi-
or television broadcast. 3 a system of shafts nal) to a penal colony. 3 to have a strong
and gears that transmits power from the emotional effect on: transported by joy. ~n
engine to the driving wheels of a motor ve- 4 the business or system of transporting
hicle. goods or people: public transport. 5 Brit
transmit vb -mitting, -mitted 1 to pass freight vehicles generally. 6 a vehicle used
(something, such as a message or disease) to transport troops. 7 a transporting or
from one place or person to another. 2 a to being transported. 8 ecstasy or rapture:
send out (signals) by means of radio waves, transports of delight, transportable adj
b to broadcast (a radio or television pro- transportation n 1 a means or system of
gramme). 3 to allow the passage of (parti- transporting. 2 the act of transporting or
cles, energy, etc.): water transmits sound the state of being transported. 3 History
better than air. 4 to transfer (a force, mo- deportation to a penal colony.
tion, etc.) from one part of a mechanical transport cafe n Brit an inexpensive eating
system to another: the chain of the bike place on a main road, used mainly by long-
transmits the motion of the pedals to the distance lorry drivers.
rear wheel, transmittable adj transporter n a large vehicle used for carry-
transmitter n 1 a piece of equipment used ing cars from the factory to garages for
for broadcasting radio or television pro- sale.
grammes. 2 a person or thing that transmits
something. transpose vb -posing, -posed 1 to change
the order of (letters, words, or sentences). 2
transmogrify vb -fies, -fying, -fied Jocular Music to play (notes, music, etc.) in a dif-
to change or transform (someone or some- ferent key. 3 Maths to move (a term) from
thing) into a different shape or appearance, one side of an equation to the other with a
esp. a grotesque or bizarre one. transmog- corresponding reversal in sign: transposing
rification n 3 in x — 3 = 6 gives x = 6 + 3. transposi-
transmute vb-muting, -muted to change the tion n
form or nature of: self-contempt is transsexual n a person who has had medical
transmuted into hatred of others, trans- treatment to alter his or her sexual charac-
mutation n teristics to those of the opposite sex.
transom n 1 a horizontal bar across a win-
dow. 2 a horizontal bar that separates a transship vb -shipping, -shipped to transfer
door from a window over it. or be transferred from one ship or vehicle
to another, transshipment n
transparency n, pl -cies 1 the state of being
transparent. 2 a positive photograph on transubstantiation n Christianity the doc-
transparent film, usually mounted in a trine that the bread and wine consecrated
frame or between glass plates, which can be in Communion changes into the substance
viewed with the use of a slide projector. of Christ’s body and blood.
transparent adj 1 able to be seen through; transuranic (tranz-yoor-ran-ik) adj Chem
clear. 2 easy to understand or recognize; (of an element) having an atomic number
obvious: transparent honesty, transpar- greater than that of uranium.
ently adv transverse adj crossing from side to side:
transpire vb -spiring, -spired 1 to come to the transverse arches in the main hall of the
light; become known. 2 Not universally ac- college.
cepted to happen or occur. 3 Physiol to give transvestite n a person, esp. a man, who
off (water or vapour) through the pores of seeks sexual pleasure from wearing clothes
the skin, etc. transpiration n of the opposite sex. transvestism n
► Transpire is so often used for “happen” or trap n 1 a device or hole in which something,
“occur” that the objection that it should be esp. an animal, is caught. 2 a plan for trick-
used only for “become known” is no longer ing a person into being caught unawares. 3
valid. a situation from which it is difficult to es-
transplant vb 1 Surgery to transfer (an cape: the poverty trap. 4 a bend in a pipe
organ or tissue) from one part of the body that contains standing water to prevent the
or from one person to another. 2 to remove passage of gases. 5 a boxlike stall in which
trap door 887 tread
greyhounds are enclosed before the start of move in a fixed path. 8 (of a vehicle) Infor-
a race. 6 a device that hurls clay pigeons mal to move rapidly. ~n 9 the act or a
into the air to be fired at. 7 See trap door. 8 means of travelling: air travel has changed
a light two-wheeled carriage: a pony and the way people live. 10 a tour or journey:
trap. 9 Slang the mouth: shut your trap! his travels took him to Dublin. 11 the dis-
-vb trapping, trapped 10 to catch (an tance moved by a mechanical part, such as
animal) in a trap. 11 to catch (someone) by the stroke of a piston.
a trick: the police trapped the drug dealers travel agency n an agency that arranges
by posing as potential customers. 12 to hold flights, hotel accommodation, etc., for tour-
or confine in an unpleasant situation from ists. travel agent n
which it is difficult to escape: trapped in traveller n 1 a person who travels, esp. ha-
the rubble of collapsed buildings. ~See also bitually. 2 a travelling salesman. 3 a Gypsy.
trap out.
traveller’s cheque n a cheque sold by a
trap door n a hinged door in a ceiling, floor, bank, travel agency, etc., which the buyer
or stage. signs on purchase and can cash abroad by
trapeze n a horizontal bar suspended from signing it again.
two ropes, used by circus acrobats. travelling salesman n a salesman who trav-
trapezium n, pl -ziums or -zia 1 a quadrilat- els within an assigned area in order to sell
eral having two parallel sides of unequal goods or get orders for the company he or
length. 2 Chiefly US & Canad a quadrilater- she represents.
al having neither pair of sides parallel, travelogue or US travelog n a film or lec-
trapezial adj ture on travels and travelling.
trapezoid (trap-piz-zoid) n 1 a quadrilateral travel sickness n nausea or vomiting caused
having neither pair of sides parallel. 2 US & by riding in a car or other moving vehicle,
Canad same as trapezium (sense 1). travel-sick adj
trap out vb trapping, trapped to dress or traverse vb -ersing, -ersed 1 to move over
adorn. or back and forth over; cross: he once
trapper n a person who traps animals, esp. traversed San Francisco harbour in a bal-
for their furs or skins. loon. 2 to reach across. 3 to walk, climb, or
trappings pl n 1 the accessories that symbol- ski diagonally up or down a slope. ~n 4
ize a condition, office, etc.: the trappings of something being or lying across, such as a
power. 2 ceremonial harness for a horse or crossbar. 5 the act or an instance of travers-
other animal. ing or crossing. 6 a path or road across.
Trappist n a member of an order of Chris-
-adj 7 being or lying across, traversal n
tian monks who follow a rule of strict si- travesty n, pl -ties 1 a grotesque imitation
lence. or mockery: a travesty of justice, -vb
-ties, -tying, -tied 2 to make or be a traves-
trash n 1 foolish ideas or talk; nonsense. 2
Chiefly US & Canad unwanted objects; rub- ty of.
bish. 3 Chiefly US & Canad a worthless per- travois (trav-voy) n, pl -vois (-voyz) Canad
son or group of people. -vb 4 Slang to at- a sled used for dragging logs.
tack or destroy maliciously: we’ve never trawl n 1 a large net, usually in the shape of
trashed a hotel room, trashy adj a sock or bag, dragged at deep levels behind
trattoria (trat-or-ee-a) n an Italian restau- a fishing boat, -vb 2 to fish using such a
rant. net.
trauma (traw-ma) n 1 Psychol an emotional trawler n a ship used for trawling.
shock that may have long-lasting effects. 2 tray n 1 a flat board of wood, plastic, or
Pathol any bodily injury or wound, trau- metal, usually with a rim, on which things
matic adj traumatically adv traumatize can be carried. 2 an open receptacle for of-
or -ise vb fice correspondence.
travail n Literary painful or exceptionally treacherous adj 1 disloyal and untrustwor-
hard work. thy: he was cruel, treacherous, and unscru-
pulous. 2 unreliable or dangerous, esp. be-
travel vb -elling, -elled or US -eling, -eled 1 cause of sudden changes: the tides here can
to go or move from one place to another. 2 be very treacherous, treacherously adv
to go or journey through or across (an area,
region, etc.): Margaret travelled widely treachery n, pl -eries the act or an instance
when she was in New Zealand. 3 to go at a of wilful betrayal.
specified speed or for a specified distance: treacle n Brit a thick dark syrup obtained
the car was travelling at 30 mph. 4 to go during the refining of sugar, treacly adj
from place to place as a salesman. 5 (of per- tread vb treading, trod; trodden or trod 1
ishable goods) to withstand a journey: not to set one’s foot down on or in something:
all wines travel well. 6 (of light or sound) to he trod on some dog’s dirt. 2 to crush or
be transmitted or carried from one place to squash by treading (on): treading on a bis-
another: sound travels a long distance in cuit. 3 to walk along (a path or road). 4
these conditions. 7 (of a machine or part) to tread carefully or warily to proceed in a
treadle 888 tremble
delicate or tactful manner. 5 tread water to given to a patient. 2 a way of handling a
stay afloat in an upright position by moving person or thing: the party has had unfair
the legs in a walking motion. ~n 6 a way of treatment in the press.
walking or the sound of walking: he treaty n, pl -ties 1 a formal written agree-
walked, with a heavy tread, up the stairs. 7 ment between two or more states, such as
the top surface of a step in a staircase. 8 the an alliance or trade arrangement: the Trea-
pattern of grooves in the outer surface of a ty of Rome established the Common Market.
tyre that helps it grip the road. 9 the part of 2 an agreement between two parties con-
a shoe that is generally in contact with the cerning the purchase of property.
ground. treble adj 1 three times as much or as many.
treadle (tred-dl) n a lever operated by the 2 of or denoting a soprano voice or part or a
foot to turn a wheel. high-pitched instrument. ~n 3 a soprano
treadmill n 1 (formerly) an apparatus voice or part or a high-pitched instrument.
turned by the weight of men or animals 4 of the highest range of musical notes:
climbing steps on a revolving cylinder or these loudspeakers give excellent treble re-
wheel. 2 a dreary routine: the treadmill of production. ~vb -bling, -bled 5 to make or
housework. 3 an exercise machine that become three times as much or as many:
consists of a continuous moving belt on sales have trebled in three years, trebly
which to walk or jog. adv
treason n 1 betrayal of one’s sovereign or treble chance n a method of betting in foot-
country, esp. by attempting to overthrow ball pools in which the chances of winning
the government. 2 any treachery or betray- are related to the number of draws and the
al. treasonable adj treasonous adj number of home and away wins forecast by
treasure n 1 a collection of wealth, esp. in the competitor.
the form of money, precious metals, or treble clef n Music the clef that establishes
gems. 2 a valuable painting, ornament, or G a fifth above middle C as being on the
other object: the museum has many art second line of the staff.
treasures. 3 Informal a person who is high- tree n 1 any large woody perennial plant
ly valued: she can turn her hand to any- with a distinct trunk and usually having
thing, she’s a perfect treasure. ~vb-uring, leaves and branches. 2 See family tree,
-ured 4 to cherish (someone or something). shoetree, saddletree. 3 at the top of the
treasure hunt n a game in which players act tree in the highest position of a profession,
upon successive clues to find a hidden treeless adj
prize. tree creeper n a small songbird of the N
treasurer n a person appointed to look after hemisphere that creeps up trees to feed on
the funds of a society or other organization. insects.
treasure-trove n Law any articles, such as tree fern n any of numerous large tropical
coins or valuable objects found hidden and ferns with a trunklike stem.
without any evidence of ownership. tree line n same as timber line.
treasury n, pl -uries 1 a storage place for tree-lined adj (of a road) having trees on
treasure. 2 the revenues or funds of a gov- either side of it: a pleasant tree-lined av-
ernment or organization. enue in Bristol.
Treasury n (in various countries) the gov- tree surgery n the treatment of damaged
ernment department in charge of finance. trees by filling cavities, applying braces,
treat vb 1 to deal with or regard in a certain etc. tree surgeon n
manner: her love for a man who treats her tree tomato n same as tamarillo.
abominably. 2 to attempt to cure or lessen
the symptoms of (an illness or injury or a treetop n the highest part of a tree, where
person suffering from it): the drug is pre- the leaves and branches are: monkeys
scribed to treat asthma. 3 to subject to a swung through the treetops.
chemical or industrial process: the wood trefoil (tref-foil) n 1 a plant, such as clover,
should be treated with a preservative. 4 to with leaves divided into three smaller
provide (someone) with something as a leaves. 2 Archit a carved ornament with a
treat: I’ll treat you to an ice cream. 5 treat shape like such leaves, trefoiled adj
of to deal with (something) in writing or trek n 1 a long and often difficult journey,
speaking: this book treats of a most ab- esp. on foot. 2 S African a journey or stage
struse subject. ~-n 6 a celebration, enter- of a journey, esp. a migration by ox wagon.
tainment, gift, or meal given for or to some- ~vb trekking, trekked 3 to make a trek.
one and paid for by someone else. 7 any de- trellis n a frame made of vertical and hori-
lightful surprise or specially pleasant occa- zontal strips of wood, esp. one used to sup-
sion. treatable adj port climbing plants, trelliswork n
treatise (treat-izz) n a formal piece of writ- tremble vb -bling, -bled 1 to shake with
ing that deals systematically with a particu- short slight movements: her hands trembled
lar subject. uncontrollably; he felt the ground trembling
treatment n 1 the medical or surgical care beneath him. 2 to experience fear or anxi-
tremendous 889 triathlon
ety: his parents trembled with apprehen- patience, etc.): I won’t trespass upon your
sion about his future. 3 (of the voice) to hospitality any longer.
sound uncertain or unsteady, for instance tresses pin a woman’s long flowing hair,
through pain or emotion. —n 4 the act or an trestle n 1 a support for one end of a table
instance of trembling, trembling adj or beam, consisting of two rectangular
tremendous adj 1 very large or impressive: frameworks or sets of legs which are joined
a tremendous amount of money. 2 very ex- at the top but not the bottom. 2 Also called:
citing or unusual: a tremendous feeling of trestle table a table consisting of a board
elation. 3 very good or pleasing: my wife supported by a trestle at each end.
has given me tremendous support, tre- trews pl n Chiefly Brit close-fitting trousers
mendously adv of tartan cloth.
tremolo n, pl -los Music 1 (in playing the tri- combining form 1 three or thrice: trilin-
violin or other stringed instrument) the gual. 2 occurring every three: triweekly.
rapid repetition of a note or notes to pro-
duce a trembling effect. 2 (in singing) a triad n 1 a group of three. 2 Music a three-
fluctuation in pitch. note chord consisting of a note and the
third and fifth above it. triadic adj
tremor n 1 an involuntary shudder or vibra-
tion: the slight tremor of excitement. 2 a Triad n a Chinese secret society involved in
minor earthquake. criminal activities, such as drug trafficking,
tremulous adj Literary trembling, as from trial n 1 Law an investigation of a case in
fear or excitement: I managed a tremulous front of a judge to decide whether a person
smile, tremulously adv is innocent or guilty of a crime by question-
trench n 1 a long narrow ditch in the
ing him or her and considering the evidence.
ground, such as one for laying a pipe in. 2 a 2 the act or an instance of trying or prov-
ing; test or experiment: the new drug is
long deep ditch used by soldiers for protec- undergoing clinical trials. 3 an annoying or
tion in a war: my grandfather fought in the frustrating person or thing: young children
trenches in the First World War. ~adj 3 of can be a great trial at times. 4 trials a
or involving military trenches: trench war- sporting competition for individual people
fare. or animals: horse trials. 5 on trial a under-
trenchant adj 1 keen or incisive: a trenchant going trial, esp. before a court of law. b
screenplay. 2 vigorous and effective: the being tested, for example before a commit-
prime minister’s trenchant adoption of this ment to purchase: I only have the car out on
issue, trenchancy n trial, —adj 6 on a temporary basis while
trench coat n a belted raincoat similar in being tried out or tested: a trial run.
style to a military officer’s coat. trial and error n a method of discovery
trencher n History a wooden board on based on practical experiment and experi-
which food was served or cut. ence rather than on theory: raising her
trencherman n, pl -men a person who enjoys children has been a matter of trial and
food; hearty eater. error.
trench warfare n a type of warfare in which trial balance n Book-keeping a statement of
opposing armies face each other in en- all the debit and credit balances in the
trenched positions. double-entry ledger.
trend n 1 general tendency or direction: an triangle n 1 a geometric figure with three
accelerating trend towards the use of mo- sides and three angles. 2 any object shaped
bile phones. 2 fashionable style: she set a like a triangle: a triangle of streets running
trend for wearing lingerie as outer gar- up from the river. 3 Music a percussion in-
ments. —vb 3 to take a certain trend. strument that consists of a metal bar bent
trendsetter n a person or thing that creates, into a triangular shape, played by striking
or may create, a new fashion, trendsetting it with a metal stick. 4 any situation involv-
adj ing three people or points of view: a torrid
trendy Brit informal —adj trendier, sex triangle, triangular adj
trendiest 1 consciously fashionable: a flat triangulate vb -lating, -lated to survey (an
in Glasgow’s trendy West End. ~n, pl area) by dividing it into triangles.
trendies 2 a trendy person: a media trendy. triangulation n a method of surveying in
trendily adv trendiness n which an area is divided into triangles, one
trepidation n Formal a state of fear or anxi- side (the base line) and all angles of which
ety. are measured and the lengths of the other
trespass vb 1 to go onto somebody else’s lines calculated by trigonometry.
property without permission. ~n 2 the act Triassic adj Geol of the period of geological
or an instance of trespassing. 3 Old- time about 230 million years ago.
fashioned a sin or wrong-doing, trespasser triathlon n an athletic contest in which each
n athlete competes in three different events:
trespass on or upon vb Formal to take un- swimming, cycling, and horse riding,
fair advantage of (someone’s friendship, triathlete n
tribalism 890 trill
tribalism n loyalty to a tribe, esp. as opposed trickled down her cheeks. 2 to move slowly
to a modern political entity such as a state. or in small groups: voters trickled to the
tribe n 1 a group of families or clans be- polls. ~n 3 a thin, irregular, or slow flow of
lieved to have a common ancestor. 2 Infor- something: a trickle of blood.
mal a group of people who do the same type trick out vb to dress up: tricked out in
of thing: a tribe of German yachtsmen chauffeur’s rig.
bound for the Mediterranean, tribal adj trickster n a person who deceives or plays
tribesman n, pl-men a member of a tribe, tricks.
tribulation n great distress: the tribulations tricky adj trickier, trickiest 1 involving
of a deserted wife. snags or difficulties: a tricky task. 2 need-
tribunal n 1 (in Britain) a special court or ing careful handling: a tricky situation. 3
committee that is appointed to deal with a sly or wily: a tricky customer, trickily adv
particular problem: an industrial tribunal trickiness n
investigating allegations of unfair dismis- tricolour or US tricolor (trick-kol-lor) n a
sal. 2 a court of justice. flag with three equal stripes in different
tribune n 1 a person who upholds public colours, esp. the French or Irish national
rights. 2 (in ancient Rome) an officer elect- flags.
ed by the plebs to protect their interests. tricycle n a three-wheeled cycle, tricyclist
tributary n, pl -taries 1 a stream or river n
that flows into a larger one: Frankfurt lies trident n a three-pronged spear.
on the River Main, a tributary of the Rhine. tried vb the past of try.
2 a person, nation, or people that pays trib- triennial adj occurring every three years,
ute. -adj 3 (of a stream or river) flowing triennially adv
into a larger stream. 4 paying tribute: Egypt trier n a person or thing that tries.
was formerly a tributary province of the trifle1 n 1 a thing of little or no value or sig-
Turkish Empire. nificance. 2 Brit a cold dessert made of
tribute n 1 something given, done, or said as sponge cake spread with jam or fruit,
a mark of respect or admiration. 2 a pay- soaked in sherry, covered with custard and
ment by one ruler or state to another, usual- cream. 3 a trifle to a small extent or degree;
ly as an acknowledgment of submission. 3 slightly: he is a trifle eccentric.
something that shows the merits of a par- trifle2 vb trifling, trifled trifle with to
ticular quality of a person or thing: the treat (a person or his or her feelings) with
car’s low fuel consumption is a tribute to disdain or disregard.
the quality of its engine.
trifling adj insignificant, petty, or frivolous:
trice n in a trice in a moment: she was back a trifling misunderstanding.
in a trice.
trig, trigonometry.
triceps n the muscle at the back of the upper
arm. trigger n 1 a small lever that releases a
catch on a gun or machine. 2 any event that
trichology (trick-ol-a-jee) n the branch of sets a course of action in motion: his murder
medicine concerned with the hair and its was the trigger for a night of rioting, —vb 3
diseases, trichologist n Also: trigger off to set (an action or pro-
trichromatic adj 1 having or involving three cess) in motion: various factors can trigger
colours. 2 of or having normal colour vision, off a migraine.
trichromatism n trigger-happy adj Informal too ready or
trick n 1 a deceitful or cunning action or willing to use guns or violence: trigger-
plan: she was willing to use any dirty trick happy border guards.
to get what she wanted. 2 a joke or prank: trigonometry n the branch of mathematics
he loves playing tricks on his sister. 3 a concerned with the relations of sides and
clever way of doing something, learnt from angles of triangles, which is used in survey-
experience: an old campers’ trick is to use ing, navigation, etc.
three thin blankets rather than one thick trig point n a point on a hilltop etc., used for
one. 4 an illusory or magical feat or device. triangulation by a surveyor.
5 a simple feat learned by an animal or per-
son. 6 a deceptive illusion: a trick of the trike n Informal a tricycle.
light. 7 a habit or mannerism: she had a trilateral adj having three sides.
trick of saying "oh dear”. 8 Cards a batch of trilby n, pl -hies a man’s soft felt hat with an
cards played in turn and won by the person indented crown.
playing the highest card. 9 do the trick In- trill n 1 Music a rapid alternation between a
formal to produce the desired result. 10 note and the note above it. 2 a shrill war-
how’s tricks? Slang how are you? -vb 11 bling sound made by some birds: the
to defraud, deceive, or cheat (someone), canary’s high trills, -vb 3 (of a bird) to
trickery n make a shrill warbling sound. 4 (of a per-
trickle vb -ling, -led 1 to flow or cause to son) to talk or laugh in a high-pitched musi-
flow in a thin stream or drops: tears cal voice.
trillion 891 triptych
trillion n -lions or -lion 1 (in Britain, France, trinket n a small or worthless ornament or
and Germany) the number represented as piece of jewellery.
one followed by eighteen zeros (1018); a mil- trio n, pl trios 1 a group of three people or
lion million million. 2 (in the U.S. and Cana- things. 2 a group of three instrumentalists
da) the number represented as one followed or singers. 3 a piece of music for three per-
by twelve zeros (1012); a million million. formers.
—adj 3 amounting to a trillion: a trillion
dollars, trillionth n, adj trip n 1 a journey to a place and back, esp.
► A trillion is what British speakers used to for pleasure: they took a coach trip round
call “a billion”. the island. 2 a false step; stumble. 3 the act
of causing someone to stumble or fall by
trillium n a plant of Asia and North America catching his or her foot with one’s own. 4
that has three leaves at the top of the stem Informal a hallucinogenic drug experience.
with a single white, pink, or purple three- 5 a catch on a mechanism that acts as a
petalled flower. switch, —vb tripping, tripped 6 Also: trip
trilobite (trile-oh-bite) n a small prehistoric up to stumble or cause (someone) to stum-
marine arthropod, found as a fossil. ble. 7 Also: trip up to trap or catch (some-
trilogy (trill-a-jee) n, pl -gies a series of one) in a mistake. 8 to walk lightly and
three books, plays, etc., which form a relat- quickly, with a dancelike motion: I could
ed group but are each complete works in see Amelia tripping along beside him. 9 In-
themselves. formal to experience the effects of a hallu-
trim adj trimmer, trimmest 1 neat and
cinogenic drug.
spruce in appearance: trim lace curtains'. 2 tripartite adj involving or composed of three
attractively slim: his body was trim and people or parts, tripartism n
athletic. ~vb trimming, trimmed 3 to tripe n 1 the stomach lining of a cow or pig
make (something) neater by cutting it used as a food. 2 Informal nonsense or rub-
slightly without changing its basic shape: bish.
his white beard was neatly trimmed. 4 to Tripitaka (trip-it-tah-ka) n the three collec-
adorn or decorate (something, such as a tions of books making up the Buddhist
garment) with lace, ribbons, etc.: a cotton scriptures.
camisole neatly trimmed with lace. 5 a to
adjust the balance of (a ship or aircraft) by triple adj 1 made up of three parts or things:
shifting cargo etc. b to adjust (a ship’s sails) a triple murder. 2 (of musical time or
to take advantage of the wind. 6 to reduce rhythm) having three beats in each bar. 3
or lower the size of: the company has three times as great or as much: a triple
trimmed its pretax profits forecast by $2.3 brandy, —vb -pling, -pled 4 to make or be-
million. 7 to alter (a plan or policy) by re- come three times as much or as many: the
moving parts which seem unnecessary or company has tripled its sales over the past
five years, —n 5 something that is, or con-
unpopular: the government would rather tains, three times as much as normal. 6 a
trim its policies than lose the election. 8 group of three, triply adv
trim off or away to cut so as to remove:
trim off most of the fat before cooking the triple jump n an athletic event in which the
meat. ~n 9 a decoration or adornment: a competitor has to perform a hop, a step,
black suit with scarlet trim. 10 the uphol- and a jump in a continuous movement.
stery and decorative facings of a car’s inte- triple point n Chem the temperature and
rior. 11 good physical condition: he had al- pressure at which a substance can exist as a
ways kept himself in trim. 12 a haircut that solid, liquid, and gas.
neatens but does not alter the existing hair- triplet n 1 one of three children born at one
style. birth. 2 a group of three musical notes
trimaran (trime-a-ran) n a boat with one played in the time that two would normally
smaller hull on each side of the main hull. take. 3 a group or set of three similar
trimming n 1 an extra piece added to a gar- things.
ment for decoration: a pink nightie with triplicate adj 1 triple, -vb -eating, -cated 2
lace trimming. 2 trimmings usual or tradi- to multiply or be multiplied by three, —n 3
tional accompaniments: bacon and eggs in triplicate written out three times: my
with all the trimmings. request to interview the commander had to
Trinitarian n 1 a person who believes in the be made in triplicate, triplication n
doctrine of the Trinity, —adj 2 of or relat- tripod (tripe-pod) n 1 a three-legged stand
ing to the Trinity. Trinitarianism n to which a camera can be attached to hold it
trinitrotoluene n the full name for TNT. steady. 2 a three-legged stool, table, etc.
trinity n, pl -ties a group of three people or tripos (tripe-poss) n Brit the final honours
things. degree examinations at Cambridge Univer-
sity.
Trinity n Christianity the union of three per-
sons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in tripper n Chiefly Brit a tourist.
one God. triptych (trip-tick) n a set of three pictures
trireme 892 tropical
or panels, usually hinged together and often Trojan Horse n 1 Greek myth the huge
used as an altarpiece. wooden hollow figure of a horse used by the
trireme (try-ream) n an ancient Greek war- Greeks to enter Troy. 2 a trap or trick in-
ship with three rows of oars on each side. tended to undermine an enemy.
trismus n Pathol the state of being unable to troll1 n (in Scandinavian folklore) a super-
open the mouth because of sustained con- natural dwarf or giant that dwells in a cave
tractions of the jaw muscles, caused by or mountain.
tetanus. Nontechnical name: lockjaw troll2 vb Angling to fish by dragging a baited
triste (treest) adj Old-fashioned sad. hook through the water.
trite adj (of a remark or idea) commonplace trolley n 1 a small table on casters used for
and unoriginal. carrying food or drink. 2 Chiefly Brit a
tritium n a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. wheeled cart or stand used for moving
Symbol: T or 3H heavy items, such as shopping in a super-
market or luggage at a railway station. 3
triumph n 1 the feeling of great happiness Brit See trolley bus. 4 US & Canad See trol-
resulting from a victory or major achieve- ley car. 5 a device, such as a wheel that col-
ment. 2 an outstanding success, achieve- lects the current from an overhead wire, to
ment, or victory: the concert was a musical drive the motor of an electric vehicle. 6
triumph. 3 (in ancient Rome) a procession Chiefly Brit a low truck running on rails,
held in honour of a victorious general. —vb used in factories, mines, etc.
4 to gain control or success: triumphing
over adversity. 5 to rejoice over a victory, trolley bus n a bus powered by electricity
triumphal adj from two overhead wires but not running
on rails.
triumphant adj 1 feeling or displaying tri-
trolley car n US& Canad same as tram,
umph: her smile was triumphant. 2 cel-
ebrating a victory or success: the general’s trollop n Derogatory a promiscuous or slov-
triumphant tour round the city, trium- enly woman.
phantly adv trombone n a brass musical instrument with
triumvir (try-umm-vir) n (esp. in ancient a sliding tube which is moved in or out to
Rome) a member of a triumvirate. alter the note played, trombonist n
triumvirate (try-umm-vir-rit) n 1 a group of trompe I’oeil (tromp luh-ee) n, pl trompe
three people in joint control of something: l’oeils (tromp luh-ee) 1 a painting etc. giv-
the triumvirate of great orchestras which ing a convincing illusion that the objects
dominates classical music in Europe. 2 (in represented are real. 2 an effect of this
ancient Rome) a board of three officials kind.
jointly responsible for some task. troop n 1 a large group: a troop of dogs. 2
trivalent adj Chem 1 having a valency of troops soldiers: British troops in Northern
three. 2 having three valencies, trivalency Ireland. 3 a subdivision of a cavalry or ar-
n moured regiment. 4 a large group of Scouts
trivet (triv-vit) n 1 a three-legged stand for
made up of several patrols, —vb 5 to move
holding a pot, kettle, etc., over a fire. 2 a in a crowd: we trooped into the room after
short metal stand on which hot dishes are her. 6 Mil chiefly Brit to parade (a flag or
placed on a table. banner) ceremonially: trooping the colour.
trivia n petty and unimportant things or de- trooper n 1 a soldier in a cavalry regiment. 2
tails. US & Austral a mounted policeman. 3 US a
state policeman. 4 a cavalry horse. 5 Infor-
trivial adj of little importance: a trivial mat- mal, chiefly Brit a troopship.
ter. triviality n trivially adv
troopship n a ship used to transport mili-
trivialize or -ise vb -izing, -ized or -ising, tary personnel.
-ised to make (something) seem less impor-
tant or complex than it is. trope n a word or expression used in a fig-
urative sense.
trochee (troke-ee) n Prosody a metrical foot
of one long and one short syllable, trochaic trophy n, pl -phies 1 a cup, shield, etc., given
adj as a prize. 2 a memento of success, esp. one
taken in war or hunting: stuffed animal
trod vb the past tense and a past participle heads and other hunting trophies.
of tread.
tropic n 1 either of the lines of latitude at
trodden vb a past participle of tread, about 231/6°N (tropic of Cancer) and
troglodyte n a person who lives in a cave, 231/&°S (tropic of Capricorn) of the equa-
troika n 1 a Russian coach or sleigh drawn tor. 2 the tropics that part of the earth’s
by three horses abreast. 2 a group of three surface between the tropics of Cancer and
people in authority: a troika of European Capricorn: the intense heat and humidity of
foreign ministers. the tropics.
Trojan adj 1 of ancient Troy or its people. tropical adj belonging to, typical of, or lo-
—n 2 a person from ancient Troy. 3 a hard- cated in, the tropics: tropical rainforests.
working person. tropically adv
tropism 893 truckle
tropism n the tendency of a plant or animal ble, esp. between people, troublemaking
to turn or curve in response to an external adj, n
stimulus. troubleshooter n a person employed to lo-
troposphere n the lowest layer of the cate and deal with faults or problems,
Earth’s atmosphere, about 18 kilometres troubleshooting n, adj
(11 miles) thick at the equator to about 6 troublesome adj causing trouble.
km (4 miles) at the Poles. trouble spot n a place where there is fre-
trot vb trotting, trotted 1 (of a horse) to quent fighting or violence: the Balkans have
move in a manner faster than a walk but long been one of the major European trou-
slower than a gallop, in which diagonally ble spots.
opposite legs come down together. 2 (of a troublous adj Literary unsettled or agitated,
person) to move fairly quickly, with small trough (troff) n 1 a long open container,
quick steps. —n 3 a medium-paced gait of a esp. one for animals’ food or water. 2 a nar-
horse, in which diagonally opposite legs row channel between two waves or ridges.
come down together. 4 a steady brisk pace. 3 a low point in a pattern that has regular
5 on the trot Informal one after the other: high and low points: the trough of the
ten years on the trot. 6 the trots Slang di- slump in pupil numbers was in 1985. 4
arrhoea. Meteorol a long narrow area of low pres-
Trot n Informal a follower of Trotsky. sure. 5 a narrow channel or gutter.
troth (rhymes with growth) n Archaic 1 a trounce vb trouncing, trounced to defeat
pledge of fidelity, esp. a betrothal. 2 in (someone) utterly.
troth truly. troupe (troop) n a company of actors or
trot out vb Informal to repeat (old informa- other performers.
tion or ideas) without fresh thought: the trouper n 1 a member of a troupe. 2 an ex-
government trots out the same excuse every perienced person.
time. trouser adj of or relating to trousers: trouser
Trotskyist or Trotskyite adj 1 of the theo- legs.
ries of Leon Trotsky (1879-1940), Russian trousers pin a garment that covers the body
Communist, which call for a worldwide from the waist to the ankles or knees with a
revolution by the proletariat. ~n 2 a sup- separate tube-shaped section for each leg.
porter of Trotsky or his theories. Trotsky- trousseau (troo-so) n, pl -seaux (-so) the
ism n
clothes, linen, and other possessions col-
trotter n 1 the foot of a pig. 2 a horse that is lected by a bride for her marriage.
specially trained to trot fast. trout n, pl trout or trouts any of various
troubadour (troo-bad-oor) n a travelling game fishes related to the salmon and found
poet and singer in S France or N Italy from chiefly in fresh water in northern regions.
the 11th to the 13th century who wrote trove n See treasure-trove.
chiefly on courtly love. trowel n 1 a hand tool resembling a small
trouble n 1 difficulties or problems: I’d spade with a curved blade, used by garden-
trouble finding somewhere to park. 2 a ers for lifting plants, etc. 2 a similar tool
cause of distress, disturbance, or pain: we with a flat metal blade, used for spreading
must be sensitive to the troubles of other cement or plaster on a surface.
people. 3 disease or a problem with one’s troy weight or troy n a system of weights
health: ear trouble. 4 a state of disorder, ill- used for precious metals and gemstones in
feeling, or unrest: the police had orders to which one pound equals twelve ounces.
intervene at the first sign of trouble. 5 ef- truant n 1 a pupil who stays away from
fort or exertion to do something: they didn’t
even take the trouble to see the film before school without permission. 2 play truant to
banning it. 6 a personal weakness or cause stay away from school without permission.
of annoyance: his trouble is that he’s con- -adj 3 being or relating to a truant: a tru-
stitutionally jealous. 7 in trouble a likely to ant schoolkid. truancy n
be punished for something one has done: in truce n a temporary agreement to stop fight-
trouble with the public prosecutor, b preg- ing or quarrelling.
nant when not married. 8 more trouble truck1 n 1 Brit a railway wagon for carrying
than it’s worth involving a lot of time or freight. 2 Chiefly US, Canad, Austral, & NZ
effort for very little reward: making your a lorry. 3 any wheeled vehicle used to move
own pasta is more trouble than it’s worth, goods, -vb 4 Chiefly US to transport goods
-vb -bling, -bled 9 to cause trouble to. 10 in a truck.
to make an effort or exert oneself: he dis- truck2 n 1 History the payment of wages in
missed the letters as forgeries without goods rather than in money. 2 have no
troubling to examine them. 11 to cause in- truck with to refuse to be involved with:
convenience or discomfort to: sorry to trou- the opposition will have no truck with the
ble you! troubled adj planned cut in pensions.
troublemaker n a person who causes trou- truckle vb -ling, -led to yield weakly or give
truckle bed 894 trust
in: he accused the government of truckling trumpery n, pl -eries 1 something useless or
to the right-wing press. worthless, -adj 2 useless or worthless.
truckle bed n a low bed on wheels, stored trumpet n 1 a valved brass musical instru-
under a larger bed. ment consisting of a narrow tube ending in
truculent (truck-yew-lent) adj defiantly ag- a flare. 2 a loud sound such as that of a
gressive or bad-tempered, truculence n trumpet: the elephant gave a loud trumpet.
truculently adv 3 blow one’s own trumpet to boast about
one’s own skills or good qualities, -vb
trudge vb trudging, trudged 1 to walk or -peting, -peted 4 to proclaim or state force-
plod heavily or wearily, -n 2 a long tiring fully: almost every one of the party’s loudly
walk. trumpeted election claims is untrue. 5 (of an
true adj truer, truest 1 in accordance with elephant) to make a loud cry. trumpeter n
the truth or facts; factual: not all of the sto- trumps pl n 1 Cards any one of the four suits
ries about her are true. 2 real or genuine: he that outranks all the other suits for the du-
didn’t want to reveal his true feelings. 3 ration of a deal or game. 2 turn up trumps
faithful and loyal: a true friend. 4 accurate (of a person) to bring about a happy or suc-
or precise: he looked through the telescopic cessful conclusion, esp. unexpectedly.
sight until he was convinced his aim was
true. 5 (of a compass bearing) according to truncate vb -eating, -cated to shorten by
the earth’s geographical rather than mag- cutting, truncated adj truncation n
netic poles: true north. 6 come true to ac- truncheon n Chiefly Brit a small club car-
tually happen: fortunately his gloomy pre- ried by a policeman.
diction didn’t come true. 7 in or out of true trundle vb -dling, -died to move heavily on
in or not in correct alignment, -adv 8 or as if on wheels: a bus trundled along the
truthfully or rightly: I’d like to move to Ed- drive.
inburgh, true, but I’d need to get a job there trundler n NZ 1 a golf or shopping trolley. 2
first. a child’s pushchair.
true-blue adj 1 staunchly loyal. ~n true trunk n 1 the main stem of a tree. 2 a large
blue 2 Chiefly Brit a staunch royalist or strong case or box used to contain clothes
Conservative. when travelling and for storage. 3 a per-
true-life adj taken directly from reality: son’s body excluding the head, neck, and
true-life TV horror stories. limbs; torso. 4 the long nose of an elephant.
truelove n the person that one loves. 5 US the boot of a car. -See also trunks.
true north n the direction from any point trunk call n Chiefly Brit a long-distance
along a meridian towards the North Pole. telephone call.
truffle n 1 a round fungus which grows trunk line n 1 a direct link between two dis-
underground and is regarded as a delicacy. tant telephone exchanges or switchboards.
2 Also called: rum truffle Chiefly Brit a 2 the main route or routes on a railway.
sweet flavoured with chocolate or rum. trunk road n Brit a main road, esp. one
trug n a long shallow basket for carrying maintained by the central government.
garden tools, flowers, etc. trunks pl n shorts worn by a man for swim-
truism n a statement that is clearly true and ming.
well known. truss vb 1 to tie or bind (someone) up. 2 to
truly adv 1 in a true, just, or faithful man- bind the wings and legs of (a fowl) before
ner. 2 really: a truly awful poem. cooking. ~n 3 Med a device for holding a
trump1 n 1 same as trump card, -vb 2 hernia in place. 4 a framework of wood or
Cards to beat a card by playing a card metal used to support a roof, bridge, etc. 5 a
cluster of flowers or fruit growing at the
which belongs to a suit which outranks it. 3 end of a single stalk.
to outdo or surpass: she trumped his news
by announcing that she had been picked for trust vb 1 to believe that (someone) is hon-
the Olympic team. —See also trumps. est and means no harm: my father warned
me never to trust strangers. 2 to feel that
trump2 n Archaic or literary 1 a trumpet or
(something) is safe and reliable: I don’t
the sound produced by one. 2 the last trust those new gadgets. 3 to entrust
trump the final trumpet call on the Day of (someone) with important information or
Judgment. valuables: she’s not somebody I would trust
trump card n 1 any card from the suit that with this sort of secret. 4 to believe that
ranks higher than any other suit in one par- (someone) is likely to do something safely
ticular game. 2 an advantage, weapon, etc., and reliably: I wouldn’t trust anyone else to
that is kept in reserve until needed: the look after my child properly. 5 to believe (a
President hoped to use his experience of story, account, etc.). 6 to expect, hope, or
foreign affairs as a trump card in the elec- suppose: I trust you’ve made your brother
tion. Also called: trump welcome here, ~n 7 confidence in the
trumped up adj (of charges, excuses, etc.) truth, worth, reliability, etc., of a person or
made up in order to deceive. thing; faith: he knew that his father had
trustee 895 tuberculin
great trust in him. 8 the obligation of some- & Canad a trial or test, for example of an
one in a responsible position: he was in a athlete or actor.
position of trust as her substitute father. 9 trysail n a small fore-and-aft sail set on a
a a legal arrangement whereby one person sailing vessel to help keep her head to the
looks after property, money, etc., on anoth- wind in a storm.
er’s behalf, b property that is the subject of tryst n Archaic or literary 1 an arrangement
such an arrangement. 10 (in Britain) a self- to meet, esp. secretly. 2 a meeting, esp. a se-
governing hospital, group of hospitals, or cret one with a lover, or the place where
other body that operates as an independent such a meeting takes place.
commercial unit within the National Health tsar or czar (zahr) n (until 1917) the emper-
Service. 11 Chiefly US & Canad a group of or of Russia. Also: tzar tsarist or czarist n
companies joined together to control the
market for any commodity. ~adj 12 of or tsarevitch or czarevitch (zahr-rev-itch) n
relating to a trust or trusts: trust status. the eldest son of a Russian tsar.
trustee n 1 a person who administers prop- tsarina or czarina (zahr-een-a) n the wife of
erty on someone else’s behalf. 2 a member a Russian tsar.
of a board that manages the affairs of an tsetse fly or tzetze fly (tset-see) n a blood-
institution or organization. sucking African fly whose bite transmits
trustful or trusting adj characterized by a disease, esp. sleeping sickness.
readiness to trust others, trustfully or T-shirt or tee-shirt n a short-sleeved casual
trustingly adv shirt or top.
trust fund n money, securities, etc., held in tsotsi (tsot-see) n S African a Black street
trust. thug or gang member.
trustworthy adj (of a person) honest, reli- tsp. teaspoon.
able, or dependable. T-square n a T-shaped ruler used for draw-
trusty adj trustier, trustiest 1 faithful or ing horizontal lines and to support set
reliable: his trusty steed. ~n, pl trusties 2 squares when drawing vertical and inclined
a trustworthy convict to whom special lines.
privileges are granted. tsunami n a large, often destructive, sea
truth n 1 the quality of being true, genuine, " wave, usually caused by an earthquake
or factual: there is no truth in the under the sea.
allegations. 2 something that is true: he fi- TT 1 teetotal. 2 teetotaller. 3 tuberculin-
nally learned the truth about his parents’ tested.
marriage. 3 a proven or verified fact, prin- tub n 1 a low wide, usually round container.
ciple, etc.: some profound truths about biol- 2 a small plastic or cardboard container for
ogy have come to light. ice cream etc. 3 Chiefly US same as bath
truthful adj 1 telling the truth; honest. 2 (sense 1). 4 Also called: tubful the amount
true; based on facts: a truthful answer. a tub will hold. 5 a slow and uncomfortable
truthfully adv truthfulness n boat or ship.
try vb tries, trying, tried 1 to make an ef- tuba (tube-a) n a low-pitched brass musical
fort or attempt: you must try to under- instrument with valves.
stand. 2 to sample or test (something) to see tubby adj -bier, -biest (of a person) fat and
how enjoyable, good, or useful it is: I tried short, tubbiness n
smoking once but didn’t like it. 3 to put tube n 1 a long hollow cylindrical object,
strain or stress on (someone’s patience). 4 used for the passage of fluids or as a con-
to give pain, affliction, or vexation to: tainer. 2 a flexible cylinder of soft metal or
sometimes when I’ve been sorely tried, my plastic closed with a cap, used to hold sub-
temper gets a little out of hand. 5 a to in- stances such as toothpaste. 3 Anat any hol-
vestigate (a case) in a court of law. b to low cylindrical structure: the Fallopian
hear evidence in order to determine the tubes. 4 the tube Brit the underground
guilt or innocence of (a person). ~n, pl railway system in London. 5 Electronics See
tries 6 an attempt or effort. 7 Rugby a cathode-ray tube. 6 Slang, chiefly US a
score made by placing the ball down behind television set. tubeless adj
the opposing team’s goal line. tuber (tube-er) n a fleshy underground root
► The idiom try to can be used at any time. of a plant such as a potato.
The alternative try and is less formal and tubercle (tube-er-kl) n 1 a small rounded
often signals a “dare”: just try and stop me! swelling. 2 any abnormal hard swelling,
trying adj upsetting, difficult, or annoying, esp. one characteristic of tuberculosis.
try on vb 1 to put on (a garment) to find out tubercular (tube-berk-yew-lar) or tubercu-
whether it fits. 2 try it on Informal to at- lous adj 1 of or symptomatic of tuberculo-
tempt to deceive or fool someone. ~n try- sis. 2 of or relating to a tubercle.
on 3 Brit informal something done to test 'tuberculin (tube-berk-yew-lin) n a sterile
out a person’s tolerance etc. liquid prepared from cultures of the tuber-
try out vb 1 to test (something), esp. to find cle bacillus and used in the diagnosis of tu-
out how good it is. ~n tryout 2 Chiefly US berculosis.
tuberculin-tested 896 tummy
tuberculin-tested adj (of milk) produced by with a sharp or powerful movement: she
cows that have been certified as free of tu- tugged at my arm. 2 to tow (a ship or boat)
berculosis. by means of a tug. ~n 3 a strong pull or
tuberculosis (tube-berk-yew-lohss-iss) n an jerk. 4 Also called: tugboat a boat with a
infectious disease characterized by the powerful engine, used for towing barges,
formation of tubercles, esp. in the lungs. ships, etc.
tuberous (tube-er-uss) adj (of plants) form- tug Of love n a conflict over the custody of a
ing, bearing, or resembling a tuber or tu- child between divorced parents or between
bers. the child’s natural parents and its foster or
tubing (tube-ing) n 1 a length of tube. 2 a adoptive parents.
system of tubes. tug of war n 1 a contest in which two people
tub-thumper n a noisy or ranting public or teams pull opposite ends of a rope in an
speaker, tub-thumping adj, n attempt to drag the opposition over a cen-
tral line. 2 any hard struggle between two
tubular (tube-yew-lar) adj 1 having the people or two groups.
shape of a tube or tubes. 2 of or relating to a
tube or tubing. tuition n 1 instruction, esp. that received in-
dividually or in a small group. 2 the pay-
tubule (tube-yewl) n any small tubular ment for instruction, esp. in colleges or uni-
structure, esp. in an animal or plant. versities.
TUC (in Britain) Trades Union Congress. tulip n 1 a plant which produces bright cup-
tuck vb 1 to push or fold into a small space shaped flowers in spring. 2 the flower or
or between two surfaces: she tucked the let- bulb.
ter into her handbag. 2 to thrust the loose tulip tree n a North American tree with
ends or sides of (something) into a confin- tulip-shaped greenish-yellow flowers and
ing space, so as to make it neat and secure: long conelike fruits.
he tucked his shirt back into his trousers. 3
to make a tuck or tucks in (a garment). ~n tulle (tewl) n a fine net fabric of silk, rayon,
4 a pleat or fold in a part of a garment, usu- etc., used to make evening dresses.
ally stitched down. 5 Brit informal food, tumble vb -bling, -bled 1 to fall or cause to
esp. cakes and sweets. fall, esp. awkwardly or violently: chairs
tuck away vb Informal 1 to eat (a large tumbled over. 2 to roll or twist, esp. in play-
amount of food). 2 to store (something) in a ing: they rolled and tumbled as wild beasts.
safe place: we knew he had some money 3 to decrease in value suddenly: interest
tucked away somewhere. 3 to have a quiet, rates tumbled. 4 to move in a quick and un-
rarely disturbed or visited location: the controlled manner: the crowd tumbled
chapel is tucked away in a side street. down the stairs. 5 to disturb, rumple, or
tucker n 1 a detachable yoke of lace, linen,
toss around: she was all tumbled by the fall.
6 to perform leaps or somersaults. ~n 7 a
etc., formerly worn over the breast of a fall, esp. an awkward or violent one: he
low-cut dress. 2 one’s best bib and tucker took a tumble down the stairs. 8 a somer-
Informal one’s best clothes. sault. tumbled adj
tuckered adj tuckered out Informal, chiefly
tumbledown adj (of a building) falling to
US & Canad exhausted. pieces; dilapidated.
tuck in vb 1 to put (someone) to bed and
tumble dryer n an electrically-operated ma-
make him or her snug. 2 to thrust the loose chine that dries wet laundry by rotating it
ends or sides of (something) into a confin-
ing space: tuck in the bedclothes. 3 Informal in warmed air inside a metal drum.
to eat, esp. heartily. tumbler n 1 a a flat-bottomed drinking glass
tuck shop n Chiefly Brit a shop in or near a with no handle or stem, b the amount a
school, where cakes and sweets arc sold. tumbler will hold. 2 a person who performs
somersaults and other acrobatic feats. 3 a
Tudor adj 1 of or in the reign of the English part of the mechanism of a lock.
royal house ruling from 1485 to 1603. 2 de-
noting a style of architecture characterized tumble to vb to understand or become
by half-timbered houses. aware of: how did he tumble to this?
Tues. Tuesday. tumbril n a farm cart that tilts backwards to
empty its load, which was used to take con-
Tuesday n the third day of the week. demned prisoners to the guillotine during
tufa (tew-fa) n a porous rock formed of cal- the French Revolution.
cium carbonate deposited from springs. tumescent (tew-mess-ent) adj swollen or
tuff n Geol a porous rock formed from vol- becoming swollen.
canic dust or ash. tumid (tew-mid) adj Rare 1 (of an organ or
tuffet n a small mound or low seat. part of the body) enlarged or swollen. 2
tuft n a bunch of feathers, grass, hair, pompous or fulsome in style: a tumid tome.
threads, etc., held together at the base, tumidity n
tufted adj tufty adj tummy n, pl -mies an informal or childish
tug vb tugging, tugged 1 to pull or drag word for stomach.
tumour 897 turf
tumour or US tumor (tew-mer) n Pathol a ten men succeeded in tunnelling out of the
any abnormal swelling, b a mass of tissue prisoner-of-war camp. 4 to dig a tunnel
formed by a new growth of cells, tumorous (through or under something): the idea of
adj tunnelling under the English Channel has
tumult (tew-mult) u 1 a loud confused noise, been around for a long time.
such as one produced by a crowd. 2 a state tunnel vision n 1 a condition in which a per-
of confusion and excitement: a tumult of son is unable to see things that are not
emotions. straight in front. 2 narrowness of viewpoint
tumultuous (tew-mull-tew-uss) adj 1 excit- resulting from concentration on only one
ing, confused, or turbulent: this week’s tu- aspect of a subject or situation.
multuous events. 2 unruly, noisy, or excit- tunny n, pl -nies or-ny same as tuna,
ed: a tumultuous welcome. tup n Chiefly Brit a male sheep.
tumulus (tew-myew-luss) n, pl -li (-lie) tupik (too-pick) n a tent of seal or caribou
Archaeol no longer in technical usage a bur- skin used for shelter by the Inuit in sum-
ial mound. mer.
tun n a large beer cask. tuppence n Brit same as twopence, tup-
tuna (tune-a) n, pl -na or -nas 1 a large ma- penny adj
rine spiny-finned fish. 2 the flesh of this tuque (rhymes with fluke) n (in Canada) a
fish, often tinned for food. knitted cap with a long tapering end.
tundra n a vast treeless Arctic region with turban n 1 a head-covering worn by a Mus-
permanently frozen subsoil. lim, Hindu, or Sikh man, consisting of a long
tune n 1 a melody, esp. one for which har- piece of cloth wound round the head. 2 any
mony is not essential. 2 the correct musical head-covering resembling this, turbaned
pitch: many of the notes are out of tune. 3 acjj
call the tune to be in control of the pro- turbid adj Literary (of water or air) full of
ceedings. 4 change one’s tune to alter one’s mud or dirt, and frequently swirling
attitude or tone of speech. 5 in or out of around: the turbid stream of the Loire.
tune with in or not in agreement or sympa- turbidity n
thy with: in tune with public opinion. 6 to turbine n a machine in which power is pro-
the tune of Informal to the amount or ex- duced by a stream of water, air, etc., that
tent of. ~vb tuning, tuned 7 to adjust (a pushes the blades of a wheel and causes it
musical instrument) so each string, key, to rotate.
etc., produces the right note. 8 to make turbocharger n a device that increases the
small adjustments to (an engine, machine, power of an internal-combustion engine by
etc.) to obtain the proper or desired per- using the exhaust gases to drive a turbine,
formance. 9 to adjust (a radio or television) turbocharged adj
to receive a particular station or pro- turbofan n a type of engine in which a large
gramme: the radio in the kitchen was tuned fan driven by a turbine forces air rear-
to Radio Two. tuner n wards to increase the propulsive thrust.
tuneful adj having a pleasant tune, tuneful- turbojet n 1 a gas turbine in which the ex-
ly adv haust gases provide the propulsive thrust
tune in vb 1 to adjust (a radio or television) to drive an aircraft. 2 an aircraft powered
to receive (a station or programme). 2 by turbojet engines.
tuned in to Slang aware of or knowledge- turboprop n a gas turbine for driving an air-
able about: tuned in to European cinema. craft propeller.
tuneless adj having no melody or tune. turbot n, pl -bot or -bots a European flat-
tune up vb 1 to adjust (a musical instru- fish, highly valued as a food fish.
ment) to a particular pitch. 2 to adjust the turbulence n 1 a state or condition of confu-
engine of a car, etc., to improve its perfor- sion, movement, or agitation. 2 Meteorol in-
mance. stability in the atmosphere causing gusty
tungsten n Chem a hard greyish-white me- air currents.
tallic element. Symbol: W turbulent adj 1 involving a lot of sudden
tunic n 1 a close-fitting jacket forming part changes and conflicting elements: the city
of some uniforms. 2 a loose-fitting knee- has had a turbulent history. 2 (of people)
length garment. wild and unruly: a harsh mountain land in-
tuning fork n a two-pronged metal fork that habited by a score of turbulent tribes. 3 (of
when struck produces a pure note of con- water or air) full of violent unpredictable
stant specified pitch. currents: the turbulent ocean.
tunnel n 1 an underground passageway, esp. turd n Taboo 1 a piece of excrement. 2 Slang
one for trains or cars. 2 any passage or a contemptible person.
channel through or under something: the tureen n a large deep dish with a lid, used
carpal tunnel. ~vb -nelling, -nelled or US for serving soups.
-neling, -neled 3 to make one’s way through turf n, pl turfs or turves 1 a layer of thick
or under (something) by digging a tunnel: even grass with roots and soil attached: a
turf accountant 898 turning
short turf rich in wild flowers. 2 a piece cut at the other side of: turning the pages of a
from this layer: we spent the afternoon dig- book. 12 to shape (wood, metal, etc.) on a
ging turves. 3 Informal a the area where a lathe. 13 (of leaves) to change colour in
person lives and feels at home: my boyhood autumn. 14 to make or become sour: the
turf of east Cork, b a person’s area of milk is starting to turn. 15 to affect or be
knowledge or influence: when Kate is at affected with nausea or giddiness: that
work, she’s on her own turf. 4 the turf a a would turn the strongest stomach. 16 (of
track where horse races are run. b horse the tide) to start coming in or going out. 17
racing as a sport or industry. 5 same as turn against to stop liking (something or
peat, -vb 6 to cover (an area of ground) someone one previously liked): people
with pieces of turf. turned against her because she became so
turf accountant n Brit same as bookmaker. dictatorial. 18 turn into to become or
turf out vb Brit informal to throw (someone change into: my mother turned our house
or something) out: the residents fear a new into four apartments. 19 turn loose to set
landlord might push up rents and turf them (an animal or a person) free. 20 turn some-
out of their homes. one’s head to affect someone mentally or
emotionally. 21 turn to a to direct or apply
turgid (tur-jid) adj 1 (of language) pompous, (one’s attention or thoughts) to. b to stop
boring, and hard to understand. 2 (of water doing or using one thing and start doing or
or mud) unpleasantly thick and brown, using (another): I turned to photography
turgidity n from writing, c to appeal or apply to (some-
Turk n a person from Turkey. one) for help, advice, etc. —n 22 the act of
turkey n, pl -keys or -key 1 a large bird of turning. 23 a movement of complete or par-
North America bred for its meat. 2 Infor- tial rotation: a turn of the dial. 24 a change
mal, chiefly US & Canad something, esp. a of direction or position. 25 same as turning
theatrical production, that fails. 3 cold (sense 1). 26 the right or opportunity to do
turkey Slang a method of curing drug ad- something in an agreed order or succession:
diction by abrupt withdrawal of all doses. 4 it was her turn to play next. 27 a change in
talk turkey Informal, chiefly US & Canad something that is happening or being done:
to discuss, esp. business, frankly and prac- events took an unhappy turn. 28 a period of
tically. action, work, etc. 29 a short walk, ride, or
Turkic n a family of Asian languages includ- excursion. 30 natural inclination: a liberal
ing Turkish and Azerbaijani. turn of mind. 31 distinctive form or style:
Turkish adj 1 of Turkey. ~n 2 the language she’d a nice turn of phrase. 32 a deed that
of Turkey. helps or hinders s'omeone: I’m trying to do
you a good turn. 33 a twist, bend, or distor-
Turkish bath n 1 a type of bath in which the tion in shape. 34 a slight attack of an ill-
bather sweats freely in a steam room, is ness: she’s just having one of her turns. 35
then washed, often massaged, and has a Music a melodic ornament that alternates
cold plunge or shower. 2 Turkish baths an the main note with the notes above and
establishment for such baths. below it, beginning with the note above, in a
Turkish coffee n very strong black coffee. variety of sequences. 36 a short theatrical
Turkish delight n a jelly-like sweet fla- act: tonight’s star turn. 37 Informal a shock
voured with flower essences, usually cut or surprise: you gave me rather a turn. 38
into cubes and covered in icing sugar. done to a turn Informal cooked perfectly.
turmeric n 1 a tropical Asian plant with yel- 39 turn and turn about one after another;
low flowers and an aromatic underground alternately. -See also turn down, turn in,
stem. 2 a yellow spice obtained from the etc. turner n
root of this plant. turnaround or turnabout n a complete
turmoil n disorder, agitation, or confusion: a change or reversal: a turnaround in the for-
period of political turmoil and uncertainty. tunes of South Wales.
turn vb 1 to move to face in another direc- turncoat n a person who deserts one cause
tion. 2 to rotate or move round. 3 to operate or party to join an opposing one.
(a switch, key, etc.) by twisting it. 4 to aim turn down vb 1 to reduce (the volume,
or point (something) in a particular direc- brightness, or temperature of something):
tion: they turned their guns on the crowd. 5 turn the heat down. 2 to reject or refuse:
to change in course or direction: the van the invitation was turned down. 3 to fold
turned right into Victoria Road. 6 (of a down (sheets, etc.).
road, river, etc.) to have a bend or curve in turn in vb Informal 1 to go to bed for the
it. 7 to perform or do (something) with a ro- night. 2 to hand in: turning in my essay. 3 to
tating movement: a small boy was turning hand (a suspect or criminal) over to the po-
somersaults. 8 to change so as to become: he lice: his own brother turned him in.
turned pale. 9 to reach, pass, or progress turning n 1 a road, river, or path that turns
beyond in age, time, etc.: she had just off the main way. 2 the point where such a
turned fourteen. 10 to find (a particular way turns off. 3 the process of turning ob-
page) in a book: turn to page 78. 11 to look jects on a lathe.
turning circle 899 tussle
turning circle n the smallest circle in which number of workers employed by a firm in a
a vehicle can turn. given period to replace those who have left.
turning point n a moment when a decisive turnpike n 1 History a barrier across a road
change occurs. to prevent vehicles or pedestrians passing
turnip n a vegetable with a large yellow or until a charge (toll) had been paid. 2 US a
white edible root. motorway for use of which a toll is charged.
turnkey n Old-fashioned a jailer. turnstile n a mechanical barrier with arms
that are turned to admit one person at a
turn off vb 1 to leave (a road or path): turn- time.
ing off the main road. 2 (of a road or path)
to lead away from (another road or path): a turntable n 1 the circular platform in a rec-
main street with alleys twisting and turning ord player that rotates the record while it is
off it. 3 to cause (something) to stop operat- being played. 2 a circular platform used for
ing by turning a knob, pushing a button, etc. turning locomotives and cars.
4 Informal to cause disgust or disinterest in turn up vb 1 to arrive or appear: few people
(someone): keeping kids from getting turned up. 2 to find or discover or be found
turned off by mathematics. ~n turn-off 5 a or discovered: a medical checkup has only
road or other way branching off from the turned up a sinus infection. 3 to increase
main thoroughfare. 6 Informal a person or the flow, volume, etc., of: he turned up the
thing that causes dislike. radio. ~n turn-up 4 Brit the turned-up fold
turn on vb 1 to cause (something) to operate
at the bottom of some trouser legs. 5 a turn-
by turning a knob, pushing a button, etc. 2 up for the books Informal an unexpected
to attack (someone), esp. without warning: happening.
the Labrador turned on me. 3 Informal to turpentine n 1 a strong-smelling colourless
produce suddenly or automatically: turning oil distilled from the resin of some conifer-
on that bland smile. 4 Slang to arouse emo- ous trees, and used for thinning paint, for
tionally or sexually. 5 to depend or hinge cleaning, and in medicine. 2 a semisolid
on: the match turned on three double faults mixture of resin and oil obtained from vari-
by Sampras. ~n turn-on 6 Slang a person ous conifers, which is the main source of
or thing that causes emotional or sexual commercial turpentine. 3 Not in technical
arousal. usage any one of a number of thinners for
paints and varnishes, consisting of frac-
turn out vb 1 to cause (something, esp. a tions of petroleum.
light) to stop operating by moving a switch.
2 to produce or create: turning out two hits turpitude n Formal depravity or wicked-
a year. 3 to force (someone) out of a place ness: newspapers owned by proprietors
or position: turned out of office. 4 to empty whose moral turpitude far exceeded any-
the contents of (something): the police or- thing chronicled in their pages.
dered him to turn out his pockets. 5 to be turps n Brit short for turpentine (senses 1,
discovered or found (to be or do some- 3).
thing): he turned out to be a Finn. 6 to end turquoise adj 1 greenish-blue. ~n 2 a
up or result: how interesting to see how it greenish-blue precious stone.
all turned out! 7 to dress and groom: she is turret n 1 a small tower that projects from
always very well turned out. 8 to assemble the wall of a building, esp. a castle. 2 (on a
or gather: crowds turned out to see him. tank or warship) a rotating structure on
~n turnout 9 a number of people attending which guns are mounted. 3 (on a machine
an event: there was an 82% turnout of tool) a turret-like steel structure with tools
members. 10 the quantity or amount pro- projecting from it that can be rotated to
duced. bring each tool to bear on the work, tur-
turn over vb 1 to change position, esp. so as reted adj
to reverse top and bottom. 2 to shift posi- turtle n 1 an aquatic reptile with a flattened
tion, for instance by rolling onto one’s side: shell enclosing the body and flipper-like
he turned over and went straight to sleep. 3 limbs adapted for swimming. 2 turn turtle
to consider carefully: as I walked, I turned (of a boat) to capsize.
her story over. 4 to give (something) to turtledove n an Old World dove noted for its
someone who has a right to it or to the soft cooing and devotion to its mate.
authorities: the police ordered him to turn turtleneck n a round high close-fitting neck
over the files to them. 5 (of an engine) to on a sweater or a sweater with such a neck.
start or function correctly: when he pressed
the starter button, the engine turned over Tuscan adj of a style of classical architec-
at once. 6 Slang to rob: the house had been ture characterized by unfluted columns.
turned over while they were out. ~n turn- tusk n a long pointed tooth in the elephant,
over 7 a the amount of business done by a walrus, and certain other mammals.
company during a specified period, b the ~ tusked adj
rate at which stock in trade is sold and tussle n 1 an energetic fight, struggle, or ar-
replenished. 8 a small pastry case filled gument: the chief executive resigned fol-
with fruit or jam: an apple turnover. 9 the lowing a protracted boardroom tussle. ~vb
tussock 900 twilight
-sling, -sled 2 to fight or struggle energeti- twee adj Informal excessively sentimental,
cally. sweet, or pretty.
tussock n a dense tuft of grass or other veg- tweed n 1 a thick woollen cloth produced
etation. tussocky adj originally in Scotland. 2 tweeds a suit made
tut interj, n, vb tutting, tutted short for tut- of tweed.
tut. tweedy adj tweedier, tweediest 1 of, made
tutelage (tew-till-lij) n Formal 1 instruction of, or resembling tweed. 2 showing a fond-
or guidance, esp. by a tutor. 2 the state of ness for a hearty outdoor life, often associ-
being supervised by a guardian or tutor. ated with wearers of tweeds.
tutelary (tew-till-lar-ee) adj Literary 1 hav- tweet interj 1 an imitation of the thin chirp-
ing the role of guardian or protector. 2 of a ing sound made by small birds. ~vb 2 to
guardian. make this sound.
tutor n 1 a teacher, usually one instructing tweeter n a loudspeaker used in high-
individual pupils. 2 (at a college or univer- fidelity systems for the reproduction of
sity) a member of staff responsible for the high audio frequencies.
teaching and supervision of a certain num- tweezers pl n a small pincer-like tool used
ber of students. ~vb 3 to act as a tutor to for tasks such as handling small objects or
(someone), tutorship n plucking out hairs.
tutorial n 1 a period of intensive tuition twelfth adj 1 of or being number twelve in a
given by a tutor to an individual student or series. ~n 2 number twelve in a series. 3
to a small group of students, -adj 2 of or one of twelve equal parts of something.
relating to a tutor. Twelfth Day n Jan 6, the twelfth day after
tutti adj, adv Music to be performed by the Christmas and the feast of the Epiphany.
whole orchestra, choir, etc. twelfth man n a reserve player in a cricket
tutti-frutti n, pl -fruttis an ice cream or other team.
sweet food containing small pieces of can- Twelfth Night n a the evening of Jan 5, the
died or fresh fruits. eve of Twelfth Day. b the evening of
tut-tut interj 1 an exclamation of mild rep- Twelfth Day itself.
rimand, disapproval, or surprise. ~vb twelve n 1 the cardinal number that is the
-tutting, -tutted 2 to express disapproval sum of ten and two. 2 a numeral, 12 or XII,
by the exclamation of “tut-tut”. ~n 3 the representing this number. 3 something rep-
act of tut-tutting: his bright red tennis resenting or consisting of twelve units.
shorts provoked a few tut-tuts from the ~adj 4 amounting to twelve: twelve
traditionalists. months.
tutu n a very short skirt worn by ballerinas, twelvemonth n Archaic, chiefly Brit a year,
made of projecting layers of stiffened ma- twelve-tone adj of or denoting the type of
terial. serial music which uses as its musical ma-
tu-whit tu-whoo interj an imitation of the terial a sequence of notes containing all 12
sound made by an owl. semitones of the chromatic scale.
tuxedo n, pl -dos US & Canad a dinner jack- twenty n, pl -ties 1 the cardinal number that
et. is the product of ten and two. 2 a numeral,
20 or XX, representing this number. 3
TV television. something representing or consisting of
TVEI Brit technical and vocational educa- twenty units, -adj 4 amounting to twenty:
tional initiative: a national educational twenty minutes, twentieth adj, n
scheme in which pupils gain practical ex- twerp or twirp n Informal a silly, stupid, or
perience in technology and industry, often contemptible person.
through work placement. twice adv 1 two times; on two occasions or
twaddle n 1 silly, trivial, or pretentious talk in two cases. 2 double in degree or quantity:
or writing. ~vb -dling, -died 2 to talk or twice as big.
write in a silly or pretentious way. twiddle vb -dling, -died 1 to twirl or fiddle,
twain adj, n Archaic two. often in an idle way: twiddling the knobs of
twang n 1 a sharp ringing sound produced a radio. 2 twiddle one’s thumbs a to rotate
by or as if by the plucking of a taut string. 2 one’s thumbs around one another, when
a strongly nasal quality in a person’s bored or impatient, b to be bored, with
speech: he spoke with a high-pitched Texas nothing to do. ~n 3 an unnecessary decora-
twang. ~vb 3 to make or cause to make a tion, esp. a curly one.
twang: a bunch of angels twanging harps. twig1 n a small branch or shoot of a tree,
twangy adj twiggy adj
twat n Taboo slang 1 the female genitals. 2 a twig2 vb twigging, twigged Brit informal to
foolish person. realize or understand: I should have
tweak vb 1 to twist or pinch with a sharp or twigged it earlier.
sudden movement: she tweaked his ear. ~n twilight n 1 the soft dim light that occurs
2 the act of tweaking. when the sun is just below the horizon after
twilight zone 901 twofold
sunset. 2 the period in which this light oc- or coerce someone. ~n 11 the act of twist-
curs: soon after twilight we started march- ing: she gave a dainty little twist to her
ing again. 3 a period in which strength, im- parasol. 12 something formed by or as if by
portance, etc., is gradually declining: the twisting: there’s a twist in the cable. 13 a
twilight of his political career, -adj 4 of or decisive change of direction, aim, meaning,
relating to twilight. 5 of or being a period of or character: the latest revelations give a
decline: he spent most of his twilight years new twist to the company’s boardroom
working on a history of France, twilit adj wranglings. 14 an unexpected development
twilight zone n any indefinite or intermedi- in a story, play, or film. 15 a bend: a twist
ate condition or area: the twilight zone be- of the mountain road. 16 a distortion of the
tween sleep and wakefulness. original shape or form. 17 a jerky pull,
twill n a fabric woven to produce an effect of wrench, or turn. 18 the twist a dance popu-
parallel diagonal lines or ribs in the cloth. lar in the 1960s, in which dancers vigorous-
twin n 1 one of a pair of people or animals ly twist the hips. 19 round the twist Brit
conceived at the same time. 2 one of a pair slang mad or eccentric.
of people or things that are identical or twisted adj(of a person) cruel or perverted,
very similar, -vb twinning, twinned 3 to twister n Brit a swindling or dishonest per-
pair or be paired together. son.
twin bed n one of a pair of matching single twit1 vb twitting, twitted to poke fun at
beds. (someone).
twin-bedded adj (of a room in a hotel etc.) twit2 n Informal, chiefly Brit a foolish or
containing two single beds. stupid person.
twine n 1 string or cord made by twisting fi- twitch vb 1 (of a person or part of a person's
bres together, -vb twining, twined 2 to body) to move in a jerky spasmodic way:
twist or wind together: she twined the his left eyelid twitched involuntarily. 2 to
flowers into a garland. 3 twine round or pull (something) with a quick jerky move-
around to twist or wind around: she twined ment: she twitched the curtains shut. ~n 3
her arms around her neck. a sharp jerking movement, esp. one caused
twin-engined adj (of an aeroplane) having by a nervous condition.
two engines. twitcher n Informal a bird-watcher who
twinge n 1 a sudden brief darting or stab- tries to spot as many rare varieties as pos-
bing pain. 2 a sharp emotional pang: a sible.
twinge of conscience. twitchy adj twitchier, twitchiest nervous,
twinkle vb -kling, -kled 1 to shine brightly worried, and ill-at-ease: he was twitchy
and intermittently; sparkle. 2 (of the eyes) with anticipation.
to sparkle, esp. with amusement or delight.
~n 3 a flickering brightness; sparkle. twitter vb 1 (esp. of a bird) to utter a succes-
sion of chirping sounds. 2 to talk rapidly
twinkling n in the twinkling of an eye in a and nervously in a high-pitched voice, —n 3
very short time. the act or sound of twittering. 4 in a twit-
twinset n Brit a matching jumper and cardi- ter in a state of nervous excitement,
gan. twittering n twittery adj
twin town n Brit a town that has cultural two n 1 the cardinal number that is the sum
and social links with a foreign town: Nu- of one and one. 2 a numeral, 2 or II, repre-
remberg is one of Glasgow’s twin towns. senting this number. 3 something represent-
twirl vb 1 to move around rapidly and re- ing or consisting of two units. 4 in two in or
peatedly in a circle. 2 to twist, wind, or into two parts: cut the cake in two and take
twiddle, often idly: twirling the glass in her a bit each. 5 put two and two together to
hand, —n 3 a whirl or twist. 4 a written reach an obvious conclusion by considering
flourish. the evidence available. 6 that makes two
twist vb 1 to turn one end or part while the of us the same applies to me. -adj 7
other end or parts remain still or turn in the amounting to two: two years.
opposite direction: never twist or wring two-dimensional adj 1 having two dimen-
woollen garments. 2 to distort or be distort- sions. 2 somewhat lacking in depth or com-
ed. 3 to wind or twine: the wire had been plexity: a modern audience is unable to tol-
twisted twice. 4 to force or be forced out of erate two-dimensional characters.
the natural form or position: I twisted my two-edged adj 1 (of a remark) having both
knee. 5 to change the meaning of; distort: a favourable and an unfavourable interpre-
he’d twisted the truth to make himself look tation, such as she looks nice when she
good. 6 to revolve or rotate: he twisted the smiles. 2 (of a knife, saw, etc.) having two
switch to turn the radio off. 7 to wrench cutting edges.
with a turning action: he twisted the wheel
sharply. 8 to follow a winding course: the two-faced adj deceitful or hypocritical: he’s
road twisted as it climbed. 9 to dance the a two-faced liar and opportunist.
twist. 10 twist someone’s arm to persuade twofold adj 1 having twice as many or as
two-handed 902 tyrannize
much. 2 composed of two parts. -adv 3 by 3 the general characteristics distinguishing
twice as many or as much. a particular group: the old-fashioned type
two-handed adj 1 requiring the use of both of nanny. 4 Informal a person, esp. of a
hands. 2 requiring the participation of two specified kind: a seagoing type. 5 a block
people: a two-handed transatlantic yacht with a raised character on it used for print-
race. ing. 6 text printed from type; print. -vb
twopence or tuppence (tup pence) n Brit 1 typing, typed 7 to write using a typewriter
the sum of two pennies. 2 the slightest or word processor. 8 to be a symbol of or
amount: I don’t care twopence who your fa- typify. 9 to decide the type of; classify.
ther is. typecast vb -casting, -cast to cast (an actor
twopenny or tuppenny (tup-pen-ee) adj or actress) in the same kind of role continu-
Chiefly Brit 1 cheap or tawdry. 2 worth or ally.
costing two pence. 3 not care a twopenny typeface n the size and style of printing
damn to not care at all. used in a book, magazine, etc.
two-piece adj 1 consisting of two separate typescript n any typewritten document,
parts, usually matching, such as a woman’s typeset vb -setting, -set Printing to set
suit or swimsuit. —n 2 such an outfit. (text for printing) in type.
two-ply adj made of two thicknesses, layers, typesetter n a person who sets type; com-
or strands. positor.
two-sided adj 1 having two sides: two-sided typewriter n a machine which prints a letter
paper. 2 having two aspects or or other character when the appropriate
interpretations: an ambivalent two-sided key is pressed.
event. typewritten adj typed on a typewriter or
twosome n a group of two people. word processor.
two-step n 1 an old-time dance in duple typhoid Pathol ~n 1 short for typhoid
time: the next dance was the Military Two- fever, -adj 2 of or relating to typhoid
Step. 2 music for this dance. fever: typhoid vaccines.
two-stroke adj of an internal-combustion typhoid fever n an acute infectious disease
engine whose piston makes two strokes for characterized by high fever, spots, abdomi-
every explosion. nal pain, etc. It is spread by contaminated
Two Thousand Guineas n the Two Thou- food or water.
sand Guineas an annual horse race for typhoon n a violent tropical storm, esp. one
three-year-olds, run at Newmarket. in the China Seas or W Pacific.
two-time vb -timing, -timed Informal to de- typhus n an acute infectious disease trans-
ceive (a lover) by having an affair with mitted by lice or mites and characterized by
someone else, two-timer n high fever, skin rash, and severe headache.
two-way adj 1 moving in, or allowing typical adj 1 being or serving as a repre-
movement in, two opposite directions: two- sentative example of a particular type;
way traffic. 2 involving mutual involve- characteristic: a typical working day. 2
ment or cooperation: two-way communica- considered to be an example of some unde-
tion. 3 (of a radio or transmitter) capable of sirable trait: it was typical that he should
both transmission and reception of mes- start talking almost before he was inside
sages. the room, typically adv
TX Texas. typify vb -fies, -fying, -fied 1 to be typical of
tycoon n a businessman of great wealth and or characterize: the beers made here typify
power. all that is best about the independent brew-
tyke or tike n 1 Informal a small or cheeky ing sector. 2 to symbolize or represent: a
child. 2 Brit dialect a rough ill-mannered number of dissident intellectuals, typified
person. by Andrei Sakharov.
tympani pl n same as timpani. typing n 1 the work or activity of using a
tympanic membrane n Anat the thin mem- typewriter or word processor. 2 the skill of
brane separating the external ear from the using a typewriter quickly and accurately.
middle ear; eardrum. typist n a person who types letters, reports,
tympanum n, pl -nums or -na 1 Anat a the etc., esp. for a living.
cavity of the middle ear. b same as tympan- typo n, pl -pos Informal a typographical
ic membrane. 2 Archit the recessed space error.
between the arch and the lintel above a typography n 1 the art or craft of printing